Aiden of Aerlin: The Wind Mage Book one Read online

  CHAPTER 1

  “Father,” Aiden said shocked to see the man. His father had been in his life until Aiden turned fifteen, it was then Aiden was forced to look out for himself by finding a job befitting of his caste. Relations between the castes were extremely rare, the children of those relationships were placed in the bottom caste of Aerlin society. Aiden’s mother was from the Ayren caste, she was the only born child of Aerlin’s greatest warrior and was on her way to becoming notable in Aerlin society herself. Some thought she had a chance to become the first female to be granted the title Arm of Aernus. She had a chance tryst with Aiden’s father who at one point was considered for the position of Light of Aernus, the title given to the strongest magic user among the Aerlin. When Aiden was born his mother hid him and withdrew from society, all of her plans and dreams were put on hold so the truth would not get out. Anyone who laid eyes on baby Aiden would know he was an Ayra, the lowest caste of the Aerlin. The highest caste, the Ayr, were thin and had blonde hair so light it almost looked white. Their eyes were a pale greyish blue color and their skin was almost as white as the snow. Aiden’s father Auror was an Ayr and his features were different from Aiden’s mother. Aiden’s mother Adona had light blonde hair and light blue eyes like all Ayren. She was as tall as a man from any of the other castes and her body was packed with lean muscle. Her skin was pale but contained more color than that of an Ayr. Aiden had the body of his mother’s caste and the magic of his father’s. Aiden had his mother’s skin tone and her hair but his father’s eyes. Anyone could tell he was mixed caste and he would be tossed in with the rest of them to be put in the Ayra caste. Those who were true Ayra had the thin build of the Ayr and the magic of the Ayren. Their skin was more of a light pinkish color and their hair was typically golden blond. Most of the mixed caste children were from a mix of Ayras. A small percentage were from and an unnamed father who was only in it for pleasure. Although Aiden did not see his father much the man was not like that.

  Auror had visited him on occasion and made it his purpose to personally teach him how to use his magic. Adona knew magic but she was not strong enough to cast like his father could. Just like Auror knew the basics of fighting but in a hand to hand battle Adona would crush him easily, it was the reason Adona taught him the air staff. Aiden knew they thought they were doing the right thing by teaching him his magic and how to fight but now wished he knew what other Ayra children knew growing up. They learned important things, like how to mine and create with air steel or how to make the Aernus cloth or anything else useful. Because Aiden knew none of this he was forced to work as a servant in the home of Arden Avanti, a member of the Council of Aernus and the current Light of Aernus. It was a scandal when Aiden’s birth was discovered, many people thought his mother had just withdrawn from society from the way she turned down suitors and that his father did the same. Both of them were fifteen when they had gotten curious, Adona’s family had kicked her out once they discovered she was expecting since she never named the father. They gave her decent money to take care of herself and thought the whole thing would go away. None of them realized that the babe was not from someone else in the warrior class and when they found out along with everyone else it was a tragedy.

  Auror had married and had children. He would often disappear with no explanation and some of his more expensive items would go missing from his house. His wife Alia thought he was seeing someone else on the side and had him followed. The first thing that came out, was that Auror and Adona were having a secret relationship, which wasn’t true. Auror was kicked off the council and his bid for Light of Aernus was no more. From what Auror had told him, Alia was willing to work it out if he claimed no knowledge or responsibility of Aiden. Auror did just that, in three more years Aiden would have to take care of himself anyway and deserved to finally leave his mother’s home. Aiden hardly ever went outside while growing up for fear of being discovered and thought his father had a point. His mother was also shunned although not as bad. Some saw her as a girl that was enamored by a pretty face and found herself in a difficult position. His mother had also married during the year since Aiden was discovered and visited him secretly when she could. His father though never came out during daylight, the reason he was in the Avanti servants quarters had to be something important.

  “How are you doing?” Auror asked.

  “It is tough here father,” Aiden said. “They treat me worse than anyone here.”

  “It is to be expected,” Auror said. “You have not done anything to help yourself out though Aiden. I hear you have been flirting with Alexis Avanti and beat her younger brothers in a magic duel.”

  “I don’t flirt with her,” Aiden said and shook his head. “I hate her, she is so mean to me and orders me around whenever she sees me. She likes acting horrid around all of her horrid friends just because. At least Adam and Auwin leave me alone for the most part.”

  “They leave you alone because you have made it known to many people that your magic has beaten someone of the Ayr caste. It is not something that ever happens, they would rather ignore you instead of giving you a medium in which you can talk about their shortcomings. In any case, people here are not happy with you.”

  “I want to go father,” Aiden said. “I hate Master Arden and Mistress Anna. The only reason I have not left is because the food is good, the place I am living in is adequate and I make okay coin compared to many of the other Ayren. Especially since I don’t have any skills to take care of myself. No one would never let me be a part of warming Aerlin and I can forget about ever being chosen to protect it either.”

  Aiden could see his father trying to come up with a rebuttal but knew the man could not. Aerlin was the name of the people and the city they lived in at the summit of Mt. Aernot. The mountain was covered in snow and there were always bitter, chilling winds all around it. The Ayr were the leaders of the Aerlin and its highest caste because every day they cast wind magics to make living in Aerlin feasible. The Ayr counteracted the wind by constantly casting counterwind spells and used air warming spells to keep the chill away. Because the Ayr would always be needed, they would always rule. Any enemies who made it to the summit had to contend with the Ayren and their air staves. The Ayren would never take someone like him and Aiden thought they were worthless and stupid. No one was alive during the last time there was an attack it happened so long ago. The Ayren were being taken care of for doing nothing, Aiden doubted there were even enemies at the bottom of Mt. Aernot.

  “You are right,” Auror said. “I came because your mother asked me to, not to start a fight. Have you been keeping up your magic?”

  “Yes father,” Aiden replied. “It has been the only thing keeping me sane. Before you ask you can tell mother I still practice except now it is with a broom instead the air staff. My nice things were taken from me.”

  “It will not be forever,” Auror said. “Your mother and I both have money saved up so you can go somewhere else and learn a trade. Given me a year or so and you can silently leave and always have a roof over your head.”

  “Wouldn’t your wife be angry about you giving me money?” Aiden asked.

  “We separated two months ago,” Auror said. “She wanted things to go back the way they were but after raising a stink and outing you I cannot see her in the same light. I still see your sisters though, perhaps one day you can meet them.”

  “Father,” Aiden said. “I am sorry I am the cause of all of this.”

  “You have nothing to be sorry for,” Auror said. “Your childhood was horrible, I am the one that is sorry. You should have been out playing with children your own age and having fun. I just had it in my mind that
you should know everything an Ayr does and your mother felt the same way about her caste.”

  “Well I am happy I can use my magic, I am happy I can give mother a decent match as well,” Aiden said.

  “I don’t have long Aiden,” Auror said. “I snuck over here just to see you, cost me a little bit to bribe that Awan guy to go away but it was worth it.”

  “Don’t trust him,” Aiden said. “He is a bootlicker of the highest order. Him and his father are both loyal to Master Arden and his children.”

  “And Arden hates me,” Auror said shaking his head. “That is the reason he hurriedly sent people to the lower city to look for you. You look enough like me that he likes having you at his feet and waiting on him. I want you to leave.”

  “Everyone knows you both hate each other so it makes sense for me to be here,” Aiden said. “I don’t want you to get caught up with me, I have ruined your life as well as mother’s. Here I can stand on my own two feet without worrying about someone mistreating any of you. I know I hate it here but it makes sense for me to stay until something better comes along.”

  “Someone is coming,” Auror said as he stood up. “It will probably be a few weeks before I see you again. If you need anything serious I want you to break protocol and come to the upper city. You will be arrested probably but word will be sent back to me. Bye Aiden.”

  Aiden watched his father leave through the back exit and rushed to the front door. Awan flung the door open and rushed inside along with Alexis who started looking around frantically.

  “Where is he? Awan said angrily.

  “Where is who?” Aiden replied.

  “You know who I am talking about,” Awan yelled. “Where is Auror Azen, lover of loose women?”

  “Perhaps he is with your mother?” Aiden replied.

  Awan threw the punch and Aiden wondered what the boy was thinking. Awan was his age but was a true Ayra, he didn’t have the size or muscle to beat someone like Aiden. Aiden stepped to the side as Awan threw his punch and watched the boy stumble from the missed blow. Aiden was on the side of him now and stuck out his foot which sent Awan crashing to the floor.

  “Where is that man?” Alexis said irritated. “We both know he was here.”

  “No one is here Miss Alexis but us three,” Aiden replied.

  “You want to play stupid with me then fine,” Alexis said. “I am going to tear apart these quarters until I find whatever he was bringing you. Ayra should never have the finer things in life, you are poor at magic and poor at fighting. You are only good for manual labor.”

  “Go ahead,” Aiden said as he stepped to the side.

  Aiden watched Alexis first start ripping the servants quarters apart, then watched her get tired and order Awan to get others to do it for her. There were some grumbles, Aiden’s small room was searched and of course nothing was found. But now all the rooms had to be torn apart for Alexis liking. Aiden thought he should be grateful most of his nice things were kept in storage elsewhere and that he insisted on having nothing the Aventi family didn’t give to him. Adam entered while the servants’ quarters were being searched, despite his parentage Aiden liked Adam the most. Adam always gave Aiden the feeling that he was being mean just to please someone else and that it didn’t come from his heart. Adam was the same age as Aiden and had weak magic as far as the Ayr was concerned. He would still greatly outclass an Ayren or an Ayra but was nothing special among the Ayr.

  “What is going on here?” Adam said looking at Aiden. “Why are all of the servants in here instead of doing their jobs?”

  “Your sister wants the servants’ quarters searched Master Adam,” Aiden replied. “She says she has reason to believe that I am hiding some kind of great gift.”

  “Why would she think that?” Adam asked.

  “My job is not to question my employer,” Aiden replied.

  “Speak plainly Aiden, it is just me and you and no one is paying attention to our conversation,” Adam said.

  “Alexis thinks Auror Azen was in this building and came by to see me,” Aiden began. “She is searching for either him or proof he was here. She had Awan attack me when I told her there was no one here but me.”

  “Why were you in here instead of performing the task I had for you?” Adam asked.

  “I was mucking out the aeagle roosts but Awan told me I was commanded to go back to my room and do so quickly,” Aiden replied.

  “And what did you find when you walked into the building?” Adam asked.

  “Depends on who I am talking to,” Aiden replied. “Am I talking to Adam Aventi or am I talking to the person I secretly tutor at night in the air staff and spar on occasion?”

  “The latter,” Adam replied.

  “My Da was here,” Aiden said. “I didn’t tell him anything about our friendship. He just wanted to see me but seemed preoccupied like he was making small talk until he reached his main purpose for being here. He sensed Awan was coming and fled before they got inside of the building.”

  “I think I know what it is,” Adam said. “I will not say more though.”

  “You can’t leave it at that,” Aiden said.

  “Oh yes I can,” Adam replied. “Especially with all of the ears in here. My Da told me I hang around you too often as it is.”

  “We both know it is from that win I have over Auwin after he tried to embarrass me in front of your sister and her friends,” Aiden said. “He just didn’t expect me to be as gifted in magic as I am. My father has trained me since birth to use what I have.”

  “And his loss made my father yell at me to go in there and get beaten as well,” Adam replied. “Thank you for making it look close, I am sure Auwin could beat me in magic sparring but you made me look like I was almost your equal.”

  “He can’t beat you if you get close to him,” Aiden replied.

  “No he can’t,” Adam said. “But I may have to tone things down a little. I am starting to show a little bit of muscle. It is nothing like the Ayren naturally have but it is noticeable enough.”

  “And you want to hide it?” Aiden asked confused.

  “Muscle on an Ayr is not seen as a good thing,” Adam said. “We should always let our magic work for us instead of our body. Soon I am going to have to wear different robes instead of the sleeveless ones if I keep it up.”

  “Well then we will try to work on your middle a bit more,” Aiden replied.

  “If my sister is tearing this place apart it is for good reason,” Adam said as his tone changed.

  “Of course Master Adam, I meant no disrespect by it,” Aiden said quickly playing along.

  “His father was here, I just know it!” Alexis said. “Awan showed me some ice berries he had gotten from the man as payment to set up the meeting. He is supposed to have disowned our servant. It is improper for him to be here. That man shouldn’t even be allowed to work the air magic even at the reduced pay he is given for birthing an Ayren. He is trying to replace father as the Light of Aernus, he is jealous.”

  “Father is doing a wonderful job,” Adam replied. “And his magic is strong.”

  “A pity you didn’t inherit the magic like me and Auwin did,” Alexis replied. “But I am sure there will be a place found for you little brother if father continues to do well.”

  “You didn’t inherit his magic either,” Adam said as Aiden could tell his friend was getting irritated. “You aren’t as strong as father is.”

  “But I am stronger than you,” Alexis replied. “And I am stronger than mother. I am a perfect mixture. I wouldn’t have lost to an Ayra in a magic battle. Well come, what I was looking for must be well hidden or the man was too sneaky to leave anything behind.”

  CHAPTER 2

  “Servant,” Auwin said as Aiden turned around to look at the boy. Auwin was a year younger but acted every bit the snob his sister was.

  “Yes?” Aiden asked.

  “What are you doing in here all alone?” Auwin asked.

  “Mucking out the roosts and fee
ding the aeagles,” Aiden replied. “The duties I have been doing at this time every day for almost a year since I got here.”

  “Well why are you spending time with that ruddy one?” Auwin asked. “He might as well be one of those beasts I hear the people below have. Make sure the others are taken care of before that one in the future. Those animals will be handed out to accomplished Ayren to ride to fight off any attackers. Of course if they could fly like the Ayr then they would have no need for such beasts.”

  “Auwin what is taking you so long?” Alexis asked annoyed. “Father is waiting for you and he wants the servant as well.”

  “Come servant,” Auwin said. “My father is looking for you.”

  Aiden wondered what it was about. He doubted the man would ask about Auror and he only called in Aiden to serve his food or to wash his robes. That shouldn’t have been for a couple of hours Aiden thought. Aiden followed the two siblings inside of the main house and could hear the sounds of many voices. There were a lot of people inside around his age, what surprised him was that some of them were Ayren and there were even Ayra inside. Ayr and Ayren worked together on occasion but they rarely mixed on a personal level. No Ayr would dare invite an Ayra over to their home on a personal level so whatever the news was had to be big.

  “Here he is,” Arden Avanti said as he grabbed Aiden by his collar and dragged him forward.

  “And this is the one you want to send instead of our best?” a woman’s voice said.

  “If this mission to contact those in other lands is to be successful then we need the right personnel,” Arden said.

  “And you think this Ayra is the best we have?” a strong male voice asked. Aiden looked and could see it was an Aryen who spoke. “You may be the Light of Aernus but I am the Arm of Aernus and I think you are daft.”

  “Well then send your child fool,” Arden replied. “We lost a war to the Heretics, our history teaches us that once we were many but now we are very few. Send your child down to die first. We don’t know how our emissary will be received, would it be as a friend, an oddity or as an enemy. Well go ahead Axen, send your boy or your girl.”