by NAK Baldron
When the food appeared, Ren took a large drink of his wine. He was instantly filled with a warm sensation that started in the back of his throat and wound its way down into his gut—where it melted away the knot of anxiety.
"This is an impressive feast," Ren said to Nadia.
The music softly started back up.
"We find a reason to celebrate as often as possible."
"Back home—" Abaze began, but the look his sister gave him shut him up instantly.
No one else spoke, instead focused on the goings-on around them. Eating the delicious food, which proved to be even better than the meals they'd enjoyed in their own dining hall.
Perhaps they used different chefs.
As people finished their meals, the music shifted to a livelier tune, and young men asked Shaya and Adaku to dance. Abaze bit down his urge to speak, and Ren too found himself silent as he watched the girls dance with young men in their early twenties.
Periodically older sorcerers would make their way to the table to speak with one or all of them. More than once Ren was forced to recount his life as an orphan and realized he despised having to market himself in hopes of gaining a mentor.
The night marched on, and still Ren couldn't find his opportunity with Shaya, who stayed occupied speaking to prospective mentors, or dancing. On more than one occasion Shaya and Adaku danced with one another. They both ended up shaking hands with different sorcerers during the festivities. Ren could only assume that meant they found their mentors. It was great to see Adaku happy. Abaze on the other hand looked sullen, and Nadia kept finding reasons to excuse herself away from the table.
And the wine continued to pour.
Over the course of the evening it seemed that both Abaze and Goban had productive conversations that also ended in handshakes.
* * *
So what if none of them wanted him as a pupil!
Ren consoled himself knowing he'd done his best and come so far. First sorcerer from the Pearl Nation in three hundred years! That was worth more than being a prince of some Emerald Nation city.
The courtyard was as silent as the dungeon he'd been in on Shinzo. Ren looked around and realized it was as empty too! Alone with his thoughts, he made his way toward the fountain, and his private room in the apprentices' wing.
Might as well turn in early.
A sound plan, someone transmitted to Ren.
He did a quick double-check, but he was still alone. With a bright flash of white light, the Archamethyst stood before Ren.
Pardon the theatrical entrance, the Archamethyst transmitted. It's impossible for me to walk around here without at least one sorcerer needing to pick my brain.
Ren nodded along in agreement. Shock had frozen him, as solid as if he'd been caught outside in a snowstorm with no clothes. Standing before the Archamethyst Ren felt just as naked.
Nonsense, the Archamethyst transmitted and took a step toward Ren, so that they were only an arm span apart. I understand none of the other sorcerers took you as their pupil.
Obviously! Ren thought before he could stop himself.
The Archamethyst broke out into laughter, as warm as fresh bread. The honesty of youth.
Sorry. I didn't mean to be rude.
No, the Archamethyst transmitted. It's I who am being rude, to come upon you with no warning. I'll have to make it up to you.
Just then two sorcerers began to cross the courtyard toward where they stood. No doubt to "pick" the Archamethyst's mind.
"Can't stay," the Archamethyst said loud enough for the approaching sorcerers to hear. "Very busy, I'm sure you understand."
The Archamethyst took three quick steps back from Ren. "I'll see you tomorrow to start your pupilship." With a flick of his wrist and a smirk on his face, the Archamethyst disappeared into a ball of white light.
"Did he say pupilship?" A sorcerer Ren didn't know asked.
Indeed. That's precisely what Ren had heard too. Dumbfounded he stood there as the two sorcerers asked him a stream of questions Ren didn't bother to pay attention to.
I'm the Archamethyst's pupil!
