Alec chuckled again, and before Leo could ask what was funny, his friend explained the reasoning behind it. Whilst Leo had been sleeping, Sasha had apparently spent her free time when not on duty, sitting at his bedside, and not letting anybody else near. Leo had the look of surprise on his face, “All the time?” Alec nodded, “She seems very nice Leo, but I do find her a little strange…but then again I find most of you lot weird as well,” he added pointing the black robe he was wearing.
Leo listened further, only asking Alec to pause whilst the serving girl asked if he wanted anything else to eat. After ordering a plate of sausage, bacon, egg, toast and a cup of tea, he added another bowl of porridge to the list, before gesturing for Alec to continue. Daron was apparently well, although was still getting a little pain in the wound he had received. However, not everyone was so lucky, as a few apprentices had lost their lives in the city’s defence, as well as a couple of Masters from the warrior faction. “Everyone is thinking you are a proper hero Leo!” Alec blurted out, missing out most of what had happened.
Leo blushed a little, and shrugged his shoulders, “I don’t think so,” he said trying to remain modest whilst looking around to see if there was any sign of his breakfast coming. “If truth be told, I was not even sure what I was doing….”
“Oh and Jake and Mason are being awarded special medals for saving the kings life,” Alec interrupted him, thinking it newsworthy.
When at last his breakfast came, Leo continued to listen as Alec went back over some of the other things that had happened. The southern gates were being hastily repaired, and a strong guard set around the clock to ensure no enemy sneaked in. Apparently there had been several incidents of smaller skirmishes around the villages and farmsteads to the west, but the enemy had as a rule retreated in numbers. The king and Masters had also authorised another intake into the guild, and they were to go on a recruitment drive as soon as possible. “Of course the problem they have, is that they are needed here, especially your lot,” Alec said as he watched Leo shove half a slice of toast in his mouth in one go.
After eating more breakfast in one sitting than he would normally eat in three or four, Leo felt content with his fill. He eventually stood and Alec did likewise, although as they turned to leave, a group of familiar faces walked into the dining hall. His fellow first year apprentice sorcerers walked en-masse towards him, and was surprised when both Amber and Alexa planted kisses on his cheek. Even Mason and Jake were there back amongst them, after their short time being royal protectors, something Leo thought he needed to ask them about later on; so much catching up he thought.
After all the emotion of the reunion, Leo noticed two absentees amongst their number. “Where are Ewan and Mia?” he asked noticing their absence. Ben answered the question for him, “Mia didn’t cope so well during the attack,” he said explaining that although she was not physically harmed, mentally she was a mess. Ewan to his credit had shown just how much he cared for her, by remaining at her side. “Perhaps I should go and see how she is a little later,” he said looking around the others to see if they thought it was a good idea.
Leo expected them to go and head for lessons after breakfast only to be told that all schooling was temporarily cancelled. With more than a touch of disappointment on his face he was at a loss as what to do; sure it was good to be back with his friends, but surely now more than ever they needed to practice and hone their skills. Mason explained that the Masters were trying to figure a way of recruiting and still keeping enough of them here to guard the city; teaching was apparently a little further down the list of priorities.
As they walked into the main entrance area Leo spotted a familiar face waiting patiently for him. “Daron!” he shouted, his voice echoing in the vastness of the large foyer. An aged face smiled over to him, and gestured for him to step over towards him. After an awkward hug between Master and student, Daron asked not only Leo, but all the other sorcery apprentices to follow him. Alec not being of the same faction was left a little forlorn as he watched his friends all follow the King’s Sorcerer out of the main entrance, and despite their promise of meeting up with him later, he felt a little saddened about being the odd one out.
Chapter 25.
After making their way via the more traditional route of leaving the guild and taking the main pathway to the palace, the group were led into the main entrance. Being far grander than the guild, those that had not been there before were slightly in awe at the opulence such a building beheld, not that they had time to stand around and stare. Daron gave them no time for sightseeing as he led them down a corridor and into a large room.
Several rows of chairs had been set up in lines, all facing a long table at the front. Leo noticed some of the seats already occupied, and although he did not know names, he recognised one or two of the older apprentices, indicated by their blue and red belts. He noticed the familiar faces of the Masters sitting up at the main table, noticing Ayleen she gave him a little wave as he was gestured by Daron to sit.
Leo did as was asked and after sitting beside Mason and Jake, he looked over his shoulder as a few others followed in behind them, before he heard Daron asking the doors be shut, “I think that is everyone,” the man shouted across the room, before taking up a position in the centre of the long table at the front. Most of those sitting in the room were quiet anyway, but the old sorcerer banged his hand down anyway, asking for everyone to be silent and listen to what he and the others had to say.
Leo shuffled a little, trying to get comfortable, as he kept his eyes focused on those explaining their current situation at the front. They were all told in no uncertain terms that the war was far from over, and that it was only a matter of time before the Belarians launched another substantial attack, whether that was on the capital or another town, only time would tell.
Leo felt very embarrassed as Daron singled him out for praise, although he did say that everyone had been brave during what he described as ‘trying times’. Despite Leo thinking that was somewhat of an understatement he kept the opinion to himself, as he listened further. Now the battle had been won, albeit only just, the guild needed to expand its numbers, especially in the sorcery, warrior, ranger and healer departments.
The problem they now faced was who to send recruiting, who to keep teaching, and who to keep for protecting the city. As the talk went on, Leo tried to figure which group he might be placed in, and thought he would probably best be suited to the defence of Surmont, being as he had already helped in that. However, it was apparent that the Masters and Daron did not consider the protection of the city as the main concern. Their worry seemed to be more about getting any prospective guild members safely from the surrounding towns and villages to the capital. “There are many dangers out there and the enemy will seek to scupper our plans to reinforce,” Daron told them, “Therefore we and the other factions have made our decision accordingly.”
Leo listened with interest, as it was deemed Daron, for one, would remain in Surmont. He thought that obviously made sense, as the King’s Sorcerer was undoubtedly the most powerful and best man to oversee any defence. He was though a little surprised at hearing the Master’s, from the four guilds, would not be the ones doing any of the recruiting. “We have sufficient quality from the older guild members and apprentices to collect any new prospective members,” Daron announced to the room.
The sound of whispering between the apprentices was quickly hushed as Daron explained that only a select few would be going. The others would need to remain and proceed with an intense new training program, one hastily created by Daron, aimed more along the necessary military lines as opposed to the more general skills that were normally taught. Leo supposed that as good as managing to open a door or lighting a lamp with the use of magic was, learning to fight made much more sense.
Such was the intensity of this new program, that the older more experienced apprentices would now be schooled with their younger counterparts. There was no longer time for the Mas
ters to be teaching separate lessons, and those with lesser skills would just have to try and catch up. The older students would therefore have a duty to aid and assist the younger ones after lessons if need be.
Apparently similar meetings to the one taking place in that very room, were simultaneously being undertaken by the other factions, in various other rooms in the guild or palace. Daron reiterated that the need to bring in fresh blood, as he called it, was essential, and that doing so now would hopefully give them a chance to have a steady flow of new recruits ready if needed. Leo wondered how many in that room with him now, would still be alive at the end of it, even he understood what Daron was getting at; The guild wanted new members because they were going to be needed to replace the ones lost in battle.
Those in the room listened on quietly as the King’s Sorcerer started reading names off a list. All of the Master’s aside from Kian, were apparently remaining in the guild, as were many of the apprentices, although Leo was getting worried his name had not been read out. Free time for everyone was now going to be substantially reduced, as after training, as Daron referred to it, the apprentices of all ages would help with the guarding of the city; hopefully getting them prepared. Although Daron did not mention Mia by name, he did mention that he could not afford for any of the apprentices to freeze and panic in battle, and Leo knew it was her being the person referred to.
Kian was to lead a small group to the north, where it was thought the enemy had largely left the villages and towns alone; and hence it was deemed a safer area from which to recruit. “Leo, Mason and Jake will go southwest with a larger group and recruit from there,” Daron added before ending abruptly and seating himself back down. Leo sat with his mouth gaping open, immediately looking over to the elderly sorcerer hoping to catch his eye, but it seemed the man was not looking his way. Leo then turned to Jake and Mason, and was shocked to see both seemed excited by the prospect; but then again he thought, they had not yet experienced what it was like out there.
After listening to a few words from Arleen and Trenton, mainly aimed at the apprentices in the room, Daron once more stood and told them all they should return to the guild and prepare. “We start after lunch today, those leaving us will be doing so this afternoon, so get your things together,” he added finally looking over to where Leo was sat. After dismissing those in the room, the King’s Sorcerer made a beeline for Leo and his friends, “Leo!” he had to shout as the youngster had already turned to leave.
Daron placed a hand on his young student’s shoulder, and looked him directly in the eye, “I am sorry to have to ask more of you and your friends,” he said glancing at Jake and Mason. “You youngsters have the hardest job of us all, and certainly the most dangerous,” he added explaining that Leo was the best person to help keep any new recruits safe. “I don’t know how to select students,” Leo said interrupting the senior Sorcerer.
There was a short silence and a smile from Daron as he explained, “That is why we thought these two young men should go with you. They have already proved themselves capable of killing, as have you, if the need arises. I cannot send people who will freeze if you are attacked,” he added. Whilst Leo’s skills of the more delicate nature were suspect at best, it was thought that Jake and Mason would be more suited to the task of testing any prospective new candidates. “What if we pick someone who is no good?” Jake asked doubting the confidence being shown in his abilities. Again Daron showed calm and patience, “If you detect a good magic source, then once you get them back, we can sort out any not deemed suitable.”
Although both Jake and Mason nodded their understanding, Leo was thinking along darker lines. He knew that once a sorcerer was shown the path to his power source, he would need to use it regularly to maintain it. If, as Daron was suggesting that any non-suitable candidate they selected would be ‘sorted out’ as he had put it, that probably meant they would have to be dealt with on a permanent basis. He was fully aware of the rules and laws governing sorcery, and it did not allow for people who could wield it to be left unchecked, or out of the control of the crown or the guild.
With their talk all finished, the three of them ventured back to the guild, which they did much quicker, as Daron allowed them the use of the passage linking the two buildings. Leo noticed how the passageway was now guarded by many more people than when he had passed through the first time, and now not only had warriors, but also sorcerers from the city guard amongst their number.
Knowing he might be out of the city a while, Leo thought it only best to seek out a few people before his departure. Firstly, he wanted to say farewell to Alec, and duly made his way over to the library knowing he would find him there. When he arrived, he noticed how empty the vast room looked, and that some of the shelves were bereft of the books that normally lined them. “We are packing certain tomes away for safety,” he heard the familiar voice of his friend from behind him. After turning around, Leo smiled and nodded, “I assume you’re not here to read or write out an assignment?“ Alec added. Leo this time shook his head, “Sorry no,” he said with a little sadness to his voice.
Of all the people he had befriended in the guild, he thought Alec was probably the one who had shown him most kindness. Although he liked most of them, especially Jake and Mason, he thought how it was strange that it was a literary apprentice that he felt closest too. “I’m going to be leaving again…not sure when I’m going to be back, hopefully a week or so at most.” Leo stood with a little surprise on his face as Alec just grinned, “I know…I’m coming with you,” the youngster added.
Leo was shocked in to silence, and could not comprehend the purpose in sending Alec out in what was sure to be a dangerous environment. However, noticing the bemusement on his friends face the young literary apprentice explained the reasons why. “The area you are visiting is the part of the country I am from, and when they asked for a volunteer for what they said was a very dangerous mission, I jumped at the chance.”
“Why?” Leo replied, unable to fathom as to the reasoning behind his friends rather foolish decision.
“Well, a couple of reasons really. Firstly, I want to help, and it seems whenever there is trouble we from the literary guild all hide in here, putting books in crates for transporting out of the city so they don’t fall into enemy hands.” Leo went to speak, but realising Alec had not finished talking, merely opened his mouth and closed it again without saying anything.
Alec explained that officially he was going, to take records of any person they deemed suitable for recruitment, but thought perhaps a little too young. The idea behind it, being that if the war was prolonged, they would already have a number of names to recruit in the coming years if needed. Although it was thought that even if the war finished, as many hoped it would be, sooner rather than later, the same lists could be used to help speed up the usual recruitment process. “And of course,” Alec said with a grin, “I knew if it was dangerous, there was a pretty good chance you would be involved somewhere.”
Although Leo thought Alec was making a mistake, he could not help but admire his friend’s courage and willingness to help the cause. After agreeing to meet up in the dining hall for lunch, a little later, before they were due to depart, Leo had one other person he wished to see before leaving.
He tapped gently on the door to the room Mia had been given, and was a little surprised when it was opened. The familiar face of Ewan, although looking much more tired than usual, glared back at him. “Oh it’s you…What do you want?” the youngster mumbled. Leo ignored the rather rude greeting, and merely walked on past the younger boy, towards the girl sitting on a chair by the window.
“Hello Mia,” Leo said crouching down to her eye level, “How are you feeling?” he asked looking at a face that showed the signs of fear. “She won’t talk to you,” Leo heard Ewan say from behind him, “She won’t talk to anyone anymore,” he added with sadness in his voice. Leo turned to look at the lad, and could see just how much he actually cared for Mia, and although
he had not liked the two being together at the beginning, he could now see that perhaps Ewan was the best thing for her.
Leo stood, realising he was not going to get a reply of any kind from Mia, and turned instead to Ewan. “Take care of her, I’m going to be gone again for a while,” he said offering out a hand of friendship to someone whom he had always thought of as a rival. Ewan looked down at the gesture, and for a moment Leo thought he was going to refuse it, but did in the end shake hands. “I don’t know what to do to help her,” Ewan admitted, starting to look a little tearful, and Leo had to admit, that seeing Mia in such a state, was somewhat upsetting. “Just be there for her Ewan, she needs you,” he found himself saying, not being to think of anything else.
Chapter 26.
In Belaria, King Oribe was interrupted from his nap as the news of his armies defeat now reached back to him. Surprisingly, especially to those in his court, the ruler did not seem overly bothered by the set back, and if anything, actually seemed pleased. “I am not concerned, about such an insignificant loss,” he told them, “We have large numbers on our armies, and with the upcoming sorcerers in the new guild, and the success of the exploding powder, we have the means to win.
The reports had told the king that the force he had sent had almost succeeded, and had only been repelled when a very powerful sorcerer had eventually seen them off. Of course he also knew that he had dozens of raiding parties still moving across the enemy lands, causing havoc wherever they went, all the time eroding away at the Caldronian forces attempting to resist him. With the news already coming from his newly founded guild, of long forgotten methods, being revitalised and utilised to counter the opposition of more powerful sorcerers, Oribe was content he would achieve success.
The Apprentice Sorcerer: The Caldronian Guild Page 21
