Adept

by J. P. Larson

  “Oh.”

  “But there’s no denying the results,” she added. She stepped over, looking into the small vat I was stirring, tendrils of magic wisping about as I stirred. “Iladarta, how much of this can you see?”

  “As I understand it,” Iladarta replied without even looking over, “Less than half.”

  “I’m being silly,” I said. “Senior Magus isn’t in my future.” I leaned closer and sniffed at the mixture, then dipped my little finger in and took up a little glop. I eyed it but wasn’t satisfied. I flicked it back to join the rest, then continued to stir, adding a little more healing magic, bound together with botany.

  Marie shook her head. “I wish your grandmother were here.”

  “I do, too,” I said, my voice turning a little raw.

  Marie looked at me, setting her hand on my shoulder. “Kia, if you wanted official recognition for creating a unique blend of magic, I would support you.”

  “It doesn’t matter,” I said. “I’m not doing any of this for recognition.” I eyed the mixture. “I think I need more muscles.”

  Lunia laughed and stepped to my side, taking the big, wooden ladle from my hands. She stirred deeper, making sure to get the bottom. I focused my magic, setting my hands over hers as she stirred. “Thank you,” I whispered.

  * * * *

  We had a week of that, a week of long days, and I came home exhausted each night. Marie didn’t come the other days, but Iladarta was there. Quartain came twice, Larpeen with her.

  I was shocked the day Sytara sauntered in, but then the color drained from my face, and if Lunia hadn’t steadied me, I don’t know what would have happened. “Eva?” I whispered.

  “Oh, Kia,” Sytara said. “No. I just was curious. Lunia, I believe she should sit down.”

  They fussed at me for a minute while I got myself under control, but then I turned to Sytara. “You swear they’re fine.”

  “No, I don’t. I swear I don’t have any reason to believe they aren’t. It’s not the same thing.”

  “All right,” I said with a nod. I took several deep breaths and then another drink from the water Nami had handed to me. “What can I do for you?”

  “I just wanted to see what you were doing.”

  “I don’t have time to give you a tour,” I said. “But someone else can.”

  “I’ve had a tour; what I haven’t had is opportunity to see you work. Do you mind?”

  “No.” I stood. Lunia steadied me again, but now that I knew Sytara hadn’t come with bad news, I was fine. I gestured. “I was stirring in magic. I don’t know how much you’ll see.”

  Sytara stayed for about an hour. She couldn’t really see very much, as she had very little healing magic and no botany at all. But she asked a few questions, and when she was done, she asked, “How effective is this?”

  “Do you have trouble sleeping at night?” I asked.

  “Yes, but not for swollen joints.”

  “Oh. I’m not sure I’m much help with the other things that might keep you up,” I said. “But we do mix a little something that helps make people sleepy. It’s entirely mundane, no magic required, although Iladarta seals the casks we’re not immediately parceling out.

  “Is it some sort of drug?”

  “No more so than chamomile tea,” Iladarta replied. “Nights I can’t sleep, I brew a cup of tea and then use a pinch of the Dr. K’s sleepytime gel.”

  “In the tea?”

  “No. On my hands. It’s just a soothing scent, and I tend to sleep like this.” She cupped her hands under her chin.

  “We’ve had a few people put a little on their upper lips,” Fardia said.

  I made a face. “That might be a little too much. If that’s what they’re doing, we should brew it differently.”

  “Is it expensive?” Sytara asked.

  “Afraid you can’t afford it?”

  “I don’t want to waste it if you can only brew so much, and other people need it more.”

  “You may have a jar,” I said, “and if you find it useful, let us know. There are directions on the label.”

  “Thank you, Kia.”

  “I’ll get her a jar,” Ulla offered.

  Sytara left a little later, but not without one more look around. She stepped beside me. “Don’t run away again,” she said quietly. “If it’s necessary, talk to Hallamarie and let her calm you down.”

  “I’ve already promised I won’t run away. Was that some sort of threat?”

  “No, Kia. Ordeen can’t afford to give up any of our sorceresses. Your home needs you.”

  I nodded.

  Then, without another word, she turned around and walked from the warehouse. I turned and watched as she disappeared.

  I had no idea what any of that was truly about.

  * * * *

  I was to have one more surprise visit, and this one caused me to cry. It was our last day of stirring brew. Fardia, Ulla, and Nami would see to things after that, at least until later in the season.

  It was midway through the day, and I heard a bustle, but I thought it was simply lunch arriving, and in a way, it was. But then a distinctive tap, tap, tap on the floor caught my attention. I straightened but gave another swirl, using my magic directly this time, and then turned to look over my shoulder.

  And then I began screaming. “Grandmama! Mama!”

  I dropped what I was doing and ran to them. Mother opened her arms, and we hugged tightly, both of us crying. And then Daddy was there, and I turned to him. He picked me up to hug me, and I squealed, hanging on tightly.

  When finally, he set me down, I looked into his eyes. Tears were streaming down he cheeks, but he was smiling. “Hello, Daddy,” I said softly.

  “I’m so proud of you,” he whispered, but then he nudged me, and I turned to Grandmama.

  She had shared a greeting with Iladarta, and now the two stood, arms around each other, but I stepped forward and carefully drew my grandmother into my arms. She looked old and tired. I hugged her gently and whispered, “I’ve missed you.”

  “You’re all grown up,” she whispered back. “I was so worried for you, but I’m proud of you, Kia. You stood up for your beliefs.”

  “I’m so glad you could come.”

  That was when Marie stepped forward. “Well, guess who I found wandering the palace.”

  I slowly released Grandmama and looked at the queen. “The palace?”

  “She sent a coach for us,” Grandmama said.

  “I thought they would bring us to the school,” Daddy said.

  “I wanted to see them,” Marie explained. “But Quartain has a house ready for them.”

  I released Grandmama and moved to Marie. We hugged. I kissed her cheek and whispered, “Thank you.”

  “Never doubt my love, Kia,” she whispered back.

  We separated, and then Mama asked, “What were you working on when we arrived?”

  “Oh,” I said. “Grandmama, you should see this.” I grabbed her hand and pulled her to the vat. The others clustered around as I explained what we were making.

  When I finished, Grandmama asked, “Why aren’t you using any greenbell?”

  “I tried that; it didn’t like this mix of magic, so I had to find substitutes.”

  We gave them a tour. Mama told me, “Your brothers and sister wanted to come.”

  “It’s the wrong time to be away from the orchards,” I pointed out. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be,” Mama said.

  We finished the tour, and then Marie said, “Kia, how soon will you finish?”

  “Several more hours.”

  “I think perhaps your parents and grandmother would like to settle in, but perhaps all of us could share dinner at the school this evening.”

  “I’d like that, Marie.” I took another set of long, long hugs, and then, with Daddy helping Grandmama, I watched them as they turned and made their way from the warehouse. Lunia stepped to my side, and Iladarta to the other. They both wrapped an arm
around me.

  I started to cry, laying my head on Lunia’s shoulder.

  My grandmother wasn’t well.

  * * * *

  Lunia and Iladarta helped me pull myself together. At one point, Iladarta said, “Your grandmother has lived long enough to see her grandchildren grow into fine men and women. She can be proud of each and every one of you. But she had the most direct effect on you, and everything you are becoming is due to her. She and I have talked about it, and she is so proud of you, Kia.”

  “Is that supposed to help?”

  “Someone once said something very similar to me, and it didn’t help right away, but yes, it helped me, and I think it will help you.”

  “We all go through this, I suppose.”

  “Knowing that doesn’t diminish what you’re feeling, but maybe knowing we’re here with you can help.”

  “Thank you, Iladarta.”

  We stood together for another minute, then I took a heavy breath, sighed, and said, “I want to finish today.”

  And so, we did.

  * * * *

  I stepped into the house assigned to Grandmama and my parents. The house was already a little crowded. Lunia and I came to a stop, everyone looking at us.

  “There she is,” said Marie. She stepped over and grabbed my hand, then kissed my cheek, but it was an opportunity to whisper into my ear, “Are you all right?”

  “I’m not the one to worry about,” I whispered back. “Grandmama-”

  “I know,” she said.

  I squeezed her arm and then allowed myself to be passed around. Daddy looked down at me. “I’m not sure you’re any bigger than you were when you first left.”

  “Probably not much,” I admitted.

  “Kia may be small,” Quartain said. “But she has as much magic as any student I’ve ever taught.”

  “You’re all tiny women,” Daddy replied. “No offense, Your Majesty.”

  “None taken,” Marie replied with a small laugh.

  That was when the dinner bell began to toll. “I don’t know about anyone else, but I’ve been using magic all day and am famished,” I declared. I nudged Lunia, and then we flanked Grandmama.

  She looked left and right and then said, “I can still walk, you know.”

  “Which is why Lunia isn’t carrying you,” I replied. Then I got us moving to the door. We made our way across campus. As we did so, I pointed out the dormitories and other buildings, explaining what they were. Grandmama had been here before, but this was my parents’ first visit, and they looked around at everything.

  The girls looked so young, and I looked at them as they streamed into the dining hall. “How old are these girls?” Mother asked.

  “We have two that are ten,” Quartain replied. “But most girls arrive when they are eleven or twelve, like Kia did.”

  I pointed. “Those are the initiates, the first rank,” I said. “Adept Balarta is leading them.”

  We arrived at the entrance to the dining hall at about the same time as the initiates, but then Balarta made a gesture. The lead girl, probably a senior roommate as Eva had been for me, ran forward and opened the door. “Good evening, Senior Magus Quartain.”

  “Good evening, Josia,” Quartain replied. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome,” said the girl. She held the door as all of us entered.

  We collected our trays, Lunia and me helping Grandmama first. By the time we turned to the tables, we saw that Marie had appropriated space at the journeywomen table, which surprised me. I carried Grandmama’s tray while Lunia steadied her, and then Marie said, “Lysia, perhaps you’ll sit beside me. I’ve been so looking forward to your arrival.”

  Things took their usual time, but the dining hall filled, the girls collected their trays and stood behind their seats, and then Quartain stepped forward. “We’ve received a few odd looks. We have guests today, and there was more room at the journeywomen’s table than at the head table. No, I have not decided to step down several ranks.” There was light laughter at that.

  “Girls, you may be seated, but then I am going to very quickly introduce our guests.” She waited for everyone to settle, and then she said, “I’m sure everyone recognizes Queen Hallamarie. Most of you recognize Kia Shortshadow and her swordswoman, Lunia Darkstep. These other people are Kia’s Grandmother and parents, Lysia, Rordin, and Mathala. They’ll be with us for a few weeks. I’m sure we’ll all be quite welcoming.”

  “Welcome to Northmere School of Magic,” Astari said for everyone.

  “Enjoy your dinner,” Quartain said. “Perhaps we can convince Kia to entertain us afterwards.”

  The girls picked up their forks as Quartain sat down. But Mother was looking at me. “This is where you were, all those years.”

  “Yes, Mama,” I said.

  “The food…” She gestured with her own fork. “It looks very good.”

  “We take care of the girls as best we can,” Quartain said. “It’s not the same as home cooked. We’re making so much. The queen doesn’t make us skimp on cost, but it’s still a lot of food to make.”

  “They let us eat all we want,” I added. “The only rule is we mustn’t waste food, and we must eat in a healthy fashion.”

  “Some girls arrive with a dislike for vegetables,” Quartain replied. “We give them choices, but we are firm.”

  “As you should be,” Mother replied. She speared some beans and ate them while looking around. She gestured. “These are the oldest girls?”

  “Yes,” Quartain replied.

  “Astari,” I said, raising my voice. She and the other journeywomen looked over at us. “Astari was one of my roommates and is one of my oldest friends.” Astari waved, we were at opposite ends of the table, a little far for casual conversation.

  We had a nice meal. Mama had questions. Daddy was quiet, but I could tell he was listening, and he kept stealing looks at me. Quartain, Iladarta, and Marie handled most of the questions, but I provided a few answers, and Grandmama did, too.

  At one point, Lunia declared she would be collecting seconds and asked if anyone else wanted anything. “Rordin? You seemed to enjoy the chicken.”

  “We may have more?” he asked.

  “All you want,” Quartain replied. “Don’t be shy. If you’ve been watching, you’ve seen a few of the girls go back up.”

  A few of the girls finished their meals and left, but most stayed, talking to their tablemates, some of them shooting glances at me. I leaned to Lunia. “I wish I could show you.”

  “Eva will let Lorelai and I see sometime soon,” she replied. “Do you have something in mind? You’ve been casting magic heavily for a week.”

  “I know, and I’m tired, but I can do something simple.” That was when I created a figure out of magic, directly in front of Lunia. I lowered my voice. “I’ve made an image directly in front of you. It’s small. Hold your hand out, palm up.”

  She didn’t ask questions but did as I requested. I had the figure hop up into her hand, and then I refined it.

  That was when Quartain realized what I was doing. Iladarta nudged Grandmama and whispered to her, and she in turn whispered to Marie.

  I refined the image, making it look more like me. “She’s two hands tall and looks like me,” I whispered, “as much as I can.”

  “What do you want me to do?”

  “Toss her into the air.”

  She smiled, nodded, and then tossed her hand upwards. As best I could, I moved the magic with her hand then let it jump up over our heads and expand, making my image now life size. “Thank you,” I whispered.

  Lunia lowered her hand. The room quieted as my image looked around.

  “Astari,” I said, standing. “Please sit between my parents and quietly tell them what I’m doing.”

  She didn’t question me, but there was a small shuffling as she moved. I had my image blow a kiss to her. And then I set her to skipping around the room, adding a few more details, turning the room into a mountain valley, a g
host of magic around the edges of the higher peaks.

  Some of the girls pointed, and there was rapid whispering, which was fine.

  But then I made an apple tree, and I moved my image to the tree. I had her reach for an apple, but then I shrank her away from it, rolling her age back to a young child, far away from the apples.

  “Oh, Kia,” Quartain whispered. But then she stood and said for the room, “Kia’s family keeps apple orchards. They’re quite lovely.”

  I had my little self try to jump for an apple, but it was out of range, so then she lifted both hands, and I had a ball of magic appear between her hands. It took her three tries, but she extended the magic and successfully used it to pluck the apple from the tree, catching it as it fell to her. She lifted it and took a bite.

  The girls laughed.

  I had my image sit down and lean against the tree, eating the apple. But then I created a new image on the table, directly in front of Grandmama. It grew, and it was her, complete with her cane, in case anyone wasn’t sure. I set it for a walk about the room, moving slowly, but once I was fairly sure people had seen it and recognized it for who it was, I had the image straighten more, then throw the cane away, walking better. I was telling a story from nearly twenty years ago, after all, and Grandmama hadn’t needed a cane when I was young.

  “Kia,” Grandmama whispered.

  Grandmama’s image walked around the room, and then I set her to harvesting some of the plants I’d put about. In the meantime, my image finished her apple and then lay down for a nice, well-deserved nap.

  Eventually, Grandmama came upon me, lying down underneath the apple tree. She set a hand on her hip, looking down at me, and the girls laughed again. But she set down her basket then kneeled beside me, shaking me lightly. When my image continued to sleep, she shook me harder and harder, and the girls laughed again.

  But finally, my image woke up. I had the two hug tightly, but then physically I slumped.

  It had been a long week, and managing all this was hard. I let most of the magic fade. Then I let the two images fade, leaving only the apple tree.

  “Where did they go?” asked one of the initiates.