This is the opening scene from one of my projects, a young adult adventure in a magical, steampunk-inspired world (think magnets instead of steam). It’s an older project I need to revisit and revise when I have the time.

Prologue

      A hooded figure stood hunched over a marble basin, filled to the brim with the purest water. He stared intently into the pool; focusing every ounce of concentration he could muster into the still liquid until finally, an image appeared. He could see a young man writhing in torment upon his bed. He closed his eyes to the image as he felt the rush of the Binding overtake him; he could feel and understand the young man’s pain. He fought with his mind, trying to both bear witness to the scene before him and to maintain the Binding. As his understanding deepened he knew the young man’s dreams were stabbing at his subconscious; constant, powerful and destructive attacks. In an instant he came to a realization, forcing himself away from the basin and breaking the Binding. For a moment he propped himself against the basin, to catch his breath and gather his thoughts, before he quickly left the room.    

      His footsteps sounded down the ornate marbled hallway as he ran toward a large set of doors, shoving them open he burst inside.

      “The spell is weakening!” He cried out. A man turned from his open window with surprise.

      “What spell?” He asked, going quickly to his visitor’s side.

      “The spell over one of the Earth Bound.” He took a moment to catch his breath. “The Magic has granted me visions in the scrying pools of one of the Earth Bound whose memories are trying to resurface.”

      “One of the Earth Bound?” The man’s mood suddenly lightened. “Surely there must be some mistake. The spell on an Earth Bound has never failed.” He said with a laugh. “Ever since the age of the Magic ended it’s never been broken.”

      “But the visions clearly show…”

      “Corlis.” He interrupted. “You’re the youngest of the Watchers and you’ve shown a lot of promise in that regard. But I’m afraid your young imagination may be getting the best of you in this case.”

      “But Master Dorias.” Corlis made one more stab at getting his point across.

      “Be calm Corlis, I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about.” Dorias said as he walked his guest to the door. “Just out of curiosity, which of the Earth Bound was shown in the visions?”

      “His name was Coristen.”

      “Coristen?” Dorias laughed. “If that’s the case then I’m certain there must be some mix up. Please feel free to have a break before you return to the scrying pools.”

      “Yes Master Dorias.” Corlis said as he was hustled back into the hallway. Dorias let out a sigh of relief and returned to his window, closing it soundly. Moving to his desk he unlocked one of the drawers and removed a small text which he quickly scanned through.

“I’ll need to look into this personally.”