The single window in the hallway gave little light for Eric to jam his key into the front door of his master’s suite. Like any other night Eric had lost track of time when he had a girl in his arms. Master Brown disapproved naturally. The keys slipped and clang onto the floor.
Eric heard the click right before Jamie opened the door above him. Silently. And beneath the covers on the couch by the time Eric was opening the door to the room they used to share. His memory wasn’t the best, but Eric was sure that they had shared the room. That there had been two beds once. And Eric hated the bed he slept in now.
In this magnificent school students were paired with masters of their disciplines to the extent that they lived in a suite with their master. In the morning the busy students gathered themselves together and scurried off to class, only to return to their masters in the afternoon for more focused lessons. Older students left to pursue other opportunities. Jamie had gotten a research position here. Eric was stuck with Jamie.
Eric knew without certainty that he and Jamie were bonded. He was afraid to ask anyone, they already thought he was stupid. And Dahlia, Master Brown’s only other student, shot him hateful glares whenever she saw him. Everyone treated Jamie and Eric like bonded.
Jamie researched magic. Something about magic and bonding. Nobody knew much about bonding except about what it did and stuff. Eric believed Jamie’s work to be impressive. He didn’t really know for sure. He knew Jamie was smart. Thinking made Eric feel dumb, so he willed himself to sleep.
The light from the window wasn’t much better the next day though. Eric groaned. Days seemed so long and nights so short. The covers were tangled around his legs, and Eric rolled off the bed to get up. Shaking the sheet off his foot he opened the door to the common room.
“Eric! Put some clothes on!”
Eric closed the door. He was wearing clothes. Just not much. Master Brown came up to the door and lectured him while he dressed. She was reasonable. Eric just didn’t feel like he could do any of those things. He never got anything done. He would try to read one of his assigned books and his eyes would keep glazing over until his forehead hurt. He would look up from his draft, only one sentence, at the mess of his room or uncomfortable silence of the common room and find a reason to leave. Eric tried. He felt he tried.
“This time Eric,” She continued, “we’re going to try something different. You’re going to help the groundskeeper. You’ll start right after breakfast and go for two hours after lunch. You’ll make a little money, get a little sun. You’ll get out of bed earlier. It’ll be good for you.”
“But I’m a mage.” Eric protested. He was sure he was. He hadn’t done anything in a while. But he hadn’t tried. He was telekinetic.
“I know, honey, but you months behind in your studies and I can tell you aren’t enjoying yourself. This is only until you find your way again.”
“I’m not lost.” Eric opened the door, staring at his bare feet. He wiggled his hairy toes. “I can do all the stuff Jamie does, don’t make
1 comment:
Looks like you're off to a great start! I wonder, is he in denial, or does he really think he's right about not being "bonded" -- whatever that means. Magic or mundane? Also, who's Master Brown? Do tell.
So...Master Brown is female? Eric's master I presume. And Eric brought in "someone else", even though Eric and Brown are sort of bonded?
I wonder if their relationship can be thought of more as master/apprentice instead of teacher/student, since it's 1-on-1. Or perhaps tutor?
Anyway, keep this up, I'm on the edge of my...bed.
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