Chapter 2

 What Dreams May Bring.

They continued on through town and stopped at a couple of other stores for provisions before heading off into the thick jungle.  The two rode in silence for some time enjoying the smell of the forest and the solitude of their thoughts.  Lourense found himself settling into a foul mood and couldn’t quite explain why since the day had been very enjoyable.  This had been the fist time in weeks that he was able to put down his guard for a while and relax which was just the break his emotions needed to come to the surface.  The shock of his ordeal and the need for survival prevented him from grieving but today’s encounter brought back memories of happier times with his family and friends.  The more these thoughts flooded his mind the more depressed he became, however he did find some solace in remembering the good times.  As he tried to remember more the visions of the final carnage kept emerging and he realized that he would never be able to regain his past until he saw justice.  With that Lourense’s resolve solidified and his hatred burned with intensity. 

Lourense was brought out of his trance by the sound of Keldrid’s voice and realized that it was getting dark.  Lourense was surprised by the fact that he was apparently like this for many hours and could not tell if he had been awake or asleep during this time.  “I’m sorry, what was that?” asked Lourense.  Keldrid replied, “it is nearly night and we must stop to make camp.”  “That sounds like the best thing I’ve heard all afternoon”, joked Lourense.  Keldrid chuckled at Lourense’s remark having picked up on the humor intended since it was the only thing heard all afternoon.  Keldrid also realized that his young apprentice was not used to being on horseback for such a long period of time.  They followed the trail for a short time longer until they came to a small stream.  Keldrid turned and followed the stream into the jungle where he eventually found a small clearing about 1000 yards in.  “This looks like a good site for camp” announced Keldrid, and with that, Lourense immediately dismounted followed by Keldrid.  They both set about unpacking their gear and readying the camp.  When they were done, Keldrid sat down In front of some kindling and motioned for Lourense to sit across from him. 

“I think it is about time we begin your studies and starting a fire is as good a place as any.” Keldrid could see that his comment was a bit confusing since the look on Lourense’s face went from excitement to disappointment in the space of that short statement.  “Relax Lourense, I am not talking about starting a fire by conventional means, as you are already well versed. I am talking about conjuring magical fire that will start even the most difficult kindling”  Lourense’s face relaxed a bit and he was quite embarrassed by the fact that he let his emotions be seen so easily.  He wondered if they were that easy to detect or if Keldrid was particularly skilled at reading people.  Lourense replied, “I’m sorry if I misunderstood you, It is just that my experience with apprenticeships in our village had more to do with theory and discipline and little to do with the actual craft.”  Keldrid nodded knowingly.  “I can appreciate your impatience and enthusiasm, for I was once like that myself.  In fact, it is common amongst most who enter an apprenticeship.  This is not a bad thing since it usually denotes a strong interest for the craft and if you like what you are doing you have a greater chance of success.  There is, however, truth to teaching theory and discipline especially in the arcane arts.  Without theory, you will never understand how magic works and thus be unable to craft your own spells, while discipline teaches the patience and confidence needed to become proficient in the craft.  This is critical for your survival since the time you need magic most is usually during a crisis when you are in danger.  Imagine what it is like to draw a blank when you need to cast a spell immediately.”  Lourense replied gravely, “ this is true, I just never gave it much thought” Keldrid smiled. “Don’t be too hard on yourself, Lourense, most of the apprenticeships in your village did not involve skills that require intense concentration and split second response.  I am not dispensing with theory and discipline but rather prefer to teach it concurrently with actual spells.  To me, it is more important for the apprentice to be able to see results quickly.  This maintains a high level of enthusiasm and also helps to identify weaknesses in their casting abilities.” 

Lourense was very pleased and excited about the prospects but a bit curious as to why Keldrid would teach so differently from most mentors so he asked, “ Not to be rude, but why is it that you teach so differently from other mentors?  Were you taught that way? “  Keldrid replied, “That is a very good observation, yes, I was taught that way but it was more out of urgent necessity rather than educational philosophy.   My education started out conventionally but as the Truene conflict developed my mentor knew that we would eventually be drawn into it and began to teach me actual spells that would be critical in a conflict.  My mentor and Thelonius’ mentor fought together and that is how we met; however, Thelonius was much farther along in his apprenticeship than I was.  By the end of the conflict I had bridged the gap between our abilities and I could only attribute it to the difference in how we were taught.  We will talk more about this another time, it is getting dark and it will take you some time to get a fire going for us.” 

Keldrid looked across at Lourense and started, “One of the first things that I want you to understand about the arcane arts is that they are not much more difficult to learn and master than say another language; in fact, it is another language.  There are scholars who study the phenomenon of magic, who believe magic is just a link between the mind and the fabric of our world.  The language is thought to help the mind focus its energy in a particular fashion to achieve the desired results.  While most spells are cast verbally, it has been documented that some spells have been cast without uttering a word.  This ability is much sought after by many practitioners, myself included.  Just think of the circumstances where it would be beneficial to cast a spell silently or with anonymity.”  Keldrid continued,  “You also do not have to worry about any negative side effects from casting spells.  Stories of getting shocked, going insane or imploding from a spell gone awry are just myths to keep talented children from getting a leg up on their parents.  This is not to say that it will be easy.  Remember, spell casting takes a lot of concentration and discipline, which can leave you mentally drained.  Repeated failure has a psychological toll as well.”

Keldrid extended his hand as he spoke, “I want you to hold your hand out comfortably in front of you like this, and gently rub your thumb against your index and middle fingers as if you are rolling a piece of chewing wax or small pebble.  Concentrate on the warmth that is created by the friction and recite the words kanem oro tuit.  Keep repeating the phrase while imagining the heat erupting a small flame.  It is important, especially when you have progressed in your abilities, to match the flame to the task since this is the same process for throwing fireballs, creating flame walls and infernos.”  With just one recitation, Keldrid had a small flame rising from his fingertips, which he promptly extinguished with a breath.  Lourense, as expected had a bit of a time with it and after several tries, asked Keldrid to repeat the spell.  This time he watched Keldrid’s facial expressions and listened closely to the inflections he used while reciting the spell.  When it was Lourense’s turn again, he tried to imagine the flame again but was no longer afraid of the heat since he did not detect even a twitch when Keldrid generated the flame this last time.  He felt the difference with the first recitation and was able to increase the heat each time he repeated the phrase just by adjusting the inflection used in his words.  Finally, after numerous attempts, a small flame rose from his fingertips and when he looked up at Keldrid he noted that he looked pleased.  Lourense quickly extinguished the flame and tried the spell again using the exact inflection that he had last used and was successful.  He repeated this 3 more times with the same results.  On his last attempt, Lourense generated a larger flame, testing his ability with altering a spell, before he put fire to kindling and started the campfire for the evening.

Keldrid was very pleased since it appeared that Lourense was going to make a fine apprentice.  Keldrid had not relished the idea of spending long hours with a protégé going over the same spell again and again.  For this reason alone he had not previously taken one.  “Lourense, I am very pleased with your first attempt.  Your concentration and ability to pick up the nuances of the arts will help you greatly.  I must caution you, however, not to think that all will be this easy.”  Lourense smiled and said thank you.  Keldrid also noted, “I see that you have successfully altered the spell as well.  I am glad that you were not content to have just completed the task”  Lourense nodded and added “I found that by studying your facial expressions and listening to the inflection in your voice, I was better able to repeat the procedure.”  Keldrid asked, “I know how the inflection made a difference but what did my facial expressions tell you?”  Lourense smiled, “that was easy, I saw that you did not even twitch when the flame appeared which meant that there was no physical pain when the flame was generated.  I was so worried that I would feel pain, that it hindered my concentration. I thought that you were somehow blocking the pain after the fire was generated.  I was not properly focusing on what was important for success.” “Ahh” was all Keldrid said.