The Dawn of Malice
Chapter 23

The Civic Athenaeum

Caerus and Caspian followed Ryker through the dim and musty corridors of the Civic Athenaeum, the air thick with the scent of old tomes and ancient knowledge. The darkness seemed to envelop them as they descended further into the heart of the Civic Athenaeum, their nerves on edge from the anticipation of what lay ahead.

The spiral stone stairway before them appeared to be the gateway to unknown depths. Caerus’s heart pounded in his chest as they followed Ryker down, their footsteps echoing through the cold, ancient stone.

“Are you sure this is a good idea, Caspian?” Caerus whispered, casting a nervous glance around the eerie surroundings.

Caspian swallowed hard but nodded determinedly. “Ryker seems to know the way, and besides, we’ve come here for Erasmus. We cannot pass up the chance to meet him, even if we get detoured a little bit within the Civic Athenaeum’s depths.”

As they reached the deepest chambers, a peculiar sight greeted them. The floor was littered with metal parts, shavings, and chips, creating an unusual amalgamation of craftsmanship and mystery. In one corner, they noticed a peculiar rod of hollowed metal and springs, and some viscous liquid seeped from a nearby table to the floor.

On the table lay a metal frame, with what appeared to be handlebars and gears. It was a rudimentary engine, an invention that seemed out of place within the ancient halls of the Civic Athenaeum.

Ryker turned to them, a glint of excitement in his eyes. “Welcome to the heart of my work, my friends. Here lies the culmination of my endeavors—a creation born of magic and engineering.”

Caerus and Caspian exchanged puzzled glances, intrigued by Ryker’s revelations. “What is this?” Caerus asked, his curiosity piqued.

Ryker smiled a hint of mischief in his demeanor. “This is a contraption that harnesses the powers of both magic and machinery—a fusion of ancient knowledge and modern innovation. It is a means of transportation, one that I believe will revolutionize travel and exploration. Gone are the scheduled train rides and waiting on carriages. We’ll be able to travel at a moment’s notice, as we please!”

Caspian’s eyes widened with excitement. “You’ve built a minuscule train engine? In the depths of the Civic Athenaeum?”

Caerus’s eyes also widened but for a different reason. “What’s an engine and a train?”

Both his companions stared at him dumbfounded. Caspian had forgotten that his friend grew up on the outskirts of the Zakarian kingdom.

“A train is… well it’s… um…” Caspian mumbled. “What is a train again?”

Ryker rolled his eyes. “A train is a form of land transportation consisting of a series of connected vehicles or carriages that run on rails or tracks. It is commonly used to transport passengers, goods, or both, over long distances and is an essential part of many public transportation systems and freight logistics in the Common and Edwardian Territories.”

“What?” Caerus asked, clearly dizzy with the technical terms Ryker had used.

“Put simply,” Caspian answered, fighting against a smirk, “Metal worm on a trail of wood and steel, carrying both people and crates.”

Caerus’s eyes widened with excitement. Though still confused by the highly technical description of a train. He stood awestruck at the innovations the world had to offer. “And what about an engine?” He spoke, nearly squealing with anticipation.

“Well… the front part of a train, called the locomotive or engine, is responsible for providing the motive power to move the entire train forward,” Ryker spoke, his index finger waving. “It is typically powered by coal and steam. But my invention does not require such costly types of fuel.”

Caerus’s brow furrowed again, and Ryker his best attempt at dumbing down his explanation. “Think of it as the head and body, the rest of it is the tail.” Caerus’s brow furrowed less visibly but he smiled and nodded, pretending to understand.

“But that would mean you’ve discovered a means to use magic to power an engine? And at such a small scale!” Caspian exclaimed.

Ryker nodded proudly. “Indeed, my friend. I have spent years studying both the arcane arts and the secrets of engineering. This engine is just the beginning of my grand vision—an invention that will unlock new realms of possibility.”

Caerus and Caspian were filled with awe and admiration for Ryker’s ingenuity. The combination of magic and technology was a concept beyond their wildest imaginations.

“Ryker, this is extraordinary,” Caerus exclaimed. “How does it work?”

Ryker’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he explained the intricate workings of his creation. “It harnesses magical energy to power the engine, while the gears and mechanics channel the energy into forward motion. It is a delicate balance between magic and engineering, but once mastered, it will provide an unparalleled means of transportation.”

Caerus grinned, not understanding a word but understanding the implications, unable to contain his excitement. “Can we try it out?”

Ryker chuckled. “Not just yet my inquisitive friend. The engine is not yet complete, and I need to fine-tune its magical conduits. But soon, humankind will travel vast distances like no other, riding through the realms with unparalleled speed and agility.”

Caspian looked at Caerus for a moment before his brow furrowed and turned to Ryker once more.

“You told us you were an enchanter…” Caspian spoke tentatively, “But enchanters only enchant items and give them magical properties… You are not only enchanting items you’re also creating them and developing them further… What are you really?”

Ryker eyes grew in surprise then his cheeks flushed red, and he lowered his gaze. “Truth be told… I’m not an enchanter… And I’ve been cast out from assisting the wizards of the Civic Athenaeum…”

“But why?” Caerus pressed, “You’re doing such an amazing job inventing...”

“I chose to make my own branch of magic… Combining elements of all magical and technological understanding. Some of the older wizards call me an abomination to tradition, combining engineering and magic…” Ryker’s head sunk lower as he spoke. Then he abruptly stood straight brushed his singed hair to one side and a look of burning determination washed over his face.

“I don’t care for the words of old men. If they say I look at the world through rose-tinted glasses, then I don’t care. I am a skilled craftsman and inventor, and I specialize in creating and constructing intricate and often magical items or devices. I refer to myself as an “artificer” – the first of my kind. And I’ve made a craft that focuses on inventing with great skill and ingenuity!”

Caerus and Caspian looked at each other surprised and amused. And before they could say another word the duo started to laugh. Not at the absurdity of the situation, but at the quick change of Ryker’s personality. In that moment, they knew they’d – somewhat reluctantly – made a good friend.

“So, Ryker, tell us more about this prototype engine,” Caerus said, genuinely intrigued.

Ryker’s eyes lit up with enthusiasm. “Ah, the engine! It’s a fusion of magic and mechanics, designed to harness the latent power of the arcane to propel vehicles. I’ve been working on it for years, trying to perfect its efficiency and stability.”

Caspian raised an eyebrow. “That sounds incredible! But how do you plan to use it? Are you going to build an airship or some kind of grand contraption?”

Ryker chuckled, shaking his head. “No, not something as extravagant as an airship, at least not yet. My initial plan is to attach it to a simple bicycle frame. You see, I want to demonstrate that this engine can revolutionize everyday transportation. With this, people will be able to travel faster and more efficiently.”

Caerus was impressed by Ryker’s vision. “That’s amazing! You could change the way people move around cities and towns.”

Ryker nodded – his eyes filled with determination. “Exactly! I believe this technology can bring about positive change in our society. In the city of Serendell, they’ve already built engines using steam as a means to push pistons to produce great force and move gears and…” Both Caerus and Caspian stared blanky at the artificer, Ryker laughed. “People have made engines already, but they’re using steam, fire, and wood. I’m trying to remove the need for bulky engines and fine-tuning some aspects of their already established works. But, unfortunately, many of the wizards here in the Civic Athenaeum don’t share my enthusiasm.”

Caspian furrowed his brow. “What do you mean? Why wouldn’t they be excited about such a groundbreaking invention?”

Ryker sighed, a hint of frustration in his voice. “Many of the wizards here are traditionalists. They believe that magic should remain pure and untouched by technology. They don’t see the potential of combining both to benefit our world.”

Caerus shook his head, not understanding the narrow-mindedness. “But your work is incredible, Ryker! They should be supporting you, not holding you back.”

Ryker smiled gratefully at his friends. “Thank you both for your encouragement. It means a lot to me. I won’t let their reluctance deter me. I’ll continue my work and prove that artifice and magic can coexist harmoniously.”

Caspian grinned, feeling inspired. “That’s the spirit! We believe in you, Ryker. Your invention has the potential to change the world.”

Ryker’s eyes gleamed with determination. “I hope so. I’ll keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.”

Caerus glanced at the prototype engine blueprints. “And what’s next for you? Once you perfect the engine, what do you plan to do?”

Ryker’s smile grew broader. “Once I have a working model, I want to present it to the council of Verdania. I hope that by demonstrating the engine’s potential, I can change their minds about my role as an artificer and secure their support.”

Caspian grinned mischievously. “And if they still don’t listen, you’ll just have to make them see, won’t we?”

Ryker laughed – his rebellious spirit lifted. “Indeed! Together, we’ll show them the brilliance of combining magic and mechanics.”

As Caerus and Caspian followed Ryker out of the labyrinthine depths of the Civic Athenaeum, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and curiosity. The halls they traversed were dimly lit, and the air held a faint scent of ancient books and forgotten knowledge.

As they walked, Caerus couldn’t resist his growing intrigue. “What exactly is your role in the Civic Athenaeum?”

Ryker glanced at them, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. “Well, I suppose you could say I’m a researcher of sorts. I assist Erasmus with his studies and help organize the vast collection of knowledge we have here.”

Caerus looked at Caspian with surprise hearing the name of the man they’d come to replace. Caspian chimed in, trying to pry more information from Ryker. “But what kind of research are you conducting? And why were you in the deeper parts of the Civic Athenaeum?”

Ryker hesitated for a moment as if weighing his words. “It’s hard to explain in a single sentence. The Civic Athenaeum holds countless secrets, ancient artifacts, and powerful knowledge. My work involves studying these artifacts and understanding their origins and potential. So, I’m left to work where I wouldn’t be disturbed or distracted…”

Caerus and Caspian exchanged glances – their interest piqued even further. “So, you’re like a scholar or historian,” Caerus said. “With a touch of tinkering on the side?”

Ryker chuckled softly. “In a way, yes. But there’s more to it than that. Some of the knowledge within these walls is both fascinating and dangerous. It’s not something to be taken lightly. I’m simply tasked to categorize and store books, scrolls, tablets, and the like. Ensuring that they may be of use for the future generation. Though… what use is knowledge without application?”

The friends nodded in understanding, realizing the gravity of Ryker’s words. The Civic Athenaeum was a repository of ancient wisdom and arcane secrets that held the potential to change the course of history, but knowledge is still worthless if not used.

“You mentioned Erasmus,” Caspian said, trying to pry further. “Is he the curator of the Civic Athenaeum?”

Ryker nodded. “Yes, Erasmus Kaledin is the curator. He’s a brilliant scholar and a mentor to many of us who work here. But he’s also a bit... enigmatic.”

Caerus and Caspian exchanged knowing glances, having sensed a hint of mystery surrounding Erasmus based on how Lucian had described him.

“We need to speak with Erasmus, Ryker.” Caerus began tentatively, “We were sent here by Lucian. Under strict orders to give him this.” Caerus retrieved the ominous red book from his coat. The leather-bound tome glistened in the half-light of the Civic Athenaeum.

“Lucian!” Ryker squinted suspiciously at the duo, “I know that name. According to Erasmus, he came to the Civic Athenaeum years ago and stole something from his chambers.” Ryker eyed the book attempting to reach for it. Caspian took the book from Caerus’s hands and spoke.

“I’m sorry Ryker. You’ve been a gracious host to us, but we’ve traveled far and have gone through too much to trust people blindly.”

“I understand.” Ryker nodded and continued walking, disappointment evident on his face. Caerus and Caspian shared a look, knowing that they’d hurt their friend by excluding him.

As they neared the large ornate doors of the Civic Athenaeum, Ryker stopped, turning to face them. “I must bid you farewell for now. But I promise to speak with you both tomorrow. If Erasmus agrees to meet with you then we’ll have much more to discuss.”

With that, Ryker bid them goodnight and disappeared through the doors, leaving Caerus and Caspian standing in front of the magnificent building, their minds swirling with questions and curiosity.

“I know what you did was necessary, but I didn’t like the look on Ryker’s face,” Caerus said.

Caspian nodded – his eyes sad but unwavering. “I know. But if there’s something I can impart on you Caerus, it’s to never trust people you’ve met only once.”

“I know,” Caerus replied sadly, looking back at the ornate doors of the Civic Athenaeum.

“Still… I can’t believe Ryker is connected to Erasmus Kaledin,” Caerus said, still trying to process the revelation. “Our situation just keeps getting more intriguing.”

“We stumbled upon it by simple luck. But now we have a way to speak with the curator.” Caspian said pointedly.

As they made their way back through the empty streets of Verdania, Caerus and Caspian couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for the next day. The promise of learning more about the secrets of the Civic Athenaeum and its enigmatic curator filled them with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

Little did they know that their encounter with Ryker and the secrets of the Civic Athenaeum would lead them down a path filled with unexpected twists and turns, as they delved deeper into the mysteries of the ancient city and the world at large.