Kaijin noticed the closed shutters and murmured, “Looks like no one’s home.”
“Maybe we’re early?” Rorick wore a hopeful expression.
Kaijin smiled. “Maybe. Why don’t we go and find out?” After slinging his haversack across his shoulder, Kaijin took Rorick’s hand.
The boys traversed the long, cobbled walkway. The world around them seemed to change the closer they drew to the rosewood door. The trees and shrubs surrounding the house were neatly trimmed, giving the house an overall inviting feeling at first glance—and yet, something about the area disturbed Kaijin. The place was unusually quiet, as though they had stepped into another world. He could no longer hear the bustling sounds of the city or the peaceful sounds of nature. His ears were ringing; the silence was deafening.
“Kaijin, this place is scary. I wanna go home.”
Kaijin blinked in surprise and relief hearing his brother’s timid voice. Watching the frightened boy, Kaijin gave his hand an assuring squeeze. “It–It’s okay, Rorick. I’m—” Kaijin stopped in his tracks as they reached the stoop. He heard one of the nearby shrubs rustle.
Rorick cried out in fear at Kaijin’s surprise, and he wrapped his arms around Kaijin’s waist. “Ahh! What was that?!”
Kaijin’s body tensed as Rorick’s grasp constricted. He huffed and attempted to pry the boy’s fingers free. “It’s just a—”
Suddenly, the shrubs rustled again and a tiny, scaled creature skittered out and across the stoop, just inches from Kaijin’s feet. Its elongated tail was the last thing he and Rorick saw as the creature darted into another cluster of shrubs.
“Monster!” Rorick screamed, pressing his body against Kaijin’s.
Kaijin felt his own heart pound. He scanned the shrubs, but he exhaled as Rorick held him tighter.
The little scaled creature poked its head from the leaves, tiny black eyes staring intently at the two boys. Perched on one of the shrub’s branches, the creature jerked its head up and down, as if confirming the boys’ presence.
Kaijin narrowed his eyes at the creature. “Wait, th–that’s not a monster. It’s just a—”
“There it is, Kaijin!” Rorick wailed, squeezing him. “Let’s get out of here before it eats us!”
“But it’s not—”
“Kaijin! It’s coming closer!” He tugged at Kaijin’s tunic.
Kaijin stumbled backward. He caught himself before he could fall atop his brother. “Stop, Rorick! It’s just a lizard—a tiny little lizard! You like playing with lizards, don’t you?”
Before Rorick could answer, the front door flung open.
A middle-aged man dressed in simple brown robes poked out his head. “What in the hells is all that noi—” He stared straight ahead as if expecting to face an adult, but realized his mistake when he lowered his gaze and saw Kaijin and Rorick cowering in fear.
Kaijin and Rorick held each other, staring at the man. “W–wait a minute!” Kaijin exclaimed. “You–you’re that bookseller from the marketplace! Ja–Jar ... Jer ... Jarial!”
Rorick continued shivering in fear, his head whipping back and forth as he looked between the two, while maintaining a tight grip on Kaijin.
Jarial’s eyes flared. “Let’s get one thing straight, boy.” His tone dripped with malice. “You will address me as Master, and only by that title. Is that clear?”
It was Kaijin’s turn to shiver. His mouth went dry, and he felt his face pale as white as Rorick’s. In unison, the boys replied with shaky voices, “Yes, Master!”
The anger in Jarial’s eyes ebbed, and his face softened. He held the door open and beckoned for the boys to enter. “Very good. And to answer some of your trivial questions, which I’m certain you’ve plenty of, I’ve only lived here for the past year or so. Years ago, I made small trips to Easthaven to sell some of my wares. But the more I visited, the more Easthaven seemed like an ideal place for a permanent home from which to sell my wares—and perhaps do a little teaching.” He eyed Kaijin. “I’ve been communicating with your parents for a while, now, and we’ve come to a suitable agreement. Mind you, they have invested a lot in your training, Kaijin.” He shifted briefly to Rorick, regarding him coolly. “... as well as your brother’s.”
The boys kept silent as they entered. The smell of sweet incense tickled their noses while they walked through the rooms. Their eyes were drawn with curiosity to the various items scattered throughout. Books, scrolls, and odd-looking trinkets covered shelves and furniture. Faint, animal-like noises were heard from beneath the house. Kaijin paused a moment to listen, thinking his ears, perhaps, deceived him.
A brief flash of light in the corner of Kaijin’s eye diverted his attention to the study. He spied a pewter statuette of a Dragon on the desk. Kaijin recalled the image of a similar-looking Dragon from the banner at Jarial’s booth in the marketplace five years before. Kaijin wandered into the room to further investigate. The Dragon’s scales reflected an array of prismatic colors, and its eyes were crafted from glistening, deep blue sapphires. Kaijin admired the statuette’s beauty, never having seen anything quite like it. He reached out to touch the wondrous item, and his hand was slapped aside. He cried out, shook his stinging hand and then gazed up at the one responsible for the lash.
Jarial loomed over Kaijin, frowning his displeasure. “Keep your dirty hands off my things, boy.”
Kaijin pouted. “But it looks pretty.”
“You have two eyes—learn to use them more than your hands.” With a small tilt of his head, Jarial beckoned Kaijin to follow.
Rorick poked his head into the room. “Hey, big brother, what’s that?” He pointed to a flask on the top shelf of one of the bookcases.
Kaijin noticed an unrecognizable, cerulean liquid in the corked flask. Curious, he turned to Jarial.
The man huffed and shook his head. “It’s merely a potion for use in an emergency.”
“Potion? Like a magic potion?” Kaijin asked.
Jarial rolled his eyes and retorted in a mocking tone, “Yes. ‘Like a magic potion.’” He ushered Kaijin out of the study to join Rorick. “Enough of your trivial questions.”
The boys followed Jarial as he continued their tour of the first floor.
“This place,” the mage began, “will be your new home. The process of understanding magic varies from person to person.” He stopped and faced the boys. “While you both are here, you are not permitted outside of this house, unless I say otherwise. If you aspire to become adept in the arcane arts, you must remain focused on your studies. For now, the majority of your time will be spent learning the basic foundations before you begin your actual training.”
Kaijin listened in silence while he studied the trinkets.
Rorick stayed close to Kaijin and squeezed his hand, his fearful eyes darting about the strange home.
Jarial crossed his arms. “Any questions?”
“When–when can I see Mama and Papa again, Master?” Rorick asked in a small voice.
Jarial tilted his head at the younger boy, as if assessing him. “Rorick, wasn’t it? Well, lad, you will not see your parents for a very long time. It may be weeks, months—perhaps years.”
Rorick gaped. “Years? That’ll be forever, Master!”
“Forever is a long time, isn’t it?” Jarial quipped, his lips curling into a light smirk.
Rorick’s face fell.
Jarial escorted the boys to the attic. “Here is where you will both be sleeping.”
The boys peered curiously into the room which contained two wooden beds with a trunk at the foot of each. A pinewood writing desk sat in one corner, while a matching armoire was in another. Empty bookshelves and scroll cases lined the walls, and a single window between the twin beds let in the warm afternoon sunlight.
“Now, then.” Jarial turned to leave. “After you boys are settled, come downstairs for lunch.” He closed the door behind him.
Kaijin plopped down on the edge of one of the beds and closed his eyes for a moment. His mind
raced. He took a deep breath, indulging in the mixed scents of old parchment and pinewood. “We’re here, little brother,” he said softly.
Rorick walked to the window and gazed out at the Easthaven streets. “I miss Mama and Papa.”
Kaijin sighed and began unpacking his bag. “Well, we can’t go home now. We’re going to learn magic, remember? Come on. Let’s unpack.”
Rorick frowned and returned to his bed, where he dumped the contents of his haversack in a haphazard pile. He didn’t bother sorting through the mess and simply stuffed what he could in his trunk and tucked the remaining items under the bed.
Kaijin carefully pulled books from his own bag and lined them neatly on one of the shelves. He placed his folded clothes in the armoire.
Finished unpacking, the boys headed downstairs to the kitchen, where lunch waited. Two steaming bowls of vegetable pottage and two cups filled with apple cider were set on the table.
“Tomorrow will be the start of your training. Be prepared,” Jarial said as the boys took their places. He tore off small pieces of bread from a rye loaf and set one beside each of their bowls, prompting the boys to begin eating. “I am not an easy teacher; I expect you both to remain serious about your studies.”
The boys ate their lunch in silence while they listened to Jarial’s lecture.
“Every morning before beginning your studies, you both will be responsible for doing chores: fetching water, weeding, cleaning, and most importantly, keeping your room tidy. After all, the mind is more effective in an uncluttered environment.”
Rorick groaned. “But, Master, we already did chores at home. Why do we have to do more chores?”
“Because anyone who learns magic from me is required to do chores.” Jarial paused and narrowed his eyes. “And anyone who thinks he can skip his chores without my knowing will be in for painful repercussions.”
Rorick took a nervous bite of his stew and said nothing more.
Kaijin finished his meal, and he remained at the table, waiting for Rorick. Kaijin felt something soft brush up against his leg followed by tiny vibrations that tickled his calves. He flinched at the sudden tickling sensation and promptly slid his chair backward. Kaijin peered under the table and exhaled a deep sigh of relief. A small, black cat sat at his feet, purring loudly, its mysterious green eyes staring at him with curious intent.
“Oh, I see you’ve met Sable.” Jarial chuckled. “Don’t be alarmed, Kaijin. She won’t harm you. She is actually quite fond of visitors.”
Kaijin forced a smile and reached out to offer a gentle stroke to the cat’s soft fur. “Master, I thought I heard animals earlier.”
“Indeed, you did.” Jarial stood up and walked to a door. “Come, I’ll show you.”
After lighting a candle, Jarial opened the door and led the boys downstairs. The stairs led to a dark, narrow corridor, through which they descended deeper, following the dim light of Jarial’s candle. Canvas bags stuffed with potatoes, apples, barley, and other foodstuffs filled the shelves lining the corridor’s walls.
“Do not come down here without my permission.” Jarial broke the silence. “There are some important things that are not to be touched by children.”
Rorick furrowed his brow. “Like what, Master?”
Jarial scoffed. “Do not mock my intelligence, Rorick.”
Kaijin walked past one of the bags in which he saw a shiny red apple. As he casually reached for it, Jarial smacked his hand away.
“And do not think of sneaking down here to steal food!” the mage growled.
Kaijin winced and held his stinging hand. “S–sorry, Master.”
The boys followed Jarial until they reached the end of the corridor.
Jarial halted his steps. “Here we are.”
The boys stared at Jarial, confused.
“But, Master.” Kaijin gestured at the stone wall before them. “There’s nothing here.”
Jarial let out a low, slow chuckle. “Of course, there isn’t—to the untrained eye, that is.” He stepped forward, placed his hand on the wall, and pushed his hand through it.
Kaijin and Rorick gawked at the sight.
“A magical wall!” Kaijin exclaimed.
Rorick gasped. “How did you do that, Master?!”
“It is a spell that creates illusions,” Jarial explained. “In due time, with practice, you will learn how to do it, too. Now, come.”
The boys watched Jarial step through the illusion before following. They emerged in a small room illuminated in a blue hue by a flaming pot in one corner. Several steel cages, in which the boys spotted movement, lined the walls. Upon closer inspection, the boys saw badgers, rats, large spiders, and even a wolf pup. The eyes of each animal were pupilless and emanated a faint, white light, indicating a distinct difference from normal woodland creatures.
“This is my place of study,” Jarial said. “The creatures in the cages are all magical beings that I use as test subjects. Don’t worry, lads. They are bound to me and won’t harm you unless I command it.”
Kaijin felt Rorick squeeze his hand as the younger boy examined some of the creatures.
“Magical? Bound to you?” Kaijin contorted his face in puzzlement.
“Mmm.” Jarial nodded. “These magical creatures appear and act the same as their normal woodland counterparts. The only difference is their magical nature, which means they can be summoned and dismissed from this plane at will. It is far more convenient than having to constantly go and catch actual wild animals, no?”
Rorick released Kaijin’s hand and ran up to one of the cages. “Look, Kaijin! This one’s got lines on its eyes!” He poked his fingers through the cage to feel the animal’s fur.
Kaijin gasped and ran to him. “Careful, Rorick. That’s a badger. They are vicious animals with sharp teeth!” He pried his brother’s fingers from the cage.
“No, look. It likes me, see? It wants to play. It’s kinda cute.”
Kaijin blinked. “I can’t believe you, Rorick. Only hours ago, you were terrified of a harmless little lizard, and now you want to play with one of the most vicious creatures in the forest!”
“But that wasn’t a lizard! That was a monster!”
Kaijin slapped his own forehead.
“I take it the little one has never ventured into the woodlands?” Jarial inquired, approaching the boys.
“No, Master.” Kaijin shook his head.
Jarial smirked at Rorick. “Badgers are quite fascinating creatures. They are fearless and resilient when it comes to survival. Did you know they also have impeccable senses of smell and hearing? Not only are they exceptional diggers, but they can climb trees as well.”
Rorick’s eyes lit up in awe.
Kaijin made a sour face. “But Master, what about—”
With a small wave of his hand, Jarial silenced him. “These particular species of badgers are actually quite sociable.” He winked at Rorick. “However, they are also known to be very territorial.”
Rorick’s excited expression faded. “What does ‘terr-i-tor-i-al’ mean, Master?”
Jarial glanced at the badger. His pupils vanished, and his eyes emitted a brief, white glow before returning to their normal shade.
The badger lashed out at Rorick, growling and baring sharp canines.
Rorick yelped and hid behind Kaijin. “Save me, big brother! It’s going to eat me!”
Kaijin saw the frenzied animal poke its claws and elongated snout through the bars. He stiffened and pushed Rorick further away from the cages with his arm. “Master, can you calm it down?”
“Of course, I can.” With a small gesture of his hand and a brief chant, Jarial calmed the animal.
Both Kaijin and Rorick watched in awe as the badger complied with Jarial’s strange command. When all was safe again, Kaijin released Rorick.
“You see?” Kaijin glared at his brother. “They are vicious. Don’t do that again!”
Rorick opened his mouth to speak, quickly closed it, and lowered his head.
<
br /> Jarial regarded them, a hint of a smile remaining on his face. “Listen to your elders, Rorick. That is, perhaps, the best lesson you can learn today.”
“Yes, Master.” Rorick muttered.
Kaijin’s eyes lifted to Jarial. “Will you teach me how to summon animals, too, Master?”
“Perhaps, if conjuring things is what interests you. But first, you will need to learn the basics.”
Kaijin beamed. He felt his eyes lit up at the thought of a challenge—one he was determined to overcome.
* * *
Evening drew upon the city and the boys retired to their room. With their first day of training beginning the following morning, Kaijin and Rorick went to bed early.
Kaijin lay in his bed, reading one of his books by candlelight while Rorick quickly fell asleep. After concluding another chapter, Kaijin marked a page and set the book on the floor beside his bed. He stared at the wooden rafters above, letting his mind retrace the day’s events.
I can’t believe I’m here, he mused. I’m finally learning magic!
Kaijin rolled over and stared at the burning candle atop the windowsill. His eyes remained fixated on the flame until he felt himself enter a trancelike state. The phenomenon was short-lived. He heard Rorick roll over in bed and mutter in his sleep.
“Mmm ... I told you ... it was a monster ...”
Kaijin broke his concentration and observed his brother.
“Let’s ... feed it some badgers, big brother ... then it’ll be too stuffed and full to eat us.”
Kaijin stifled a laugh. He was amazed at Rorick’s wild imagination. His eyes returned to the burning candle, and his own mind wandered again. The peaceful sensation lulled Kaijin, and he reached for the small flame. The tips of his fingers scorched. Kaijin withdrew his hand and nursed the wound, his eyes burning from holding back his tears. Somehow, despite the throbbing pain in his hand, Kaijin was once more inclined to reach for the flame. Passionate temptation eclipsed his willpower, and he inched his seared fingers toward the fire again, producing the same painful results. He smiled, the increased pain in his hand filling his body with a newfound pleasure. As the night drew on, Kaijin continued playing with the candle until his seared hands became numb.
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