by P. Tempest
“Very much so vague though.” I said
“Yes, he wasn't always like that but time affects us all” Jase said sadly, a slight downturn in his smile accompanied the words.
“He called me your boy, but then Orb mentioned that you have a boy," I put out there waiting for a bite.
Jase flushed.
“Fion was my master we are close but you have no authorization to know that," Jase replied hotly
“Jase, I didn't ask about you. I only bring it up now because I need your help and because I can't remember a single time you mentioned your son.” I said, attempting to calm the situation.
“Tristan, my life is my own. I would have told you eventually, but I have done my best to keep a professional distance between us.” Jase insisted
“Jase you have been like a father to me despite the hardships you had to force on me, I would want to know," I said softly.
“I won't tell you now, you asked for help. I will tell you another time.” Jase conceded. “Now what kind of help did you need?”
“Well as you can see I have my apprentice with me,” I started
“I can, she is lovely, a bit young for an apprentice. I can't recall the last time we had a female mage.” Jase mused, stroking his chin as he looked down at Sophia.
“Female mages?” I asked. “No, sorry. I need help with my apprentice, I can’t work and take care of her, and I need a new place to live so she can have a room.” I said, pushing through the distraction.
“I’ll answer the female mages later shall I?” Jase asked while looking at Sophia.
Sophia nodded her bright red ponytail bobbing slightly
“I can suggest you do what many masters did, you specialise.” Jase said, he started to pace around the room as he always did when starting to lecture. “You are gifted but young. You should have never been placed with an apprentice yet. Your oath has been taken, so there is nothing we can do about it. You are bound one to the other, that doesn't mean you have to teach.”
I felt my brow furrow as I listened.
Jase had wandered all over the room his hands waving as he spoke. “Why teach if you’re not good at it, it’s simple you do what is in the best interests of the apprentice. The old ways are clearer than the modern ones. Of course you should teach what you are best at.” Jase paused here to look over at me and Sophia, eyes shining and his face aglow. “Your duty as a mage is to serve the magics best interests which is vague, I’ll clarify, magic wants to be used, that's it. Your duties as a master are far more complex. You have to do what is in your apprentice’s best interests. She clearly needs new clothes it is your duty to provide her them or furnish a means in which she can do so herself as an example. The old ways were simpler because her duty to you was equal to your duties to her. You with me so far?” Jase asked suddenly, he always liked to catch us out when we had ethics class.
I nodded, Sophia nodded.
“Good, well now your duties are more one sided, it's not an equal part relationship.”
“Jase I know about this. I need to know how I can balance raising a child and doing my job” I stated exasperated. I should have known better than to give Jase the chance to lecture.
“I was getting there Tristan.” Jase said plaintively, his disappointment plain. “You share your duties with another. You can’t give her your best so you find someone that can.”
“But who? I don't know many mages that would take on an apprentice," I asked.
“Are you being wilfully blind? Most of Sophia’s needs don't need a mage. I can send a request for larger quarters. I will take her for some of the time and we can work something out for her care.”
“Thank you Jase.” I said relieved.
“Excuse me, don't I get any say in this?” Sophia piped up, her green eyes blazing.
I blinked, I hadn't expected her to object.
“Of course your do, my dear.” Jase said with a bright smile.
“Well this is sounding like I'm going to get passed around," Sophia said before turning to me “If you don't want me, say so. I won't be treated like this," tears threatened to spill from her eyes
“Oh Sophia, it’s not like that at all. I just don't know enough about children, I need help.” I said softly.
“Just say so don't pass me off on others.” Sophia insisted, her threatened tears fulfilling the promise and rolling down her face.
“Sophia none of this is meant to upset you, we just need to make arrangements to ensure you receive the best possible care.” Jase interjected, his tone soft and comforting.
“Um, okay then.” Sophia sniffled.
“Brave girl.” Jase commented nodding approvingly.
“So how are we doing this Jase?” I asked.
“You should have worked all this out on your own Tristan, you can’t rely on me forever.” Jase reprimanded me before continuing “We will authorise the lodgings change, I will find a nanny as well as work out a schedule.” a faint look crossed his face as if an idea suddenly appealed, he held up a finger “One moment” Jase walked over to his desk, he picked up his glyph-screen, a few taps and some swipes later, a smile appeared on his face.
Sophia and I just looked at each other while we waited, utterly bemused by the whole situation.
“Ha," Jase exclaimed. “You are going to love this.”
A sudden dread filled me as all the things, which would amuse Jase at my expense went through my mind
“What is it Jase?” I asked the inevitable question.
“Don't ask in that tone, it’s nothing bad.” a manic glee radiating from Jase.
“Just tell me” I flatly demanded. This drawing it out was always bad for my nerves.
“You and Sophia are authorized to live here, in the master mage apartments.” Jase revealed. “You take all the fun out of things," a conspiratorial wink at Sophia
Sophia burst into giggles, her earlier tears completely forgotten.
A puzzled frown found its way onto my face.
“How does that work? I thought only masters could live here.” I said, it wasn't what I wanted to say, but it was what came out.
“You have an apprentice, hence you are a master. I have arranged for your belongings to be brought from your apartment.” Jase declared simply.
I nodded, I suppose that makes as much sense as anything.
“Sophia could you wait outside for a moment please I need to have a private word with Tristan," Jase asked quietly.
Sophia looked between us searching our faces before nodding and walking to the door.
The door closed behind her.
“What has changed?” Jase asked abruptly.
I told him about the surges, Sophia's parents.
“Whatever you think Tristan I am proud of you. You have stood up and claimed responsibility for Sophia that is a very mature thing.” Jase said, his hand coming up to rest on my shoulder
“I’m not ready, she deserves better than me," I said honestly.
Jase just smiled before saying “No parent is ever ready, and we all think they deserve better. It's what pushes us to be better.” his face darkened as Jase seemed to recollect something.
“What's wrong Jase?” I asked
“It’s nothing Tristan, just some bitter memories,” a negligent hand wave as he removed it from my shoulder accompanied his words as if brushing the matter aside.
I had seen Jase do this for years, I wanted to help him but I couldn't unless I knew what was wrong.
“Jase don't, if you don't want to tell me, that's fine, but don't brush it off as nothing," I told him firmly
“I...” Jase spluttered out, shock stopping him before he started. Jase took a deep breath before trying again. “Fine I don't want to talk about it at the moment, but I will tell you another time. I asked to speak to you for a different reason, your friend, from your training has graduated.” Jase left it hanging in the air expectantly.
I was racking my brain trying to remember to whom he was referring. Only
one person sprung to mind, but he wasn't a friend.
“Did you mean, Elan?” I asked desperately hoping he would say it was anyone else.
“Yes I did. He got released to duty this morning, I thought it would be a good idea to give you a heads up, you may run into him.” Jase said seriously.
“Thanks I’ll do my best to avoid him, I no longer have to go to headquarters that should help minimise the risks.”
We nodded to each other. It seems our conversation was concluded. I went to the door to take Sophia up to our new lodgings.
As I reached the door, I looked back at Jase, “Thank you for everything Master” I said sincerely.
“You're welcome, my boy” Jase responded an odd emphasis on the my.
Another nod and I left.
Chapter 15
Our new home was huge, similar in style to enchanter Fion’s rooms, which were just down the hall. Thickly carpeted floors in a deep blue, to match the paler blue furniture and wall coverings. Sophia was standing in the centre of the room awe struck.
I was stood in the doorway watching her. The sight of her openly gawking at everything suddenly struck me as funny. I burst out laughing.
“What are you laughing at?” she asked turning her head to look at me, her hands lifted from her sides to rest on her hips.
“Nothing” I said quickly. I walked further into the room to stand next to her.
“It’s beautiful” she said, her green eyes wide, her voice soft.
“Yeah it is, and it's your home now. We will work everything out. Jase is helping.” I said gently.
Sophia blinked back tears before rushing to me in a flurry of limbs, those limbs wrapped around my legs in a desperate hug.
I awkwardly patted her back. I was at a loss as to what to do. I looked around in search of inspiration, an open door way at the far wall drew my eye.
“Have you seen your room yet?” I asked, pleased with myself for finding a subtle way out.
Sophia loosened her grip slightly, her head pulling away from its place my stomach.
“No, I have my own room?” she asked breathlessly.
“I think so you know as much about this as I do. Would you like to take a look?” I offered.
Sophia nodded and separated herself from me.
I was relieved to say the least.
We walked through the dark wooden frame Sophia going first. Her room was huge. A large four post bed dominated the room, a desk in one corner the wardrobe was against the back wall. A doorway that I assumed led through to her own bathing chamber set in the wall next to her bed. Elaborate windows streamed light in, complementing the glow globes set in the ceiling.
“All this for me?” Sophia asked softly, wonder and a touch of fear coming through.
“Of course it is Sophia, did you think we would be so cruel as to make you sleep in a cupboard?” I said jokingly.
“You’re a mage, you might have” she replied, her red hair slowly falling out of its ponytail as she fidgeted, the charm must be weakening.
I had no words to answer that. It seemed the old mages' reputation was alive and well.
“Just settle in, I will sort out some more clothes for you.” I said, deciding leaving her to get used to her surroundings might be best.
I crossed the hall to what I assumed was my own room, it was almost a mirror to Sophia's, except for one difference, there was an extra door in the far wall. I was curious I walked across the room the soft carpet silencing my steps. I had never really noticed how loud and barren my apartment had been until compared to this. Art on the walls, natural woods everywhere. The door was different, I could feel it swimming with magics, tightly woven into the wood. I reached out to touch it, gently feeling the grain. Stupid of me not to instantly realise why it was charmed. This was a workroom door. My touch had just unlocked it. The door swung open, revealing a circular stone chamber. A work station was connected to the raised disk of stone in the centre it wasn't just a workroom, it was a golem and enchanting room. The echoes of my steps rebounded back from the solid walls as I walked to the stations glyph-screen flashing on the screen was Jase’s ident. I touched it with a fingertip.
“I pulled some strings, you are authorized for golem creation, just don't abuse it. Fion countersigned my request. I have been waiting to spring this on you since the foundry. You have exceeded every one of my expectations at every turn. You have been the son to me that mine couldn’t be. Thank you my boy,” Jase’s emotion laden voice drifted softly through the room, a recording but no less real.
“You are welcome Jase, you are welcome” I said gently to no one. I wondered again about Jase’s son, then shrugged he would tell me when he was ready.
I looked again at the room, a gift from my master. I had an idea, a smile slowly grew on my face. I sat at the workstations chair, working out the foundations of it. Let’s see if it’s possible first.
There was a faint knock at the door, I jerked in surprise. Candle marks had passed since I had moved, I had been lost in my work. I blinked to clear the daze from eyes. I stood and walked around the stone disc on which an abstract form of lines, nodes and tangled concepts was glowing faintly in primary colours, it was nowhere near complete but I smiled at my progress.
I edged open the door, it was Sophia.
“Tristan, dinner is here,” she informed me.
“Oh it’s that time already?” I asked. I had been in there longer than I thought
“Yep, what ya doing? You just vanished,” Sophia asked curiously.
“It’s nothing just a little project,” I replied evasively. I sidled through the gap in the door pulling it closed behind me.
Sophia turned her head trying to see behind me. I was fairly sure that I had closed the door quickly enough that she couldn't see anything.
“Come on then, I'm famished,” I instructed. I walked briskly through our new home to the main living room.
I stopped abruptly enough that Sophia crashed into me.
“Oww!” she exclaimed.
I turned to her.
“Why didn't you tell me that we had guests?” I hissed under my breath.
“Excuse me for thinking that you may realise the food didn't walk itself up," she replied snarkily.
I plastered a smile on my face and continued my walk into the main room. The large table was set a simple meal of glazed pork and vegetables upon it. Four spaces were set, one for me, one for Sophia, and two for our guests. Mage Jase and a woman I vaguely recognised, but couldn't place, were sat at the table, chatting softly to each other.
“Tristan,” Jase greeted me “Nice to see you could join us. This is Avery Martin,” Jase indicated Avery with a hand. “She has agreed to be your aide. Temporarily while you adjust to the new arrangements. We will discuss if it becomes permanent at a later date. If everyone is agreeable.”
Avery for her part did very little, I got a dignified nod from the older lady.
“She served in much the same capacity in the early days of your training. Being a mage doesn't often lend itself well to the more mundane realities, such as eating and sleeping. Our research and studies take so much of our focus. So having a matron around has proven to be essential. We did try to instil a more balanced lifestyle in your generation, It doesn't appear to have worked that well.” Jase joked.
Avery smiled slightly, the act looking very unnatural on her serious face.
“Avery I'm pleased to welcome you, and more than happy to have your services” I said with a forced smile. I may need the help with Sophia but I managed fine on my own.
“Good, you clearly haven’t eaten all day, and by the looks of it neither has your apprentice, eat and I will tell you my actual job role. Master Jase has left a lot out.” Avery instructed firmly
I picked up my fork and began to eat
“My duties with regard to you are to make sure there is food in the suites, clean clothes, and clear spaces. Regarding Sophia, I will be her nanny at times that it’s required, suc
h as when you are otherwise engaged or she is between lessons, I will ensure the basics are done. I do similar for the whole mage academy.” Avery Martin said primly. Her whole demeanour screamed formal. From her tight blond bun, to her high collared clothes. For such a young woman she felt old. She couldn’t have been older than thirty.
“That sounds fine to me,” I said after swallowing. The meal was wonderful. I looked across to Sophia who was just pushing her food around on her plate. “How about you Soph?”
“Uh. What?” Sophia said, her face a picture of cluelessness.
“How do you feel about Miss Martin being your nanny?” I asked slowly.
“Oh right. Um, yeah sounds fine,” she replied half-heartedly before resuming her food manipulations.
Jase was looking between Sophia and me, clearly trying to work out what was wrong.
I shrugged. I didn't know any more than he did.
“I think the young lady is worn out if it’s alright shall I put her to bed?” Avery asked.
I looked back at Sophia, she was pale and had deep shadows under her bloodshot eyes. I instantly felt awful for leaving her alone this afternoon.
“No, I will do it,” I said. “Soph, you had enough dinner?”
“Yeah, I'm tired sorry,” she muttered. Her head drooping.
“Let’s get you to bed then,” I stood and held my hand out to her.
Sophia dragged herself out of her chair and grasp my hand in her own.
“If you will excuse us?” I asked politely
Jase and Avery nodded, granting us leave.
“Come on Soph,” I led the exhausted girl to her room.
“A sec,” Sophia said before darting into the room with far more speed that I would expect.
I waited.
“Come in,” she called through the door.
I opened the door to the dim glow of the globes, Sophia was in bed already, the rich blue covers up to her neck
“Is everything okay?” I asked as she squirmed in the bed.
“Umm, yeah it will be. I’m just tired and I miss my mum,” she confided, her eyes dry this time, she just look sad.
“It will get better, I promise. I’ll do everything I can to make things easier for you.” I vowed passionately.
