Back to Atlantis by Bar Sagi (best book reader txt) 📗

the full story until now. Of course, Yasmin had heard bits and pieces, but not everything. Was that really what had happened?

“Wow,” she said when Lucas finished talking, looking at the castle. “Is that really what happened?”

Lucas shrugged. “Nobody really knows the details. Anyone who could have told us what had really happened there is gone. This is the story that has been passed down since the beginning of the royal line. They say that the king is a descendant of the first mage.” He sounded relaxed. “You’ve got a lot to live up to, eh? People already saw the first mage save Atlantis once, now they want you to save it again.”

Although he said it lightly, the words had a heavy impact on her. Yasmin looked up at the sky and wondered, not for the first time, why she was chosen as the mage. As the sun began to set, she looked at Lucas again.

“Why do you think I was chosen as the mage?” she asked, not expecting an answer. “Is there some special quality? Or is it random?”

She didn’t add what she had really wanted to ask: Was it a mistake? Was Abby the real mage? Am I just an extra?

Lucas pondered that for a moment. “I don’t know. I don’t think being the mage means you are better or worse than anyone.” He looked thoughtful. “It’s really hard to explain, especially since I don’t know much about it, myself. But my mother studied the history of the mage, so I might know a bit.”

“Please tell me,” Yasmin asked, eager to know anything, but also afraid of what answers she might get. “But it’s getting dark, and I have to go back soon. Can you tell me as we walk back?” She held her breath, hoping for a yes. She shivered. It was getting more than a little chilly. The wind was also getting stronger. It was going to be a cold night.

“Sure,” Lucas said, taking her hand.

As they walked back through the pathway, he began explaining. “Well, the mage isn’t a person, really. Well, it is, but not one. Over the years, there have been hundreds of mages, some never even knowing who they are. The mages are more than ordinary casters of spells. They have a limitless capability for magic, with the right training, and the willingness to sacrifice their strength. Of course, if they use too much magic, they can kill themselves, but that would take a really large spell with almost no reserves.

“Nobody knows what gives the mage this power. Some call it the gift of God. Others are just dumbfounded. I think it’s a magic, black hole, of a sort.”

Yasmin looked at him in confusion, and he raised his arms.

“It’s just a theory. But you almost warp magic, using it in ways and measures that are unheard of. Mages are naturals at magic, and with their specialty even more. They have enough power in that area to become world-changing. “

“World-changing?” Yasmin stopped and looked at Lucas again, sure he was joking, but he only smiled grimly.

“Yes, world-changing. You forget, the first mage stopped what people from Israel call ‘The great flood’ with Noah, or whatever his name was. That seems pretty world-changing to me.” He paused for breath. “Of course, you also have to consider the physical toll it would take on a human body, to use up that much magic. Any human would probably not survive.”

Yasmin felt a bit scared and it must have shown in her face, because Lucas hurriedly continued, “But we are getting off topic. You asked why a mage is chosen, right? I believe whatever it is, is looking for certain qualities in someone, like bravery, stubbornness, and the like. But I could be wrong. There have been very cowardly mages. But all the history books say that in times of need, a mage gained bravery.

“So there’s your answer. No one knows. I personally think you were picked to be the mage because you are Yasmin, and no one else.” Lucas pursed his lips, deep in thought.

Yasmin had never seen him so into something.

“But maybe it is something to do with a capability for magic…”

He trailed off, deep in thought, while Yasmin just gaped. Was what he had said true? It was all so much to process. Did she really have enough magic to change the world? She had so many questions, but she picked the first one that sounded normal. Or at least not flat out crazy.

“Hey. Lucas, if my magic is like a black hole, what is a normal spellcasters magic? Like yours?”

Lucas laughed. “I don’t have magic, Yasmin, so my magic wouldn’t be anything.”

Yasmin blushed with shame. “Oh, I’m sorry. I just assumed, most people in Atlantis had magic.”

“Well, most do. Just not enough that it’s useful. About a third of the population has enough magic to really be useful, and that’s before you count out the ones who don’t want to cast spells.” He gently squeezed her hand, the only part of her that felt warm. “But back to your original question. I think a spellcaster’s magic is like a sun. Some have it bigger and brighter than others, and some smaller.” His eyes were focused as he spoke, he was so into magic and mages.

Yasmin giggled and poked him in the ribs. “Well, I certainly learned something new. I never knew you were such a fan of mages.”

Lucas, to her amazement, blushed. “I dabble. I wanted to study them too, you know, follow my mother, but now…” He trailed off again, looking sad.

Yasmin stopped and put a hand on his arm. “Lucas, I know this doesn’t mean anything to you because you’ve heard it a hundred times, but I’m sorry. If only I had been faster in getting to your village, maybe…” She trailed off, feeling shameful. Lucas’s parents shouldn’t have died.

Lucas clenched his hands into fists. “It’s not your fault! It’s the rebels! They are horrid and disgusting, and I hope they