–—- ??? —---

  Willbur whistled as he strode through the afternoon sunlight, warmth on his skin, sounds of birds behind him.

  The light filtered through the leaves of the towering trees, giving the sprawling forest a warm glow. At the edge of his perception, Wilbur could hear a brook babbling in the distance.

  He took in a deep breath as he slowly strolled on the natural roads through the trees.

  This was definitely a great place to go over his plans.

  Wilbur’s mind reached for the list, and it appeared in his vision.

  —---------

  Spellcraft Resurrection Checklist

  > 1 - Find a place to build a school

  > 2 - Build it. Make it really impressive and huge.

  > 3 - Staff it. Find competent teachers to do the nitty-gritty, boring work.

  > 4 - Teach all of the people. Preferably as fast as possible. Assist as needed.

  > 5 - Chronomancy baby!

  —---------

  He nodded to himself. It was a good list.

  The first item on the list should be easy enough. It did require a bit of scouting.

  Wilbur had learned that over the years, the world can change pretty drastically. Honestly, it had been a long time since he had left his lab. Who knew what could happen when faced with the march of time?

  Neighborhoods could be swamps, wrecked by flooding. Entire regions might have been destroyed by earthquakes, tornadoes, or volcanic activity. Also, the ever-recurring demonic armies definitely didn’t help.

  Wilbur stopped, and his eyes traced up a particularly massive tree. A part of him was honestly happy this place had survived. The forest was one of his favorite spots in Vlanoris, and Wilbur was heavily considering it as a place for his school.

  His mind whirled as he imagined a sprawling campus woven between the trees. He could make it a multi-leveled affair, with suspended paths between structures encircling the massive wooden giants.

  The only problem was the ambient magic. The mythical forest of Velethuil had the unique property of a subtle mana draw. It attracted and condensed complementary elemental mana, and at the same time, repelled undesired magic.

  Wilbur could think of a few ways to adjust the forest to shield his buildings from the effect.

  His eyes swept the forest, and he stretched out his magical senses.

  “Maybe not,” he muttered. The effect of the forest had only grown over the years. Overcoming it would be a headache. Not to mention there was the teeny-tiny issue of who claimed the forest as their own.

  The deep verdant. The conclave of forest-dwelling elves that abhorred leaving their forests.

  Wilbur shook his head and continued his stroll. “Not like it's actually theirs.”

  He turned his face up and took in the rows of beautiful, towering trees. They extended into the heavens, some reaching over a thousand feet in height. Their lower trunks were empty, the branches having long shifted to the distant canopy.

  Wilbur loved these trees. Their cool grey-blue to dark brown barks and their sprawling branches. He was fascinated by how they defied Earth trees. Instead of shedding lower branches, the bark of the ‘luinthon’ tree would slowly pull apart. At the same time, the bark would condense below it. Over time, the branches would slowly rise. From Wilbur’s observations and experiments, it seemed the trees were capable of shifting branches in all directions.

  The wizard stepped close to one and gently laid his hand on it. He smiled, his mind dredging up a distant memory.

  “You’ve grown so much!” He whispered.

  It had been years since he had first discovered the clutch of acorns. Wilbur hadn’t been interested in the contents of the enchanted pouch; his focus was on the stasis magic.

  The grey-blue acorns were set aside as he continued his study of how a pouch had managed to preserve a living seed for so long.

  Despite ignoring them, the seedling trees were determined. Wilbur had just woken up and was going over his notes when he noticed the small, determined sapling. He had to give the little guy credit for its tenacity.

  Wilbur had planted the small tree and gave it basic care. The other acorns he left in the same spot, curious if they too would crack from their shells and fight to exist.

  As months passed, they were silent, content to hide away from the world. But the one little survivor? It blossomed and grew, quickly expanding and fighting for space within Wilbur’s lab.

  So how could a self-respecting wizard ignore it?

  Wilbur had searched the world and found a suitable place. Well, suitable was a stretch. Back then, the land Velethuil now inhabited was a wasteland. Death and necrotic mana had infused the area for miles, leftovers from a past catastrophe. Underneath the sickly waste, a natural leyline hid, and Wilbur was more than happy to cleanse the rot.

  Wilbur smiled and sighed in satisfaction. It had been a fun project for the most part. The forest now stretched for miles in all directions. The luinthon trees had taken to the area with gusto.

  Wilbur cringed. He hadn’t enjoyed pruning back the poor things, but it was necessary. Each of the trees had a mild… sentientance? They weren’t aware, but they weren’t inanimate either.

  Eventually, the trees got the message. The outer edges no longer tried to populate the readily available space.

  Wilbur wondered if the deep verdant had something to do with it, but he hadn’t bothered to ask. Perhaps they had convinced the overly enthusiastic wooden giants that expansion was not a good idea. Having trees just vanish must have been concerning.

  It was on a list of things Wilbur would do one day. Probably.

  No, making a school here wasn’t a great idea. There were far too many complications to deal with. Besides, he enjoyed the fact that he could walk these woods to think. A place where few ventured, as people had a habit of ‘vanishing’ in these woods.

  Besides the elves, many other races and creatures enjoyed the forest as much as he did. Notably, the Fae were ever-present. That would be another complication, as the timid folk tended to avoid others.

  At least they used to. Which is why it was odd to Wilbur that three of them were currently watching him.

  Wilbur slowly turned, his eyes scanning the deep wood. His eyes stopped on a cluster of bushes that looked completely ordinary.

  “Would you come out? I can see you.” He spoke to the woods. A grin pulled at his lips as the three within range of his senses froze.

  Wilbur waited, his gaze locked in their direction. The three didn’t move, their magical footprint shrinking to almost nothing.

  So they are still timid. He thought. Then why are they following me?

  Wilbur raised his hands, then clapped twice.

  Three small beings squeaked in surprise as they were yanked from their hiding spots. They were pulled through the air right in front of the wizard. The shimmering magic that cloaked them vanished.

  The three fae hovered in the air, suspended by bands of force. Each was shorter than his forearm. Their forms were slender and delicate, with long limbs and fine features. Gossamer wings hued in rainbow patterns trembled behind them. They beat in rapid, panicked bursts.

  Each wore a garment similar to leather armor but more ornate. The colors were mottled blue, grays, and greens, their patterns arranged to let them blend into the forest.

  And they all looked absolutely terrified.

  Wilbur tilted his head as he studied them. “You know,” he said conversationally. “Most people would consider it rude to stalk someone through an ancient magical forest without at least introducing yourself.”

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  The three glanced at each other, then the one in the center with long wispy purple hair spoke.

  “We apologize, great…” Her eyes sparked with confusion as something in her mind clicked. “Wait, you can speak our language?”

  “I can switch to common if you prefer,” Wilbur replied.

  “Ah.. no…” The rattled fae said. “It’s… well… no thank you, oh great one, for speaking in our native tongue.”

  Wilbur raised an eyebrow. “Great one? Excuse me?” He asked, annoyance slipping into his voice.

  The fae gulped. “Ah… yes. That was what we were instructed to call you if we had to speak.”

  “I see.” Wilbur shook his head. “No, don’t call me that. Just call me Wilbur.”

  The three exchanged glances again, uncertainty and stress evident in their small bodies. The female fae in the center made a meaningful nod to the green-haired one to her right. In return, she received an adamant shake of his head. She did not look happy with that response, as she trepidly turned her attention back to Wilbur.

  “You are the great wielder of the arcane, correct? The grand magus. Slayer of demonlords and great–”

  “Enough.” Wilbur cut her off with a sigh. “Yes, that’s me. And no, no titles.” He stared at her. “I’m Wilbur. Wil-Bur. Here, let’s try it together, Will–”

  He waited expectantly.

  “I… I…” The center fairy stuttered. Her sparkling blue eyes were filled with uncertainty. She mustered her courage and then blurted out, “Wilbur.”

  “There you go!” Wilbur clapped his hands. “See, it’s not that hard. Now, what’s your name?”

  “Rina.” She replied quietly.

  “Pleasure to meet you, Rina,” Wilbur replied, then sat back. His cozy recliner appeared, catching him. He waved a hand, and the bands of force vanished. “Here, let's get more comfortable.”

  With another wave of his hand, a table appeared with three small chairs floating in the air next to it. They were made of a pale wood and shaped and sized for the fae. Their backs had cutouts to accommodate the small being’s wings.

  Rina glanced between the chairs and her companions. After a moment of hesitation, she fluttered closer and landed on the central chair. Her companions were much more hesitant, hovering in the air, stealing glances toward the forest behind them. Rina’s eyes snapped to them. Wilbur nearly chuckled at the death glare she gave them.

  He couldn’t help it. Despite interacting with fairies multiple times, they were just so cute.

  “Would you like some refreshments?” Wilbur asked as soon as they were settled.

  Rina chewed her lip, then nodded. “That would be lovely. Thank you.”

  Wilbur smiled at her, then pointed above the table. A crystal pitcher appeared in the air with three small cups. In his own hand, a white mug appeared. On its side, stamped in Times New Roman: “This meeting could have been an email.”

  The crystal pitcher tilted, and a cold, blue, glittering liquid poured into each cup. They floated and lightly touched down in front of each fae. Wilbur brought his own mug to his lips, inhaled, then took a long sip.

  Rina watched the wizard intently. She glanced down, then picked up the cup. She stared at the liquid for a long moment, then raised it slightly toward Wilbur before taking a sip.

  Her trembling paused as she tasted the sweet liquid. Wilbur grinned as the small woman closed her eyes and sighed in satisfaction, enjoying the delicious drink. The other two had been watching Rina. Seeing her response, they followed her example and took sips from their own cups.

  Wilbur took another sip of his bitter brew, and comfortable silence filled the glade as they all just enjoyed the moment. The soft sounds of the forest a comfortable backdrop.

  “Can I ask what this is?” Rina finally asked. “It’s delicious.”

  Wilbur opened his eyes and looked at her. “I’m glad you like it. It’s made from the fruit of a tree… hmmm.” He thought back to the pitcher's origin. “Oh, right. Fruit from the Guardian tree. It has another name, but it was annoying to pronounce. I just called it Yggdrasil.”

  Rina stared at the cup in her hand, her face scrunching in confusion. “Yggdrasil? I’ve never heard that name.” She said, tasting the word in her mouth. “Is that a word from your language?”

  Wilbur nodded. “It is. Something from my world.”

  The male fae to Rina’s left sharply inhaled, and everyone looked at him.

  His hands were trembling as he slowly lowered his cup to the small plate on the table. He stared at it with a mixture of horror and reverence.

  “Aeson?” Rina asked. “What’s wrong?”

  The fae gulped and, ignoring Rina’s question, turned his eyes to Wilbur.

  “You said… Guardian tree?”

  “That’s right.”

  “It’s not the one in the fae realms, is it?” He squeaked.

  Wilbur frowned. “Is there another one? I thought there was only the one.” He glanced between the three. “Did a guardian tree manage to grow in Vlanoris?”

  Realization hit the other two, and Rina nearly dropped her cup as they both set their cups down. They all stared at their cups like they were going to bite them.

  “Oh, come on.” Wilbur rolled his eyes. “You were already rude by stalking me. I know the juice of that tree has beneficial effects for your kind. So drink it.”

  Rina cleared her throat. “I am sorry for the offence. Please don’t be upset, it was my choice to remain hidden.” Her eyes looked downcast. “I did not believe my father when he told me there was no point in remaining hidden.”

  Wilbur waved his hand dismisively. “It’s fine. But I am annoyed you aren’t finishing your drink. That’s unacceptable.” He raised his own mug and drank meaningfully.

  Wilbur watched as the three struggled with emotions as they kept glancing between the cups and him.

  He sighed, then his face brightened as a tradition of the fae surfaced in his memories.

  “I am your host, and the drinks in your cup are a gift, if that changes anything.”

  Aeson’s eyes snapped up. “Our host? This isn’t your home, so that does not apply.” While his tone was accusatory, his eyes kept shifting to his cup, and he unconsciously licked his lips.

  Wilbur grinned. “Welcome to my home, travelers. While you rest here, I ask that the sun warm you and wash away the weariness of your journey. May this continue until we part ways.”

  Aeson frowned, then he grinned in return as a glow filled the glade and lit his features. The soft light spilled across the table and radiated warmth to all sitting.

  “Good enough for me!” Aeson cheered and snatched up his glass. He raised it in salute and took a large swig, his face beaming.

  Wilbur turned to the other two. “See, Rina, now you can’t refuse. It would be rude to turn down a host’s gift.” He glanced at the other fae. “That goes for you too, although you haven’t said your name yet.”

  “It’s Tarron.”

  “Great, drink up, Tarron.” Wilbur nodded as he picked up his cup, then turned back to Rina.

  She stared for a moment, then raised her cup. “We thank you for the gift of shelter and sun. May no shadow fall while we partake in each other's company.” With that, she downed her cup.

  “Great!” Wilbur replied, setting his mug to the side. “Now that’s out of the way, care to explain why you were following me?”

  Again, Rina glanced at her companions. They both ignored her and seemed intent on savoring their gifts.

  She pursed her lips. “Our king detected your presence within the forest. We were sent to observe and learn how long you were intending to stay.” Rina shook her head. “I’d like to apologize again. We were instructed that stealth would be ineffective, but I truly believed I could accomplish it.”

  Wilbur stroked his chin. “I take it that cloaking magic was yours?” The fae nodded. “It wasn’t bad! That trick you used to shrink your magical presence was also interesting.”

  Rina smiled. “Thank you!” She paused, then added. “Do you have any advice on how I could improve it?”

  Wilbur shrugged. “Unfortunately, while I understand your kind’s magic to an extent, it’s more innate than theory. A bit frustrating, if I’m being honest. The rules it follows are… odd in comparison to the arcane.” He drummed his fingers. “But you mentioned your king, his name isn’t Vulmer, is it?”

  Rina nodded. “That is his name. How do you know my father?”

  “Oh! Are you that little guy's kid? Glad to know he’s still kicking. The last time I saw him was during his coronation. Does he still have that temper of his?”

  The other two fae frowned at his comments, but Rina smiled. “My mother Hycis doesn’t allow it.”

  “That’s good. I always wondered what type of person would be needed to help him chill out.” He raised an eyebrow. “Was that the only reason you’re here? Knowing you’re his daughter, I can’t imagine he would send you to just watch someone.”

  “Besides… observing and discovering your intent with the forest. He instructed me to invite you to his hearth if we spoke.” Rina said.

  The wizard drummed his fingers. It had been a long time since he had walked these woods. Longer than he had realized. His interactions with the fae had been pleasant for the most part. Their magic was.. Odd. It was either innate, location-based, or ritualistic. That was the main reason they kept to their realm. He had enjoyed some of his conversations on mental magic with an expert mentalist all those years ago.

  Maybe a trip to Vulmers might be fun. But that landed squarely in the “do this later” list.

  “It would be nice to catch up,” Wilbur said. “But it might be a while before I am free. As far as the forest is concerned, it doesn’t suit my current needs, so I’ll be leaving soon.”

  The three fae exchanged glances, an unasked question drifting between them.

  Wilbur reached for his floating mug, then downed its contents. He smiled at Rina.

  “It was delightful to chat. If you figure out how to enhance those spells of yours, feel free to try and sneak up on me again. It would be good practice.” He rose, and his empty mug and recliner vanished. With a wave, five vials, two larger than the others, appeared next to the pitcher. They were quickly filled, then sealed before drifting to the three fae.

  “One of these is for each of you. A gift for our meeting. One of the larger ones is for Vulmer. Make sure he gets it,” he gestured toward the other large vial. “That one is a down payment for any fae who is talented in mind magic and would be willing to teach. If they accept, they can come find me. Just let them know they will have to leave the Fae Realm for at least a few years.”

  Rina’s two companions snatched their vials and beamed.

  “When should I tell my father to expect you?” Rina asked as she took the two vials.

  “Tell him I’ll show up precisely when I mean to. He will know what that means.”He tipped his blue conical hat. “Great to meet you, Rina, Aeson, and Tarron.”

  With that, Wilbur strolled away, starting a tune in a soft whistle.

  That had been a great meeting. If one of the fae agreed, he would have a fantastic mind magic teacher. It hadn’t been a day, and he was already working on part of step three of his list.

  Of course, he needed to finish step one. He’d need to check a few other places, as the forest, while awesome, wasn’t right. His steps took him out of the clearing and back on the path he had walked before.

  Hmmmmm… His mind gleaned over possibilities. Maybe somewhere in the human side of the world. Maybe in a magically empty area?

  Wilbur pondered the problem. He needed a place that was close enough to people, but also magically boring.

  Somewhere with a lot of open real estate.

  He had been walking down the path for a few minutes when an idea came to him.

  Instead of roaming the world, taking a gamble on places that could have changed over the years, wasn’t there a better option?

  There was a place in this world that was begging for a remodel. Best of all, he’d visited it recently and knew it was screaming for some new developments.

  He smiled to himself.

  It was perfect!

  –—- ??? —---

  Back in the clearing, the fae stared at their vials.

  “I just don’t know what to say,” Aeson muttered. “This is beyond anything I expected.”

  Tarron nodded in agreement. “You can say that again. That man is one of the strangest humans I have ever met or heard of.”

  The two childhood friends of the princess turned their attention to Rina. Their eyes lingered on the larger vial. It was at least four times the size of the gifts they had gotten.

  “Ugh,” Aeson grumbled. “Why couldn’t I have focused on mind magic?” He pointed toward the vial. “Can you imagine getting to keep that vial? And all you need to do is teach for a few years? Incredible.”

  Rina nodded, her eyes fixed on the three vials she held. She had some minor skill in the art, but her talents rested squarely in illusion and mana control. She sighed, then tucked the vials into a pouch, taking great care to secure them.

  “We should hurry back,” she told her companions. “My father will want to hear the details.” Her voice shifted as she chanted in a song-like tongue of her magic. A moment later, a shimmering light covered the three, and they vanished from sight.

  Only the softest sound of their wings beating announced their departure.

  –—- ??? —---