* * *
RICHARD PATTED REN’S SHOULDER, “Well done. I think we’ll work well together. You show real promise.”
“Um?”
“Don’t worry,” Richard took his seat on the sofa opposite Ren. “We all suffer memory loss the first few times. Your brain doesn’t quite understand how to shift from this time and place to another, but your magic does. You did well. You’ll be gliding in no time.”
Ren nodded his head, but his eyes said he was still baffled.
“We should call it a day for now. Go back to your dorm and be sure to eat a large dinner. It takes a lot of energy to glide.”
“Thank you, sir,” Ren stood to leave.
“Remember, it’s Richard,” he broke into a laugh.
Ren laughed too, but only half-heartedly. His legs were a bit unsteady as he walked out of Richard’s office, but wore off after descending the first flight of stairs.
* * *
SECRECY WAS PARAMOUNT, but it didn’t make it any easier to do what he must.
Ren is the child, Richard transmitted to his advisors.
Agreed, Emil transmitted.
A unison of agreement came in from Treasa and Mao.
Is it right to keep the boy in the dark? Marcel transmitted. He could be trained to become our strongest ally.
Or he could end up our worst enemy like last time, Richard transmitted.
Agreed, the other advisors transmitted in unison.
The matter was settled.
For the moment . . .
CHAPTER TWO
TWO DAYS PASSED WITH NO COMMUNICATION from the Archamethyst—or Richard as he wished to be addressed—and Ren still couldn’t remember their training together. It was like a block had been placed in his mind. He could remember climbing the staircase, waiting in his office, but then nothing until he left. Losing more than an hour of his day was hard to push aside, any time he found himself alone, his mind would wander back to the block. Akin to how a tongue rubs against a wound on its own accord.
The other apprentices stayed busy with their mentors, meaning most of the time their wing was empty. Without Goban to help, the library lost all appeal, and Ren wasn’t able to research voidwalking the way he’d wanted to.
Sitting alone in the dining hall, Ren was forced to confront his darkest fears—that his acceptance to the Amethyst Nation had been a fluke, and the Archamethyst would discover him as a fraud any moment. What would he do if they sent him back to the Pearl Nation? Maybe Shaya would let him return to Shinzo and serve under Akio. At least being a member of a thief clan held honor.
The doors to the hall opened and Nadia looked around to find that Ren was alone—disappointment clear upon her face.
“Where are the others?”
“I assume with their mentors.”
“Ah,” Nadia nodded. “And you?”
“The Archamethyst hasn’t called me back to his office.”
“Oh,” She slipped off her shoulder bag onto the table and took a seat across from Ren. “Did he not explain your position here?”
“No.”
Is she going to send me away? He won’t even do it himself.
“As a pupil you are entitled to access the Sorcerer’s Tower. Typically, a pupil is allowed to shadow their mentor during the day. It’s the only way they can learn enough.”
“I guess I need to go find him then?”
“Well, as your mentor is the Archamethyst, that may mean the council intends to limit your access to him. In all my time here, there has never been a pupil to the Archamethyst, or any of the highly ranked council members. You should be honored.”
“I am,” Ren felt his face flush. “I just wish...”
“All pupils feel overwhelmed and as if they do not belong. I think you should go find him. If they send you away, try again later. Show him that you are determined, and it will go a long way toward ingratiating yourself to him.”
“Thank you,” Ren stood to leave.
If Nadia thought it was a good idea to find him, then he wasn’t going to waste another minute.
“Wait,” Nadia reached into her shoulder bag and produced an envelope. “You have a letter from the Pearl Nation.”
Ren took it, eager to see who wrote to him. There was no name on the outside.
“If you see the other pupils, let them know I left their mail in their rooms.”
Nadia gave Ren a short pat on the back as she left the dining hall.
Ren used two fingers to tear the corner of the envelope—making sure the letter was on the opposite side, he tore off the right wall of the envelope, revealing the letter inside. The scent of burned firewood wafted out as Ren jostled the letter free.
Dear Ren,
You’ll be pleased to know that I’ve taken a significant position in Pearl Power and managed to win the confidence of the board enough so that they voted out Belfry Jr. as CEO. He still owns a substantial stake in Pearl Power, but he is no longer involved in the day-to-day operations of the company. Rumors have it that he and his son left the country to travel for inspiration. If you’re permitted to visit home, now would be the best opportunity. You’re always welcome to stay with me while you’re visiting.
In other news, magic club has stopped meeting. Julie didn’t take your acceptance into the Amethyst Nation well, and when she stopped attending, Gareth lost his motivation. I trust you are taking full advantage of your opportunity and keeping yourself focused.
Have you learned any new spells? I’d give anything to be where you are and I’m truly happy for you.
If you need anything, please write.
Sincerely,
Brandon Everly
Hearing from Brandon lifted Ren’s spirits even higher than Nadia’s advice. There was no way he would take no for an answer. Brandon was right, he wasn’t going to sit around wasting this opportunity. He came to the Amethyst Nation to learn magic, and who better to learn from than the Archamethyst?
With his mind set, Ren slipped the letter into an inner pocket of his robes, and marched off to the Sorcerer’s Tower. Either he’d find the Archamethyst, or he’d wait until he stumbled upon him.
But what he wouldn’t do was sit in the dining hall a moment longer, feeling sorry for himself.
CHAPTER THREE
WHAT HAD SEEMED AN EXCELLENT IDEA a moment earlier, now felt like a disaster. Ren knew the tower was tall, but he hadn't realized just how many rooms he would have to search through. Surprisingly most of the rooms he explored were devoid of people. On the rare occasion he did come across another sorcerer, they ignored his presence. He had stuck his head in the ballroom just to make sure, being thorough was something he learned in school. By the sixth floor he was short of breath.
What was I thinking?
No doubt the Archamethyst was busy, and rather than follow a systematic search Ren decided to check his office. It was a long climb, but maybe a sorcerer along the way could help him find Richard.
Panting from lack of breath, Ren reached the 48th floor to find the Archamethyst’s office locked. He knocked but there was no response.
What now?
The entire way up he didn’t find a single sorcerer to ask for help. Where did they spend their days? In fact, the island almost always maintained an eerie vacant feel about it. For being the nation of sorcerers, it had a distinct lack of them present—making the floating island more a monument to their power, than a home state.
For the second time that day Ren felt like a complete idiot. There was no reason for him to search for the Archamethyst by hand when he could reach out to him with his mind.
Richard?
Of course, there was no guarantee he would answer. Adaku had shown how she could block off her mind from her brother—preventing his transmission from reaching her. Regardless, it was worth one more shot before giving up.
Richard, it’s Ren, your pupil.
I was just telling the council about the promise you’ve shown. The Archamethyst transmitted. They’re
suspicious of you, and why I’ve chosen to take you on as a pupil. Some went as far as to imply you may have corrupted my mind. But alas, they are the jealous sorcerers who seek my downfall at every meeting. Did you need something?
Ren took a moment to gather himself after the over explanation he’d received. When are we meeting again? The other apprentices are all with their mentors, and Nadia was saying—
Oh yes, Richard transmitted. Leave it to Nadia to stir up trouble. What felt like a hearty laugh came through and Ren felt his body quiver. No doubt you feel left out.
Well . . . I mean . . . I just want to learn all I can.
And you will! Richard transmitted. Like I said, you show great potential. But I understand. I still remember what it was like to be young. You’re impatient, and want the satisfaction of success now, not in the future.
Ren mulled it over in his head for a moment, and realize the Archamethyst was right. He was being impatient, and it was possibly because of his age, but still, he couldn’t help that. The Archamethyst chose him of all the apprentices. Richard owed him the same education any other pupil would receive from their mentor.
I just want to learn in the same way as the other pupils.
And you shall, but I am not like all the other mentors. My time is not solely my own. I have obligations to run and maintain our nation.
I want to learn every day. Nadia said the other pupils are allowed to shadow their mentor. I want to do the same.
And you should, Richard transmitted. The council and I are discussing that exact point now. I tell you what. Where are you?
Outside your office.
Footsteps echoed off the stone stairs overhead.
Don’t move.
A young sorcerer descended the stairs and froze upon the landing, evidently surprised to find Ren standing in front of the Archamethyst doors.
“Are you lost?” she asked.
“I’m the Archamethyst’s pupil.”
Ren felt insulted that she didn’t know who he was. He’d been under the impression the whole city knew who he was by this point. Nadia had made it sound like it was such an unprecedented event.
“Are you supposed to be skulking outside his office?”
“I’m not skulking.”
Richard?
“You could have fooled me.”
“And why are you skulking up here?”
“I’m the chronicler’s assistant,” she flipped back her long black hair. “I’m tasked with passing along the most important events we discover.”
Ren didn’t know what to say, but the look she gave him as he stood there made him feel guilty, as if he didn’t belong. Not a new feeling for him by any means. His entire life in the Pearl Nation had been punctuated by people making it clear he didn’t belong.
Richard? I’ve got a problem here.
Why isn’t he answering? Ren thought to himself.
“Step aside.”
“Huh?” Ren hadn’t been paying attention.
“I need to get into his office,” she spoke slowly, as if Ren were a simpleton who didn’t understand the purpose of doors.
“Are you supposed to go in there?” Ren asked. “It’s locked.”
As a way of an answer, she reached her hand out to the door and he heard a loud click as the locks magically retracted. She pushed open the door, and he saw over her shoulder it looked nearly identical to his last visit. On cue, Ren’s mind wandered back to the blank. Would he ever regain his memories?
The chronicler’s assistant removed a stack of papers from inside her robes, and placed them neatly upon the desk. Ren considered waiting for the Archamethyst inside his office, but reconsidered. Richard had told him not to move.
She closed the door, and locked it, all while giving him a quizzical look.
“Are you sure you’re not lost? Only, you don’t look well.”
“I’m fine,” Ren spat.
This girl was beginning to irritate him.
Richard, I’m still at your office!
A bright white light filled the stairwell and when Ren’s eyes adjusted, he found the Archamethyst standing before him.
“Kokoro, are you bothering my pupil?” the Archamethyst asked.
She bowed before him, “No, sir.”
“Run along then. Nicholi will no doubt be wondering where you’ve gone off to, again. Far too often he’s unable to locate you.”
“Yes, sir,” She bowed again before heading off, but not before giving Ren a venomous look.
You called? Richard transmitted.
Sorry. I didn’t know what to do and she was asking so many questions.
Kokoro has a habit of involving herself in other people’s affairs. It’s one of the reasons she makes an excellent assistant to the Chronicler.
With a wave of Richard’s hand, the office door unlocked and swung open. Ren looked to him, only for Richard to gesture for him to enter. Reluctantly Ren walked in first.
Hopefully this time I don’t blank out. Ren thought to himself.
Please sit.
Ren did as he was asked, taking a seat on a sofa facing the Archamethyst’s desk. He admired the books on the shelves and wondered about the strange objects, especially the one which resembled an artifact Brandon had once shown him. Richard looked through the stacks of papers upon his desk, and then began to reorganize them while adding to the stacks—from concealed documents inside his robes.
Do all sorcerers keep documents in their robes?
I’m not sure, Richard transmitted. I suppose they would. Where else would one keep important documents? Why do you ask?
I saw the girl place a stack of documents on your desk, and she’d been storing them inside her robes.
After another minute of shuffling papers, Richard joined Ren by sitting on the sofa next to his, which shared an end table. They quickly fell into conversation about Nadia and Ren’s position as Richard’s pupil. He agreed that Naida had been right, and Ren should be entitled to shadow Richard, though some on the council no doubt would object.
So, we’ll meet tomorrow after breakfast? Ren transmitted.
Wait an hour after breakfast. I like to sleep in. Richard laughed, though Ren didn’t understand what was funny about sleeping in.
Richard stood, “Until tomorrow,” he reached out a hand.
Ren hopped to his feet to shake his hand. “Goodbye.”
Ren closed the office door behind him, and dread instantly washed over him. He’d have to walk back to his room.
I can’t wait to voidwalk, Ren thought to himself.
CHAPTER FOUR
“FROM HERE ON OUT it’s about your strength of will, and ability to shape your mind around reality,” Richard said. “We’ll use speech rather than thoughts while you’re practicing. I don’t want you distracted; this can be hard enough without added pressure.”
Somehow being told there was no added pressure, was actually causing Ren to feel pressured. As if he were expected to get this right in the first day. Was it really supposed to be that simple?
“Ready?” Richard asked.
They stood shoulder to shoulder in the dining hall of the apprentices’ wing. The plan was to voidwalk from there to Richard’s office. All Ren needed to do was hold his arm and follow. Significantly easier than voidwalking on his own, but it still required him to focus his magic. Unlike after passing the sorcerer’s trial, where they’d been able to step upon a seal—a physical anchor for two points, creating a bridge of sorts between the emperor’s palace and the Sorcerer’s Tower—today Ren would have to follow the Archamethyst as he created the bridge himself.
Not exactly a walk in the park.
“I guess,” Ren lied.
What he really wanted was to spend more time discussing the theory behind the process, but the Archamethyst was adamant about real world practice being the only method of learning—an utterly different teaching style than he was used to from school in the Pearl Nation. Even Brandon had taught Magic Club mostly by discussin
g the basic theories. It’s how they were able to develop telekinesis.
“Grab hold of my robes,” Richard waved his arm.
Fearing he’d fall behind and fail, Ren reached out for Richard’s robes. A bright light blinded Ren, and when it faded, he found himself standing alone in the dining hall.
A burst of light appeared behind him.
“You failed to follow,” Richard said, and took his place next to Ren again. “Did you see the tunnel?”
“No. I couldn’t see past the bright light.”
“That means your mind wasn’t focused.” Richard shook out his robes and gestured for Ren to take his sleeve again. “You mustn’t think of anything other than following my path. The tunnel is there for you. I promise. Ready?”
The worst had already happened—he’d failed to cross through with the Archamethyst, but he’d come back and wasn’t dismissing Ren as his pupil. If the Archamethyst believed him capable, Ren would try again.
Ren clenched the black cotton of Richard’s sleeve with all his might. “Ready!”
Again, a bright light appeared, but this time Ren managed to see the faint outline of an egg-shaped opening. Richard was gone, despite Ren clenching to his robe with all his might. Ren stepped forward and the egg shape opening grew darker, until he reached the entrance and became engulfed in darkness. He felt his fist being pulled forward, and the faintest sensation of fabric slipping from his grasp.
Richard? Ren transmitted, after trying to speak only to find he had no voice.
In fact, he felt formless, as if he weren’t actually there in the void. A disorienting experience to find himself inside a space, but yet not be there. The practice from his trial didn’t make this occurrence any less jarring.
Another tug on his fist, and Ren was being pulled through the void toward a pinpoint dot of light in the far distance. Less than a heartbeat later, Ren zipped through the void and emerged in the Archamethyst’s office.
Ren’s legs protested against the reintroduction of gravity, and he flung himself toward the sofa. Resulting in Ren curled over the armrest—face first in the cushion—with no feeling left in his legs. A split second later, his legs were on fire with a tingling sensation.
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