Post by Minalan on Jan 16, 2013 20:45:33 GMT -5
"So what can you tell me of him?" I asked, curious as always.
Professor Darius is one of the few teachers here with the patience to sit down and answer everything I ask. He grew pensive for a moment, and responded, “He’s twenty-seven years of age, one of the youngest of our order to be formally recognized as an Archmage. He’s thin and stringy of build, and more than a little sickly, even for one of our kind; he walks with a pronounced limp. I suspect the former is the result of some childhood illness, and the latter is a congenital defect. The man always wears red, the color of some long-dead order of wizards.”
Darius looked at me uncomfortably then, unable to meet my eyes, “You know what we ask of you Elerius, and I fear that it may cost you your very life. I am truly sorry that the burden must fall to a Neophyte such as yourself. The fact is, the Lyceum wants to know what he is doing. Minalan is one of the most secretive and ambitious wizards I’ve ever met. This is frequently a dangerous combination, and we suspect the worst. There are dark rumors Elerius, that he has been working great and terrible magics.”
I nodded in understanding. After finishing first in my class in many subjects, and second in a few others, I had my choice of masters to apprentice to. When the dean offered me this opportunity, I spring at it. Minalan has never offered to take an apprentice before, and one such as he will likely never take another. “Have you at least tried to engage him?”
The professor smiled weakly, as if he didn’t have the stomach to go through with this, “Many times, but he treats most of us with nothing but scorn and contempt. None have been able to get close to him. He is too private and reclusive by far, and I’m afraid that this is our best and only chance to observe him.”
He handed me a book, “Take this artifact, and use it as your personal spell book and working journal. Write what you learn there on page 1407. Every word you put to pen will vanish, and appear in a twin copy here, which we will read.”
I took the spell book, it was black-bound, and lovingly etched with gold and silver runes. It surged with power, and it was without a doubt, the most beautiful treasure that I have ever been given. I breathlessly expressed my gratitude, as I thumbed through the brilliant vellum pages. My mind boggled at the powerful spells contained within, carefully inscribed by the most skilled of hands, and using the most expensive enchanted inks. This artifact even had plenty of room for my own notes and additions.
Darius only smiled and winked, “I am glad you like it, it is one of Minalan’s own books. He sent it for you, as a graduation gift. We’ve only added our one “special” page. Likely he won’t even consider the possibility that it has been tampered with, nor will he suspect an apprentice writing notes into his own magic books.”
I nodded, while inspecting the binding of the book, it was of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Professor Darius looked out of his office window, “He comes. I wish you the best in this Elerius. Just do one thing for me, if you could."
I looked up, and his eyes were filled with sadness, "Please be careful.”
It was time to meet my new master, and begin spying on the powerful sorcerer while learning from him. Somehow, I have to do all of this without getting discovered and killed. What could possibly go wrong?
I need a drink...
Professor Darius is one of the few teachers here with the patience to sit down and answer everything I ask. He grew pensive for a moment, and responded, “He’s twenty-seven years of age, one of the youngest of our order to be formally recognized as an Archmage. He’s thin and stringy of build, and more than a little sickly, even for one of our kind; he walks with a pronounced limp. I suspect the former is the result of some childhood illness, and the latter is a congenital defect. The man always wears red, the color of some long-dead order of wizards.”
Darius looked at me uncomfortably then, unable to meet my eyes, “You know what we ask of you Elerius, and I fear that it may cost you your very life. I am truly sorry that the burden must fall to a Neophyte such as yourself. The fact is, the Lyceum wants to know what he is doing. Minalan is one of the most secretive and ambitious wizards I’ve ever met. This is frequently a dangerous combination, and we suspect the worst. There are dark rumors Elerius, that he has been working great and terrible magics.”
I nodded in understanding. After finishing first in my class in many subjects, and second in a few others, I had my choice of masters to apprentice to. When the dean offered me this opportunity, I spring at it. Minalan has never offered to take an apprentice before, and one such as he will likely never take another. “Have you at least tried to engage him?”
The professor smiled weakly, as if he didn’t have the stomach to go through with this, “Many times, but he treats most of us with nothing but scorn and contempt. None have been able to get close to him. He is too private and reclusive by far, and I’m afraid that this is our best and only chance to observe him.”
He handed me a book, “Take this artifact, and use it as your personal spell book and working journal. Write what you learn there on page 1407. Every word you put to pen will vanish, and appear in a twin copy here, which we will read.”
I took the spell book, it was black-bound, and lovingly etched with gold and silver runes. It surged with power, and it was without a doubt, the most beautiful treasure that I have ever been given. I breathlessly expressed my gratitude, as I thumbed through the brilliant vellum pages. My mind boggled at the powerful spells contained within, carefully inscribed by the most skilled of hands, and using the most expensive enchanted inks. This artifact even had plenty of room for my own notes and additions.
Darius only smiled and winked, “I am glad you like it, it is one of Minalan’s own books. He sent it for you, as a graduation gift. We’ve only added our one “special” page. Likely he won’t even consider the possibility that it has been tampered with, nor will he suspect an apprentice writing notes into his own magic books.”
I nodded, while inspecting the binding of the book, it was of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Professor Darius looked out of his office window, “He comes. I wish you the best in this Elerius. Just do one thing for me, if you could."
I looked up, and his eyes were filled with sadness, "Please be careful.”
It was time to meet my new master, and begin spying on the powerful sorcerer while learning from him. Somehow, I have to do all of this without getting discovered and killed. What could possibly go wrong?
I need a drink...
