Naomi Passes a Test

[00:00:01] Artifacts of the Arcane, by Jake Kerr, Season 1, The Staff of Light.

[00:00:13] Episode 10, Naomi Passes a Test.

[00:00:20] Not far now, Mr. Ali said, although all I could see through the windows was English countryside.

[00:00:26] So what do we do once we get to the Citadel?

[00:00:29] I don't know what you will be doing, but first we will present the new Archmage to Cain. He will decide what to do next.

[00:00:37] Naomi fumed, but didn't say anything else. I decided to ask my own questions.

[00:00:42] Who is Cain and will he help me find my grandfather?

[00:00:46] Cain is the greatest master in the world. He has achieved heights in magic not seen in centuries. His guidance will be invaluable.

[00:00:56] Archmage.

[00:00:56] It was the master whose name I still didn't know.

[00:01:00] What was that?

[00:01:01] Archmage Cain. He accepted the Archmage title recently.

[00:01:06] Mr. Ali's face was frozen in shock. He recovered quickly, however, and raised his voice.

[00:01:12] Such arrogance. Such disrespect. There is and can only be one Archmage and he sits with us right here.

[00:01:20] He crossed his arms, looking defiant. Master Richard shrugged.

[00:01:25] You can take it out with him.

[00:01:27] He seemed amused at the prospect.

[00:01:28] We rode in silence and I considered the circumstances. The masters were truly impressive, but they didn't seem very pleasant or even welcoming.

[00:01:39] I was worried about Mr. Ali. He appeared out of his element. He was clearly impressed with the presence of the three masters, but they didn't treat him with a corresponding respect.

[00:01:49] I looked over at him and he had the furrowed brow and pinched face of someone holding in their anger and unhappiness.

[00:01:58] Naomi ignored us all. She was making rhythmic movements with her hands, which I understood to be some kind of magical manipulation.

[00:02:07] She was focusing her attention on some imaginary point in the distance while she repeated the motion over and over again.

[00:02:15] I stared at her. The focus in her blue eyes and the sharp angles of her face gave her a serious and intense look, but I found it made her even more beautiful like a lion or tiger.

[00:02:28] Despite her dusty dungarees and her dirty and wrinkled shirt, there was nobility in her, a nobility of purpose and a nobility of stature.

[00:02:37] I thought back and wondered if I did the right thing in confronting Master Simmon.

[00:02:43] She seemed thankful, but were my actions actually insulting?

[00:02:47] She didn't need me to save her. She didn't need anyone to save her.

[00:02:51] She made some small error in movement, something I didn't notice, something I couldn't notice, and dropped her hands, shaking them in annoyance.

[00:02:59] She looked up and caught me staring at her. I turned away, embarrassed, but my heart leapt at what I perceived to be a slight smile out of the corner of my eye.

[00:03:10] I looked out and noticed we were far from the city. It suddenly occurred to me that perhaps these masters weren't to be trusted.

[00:03:18] I thought we were going to the Citadel.

[00:03:22] We are.

[00:03:22] Then why are we heading away from the city?

[00:03:26] After being attacked three times in quick succession, I was nervous and not very trusting, even though it appeared that the masters had helped save us.

[00:03:35] The nameless master sighed and answered as if he was tutoring a student who hadn't done his homework.

[00:03:42] Just because it protects the city doesn't mean it needs to be in the city.

[00:03:47] Mr. Ali tried to break in, but the master waved him off with a hand.

[00:03:52] It is called Fort Belvedere, and it has been the center of magic for over 500 years.

[00:03:59] I had heard of Fort Belvedere. It was the home of the recent king of England who had abdicated his throne.

[00:04:04] I wondered if the former king was also Cain.

[00:04:08] With Mr. Ali's talk of my grandfather being involved in great battles and evil leaders, it struck me as reasonable.

[00:04:15] The prospect thrilled and intrigued me.

[00:04:17] The concrete turned into dirt, and before long, we turned onto a driveway leading to a large estate.

[00:04:24] It was cobblestone and in much better shape than the primary road that led to it.

[00:04:29] The main house looked nothing like a fort and more like a mansion.

[00:04:34] There was a massive stone wall in front, but it appeared to be useless against any real attack, as it contained windows and was not very tall.

[00:04:43] This is an illusion.

[00:04:46] Very good, Tommy.

[00:04:47] This is a folly, which is a building designed to look like something, even though it isn't intended to actually be used for that purpose.

[00:04:55] In this case, there is a wonderful irony at play.

[00:04:58] You're looking at something meant to look like a fort, yet commonly known to be useless as one.

[00:05:03] However, the reality is that it is a mighty fort indeed.

[00:05:08] The limousine drove through a small opening in the defensive wall, despite the fact that we were in a large vehicle.

[00:05:15] The opening changed even as I watched it.

[00:05:18] It was now a gated entry big enough to allow us to pass.

[00:05:23] We entered a courtyard.

[00:05:24] It appeared cramped between the wall and the mansion behind it.

[00:05:29] There was a fountain, around which went the stone road from the gate to the steps leading to the house.

[00:05:35] The limousine stopped in front of the steps, where a small group of uniformed men were waiting for us.

[00:05:41] One of the men opened the doors to the limousine.

[00:05:44] The three masters exited first and went off to talk to a man to the left.

[00:05:49] An imposing man stood facing us.

[00:05:52] Mr. Ali shouted, John, and went up and hugged him.

[00:05:56] Ali! So glad to see you safe!

[00:05:58] The man Ali called John patted him on the back and then pulled away.

[00:06:03] Mr. Ali turned to us.

[00:06:05] This is Lord Gort, Knight Commander of the Army Council.

[00:06:10] Wonderful to meet you, Knight Commander.

[00:06:12] Lord Gort was older, with thin short-cropped gray hair and angular features.

[00:06:18] His eyes had a sorrowful look that struck me as distinctly unmilitary.

[00:06:23] Despite my perception, his uniform was covered with medals, and he looked very serious.

[00:06:27] He didn't frown, and he didn't look angry, but he wasn't smiling either.

[00:06:33] More than anything, he looked like he was in the midst of a difficult and painful mission,

[00:06:37] and his calm was all that stood between loss and victory.

[00:06:42] He nodded to me and said, Archmage.

[00:06:45] His voice was even but short, like wasting a single syllable would pain him.

[00:06:50] I immediately liked him, despite his reserve.

[00:06:54] Mr. Ali returned to my side.

[00:06:56] We weren't expecting a group, Ali, but it is understandable.

[00:07:00] Details were in short supply after the disaster in New York.

[00:07:04] Lord Gort looked at me.

[00:07:06] At least you have the staff and the new Archmage with you.

[00:07:09] He is a worthy heir, John.

[00:07:12] Tommy used the staff to destroy a cavernous room black with shadows.

[00:07:16] There was great pride in Mr. Ali's voice.

[00:07:19] Lord Gort looked unsurprised.

[00:07:21] I couldn't help but feel proud.

[00:07:23] I had experienced the terror of the shadows, and knowing I defeated them

[00:07:27] was probably the greatest thing I had ever done in my life.

[00:07:32] Who is the girl?

[00:07:33] He didn't sound pleased as he asked the question.

[00:07:35] Mr. Ali looked surprised that Naomi was still with us.

[00:07:40] This is Naomi.

[00:07:41] She is an apprentice waymaster.

[00:07:43] Her mother perished, defending us from the Djinn.

[00:07:46] We will need to find her a home.

[00:07:50] Naomi stepped forward and addressed Lord Gort.

[00:07:53] She completely ignored everyone else.

[00:07:56] Excuse me, sir.

[00:07:58] My mother trained me to be a master magician, not a waymaster.

[00:08:02] A female waymaster.

[00:08:04] Lord Gort seemed intrigued more than judgmental.

[00:08:07] Before Naomi could reply, Mr. Ali broke in.

[00:08:11] Her grandfather was waymaster Bergeron.

[00:08:14] Lord Gort's face lit up.

[00:08:16] Your grandfather was Alexander.

[00:08:18] What an amazing coincidence we have here.

[00:08:21] The granddaughter of our greatest waymaster, and the grandson of our greatest archmage.

[00:08:26] He looked at Naomi.

[00:08:28] So how can I help you, Miss Bergeron?

[00:08:30] Naomi stood tall.

[00:08:31] I have decided that I would like to conclude my studies here.

[00:08:36] I marveled at her.

[00:08:38] She was more polite and respectful than I had ever seen her.

[00:08:42] But she was just as demanding as ever.

[00:08:45] She looked a remarkable combination of charming and confident.

[00:08:49] For the first time, the knight commander looked amused.

[00:08:52] You wish to conclude your studies, do you?

[00:08:55] Well, I have no need of domestic magic.

[00:08:58] However…

[00:08:59] Lord Gort paused and then smiled.

[00:09:02] It was the smile of someone preparing to tell a hilarious joke at your expense.

[00:09:07] Not of one who is happy in your company.

[00:09:10] Duncan, come over here.

[00:09:12] The man with the medals that was talking to the masters looked at us and walked over.

[00:09:18] Sir, what is that accursed spell that the senior journeymen are always complaining to Cain about being on the exam?

[00:09:24] The one that none of them can do.

[00:09:27] Do you mean Arachne's Ladder?

[00:09:29] That's the one!

[00:09:30] Lord Gort turned to Naomi.

[00:09:33] If you could show me Arachne's Ladder, perhaps we may have a place for you.

[00:09:36] It was as if time had stopped.

[00:09:38] We all stared at the two of them facing each other, the chiseled member of the army council and the young girl with the cowboy boots, dungarees, and defiant eyes.

[00:09:49] Naomi stood up straight and pulled her sleeves up to the elbow.

[00:09:53] She placed her palms flat against each other and then began manipulating her fingers with such speed that it looked like she was weaving something with her wrists shackled.

[00:10:03] A moment later, she moved her palms slightly apart.

[00:10:06] Her fingers continued to move and every few seconds she would edge her palms outward.

[00:10:11] I caught a glimpse of something shiny between her hands.

[00:10:15] And as they moved further and further apart, it became clearer.

[00:10:19] Soon, her hands were about a foot apart and a glowing mesh of material was spread between them.

[00:10:25] It looked like a tightly knit web of glowing thread.

[00:10:28] I looked at Naomi's face and there was perspiration dripping down her forehead.

[00:10:34] She stopped, a look of defiance on her face.

[00:10:38] All told, it had taken her about five minutes.

[00:10:41] She shoved her hands toward Lord Gort.

[00:10:44] It would be stronger if I had more time.

[00:10:47] I looked around.

[00:10:49] Mr. Ali's jaw was dropped open.

[00:10:52] Duncan was frowning.

[00:10:53] One of the masters was shaking his head.

[00:10:56] No doubt.

[00:10:57] He smiled for a moment and then it was gone.

[00:11:01] He turned to Duncan.

[00:11:02] Finally, someone with potential.

[00:11:04] He let his comments sink in and then continued.

[00:11:08] Find comfortable lodgings for the archmage and Ali.

[00:11:10] And take this young one.

[00:11:12] He looked directly at Naomi.

[00:11:14] To the academy.

[00:11:16] My lord!

[00:11:17] John!

[00:11:17] I expected the surprised response.

[00:11:20] But I was saddened that it came not just from Duncan, but also from Mr. Ali.

[00:11:25] For some reason, girls weren't considered as magician material.

[00:11:30] But I had seen Naomi and it was clear that she was not just skilled.

[00:11:34] She was nearly as accomplished as the masters.

[00:11:37] She is but a girl.

[00:11:40] He nodded toward Naomi as if perhaps the man who seemed to run the citadel had somehow missed that fact.

[00:11:47] General Duncan, how many of our current senior journeymen can do that spell at all, let alone using nothing but their hands?

[00:11:53] None.

[00:11:54] But they are all quite young, sir.

[00:11:57] Nonsense!

[00:11:57] And with that, the conversation was over.

[00:12:01] Lord Gort turned and walked away without a wave or a goodbye.

[00:12:05] Over his shoulder, he added,

[00:12:07] Follow me, Ali.

[00:12:09] Cain wants to speak with us.

[00:12:10] And I'd rather get that annoyance out of the way.

[00:12:13] It suddenly struck me that I was going to be without Mr. Ali for the first time in...

[00:12:19] What could it have been?

[00:12:20] Days?

[00:12:21] Longer?

[00:12:22] Being without him concerned me, even though we were finally in a safe place.

[00:12:27] Couldn't I come with you, sir?

[00:12:29] I blurted out.

[00:12:31] Mr. Ali leaned down and put his arm around me and smiled warmly.

[00:12:35] It is okay, Tommy.

[00:12:37] Your time to speak will come.

[00:12:39] In the meantime, you should get some rest.

[00:12:42] This has been a most difficult journey, and you need a soft bed.

[00:12:48] I whispered,

[00:12:49] Okay, and hugged Mr. Ali.

[00:12:52] He stood, patted me on the back, and then pulled away, turned, and hurried after Lord Gort.

[00:12:59] As Mr. Ali retreated, Duncan turned to us, disgust on his face.

[00:13:04] Corporal, take our guests to the living quarters.

[00:13:07] He addressed a soldier that was standing by the limousine.

[00:13:11] And take that one to the academy.

[00:13:13] He waved toward Naomi with his hand.

[00:13:16] The corporal nodded and walked toward us.

[00:13:19] He looked to be only a few years older than me, and when he reached us, his voice was very respectful.

[00:13:26] If you would please follow me this way, Lord Ainsley can attend to your needs.

[00:13:30] Your quarters are not far from there.

[00:13:32] He pointed to a long wing off the main building, with three stories and lots of windowed rooms that overlooked the entrance.

[00:13:41] There were three doors along its length, all of which looked identical.

[00:13:46] We all walked along quietly.

[00:13:48] I looked around the citadel, trying to take in what was illusion and what was real.

[00:13:52] What struck me the most was that even when you knew you were looking at an illusion, it was still difficult to see through it.

[00:13:59] Occasionally, I would get a glimpse of turrets and men manning them in place of what looked like a slate roof.

[00:14:06] But such images always slipped back into the reality as I perceived it.

[00:14:10] The former king's country retreat, with the appearance of a fortress.

[00:14:15] As we walked along the gravel path that fronted the mansion, its immense size became clearer despite the illusion.

[00:14:23] It was as if we were taking three steps for every step that it looked like it would take to get to our destination.

[00:14:30] After longer than I ever thought it would take, we reached the first door.

[00:14:35] The corporal stopped and pointed at it.

[00:14:37] These are the guest quarters, they border the main house and are adjacent to the apprentice wing which starts at that door.

[00:14:43] He pointed at the second door.

[00:14:45] The training area and classrooms begin down there.

[00:14:47] He then pointed to the third door.

[00:14:49] Young lady, that is the academy and you will be spending your time down there.

[00:14:53] He looked at Naomi and then turned back to me.

[00:14:56] But our first stop is here.

[00:14:57] He walked up and grabbed a large iron door knocker shaped like a frog.

[00:15:02] He wrapped the door three times, which rang out much louder than I thought it would.

[00:15:08] Immediately there was a click and the door slid smoothly outward.

[00:15:12] The door was massive, at least four inches thick, and made of iron-bound solid wood.

[00:15:17] But it moved as if it was as light as a feather.

[00:15:21] Was it actually a light door and an illusion made it look massive?

[00:15:26] Or was the door actually this massive and so well designed that it moved smoothly in the frame?

[00:15:33] By now I was losing track of what was and wasn't real.

[00:15:37] A girl about my age stood in the door frame as the door swung fully outward.

[00:15:43] Hello Felice, we need lodgings for the new archmage.

[00:15:45] He waved an arm toward me.

[00:15:47] Yes sir, and for the young lady?

[00:15:50] I am taking her to Mr Sagan.

[00:15:52] Felice's eyes went wide and she stared at Naomi.

[00:15:57] Before Felice could say anything more, the corporal added,

[00:16:00] I know.

[00:16:01] Perhaps they can find a room on the floor above the dormitories.

[00:16:04] He turned to me.

[00:16:06] Felice will escort you from here.

[00:16:08] I thanked the corporal and followed Felice into the building.

[00:16:11] I looked back over my shoulder, but Naomi was already gone,

[00:16:15] heading off to her new life as a future master.

[00:16:19] I wondered when I would see her again.

[00:16:21] I wondered when I would see her again.

[00:16:21] I wondered when I was able to find a room on the floor behind her.

[00:16:21] If I could see her again, not only the other room, but she wanted to come back and see her again.

[00:16:21] Thank you.