The Quartermaster Gives Me Spectacles

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

[00:00:13] Episode 12. The Quartermaster Gives Me Spectacles.

[00:00:19] I awoke, curled near the pillows. I had somehow burrowed under a blanket, but other than that, I was exactly as I was when I climbed onto the bed.

[00:00:28] Light shone through a large window in the wall to my left, and to my horror, my shoes were still on and the light illuminated every bit of dried mud and dirt that I had ground into the linens and blankets as I slept.

[00:00:42] I leapt off the bed and furiously slapped at the linens, using my hands to push the bits of dirt onto the floor.

[00:00:49] I realized that I was just getting the floor dirty in the process, so I started to try and sweep the dirt into my left hand with my right.

[00:00:59] I looked around for a wastebasket, but there was none.

[00:01:02] I shoved the bits of dirt into my pockets and then continued to clean the bed.

[00:01:07] I did my best, but it was a lost cause.

[00:01:10] The bottom of the bed looked like someone had danced on it with dirty shoes.

[00:01:14] It was not how I wanted to present myself to Duncan or Lord Gort or Lord Ainsley.

[00:01:20] I felt rather intimidated by their importance and sophistication.

[00:01:24] I had never been outside of New York, and their accents made me think I was talking with royalty.

[00:01:29] I stood up and looked around the room.

[00:01:32] There were two nightstands on either side of the bed, each with an electric lamp of ornate design.

[00:01:39] They sat upon white lace that covered the entire surface.

[00:01:43] Other than the handbell on the table nearest the door, there was nothing else on them.

[00:01:48] They both had drawers, which proved to be empty.

[00:01:51] Across from the doorway stood the window, and next to the window was a reading chair.

[00:01:56] It was navy blue with golden accents.

[00:02:00] A floor lamp stood between the chair and a small reading table.

[00:02:03] Upon the table was a book, Elementary Illusion.

[00:02:07] It was very worn, and as I looked through it, every page appeared to have handwritten notes.

[00:02:12] Some were crossed out with newer notes written underneath.

[00:02:15] They all referred to the subject matter, which was creating basic illusions,

[00:02:19] such as making a single item look like two items, or, later in the book, making a room look bigger than it was.

[00:02:27] Each chapter was full of finger and body manipulations that were illustrated down to minute distances.

[00:02:33] There were images meant to be visualized and recitations as well, but these seemed secondary to the physical element of each spell.

[00:02:42] The first illusion was one where you were to use a page of writing on the textbook and make its mirror image appear on the previous open page, which was blank.

[00:02:52] I attempted the first few finger movements but immediately gave up.

[00:02:56] My thumb couldn't move in the way illustrated in the book.

[00:02:59] I put the book down and looked out the window.

[00:03:02] I blinked and looked again.

[00:03:03] There was a huge wall in the distance across the courtyard.

[00:03:07] When we entered the citadel, there appeared to be a small decorative wall,

[00:03:11] but this wall was at least 40 feet high, and I could see armaments atop it at regular intervals.

[00:03:17] To my right, I could see the building extend out for what must have been 50 yards or more.

[00:03:23] I got my bearings and realized that must have been where the hall extended out.

[00:03:28] The courtyard was drab and covered in brown grass that looked like it was dying.

[00:03:33] There was a path that led to large wooden doors in the far wall.

[00:03:38] Closer to the building, the path turned and extended to the training wing, where it ended in a circle.

[00:03:44] In the center of the circle was a working fountain with a statue of some figure sending water from his scepter into the pool.

[00:03:51] My stomach grumbled and I had to use the bathroom.

[00:03:55] I went to ring the bell.

[00:03:56] Before I did, however, I rearranged the linens and blankets so that they hid the dirt left by my shoes.

[00:04:03] The wait staff may know that I was uncouth, but no one else had to know.

[00:04:07] I rang the bell, which had the tinny sound of a bell designed to call attention, not make music.

[00:04:13] I waited.

[00:04:14] After a few minutes, I rang the bell again.

[00:04:16] I waited a few more minutes, and as I considered leaving the room to look for someone or ringing the bell a third time,

[00:04:23] there was a knock at my door.

[00:04:25] I opened it, and Felice was standing there holding a tray of food.

[00:04:28] You know, a little patience doesn't hurt.

[00:04:31] You only needed to ring the bell once.

[00:04:33] I stammered out an apology as Felice walked in and placed a tray on a trunk that I hadn't noticed at the end of the bed.

[00:04:42] Was it covered in linens?

[00:04:44] I was wondering how I missed it when Felice said,

[00:04:47] I have your clothes outside, give me a moment.

[00:04:50] I looked at the food.

[00:04:51] It was cold meats, cheeses and some bread, along with a pitcher of water, and marveled again at the trunk.

[00:04:59] It stood there clear as day.

[00:05:02] Felice re-entered with a pile of clothes, which she placed on the reading chair.

[00:05:06] You'll need to see the quartermaster for shoes.

[00:05:09] I thanked her as she began to walk toward the door and then blurted out,

[00:05:12] Is there a washroom or perhaps an outhouse nearby?

[00:05:16] I was embarrassed to ask, but my need was great.

[00:05:20] She laughed.

[00:05:21] Right there.

[00:05:22] And she pointed to the wall next to the mirror.

[00:05:25] All I saw was a wall.

[00:05:27] I'm sorry, I don't see anything but a wall.

[00:05:30] She turned and walked toward it.

[00:05:32] Why? It's clear as day, you can't see this door.

[00:05:34] She rapped on the wall, but it sounded like wood.

[00:05:37] And then I started to see the blurry outline of a door.

[00:05:41] Wait a moment, there is a slight illusion on this.

[00:05:43] She squinted at the door, then turned and squinted at me.

[00:05:47] You honestly can't see the door?

[00:05:49] I shook my head.

[00:05:51] It's becoming clearer now.

[00:05:52] I added sheepishly.

[00:05:54] She chuckled.

[00:05:55] You have no sight at all.

[00:05:57] This illusion wouldn't fool a mouse.

[00:05:59] Heck, I can barely even tell there's an illusion that's been cast on the door.

[00:06:02] She turned the knob and opened the door.

[00:06:05] Better?

[00:06:06] Yes.

[00:06:07] Well, whoever lived in this room before you must have been practicing illusions.

[00:06:11] From the looks of this, they weren't very good at all.

[00:06:13] And normally I'd say not to worry.

[00:06:15] But for you, I would…

[00:06:17] Well, I'm not sure what I'd do.

[00:06:19] Maybe we can switch rooms.

[00:06:20] She shook her head and walked toward the door.

[00:06:23] After you were washed, full and dressed, ring the bell.

[00:06:26] Quite a few people want to meet you.

[00:06:29] I will.

[00:06:30] Thank you, Felice.

[00:06:32] She turned and smiled.

[00:06:33] Anything for the Archmage.

[00:06:35] She closed the door behind her.

[00:06:37] And I sprinted toward the previously hidden door.

[00:06:40] I couldn't believe I had missed it.

[00:06:43] I opened the door and found a modern bathroom.

[00:06:46] After using it and washing my hands, I went back and devoured the food on the trunk.

[00:06:51] The trunk.

[00:06:53] I hadn't told Felice, but apparently the trunk was covered in some illusion as well.

[00:06:58] I opened it, but it only held more linens and blankets.

[00:07:02] It didn't fade from view, so I was thankful that I was able to at least see through this illusion.

[00:07:07] I took another look at the illusions book, but it had no advice on seeing through illusions, only casting them.

[00:07:14] I placed the book back on the table and decided to wash and change.

[00:07:19] Remembering the bed, I went into the bathroom to remove my clothes and shoes, not wanting to soil the carpet.

[00:07:25] The water was cold, but refreshing.

[00:07:28] For the first time, I could see the damage that I had sustained in the various attacks.

[00:07:33] There was a deep purplish bruise on my hip, and my shoulder had a scrape with bruises around it.

[00:07:40] I had various cuts and smaller bruises pretty much all over.

[00:07:44] I looked like someone had knocked me down a few times and pummeled me.

[00:07:49] The water turned so dark with grime that I had to empty it and draw a second bath.

[00:07:54] When I was done, however, I felt better than I had since we had left the Persian garden.

[00:07:58] I went back into the room and examined my new clothes.

[00:08:02] It was a military uniform, but unlike the one I had seen on Lord Gort.

[00:08:07] The pants were a thick canvas-like material in a khaki color and matched the shirt, which was starched and rough against the skin.

[00:08:15] The socks were thick wool and reminded me of winter back in New York.

[00:08:21] Where I would have expected epaulets or insignia were blank folds of cloth.

[00:08:26] I looked at myself in the mirror, and I looked like a raw army recruit.

[00:08:30] The folds of cloth absent any metals illustrating nothing but mere potential.

[00:08:36] I was clean, rested, clothed, and full.

[00:08:39] I had many questions to ask, and I felt that now was the time to find the answers.

[00:08:45] I was convinced my grandfather was alive as Lord Ainslie implied, and that was my immediate goal.

[00:08:51] To find him and help save him.

[00:08:54] In the short run, however, I looked forward to seeing Mr. Ali and Naomi again.

[00:08:59] Naomi seemed to finally accept me.

[00:09:01] I wanted to compare notes with her and see if I could somehow convince her to delay her studies to help me find my grandfather.

[00:09:09] But I pushed all these things aside when I noticed the staff lying on the bed.

[00:09:14] I had not been alone with it since my time on the boat when I thought that Mr. Ali was asleep.

[00:09:20] What was I missing?

[00:09:22] Light came so naturally.

[00:09:23] Focused light.

[00:09:24] Brilliant light that filled a cavernous room.

[00:09:27] Soft light to guide our way in darkness.

[00:09:30] All these things came easily and naturally to me.

[00:09:33] But anything else seemed impossible.

[00:09:35] I wanted to make Naomi gasp as I destroyed our enemies with terrible bolts of magic.

[00:09:40] But that was beyond me.

[00:09:42] I was the street light.

[00:09:44] I walked over, sat on the bed, and took the staff in both my hands.

[00:09:49] I closed my eyes, and instead of looking for something new, I let myself think of what I had done with the staff and what that meant.

[00:09:57] I thought of light, a magic of such difficulty that the luminescence of a candle was considered a great accomplishment by masters.

[00:10:05] Perhaps its purity was the key.

[00:10:08] But if that was the case, why was my grandfather, clearly one of the greatest archmages in history, completely unable to create light with the staff?

[00:10:17] I could not figure it out.

[00:10:19] I thought about how I had freed the boat, but to my mind, that was an accident.

[00:10:24] I couldn't even remember what I did to make it happen.

[00:10:27] I thought of my assault on the river.

[00:10:29] I had not shared the experience with anyone, but it was clear to me that the staff had almost taken on a life of its own.

[00:10:36] I felt its joy at battling an equal.

[00:10:39] Had it won?

[00:10:40] I could not tell, but the magic of that moment was beyond me.

[00:10:44] It appeared that the staff did some things on its own.

[00:10:47] I twirled the cane in my hand and closed my eyes.

[00:10:51] Mastering the staff was a challenge I could meet.

[00:10:54] It would just take time.

[00:10:56] The fact that until then I would be of little use to anyone just made me even more committed to succeeding.

[00:11:03] Further thought was interrupted by a knock on the door.

[00:11:06] I opened the door to an angry Felice.

[00:11:08] Why didn't you ring the bell? They have been waiting for you.

[00:11:12] I shrugged, but said nothing.

[00:11:14] I felt the delay had been worth it, and I didn't want to start an argument or sound impolite by responding truthfully.

[00:11:21] My foot slipped a little on the hardwood floor near the door, and I used that as an opportunity to change the subject.

[00:11:28] I still need shoes.

[00:11:30] Felice looked exasperated.

[00:11:31] I know, which only adds to our delay.

[00:11:34] You do realize you are to meet with Cain, don't you?

[00:11:36] Making him wait is not advisable.

[00:11:39] I replied rather sheepishly.

[00:11:41] I haven't been told much of anything.

[00:11:43] Felice shook her head and walked out the door, adding,

[00:11:46] Well, I'm afraid I can't be of much help on that count, but I'll do my best.

[00:11:50] We'll have a bit of time while we get you some shoes.

[00:11:52] I followed her out the door and was once again struck by the enormous length of the hall.

[00:11:58] We walked to the marble steps, and my foot slid out from under me on the shiny marble.

[00:12:03] I caught myself by grabbing a decorative pillar at the top.

[00:12:07] Please be careful.

[00:12:09] Felice looked annoyed again.

[00:12:10] The last thing I need is for the archmage to break his neck on my watch.

[00:12:14] She slowly led me down the staircase as I gripped the balustrade.

[00:12:17] We went through the doors that led to what I assumed was the training wing,

[00:12:22] the direction where they took Naomi.

[00:12:24] I had expected a hallway that led to rooms,

[00:12:27] but we entered a single room that took up the entire width of this wing of the building.

[00:12:31] The ceiling was at least two stories above us.

[00:12:35] There were just the standard smaller room windows in the front,

[00:12:38] and they stood at ground level and near the ceiling,

[00:12:41] which made me think that this was probably an area where a large number of rooms

[00:12:45] were removed to make space for this larger one.

[00:12:48] The decor here was decidedly more utilitarian.

[00:12:52] There were no carpets, and the floors, while still marble, were worn and dull.

[00:12:57] It was brightly lit by harsh electric lights that hung from the ceiling.

[00:13:02] The room was open and contained little furniture.

[00:13:05] Dozens of men could have gathered there without difficulty.

[00:13:09] Directly across from us was another set of double doors,

[00:13:12] which led further down the wing,

[00:13:14] while to my left, against the far back wall,

[00:13:17] was a long wooden table with a man behind it.

[00:13:21] He was moving clothes from piles on the floor onto the table.

[00:13:25] They were uniforms much like I wore,

[00:13:27] and the man was organizing them on the table by size.

[00:13:30] As we approached, a man came in from a small door to the right,

[00:13:34] carrying more clothing.

[00:13:36] He dropped them on the floor and was walking away as we reached the table.

[00:13:40] Hi, Captain. Sorry for the delay, but the Archmage is here for his shoes.

[00:13:44] Ah, this is the Peleven's grandson.

[00:13:47] There was a broad smile on the man's face,

[00:13:49] and his hands were clasped together across his chest,

[00:13:52] as if Felice had just brought him a delightful present.

[00:13:55] He was in a uniform like mine, only his was marked by shiny buttons

[00:14:00] and a number of ribbons and awards.

[00:14:02] He had stripes on his shoulder, which I assumed marked him as a captain.

[00:14:07] He was thin, as was his face, and he had a pencil-type mustache.

[00:14:12] It was the same color as his hair, which was as black as oil.

[00:14:16] He wore circular glasses that were small,

[00:14:19] but looked large in the midst of his narrow features.

[00:14:23] More than anything, I was struck by how little he looked like a soldier.

[00:14:28] He reminded me of the bookish boys in my school.

[00:14:31] I felt guilty at my thoughts and decided to use courtesy as my penance.

[00:14:36] I shoved my hand forward and announced,

[00:14:39] I'm Tommy. It's wonderful to meet you, Captain.

[00:14:42] Well, well, young man, I applaud your enthusiasm.

[00:14:44] And you look quite dashing in that uniform.

[00:14:47] This is Captain Reckon. He's the quartermaster for the Citadel.

[00:14:51] Captain Reckon stood up straight and held out his arms over the various articles of clothing around him.

[00:14:58] It is an honor to outfit our boys.

[00:15:00] He stopped and looked at Felice.

[00:15:02] Which reminds me, Felice, when will the recruits be coming?

[00:15:05] I'm not quite prepared for them.

[00:15:07] And I would hate to have them milling about the room when they could be doing something more useful.

[00:15:11] Lord Ainsley said they won't be here until dinner, Captain.

[00:15:15] Ah, very good.

[00:15:16] He turned back to me.

[00:15:17] So, about your shoes.

[00:15:19] He walked around the table and approached me from my right.

[00:15:22] Do you need to measure my feet?

[00:15:24] Or perhaps you would like me to get my old shoes from upstairs.

[00:15:28] They fit me quite well, I stated, trying to be helpful.

[00:15:31] The quartermaster shook his head.

[00:15:33] No, no, that's not necessary.

[00:15:34] One doesn't outfit hundreds of young men without learning how to size shoes quickly and efficiently.

[00:15:39] He paused and leaned down, looking at my feet.

[00:15:42] Now you are obviously younger than our usual recruits, but you're still a good size.

[00:15:47] He reached toward my right foot and then jerked his hand back.

[00:15:50] No need, no need.

[00:15:51] He muttered to himself.

[00:15:53] He walked back to his table and over to a pile of shoes.

[00:15:56] In fact, I have the correct pair right here.

[00:15:59] He turned back to me.

[00:16:00] A pair of black, shiny leather boots in his hand.

[00:16:03] He walked over and made to hand them to me, but he jerked his hands back again as I reached for them.

[00:16:09] He peered at me closely through his lenses.

[00:16:12] How do your clothes fit, don't lie?

[00:16:14] Very well, sir, I answered.

[00:16:16] He then handed the shoes to me and stated,

[00:16:19] Then these will as well.

[00:16:20] I thanked him for the shoes, and not seeing a stool around, sat down on the stone floor and put my boots on.

[00:16:27] They fit perfectly.

[00:16:29] I stood up and noticed that while I was putting my shoes on, the quartermaster had left.

[00:16:35] Where'd Captain Reckon go? I asked Felice.

[00:16:39] She shrugged.

[00:16:40] He just left while you were putting your shoes on.

[00:16:42] Should we go or wait for him?

[00:16:45] Well, that would mean making Cain wait even longer.

[00:16:48] I highly recommend we leave.

[00:16:50] I tested the shoes.

[00:16:51] They gripped the floor well, even though it was a smooth stone, and then replied,

[00:16:56] Okay, let's go.

[00:16:57] We were halfway across the hall when the quartermaster's voice rang out.

[00:17:02] Wait, I am not done outfitting the Archmage.

[00:17:05] We stopped, turned, and watched as Captain Reckon ran up to us.

[00:17:10] When he arrived, he awkwardly stopped and bowed in the same motion.

[00:17:14] I didn't have the remotest idea as to how to respond.

[00:17:17] I was but a young assistant when the former quartermaster outfitted the Pelivon for his first assault on the dark magician on the continent.

[00:17:25] He lamented for weeks afterward that our arsenal had been bare of gifts to help the Pelivon in his battle.

[00:17:31] To him, it was the greatest failure he could have conceived.

[00:17:35] A quartermaster unprepared for his duty.

[00:17:38] Captain Reckon looked intense.

[00:17:40] Our stores do not carry the magical items they had in the past.

[00:17:44] Indeed, such items are fast disappearing from the world, and we have little hope of seeing them replenished.

[00:17:50] He then smiled and held out his hand which was holding something.

[00:17:53] But we do have this which I humbly pray will be of use to you.

[00:17:57] I reached out and took a pair of spectacles from his hand.

[00:18:01] Captain Reckon looked at me expectantly, but said nothing.

[00:18:04] They were identical to the glasses on the quartermaster's face, and not knowing what else to do, I put them on my face, even though my vision was perfect.

[00:18:14] Captain Reckon smiled as I looked around the room.

[00:18:18] Nothing looked different.

[00:18:19] I looked at Felice, but she seemed as nonplussed as I was.

[00:18:23] I felt incredibly foolish, and not a little embarrassed for the quartermaster, but could think of nothing else to do.

[00:18:31] So I asked, what do they do?

[00:18:34] They are glasses, they sharpen your vision.

[00:18:36] Before I could respond he added,

[00:18:39] You are very welcome, Archmage.

[00:18:40] I couldn't help but notice that we looked eerily similar with our dark hair, uniforms, and now identical spectacles.

[00:18:48] Wear them for your meeting with Cain.

[00:18:50] He added, winking at me.

[00:18:52] I nodded and gave as sincere a thank you as I could.

[00:18:56] We shook hands, and then Felice and I turned and continued our journey out of the hall.

[00:19:01] At the door, I looked back with the spectacles on my face, but nothing appeared out of the ordinary.

[00:19:08] The quartermaster had left, and the room was empty.

[00:19:10] I quickly took the lenses off and slid them into my shirt pocket, wondering if I'd ever find a use for them.

[00:19:17] The holes were closed in my face, and then they were when we considered a毎alon.

[00:19:17] I think this was impossible.