Morning finally came and Lourense awoke to find Keldrid preparing breakfast in a skillet over the fire.  He was cooking eggs in a skillet and strips of marinated meat were draped over a metal rod that spanned the fire.  It was a clever little setup, which allowed for the cooking of two different items over the same small fire.  The meat hung directly over the flame while the cook could hold the skillet above that.  In short order, the breakfast was made and they both made the most of it before breaking camp and starting the day’s journey. 

Lourense was anxious to start training but had no idea what to expect or even if he had made a big mistake by accepting the offer.  He spoke up tentatively, “I was wondering, since I have never encountered a sorcerer before let alone an apprentice, what is involved in the process.  What can I expect and how long does it take before someone can see results, not that I’m in a hurry, but as a way to gauge my own progress.”  Keldrid looked at him kindly, much to Lourense’s relief, and said, “Those are valid questions that anyone with enough common sense and self worth should ask.  It is good that you felt comfortable enough to ask me.  One of my strongest beliefs is that questions bridge the gap between misunderstandings by showing me where your thoughts are which in turn reflects upon how I am teaching.  If you are having trouble understanding a concept it may be that it is too difficult for you to learn at this time or that my method of teaching needs to be adjusted.

The taking of an apprentice is very important to becoming a great sorcerer since it is often a humbling experience that forces the mentor to test their own understanding of their craft.  If one does not truly understand their craft, they will not be able to teach it to another.  Your ability to question is also important in developing your own independent thought.  Most anyone can learn to imitate but the arcane arts demand innovation to achieve excellence.  In answer to your question, it will take years to get to the proficiency level that I am at depending, of course, on your own natural ability and study habits.  In contrast, you will begin to see results within the cycle of the moons and I will describe some of the exercises and disciplines as we ride.”  Lourense was pleased to hear that he would begin to see results in a short period of time but he tried to temper his excitement by assuming that the results that Keldrid spoke of were going to be nothing more than minor tricks.  “I am pleased to hear that there will be progress milestones for me to follow”  “Well”, said Keldrid, “there are no formal milestones to indicate progress but you will become attuned to your progress through careful consideration of your successes and failures.” “Oh, I see” said Lourense, “the more successes I have or the fewer mistakes that I make will help me gauge my progress.”  “Something like that”, replied Keldrid, “let us be off.”

After all the gear was packed, Keldrid mounted his steed and reached down to offer a hand to Lourense, which Lourense accepted.  As Keldrid pulled, Lourense was surprised by the sheer strength and ease with which he helped him into the saddle.  He wondered whether the strength was natural or magically enhanced.  To question it was inappropriate, but no matter what the answer, he was glad Keldrid was on his side.  “Where are we headed?”, questioned Lourense.   “North” spoke Keldrid as he turned the horse and headed south east.  He didn’t elaborate any further and Lourense was not sure whether Keldrid was lost or did not want to give him specifics. Was he just being tested?  Quite frankly, Lourense really didn’t care, as long as they were moving, so he kept quiet.  They rode along at a steady pace and immediately Lourense felt a difference in the ride.  He had been on horses before and while this animal resembled a horse in many ways it actually moved and reacted very much like a big cat with smooth and fluid movements.  The feeling was one of power, in fact that is the overall feeling that he got ever since he first encountered Keldrid.  At first glance it was very, very subtle but the longer he was with him, the more evident it became.  The masking of his power seemed to make sense since most of the people Lourense encountered who wore their power with bravado drew much attention and challenges.  As far as he could remember, most were eventually humbled and humiliated yet there were a few that learned from their mistakes and maintained a lower profile.