In the Ways of Camelot fantasy series, numerous magical enchantments are mentioned. Magic in this series is something that is crafted, using elements distilled from magical plants and animals. (Those into the Dark Arts will also distill elements from magical beings that have been killed.)
Magic is a skill that can be taught to almost anyone, as long as they have an ear for hearing the rhythmic sounds of the various elements. However, it is not something that is learned easily. Most magicians go through decades of training before they even reach the journeyman level and most do not attain master magician (wizard) status before old age creeps up on them.
Below, is a list of apprentice-level enchantments, including brief quotes from the novel(s) they are mentioned in:
Apprentice Level Enchantments
1. Whisper of Warning– Sets a magical boundary that, when violated, will warn the magician. Advantage is that it is a weak enchantment often unnoticed by other magicians.
Quotes from ROAD OF LEAVES:
He took some dried and pulverized ear of a Bearded Night Hare to recreate the impressive hearing of those extraordinary rabbits. He also took some powdered tongue of Western Tufted Martlet, for that magical bird was well known to whistle in warning whenever an intruder entered its territory. The final element was crushed leaves of a Whispering Elm to give the magic a softer sound. Next, he took out some of the mundane elements he needed to add to the mix: lodestone shavings, powdered glass, and a tad amount of silver dust.
* * *
Thom mixed it all in the wooden bowl and then spat into it numerous times, tuning the magic to himself. A magician always added something of himself when crafting an enchantment, using spit or tears or sweat or even urine. He once read of using blood, but his master had told him blood was a dangerous thing to work with.
He then added water until the mixture reached a soupy consistency. His inner ear picked up the change in sounds as the different elements intermingled. He was crafting an enchantment known as the Whisper of Warning. He listened to his work as it came together, making sure all remained in careful rhythm. Although he had crafted this particular magic often enough, it being one of the few enchantments taught an apprentice, he still wanted to make sure he designed the magic correctly.
When satisfied with the concoction, he dabbed some on his ears and then took the bowl in hand and walked a small circle around his blanket, dribbling the mixture on the grass. He listened to make sure the magic’s rhythm didn’t alter or weaken as he set it in place. Once the circle was completed, it gave off a beat so faint that most magicians wouldn’t even hear it. Should anyone or anything pass through the circle, Thom would awaken.
2. Wizard Light– Provides a sphere of light that can be sent to hover over a distant object. More accomplished magicians can handle multiple lights at the same time, sending them in different directions.
Quotes from ROAD OF WATERS:
He opened his magician’s box and quickly pulled out the vials he needed: powdered Azure Fireflies, powdered Meadow Dragon wings, and dried and crushed Glow Berries.
* * *
Thom snatched vials of powdered Azure Fireflies, powdered Meadow Dragon wings, and dried and crushed Glow Berries. He quickly mixed the elements and added his spit. He formed small balls of the resulting paste, balls that started glowing as he worked them. They were Wizard Lights, which would provide a soft light but no heat. Touch them and your finger might tingle, but they certainly caused no harm.
3. Fire Starter– A spark or small flames, used to light campfires, lamps, or other combustible objects
Quote from ROAD OF LEAVES:
He hastily pulled out his magician’s box and pulled out three elements and then shut and shoved the box back into his knapsack. Not worrying about the waste, he dumped the contents into his palm, mixing it with his other hand. His hand tingled and warmed as the elements mixed into the Fire Starter enchantment. Before it could do more than blister his hand, he flung the powdered mix at the small fire burning around the fallen torch. The fire surged in size, green grass shriveling and then bursting into flames.
4. Teasing of Air– a small windstorm that a magician can guide somewhat, much like an enhanced exhaling of air.
Quote from ROAD OF LEAVES:
If done right, the Teasing of Air would be able to send the smoke at the riders, but Thom was uncertain he remembered the whole enchantment. Fumbling in the dark, he opened his magician’s box and selected the elements by their sound. Having no time to dig a mixing bowl from his pack, he cupped his left hand and poured the elements into it, stirring the powder with his right index finger and adding his spit to attune the magic… Thom touched some of the moist powders to his lips and then threw the rest at the smoke. He made a sweeping motion with his arm and blew toward the charging knights. Surprisingly a wind stirred, sweeping up the smoke and enveloping the knights in its billows.
Quote from ROAD OF WATERS:
The sorcerer crafted a simple Teasing of Air and gave the other craft a push. The burning galley floated down the canal and seemed to linger for a breath, but then the Road of Waters caught it and whipped it away.
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