Catalyst(38)

Master Stradus must have sensed the disturbance and conflict in me. He didn’t say a word, and he didn’t scrutinize. He once told me that it’s a wizard’s job to wait, but he must also know when to take action. After we ate, I took a deep breath and let it all out.

“Master, I’ve something to tell you,” I said.

He gave me a quizzical look, then smiled. “I thought you might. I’m ready when you are.”

I told him about the visions I saw on the ledge, and about how Alexandria might be in trouble. I told him about the pain I suffered when I thought about staying.

Afterwards, I said, “I…I believe I must leave this place.” I turned my head. I couldn’t look at him. What if he said no? What if he wanted me to stay because he was lonely?

He was silent, weighing my every word. I didn't know if that was good or bad, but then he said, “No. You cannot—you must not—leave.”

My eyes met his. “But why?”

“Because your training is not complete.”

“What about the visions I had?”

“What about them?”

“They're warning me about something.” I threw my hands up in frustration. “The pain won't go away. The more I think about staying, the more intense it becomes.”

He shrugged. “I can give you something for the pain, but what can you do about the danger you sense? You're not a wizard. You still have much to learn, Hellsfire. You can still lose control of your powers. What if you hurt those you try to help? By going, you could make things worse.”

“I—I…” I hung my head as I thought about his words. He was right. I could do more harm than good.

Master Stradus's blue eyes continued to bore into me. He didn't say one word.

I shook my head. No. I had made my decision, and I was sticking to it. I raised my head and looked at Master Stradus. “I'm leaving, Master. This is something I must—no, need to do. I hope you understand, but I'm leaving whether you want me to or not.” I stood. I was now taller than he was, but if I had to fight him with magic my height wasn't going to help.

Master Stradus didn't stand. He didn't even draw any magic, which I was thankful for. He reached for his tea and took a sip.

I clenched my hand while I waited for him to say or do something. When he finally spoke, his words surprised me.

“Would you like some more tea?”

“No.”

“Then please sit down,” he said in a calm voice.

“All right.” I did, but I was still tense. I expected him to do some kind of spell on me, and I had to be ready for it.

Master Stradus put his tea down and leaned forward. “Are you absolutely sure about this decision, my boy? It's a big decision to leave without having completed your training.”

Without hesitation I said, “Yes, Master, I’m sure. Something's happening out there. I don't know what it is, but people are in danger. The gods sent me this intense vision for a reason.”

Master Stradus stroked his beard. “None of this has to do with how enclosed you've felt lately?”

I tugged at my collar and fidgeted. “You've noticed.”

He nodded. “It's been affecting your studies.”

This discussion was going nowhere. If he thought I wanted to leave because of that, he wouldn't let me. “But Master, it has nothing to do with that. Don't you believe me?”

Master Stradus hesitated. He caressed his staff as his blue eyes searched me. I wanted to turn my gaze away, but couldn’t. I guessed he didn't believe me. He wouldn’t let me go. I was a fool to think I could leave without completing my training. But I didn’t think the gods would let me stay, if the throbbing pain they sent me was any indication. I couldn't stay here no matter what Master Stradus said. I had already started planning my escape and my climb back down the White Mountain.

Master Stradus did something completely unexpected. He smiled.

“I believe you, Hellsfire.” His blue eyes told of the sadness in him. “I’ve tried my hardest, yet I know I’ve not taught you everything you need to know. But if the gods call upon you, I cannot hold you back.”

I was relieved that Master Stradus had relented, but it also dawned on me that I wasn’t going to have his help if things went wrong. If I messed up, it would be on my head. All I had were the lessons he had instilled in me.

“How ironic that the prophecies that guided you to me now send you away.”

I perked up. This was something he never talked about with me. He thought anyone who knew too much of their own future would try to influence things. Cynder wouldn’t say either. The dragon feigned ignorance. I listened to my master, hopeful that he finally was going to enlighten me.