by Rick Field
“This year, I have added to that, Runes, Glyphs, and Magical Symbols, which is a two year course. I am an Initiate, as I have yet to receive any accreditation in that course, as I have explained earlier. I have also added a one year Blood Magic course. Again, I am an Initiate.”
Liane nodded, repeating softly to herself what the different insignia stood for. Trying to be subtle, she glanced at the other potential proctors; all of them were now talking to hopeful Assistants. Three girls who had tried to become Assistants were standing, somewhat dejectedly, off to one side.
She found it strange that so few Proctors were wearing as many insignia as Cassandra was.
Seeing her look, Cassandra offered an explanation without being prompted. “Most Nobles prefer an easy course through the Academy, My Lady. As positions are assured for Nobles, and most Nobles do not like hard labor, they prefer to take only a few courses, perhaps one a year on top of the obligatory course. I and a few others are exceptions. We work hard and take multiple courses. My Assistant will be expected to work with me. Are you willing to put in the work required?”
Liane looked up at the other girl, and recognized something of herself in her. “I am, My Lady.” She swallowed, and dredged up what she had been taught in the Initiation classes. “I am honored by your invitation to become your Assistant, and it would be my biggest honor to accept.”
Cassandra's lip twitched. “Excellent. Please follow me, Assistant. We will allow the bonding to take place, after which I will accompany you to your room, where you will collect your possessions so that we may move you to my room.”
“Yes, My Lady,” Liane said.
“Proctor, Assistant. I am your Proctor now,” Cassandra corrected.
“My apologies, Proctor,” Liane muttered.
“It is of no consequence, Assistant. We all learn by doing. I will assist you in your studies in Decorum,” Cassandra said as she strode to the supervising Mage, Liane in tow.
“Thank you, Proctor.”
“Doctora,” Cassandra said, coming to a stop in front of the Mage. The muttering of the people in the room died out. “My invitation has been honored by an acceptance. May I ask for you to place the Proctor-Assistant bonding upon us?”
The Mage nodded, and looked at Liane. “This is by your choice, My Lady?”
“It is, Doctora,” Liane replied, having taken her cue from Cassandra.
“And it is by your choice, My Lady?” she asked Cassandra.
“It is, Doctora,” Cassandra replied. The Mage nodded, and withdrew an athame. Seeing how Cassandra lifted up and held out her hand, Liane did the same. She winced slightly when the razor-sharp instrument parted her skin. Following the Mage's instructions, Liane and Cassandra held their hands together, allowing their blood to mix while the Mage chanted above them. To Liane's magic sight, it looked like dark red threads wound themselves around their linked hands, before settling on a small red ring around the wrist of each girl, a small red thread of magic linking the two.
“The bond is complete, My Ladies,” the Mage stated, muttering a spell to sanctify her athame of the blood of Proctor and Assistant. “The bond will solidify in two weeks' time. If either of you wish to break the bond before then, it can be done easily. After this two week initiation period, the bond will be much harder to break, and will remain in effect for the next three years under normal circumstances.”
“Thank you, Doctora,” Cassandra said, dipping her head slightly. “Come, Assistant.”
“Yes, Proctor,” Liane replied, learning quickly what was expected of her. “Thank you, Doctora,” she managed to say before turning and hurrying after her new Proctor. She did not notice how a small insignia had formed on the collar of her robes, nor how a corresponding insignia had formed on the collar of Cassandra's robes.
It did not take long for Proctor and Assistant to make their way to Liane's room on the ground floor of the dormitory building. Cassandra nodded at the clean living space of the small room, the well-made bed, and the lack of clutter.
“Good, you know how to take care of a room, Assistant,” the new Proctor commented. The girl merely shot her a smile as she continued to open her drawers, and pack her various possessions, few though they might be.
“Allow me to assist you, Assistant,” Cassandra said, waving her hand, forming a trunk out of thin air. Liane stared at the magic, before looking at Cassandra with awe and worship in her gaze. She had not been able to see it with her magic sight, but even with plain eyes, that spell had been beautiful to behold.
“That… that was beautiful, Proctor!” Liane said, before swallowing nervously. “Could you… could you do it again?”
Cassandra frowned slightly, not understanding why her new Assistant would like to see the spell again, but decided to oblige the girl anyway. She failed to notice the strange glimmer that appeared in Liane's eyes when she waved her hand to vanish the trunk, only to recreate it.
“Satisfied, Assistant?” she requested, still feeling a little bit put-out for being asked to perform the same spell once more, even though there was no real need.
Liane just stared at Cassandra, the look of worship even more pronounced now. She had been looking at the spell with her full magic sight, and had seen it take shape. To her, it was the most beautiful thing she had seen yet, more beautiful even than the constantly-changing magical symbols on the Academy's front door, more beautiful than some of the magic Mariam had once demonstrated to her.
The girl realized something. She loved conjuration. There was no way for her to recreate the spell without a runic equation she could modify, nor did she know how to manipulate her magic directly, so there was no way to recreate the intricate flow of magic as Cassandra had just demonstrated.
But her nearly perfect memory retained an imprint of it, and as soon as she was able to, Liane would attempt to recreate the spell.
“Thank you, Proctor,” Liane whispered, picking up on her new Proctor's irritation. “My apologies.”
Cassandra waved it off. “Perhaps you could explain, rather than apologize, Assistant,” she said evenly, leaning against the desk, and looking at Liane.
Liane nodded, then played nervously with her long hazelnut-colored hair. “I am unable to learn magic in a normal way, Proctor,” she admitted, finding it difficult to do, despite having a little experience with explaining to Milor. Her fingers trembled as she released the clasp at her throat, revealing the thin scar at her neck. “I was attacked two years ago, when I was eight years old. My magic reacted to save my life, but it was damaged. I am unable to cast direct magic in the normal way; I must modify each spell specifically for my own use.”
She handed Cassandra her over-used notepad with every spell she had spent time to modify over and over again. Cassandra flipped it open, and her eyebrows rose to meet her hairline as she flipped through the pages. “Impressive, Assistant.”
“My magic is unstable, Proctor. But it has given me a gift as well – I can see magic. When a spell is cast, I can see how it takes shape, how it is formed and finally resolves itself. It is beautiful. And that spell was the most beautiful spell I have ever seen,” Liane finished her explanation.
Cassandra nodded. “I understand. Judging from this, we will spend lots of time modifying spells for your use, Assistant,” She stepped away from the desk. “Let's get you moved into my chambers, and we will discuss this then. This is neither the time nor the place for such discussions.”
“Yes, Proctor,” Liane said, moving the stacks of clothes and her notes and books to the trunk Cassandra had created. When the lid finally snapped shut, Cassandra nodded and preceded Liane out of the room.
Two flights of stairs and one long corridor later had Liane looking at the new room she would be staying in. “I have that bed, Assistant,” Cassandra said, pointing to the bed on the right. “You may have the one on the left.”
“Yes, Proctor,” Liane said dutifully, starting to unpack her clothes, notes, and other belongings.
“
As you unpack, allow me to explain your duties, your rights, and your privileges,” Cassandra said, sitting down on her bed. “First, your duties. This year, I am taking four courses, Elemental Magic, which you have as well, General Magic, which teaches a bit of everything, Runes, Glyphs, and Magical Symbols, which teaches runes, glyphs, and magical symbols, and Blood Magic.”
“Which teaches Blood Magic?” Liane asked. A bark of laughter escaped Cassandra's mouth.
“Good deduction, Assistant,” Cassandra said, an impudent grin on her lips. “As you are also obligated to take Elemental Magic, as are all Mages, you will not be required to assist me. However, we will be together in this class, so I could recommend that you join me, for my greater knowledge will be able to assist you greatly.”
“The other three courses I am engaged in, you are not taking, and as such, you will be required to join me, assist me in taking notes, and assist me in the tasks and projects required for those classes. I will instruct you in the arts of note-taking, calligraphy, and all the other essential skills required to be a good Assistant. I was one myself, and will share the benefits of my experience with you. My own Proctor was not so accommodating.”
“Thank you, Proctor,” Liane said, closing the trunk and pushing it underneath her bed. She didn't know whether it was a permanent conjuration or not, but she didn't want to leave it lying about. Frowning at her bed, she pulled the covers off and started to re-make it, tightening the covers and making hospital corners. Her upbringing in the orphanage was still with her. Cassandra merely observed Liane bustling about with a raised eyebrow.
“Those are your duties,” she finally said. “You have the right to two hours of spare time a day, time you may use for your own devices, meet up with your peers, or anything else you may desire to do. I would advise you to use this time well, a break is always welcome. Now, as to your privileges, you are my Assistant.”
“Proctor?” Liane asked when it became apparent that Cassandra wasn't going to say anything else.
“I am Cassandra Airmistress; I am one of the most powerful mages in the Academy at this time. When in private, you may address me by my name, and relax the stringent hold on Decorum. Truth be told, I find it stifling. However, when in public, always remember that you are my Assistant. What you do reflects upon me, just as what I do reflects upon you. You will be allowed access and privileges above your year and knowledge, as it will be assumed that you are doing things on my behalf.”
Cassandra sat up straight and stared at Liane. “This means you can access areas forbidden to other Initiates. You will be allowed full and unrestricted access to the school library. You will be allowed to be up at all hours of the night, running errands. Fortunately, this will also allow you to ask for food or drink at any hour of the day. I advise you to make good use of this privilege. However, do not abuse it. You will not like me when I'm angry.”
Liane swallowed. “Of course, Proctor. Thank you.”
Cassandra nodded. “Good. As long as we understand each other, Liane. And now, we're in private, let's forget about Decorum for a while.” She reached over, and pressed something on the nightstand. “Two hot cocoa,” she told the stand. “One extra sweet.” She looked at Liane, who shrugged, then nodded. “Two extra sweet,” she finished. Five seconds later, two tall cups of hot cocoa appeared next to where Cassandra had pushed.
“Direct access to the kitchen. It's easier than running down to ground level, sprint across the courtyard, enter the administrative building, go to the dining hall, and place your order – then run back,” Cassandra explained with a small grin, picking up both cups and holding out one to Liane.
The girl took the cup gingerly, between both hands, and blew on the scalding hot liquid inside. “Now, could you please explain further about the limitations of your magic? You previously mentioned your magic is unstable and you must modify existing magic for you to be able to cast it,” Cassandra asked after both had taken a sip of their sweet beverages.
“Yes, Cassandra, That's correct,” Liane said. “My magic is unstable, because of the attack when I was eight. I was brought to the Academy, where my handicap became clear. The Doctorii helped me, teaching me how to read and write, teaching me Decorum, and working on my magic. When it became clear I wouldn't be able to use direct magic, I was taught Runes, yet only Runes, and then shown the theory on how to modify spells.”
Liane licked her lips, then continued, “As my magic doesn't react to normal straight-cast spells, I need to modify those spells to take into account the factor of instability in my magic. However, more elaborate magic, magic with its own level and method of control, does work, like with the chant. Rituals, Ceremonies, and using Runic casting should work as well.”
She put her cup down and lifted her gloves so that light played through the crystals that adorned each of her fingers – thumbs excluded. “The crystals on these gloves allow me to channel magic. Without them, it becomes even more impossible than usual. If I have to describe it, it is as if my magic and I speak a different language, and it feels as if it is staring at me with what could be described as blank astonishment.” She lowered her hands.
“Fortunately, as I have explained, it has given me an alternative. I can see magic, when I focus,” Liane finished her explanation.
Cassandra was silent for close to ten seconds, obviously thinking things through. “I see,” she finally said. “That is quite a tale, and I can see why you would receive a unique name – for you have unique abilities.” A vague grin formed on her lips. “It will be a challenge to teach you. I am looking forward to it.” She stood up, walked to a large closet, opened it, and withdrew a book. The proctor then slapped it down on one of the two desks, and lifted the cover. “This book is a record of every spell I have encountered in my learnings here at the Academy.”
Liane walked over and looked at the book. It was hand-written, with a style of penmanship that could be roughly compared to her own. “As I started this in my first year, the penmanship is atrocious on the first dozen pages or so. After that, I start to learn calligraphy,” Cassandra apologized. “We will work you through this book. I will expect of you to modify each spell in this book. If you truly need to modify each individual spell, then I expect to make you the best Rune Mistress at the Academy.”
“Proctor?” Liane asked, surprised by her Proctor's goals for her.
Cassandra turned to face the smaller girl, and fixed her with a look, yet said nothing, waiting for the younger girl to pick up on her mistake.
Liane almost shrunk back. “Cassandra?” she corrected herself, remembering what Cassandra had asked, and making her Proctor nod.
“Yes, Liane. You may not get there, but I will certainly work for it. Now, can I see that notebook once more, so we can see which spells you know already?”
The younger girl nodded, and removed her notebook from the desk that she had stored her school items in. After she handed it to Cassandra, Liane watched her Proctor go through it.
Frowning, the older girl read the copious notes and variations. “Liane,” she said, pointing.
“Yes, Cassandra?” Liane asked, looking at the passage Cassandra was pointing at. “That is one of the variations I discovered while modifying the light spell,” she explained after reading the lines in question. “That modification generates green light.”
“You are already modifying standard spells into different results?” the older girl asked, sounding slightly surprised.
“It is the result of my modification, Cassandra. I need to do some recalculations, and the results don't always match the result of the original spell, so I write down those as well. You never know when you need green light, or blue, or red... or yellow with purple dots,” she finished with a slight blush, pointing to one of the sentences scribbled in a corner of the page.
Cassandra shook her head once. “This will be very interesting,” she muttered, half to herself and half to Liane. “I am unfamiliar with the theories behind modifying spells to this l
evel. You will need to instruct me, Liane.”
Liane felt her chest swell. “Of course, Cassandra.”
Cassandra nodded. “Good. This is our schedule, starting tomorrow. We will get up at eight, have breakfast, and prepare for the rest of the day. From nine until ten, you will accompany me to the Blood Magic class, where you will assist me with taking notes. From ten until eleven, you will accompany me to Runes, Glyphs, and Magical Symbols. From eleven until twelve, General Applications. From twelve until two, we shall have lunch in the dining hall, after which you will be free to do as you please. At two, we are in Elemental Magic. This year, we are studying metal. I will expect you to be there. The choice is up to you whether we work together or not. I would recommend that we do so; but the choice is up to you. After four, we are free.”
As she spoke, Cassandra wrote the schedule down. “That is the official schooling schedule. This is my work schedule. After four, we will go to the library, and retrieve a number of works that will further explain the concepts touched during the day's courses. Contrary to most of my, and your, fellow students, I do not think that the courses given here are the be-all and end-all of the subjects taught. We will retrieve additional literature, and study those writings during the evenings. I go to bed at around midnight, usually. Tomorrow, however, you will retrieve from the library the works you used to study the theory behind modifying spells, and you will explain the process to me.”
Liane swallowed. She had never even stayed up that late, let alone work until then. “Yes, Cassandra,” the girl muttered.
Cassandra nodded once. “I have a strict work-ethic, and you will need to adapt to it if you wish to remain my Assistant. Thankfully, we have two weeks to see if you can work under this pressure.” She returned to the parchment. “During the evenings, I will also drill you in magic, and set you extra work to further your understanding of the subjects being taught during the day, so that you are able to do more than just take compulsive notes on subjects that you do not understand. I will also work with you on your Decorum.”
