Casual Huntering

In this part of the story Praxton’s trainer Dreth discovers that Praxton is able to control an imp as well as wield fire. And Prax needs some more int so that maybe he can manage his mana a little bit better.

Prax felt sick to his stomach and tired.

Dreth assessed the situation, he counted the hounds cheerfully, “1.. 3.. 6… 8″ he hummed intermittently.

Prax felt something stick in his leg. He remembered the crystal, the imp.

“I’ve seen worse.” Dreth glanced back at Praxton. “Well, what are you waiting for? Death?” Dreth’s bony ribs shook violently as he laughed. Dreth bowed before Praxton, with one arm extended. Clearly an invitation to open fire.

Praxton slip his hand in his pocket and whispered, “Psst, Voljub could use some help about now.”

That small breeze Praxton felt the day before hit him again and the next second Voljub appeared at his feet. “Yesss my master?” Voljub looked around.”You like dogs master? I don’t like these kind. Always they smell bad.” Voljub just raise an eye brow and showed his spiky teeth at the undead man. Then turned to look up at his master.

“um, voljub, do you er um mind helping us out with the um hounds” Prax said quickly while trembling.

“What in Azshara’s name is this?” Dreth furrowed his rotting brow inquisitively, first at the imp, then back to Prax.

Voljubs turned so he and Praxton were back to back. His hands went up so his palms were facing the hounds looking at him. Both his hands lit up in a blaze of fire.”Reeeady when you are master.” He gave the undead man a quick smile before looking back at the dogs.

Prax wasn’t sure why he summoned Voljub, he wasn’t sure what he expected. The reaction he received from the undead mage startled him. What had he done wrong? Prax just didn’t think he could have survived this encounter by himself. Prax looked back at Dreth; he was intimidated and he wasn’t sure what to say. He saw both the imp and the undead mage waiting for him as the darkhounds grew closer. Prax was yet again left speechless. One of the hounds was growling only a few paces away. He quickly turned swinging the staff wildly easily missing the hound. Prax tried to swing again, but the dog was too quick. What am I doing? Prax thought.

“Haha” Voljub chuckled “Master a funny one. Voljub help, yes, you will see.” He pushed he puny arms outward and fire ball after fire ball shot out at the hounds facing him. One leaped at him but he quickly backflipped out of the way then lit him up. “Focus Master you can make bigger fire than Voljub.” With the hounds facing Voljub now burning or running Voljub climbed up on Praxton’s shoulders so he and Praxton could face the remaining hounds.

Looking upon the remaining hounds, Prax felt his confidence increase. He focused his emotions and energies into heat. The familiar warm tingling sensation flowed from his body to the staff, which he consequently released in bursts of flaming waves. The flames shoot in a half circle spread incinerating the remaining dark hounds, Prax’s knees began to shake, he felt light headed. Black spots speckled his vision as Praxton Seamsmith collapsed.

Dreth clanked his hands together (his version of clapping). He couldn’t help feeling proud of his young acolyte. He knelt down next to Praxton and pulled a blue vial from his belt. He gently opened Prax’s mouth, and dumped the contents down his throat. “I think you’ve had enough for one day my boy” He pressed his fists together again and conjured up another portal. “Come, let’s get us back to Stormwind”. Dreth stood patiently next to the open portal.

Prax felt rejuvenated, but still sore. He got up slowly heading towards the portal. He looked back briefly. “Voljub, are you coming?”

Voljub followed his master “Yes yes Voljub follow you anywhere Master. So Mr. Loose Jaw here is Masters friend?”

“Yes, he’s a friend. He’s my teacher.” Prax told Voljub as he headed towards the portal.

“A bit unconventional for a mage… but effective, I must admit,” said Dreth. “We’ll talk back at the tower.”

Praxton felt relief entering a portal for the first time, he gave one more quick glance back at the dark gloomy landscape before he entered.

Voljub stopped at the feet of this teacher. Looked up and asked “You always walk around hunched over like that?” He only got a grunt as a response. Voljub jumped a little startled by the undead man and scampered off after Praxton.

“Demons,” Dreth sighed. He entered the tower through the portal and saw Praxton standing with Voljub at this side, “Good to see you on your feet boy.” “I believe an explanation is in order.” Dreth looked down at Voljub, who was now running in circles around his master.

Voljub stopped his victory celebration when he felt the mood of the room change. He just sat down on the floor quietly beside his Master.

Prax held out the purple crystal for his teacher to see, “My father er, hm g- gave this t- to me. Thought it er would help my t- training”

“Indeed. And your father is a warlock I presume?”

Prax looked confused, “N- no, he’s just a t- tailor.”

“A tailor who can summon demons? Sounds like a warlock to me. It’s not really my business anyway. What matters is that he’s here now, and the demon seems loyal enough. I see no reason why you shouldn’t employ his help if he’s willing to give it to you. Although, you may wish to wander over to the university to make sure he poses no threat to your safety.”

Prax quickly nodded his head.

“And Praxton?”

“Voljub help Master Praxton with anything! He Voljubs favorite Master. The others were all mean and crazy. Cept for Master Naccar…

“See if you can’t fashion some sort of garment more suitable for your class.” Dreth handed Praxton 4 bolts of mageweave.

Praxton nodded again, as he was reminded of all the chores he needed to complete. He looked back at his teacher, “Do you er need me to um come back tomorrow?”

“By all means. You still have much to learn.”

“er, ok- kay.” Prax wasn’t sure if he was suppose to bow or do something to show respect, so he attempted a half hearted bow. Prax was a little disoriented after walking out of the portal. He then saw the exit portal and headed out of the tower.

“Ha!” Dreth held out the sides of his robe and curtseyed in return. “And RELAX boy. There is no need for formalities among the Forsaken.” Dreth swatted Voljub on his butt with the blunt end of his staff. “Now, off you go!”