Chapter 6 Part 2

When he knocked gently on the door, there was a long silence and then the door opened. Gage greeted his initiate with an extended hand. “Welcome,” he said. “Please come in and sit with us.”

Dylan entered and felt his heart jump as he spotted his father sitting in a chair to one side of Gage’s desk. On the other side, a strange man and woman sat together. Though Dylan did not know them, he could tell by their features that they were Cindy’s parents. She had her father’s eyes and the nose and chin of her mother.

Learth stood and embraced his son fondly. “It’s been many years,” he said. “Now it has come down to this day. Master Gage tells me that you’ve passed all the other days of testing quite well.”

Dylan himself had not been told that. Yet it made sense that the test would be graded each day so that his master would know how he fared. “And Cindy?”

Gage smiled. He glanced at the two other adults. “These two are hardly separable,” he explained. “They watch out for each other and help each other.” The couple seemed pleased by the knowledge that their daughter had made close friends at the Academy.

“Cindy has done equally as well,” Gage answered. “But surely you and your father wish to talk, so feel free to take him to the garden. Show him that pool that you and Cindy are so fond of.”

Dylan and Learth walked the halls of the Academy. “So are you ready to start your apprenticeship?” the older man asked.

“I don’t know,” he answered. “I get the feeling that this’s the kind of thing that you really can’t be ready for no matter how much you try. But I suppose I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Spoken like a true wise man,” Learth laughed. “Your mother is so proud of you. She wants to come and see you one of these days.”

“It’ll be good to see her too.”

“Perhaps the next time we come up here. I’ve been talking to Master Tesron while you were testing. Next year we are thinking about sending Mari to study.”

“Mari is coming to the Academy?” Dylan asked humored at the thought of the dirty little girl that had been his sister.

“I don’t think so,” Learth replied. Master Tesron recommends that we send her to parochial studies. He gave me a reference to a temple where she could be accepted as an acolyte. According to Master Tesron it is a similar program as that of the Academy, except it is more liberal and socially oriented.”

“What about the apprenticeship with the weaver?” Dylan asked. He remembered the last time his father had visited and told him of the plans for Mari’s future.

“The tailor died of a fever last winter,” Learth told his son. “Mari is a little bit old to start studying here at the Academy, but the temples accept acolytes who are much older. I think it will be good for her.”

Dylan thought of the plan and hoped that his parents had made a good decision. He remembered seeing the acolytes in Keron, and they seemed to be happy, but it could not have been an easy decision for his mother.

Dylan and his father spoke quietly as they made their way around the grounds. They walked through the garden pausing only briefly near the secluded pool. Ever since Dylan had donned the yellow tunic, he had had less and less time to visit. Younger initiates had discovered the pool as well, and at the moment it was quite crowded. So, father and son returned to the building. They stopped by the cafeteria and found Cindy eating with her parents. Introductions were made and Dylan and his father joined Cindy’s family for a bite to eat.

Most of the conversation revolved around Dylan and Cindy’s life at the Academy and all the good times that they had shared. Slowly, Dylan and Cindy began to really comprehend how close they had become. Dylan could already feel the sadness that was inevitable.

The pleasant but strange gathering was broken up when Kayla came up to their table. “Master Gage would like to see you Cindy and Dylan in his quarters,” she told them. Then she winked. “The tests have been graded and he wants to share the results with you.”

Dylan and Cindy glanced at each other. “Did we pass?” Cindy asked.

Kayla laughed. “Don’t you think I’d tell you if I knew?”

“No, you wouldn’t,” Dylan answered. “You’ve always liked keeping us in suspense.”

Kayla laughed out loud as she departed. In her wake, Cindy addressed the adults at the table. “Dylan’s right. Kayla has always enjoyed teasing us like that. But we really don’t mind.”

“Let’s go see how we did on the test,” Dylan suggested.

Cindy led them all back to Gage’s quarters. The door was open and Gage motioned them to enter. He and Master Tesron were both present.

As everyone took seats, Dylan and Cindy obediently remained standing one to each side of their master’s desk as they had learned to do when attending his services.

Once everyone was comfortable, Gage opened an envelope. He read it silently to himself, mischievously allowing the suspense to build. In truth he had already read the results.

“Hmmm,” he began. “It seems that Cindy and Dylan have been ordered to present themselves before the assembly at graduation proceedings.” Gage sighed in mock resign. “Well, I guess I must show up as well. There is no telling what trouble you two have gotten yourselves into.”

Dylan and Cindy exchanged curious glances. It was a gesture that made their master chuckle to himself. “Ah, my children” he laughed as he knelt in front of Cindy. “The two of you have made me so proud. Every master has special feelings for his first students, and I shall always remember the two of you in that way.”

“We passed then, master?” Cindy asked.

“Of course you did,” Gage told her as he patted her hand. “You passed and will be leaving my services tomorrow.”

Cindy’s pent up emotions broke and she flung her arms around the shoulders of the man who had been teacher, guardian, and friend. “Oh master,” she cried freely. “I’ll miss you and Kayla and Master Tesron, and all the others too.”

“We shall certainly miss you as well,” Gage replied. He leaned over to his desk and took a leather pouch about the size of a drinking mug. “It has been a tradition started by Master Tesron that I intend to continue,” he began, “that when an initiate completes his or her studies, I will send the pupil out into the world with a token of my respect and love.” He pressed the bag into Cindy’s small hand.

Cindy hesitantly opened the pouch. “It’s gold!”

“One hundred Tycarian sovereigns,” Gage confirmed.

“That’s far too much money,” Cindy’s father protested. “Master Gage it’s a generous gesture, but an unnecessary one.”

“I agree that it is unnecessary,” Gage said as he stood and walked back to his desk. “But a gift is never necessary, and that is what this is. Please do not dishonor me by refusing it.”

“As you wish,” the man replied. “I’ll see that she spends it wisely.”

“If I have done my job,” Gage smiled, “then she will without your guidance.”

“What about Dylan?” Cindy asked.

Gage glanced over at the other graduating initiate. “Oh I have something in mind for that rascal--something in the way of a new wardrobe.”

Cindy was about to ask what Master Gage meant, but before she could get a word out, Kayla entered the room and announced that the graduation buffet was being served. Gage invited his students and their parents to join him as they joined all the other masters and graduating initiates and families in the main dining hall.

In the spirit of the festivities, Cindy soon forgot about Gage’s comment on Dylan’s wardrobe. The buffet was a well stocked banquet and Dylan and his father made repeated visits to one table stocked with food that was characteristic of the plantations. Then, after a few hours of socializing and dining, participants filed out to return to their rooms or quarters in preparation for the special day to come.

Dylan woke early the next morning. He felt that he should get more sleep, but he was far too excited. Across the room, Brett lay softly breathing in slumber. Brett had been a good room mate and Dylan was pleased in the news he had heard from Kayla that Brett was sure to get a yellow tunic next week and was being considered for the red.

Dylan lay in bed for about half an hour more. The eastern sky was aglow with pre-dawn twilight, and Dylan decided to go ahead and get up. He put out his best tunic, and gathered his washing things. Then he retired to the baths.

There were several other students there, obviously having similar sleeping problems. He talked to a couple of the other boys, most he knew in passing. Then, after dressing, Dylan wandered to the main library. One of the assistant sages was on duty, and offered his services to Dylan. When Dylan explained that he only wanted to browse and think, the assistant went back to his duties.

Dylan made his way to one of the upper levels of the library where a window facing east provided a spectacular view of the sunrise. There he stood reflecting on all that had happened since that day long ago when Master Tesron had taken him from Sandy Cove. It was to be one of those special days again. It was to be a day in which Dylan’s life changed directions. The sun arose in the eyes of an initiate, an educated child. That afternoon it would set and he would be an apprentice, an adult pledged to the pursuit of a craft.

The seconds turned to minutes and the minutes turned to hours. It was mid morning when Dylan left the library. He strolled back to the dining hall and got something to eat. There he met his father. The two of them ate together passing only the briefest of conversation.

“Scared?” Learth asked.

“I don’t think so,” Dylan answered. “I feel funny, but scared doesn’t seem to fit how I feel.”

“You are about to begin a new part of your life,” his father advised. “That always brings with it the fear of the unknown.”

“I suppose so.” Dylan thought about what his father had said for several moments. “Father?”

“Yes?”

“Isn’t it strange how all the knowledge that I’ve been taught here didn’t help me to see what you just said until after you said it?”

Learth nodded as he drained a cup of juice. “Such is the difference between education and experience. All the books in the world can’t teach wisdom or experience. Those are lessons that must be learned separately."

“You sound like one of the journeymen tutors,” Dylan laughed.

“Soon enough, you may be one of those journeyman tutors,” Learth pointed out.

Again Dylan laughed. “Not so soon, I’d think,” he said. “Apprenticeship lasts several years, sometimes as long as ten.”

“Or as short as?”

“I’ve heard that some apprentices are ready to cast their first spell after only four years,” Dylan stated. “But I doubt I’ll be among them.”

“It’ll be a good day when I can see you don the black robe of a journeyman.”

“Oh, father,” Dylan sighed. “I haven’t even donned the grey robe yet.”

“You will within the next hour,” Learth stated.

Dylan looked up from his cup and noted that many of the other graduating candidates were filing out of the cafeteria. “Is it time?”

“At long last,” Learth said as he stood. “Come, my boy. Let me escort you to receive the mantle of manhood from your master.”

When Dylan arrived at the main hall, he was directed to one side room where all the other candidates were collecting. His father, undoubtedly was being seated among other proud parents.

Dylan quickly spotted Cindy. She sat on a bench near one end. Next to her was a vacant spot. He supposed that she was saving it for him. As Dylan approached, she looked at him and grinned. He felt his heart jump at the sight of her smile. Over the last few years, she had turned into a very lovely young woman. She was quite pretty and her figure had blossomed in many ways. There was no denying that she had formidable boobs anymore.

“May I sit?” he asked.

“Of course, doofus,” she replied. Dylan took his seat and watched as all the other candidates excitedly milled about the small room. There were only about three or so dozen.

“Kayla told me that almost half the initiates testing failed to pass the Trial of Acceptance,” Cindy told him. “That makes it a little more special that we both did.”

“You’re right,” Dylan agreed. “So what’re you going to do now that you’re rich?”

“Rich?”

“Master Gage gave you an awful lot of gold.”

“Well I’m going to invest it,” Cindy told him. “I’ll trade it to my dad for a share of his alchemy business.”

“That’s smart,” Dylan agreed.

“By the way,” Cindy hissed through half slitted eyes. “Your clothes don’t look bad to me. So why would Master Gage want to give you a new wardrobe?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about?” Dylan lied.

“Liar!” Cindy accused. “What’s going on, Dylan.” Dylan was saved from the roasting that Cindy was preparing for him. A master entered the room and bade the occupants to be silent.

“The time has come,” the master told them. “You have all studied and worked toward this moment, and now you shall reap the fruits of your labors.”

He held up a scroll. “On the main stage is a cart carrying your diplomas. As your name is called, I want you to stand, enter the main hall, and make your way onto the stage in an orderly fashion. That means no running.”

He unrolled the scroll and glanced at his audience. “As per our tradition, the initiates not studying magic are to graduate first. Those wearing tunics of leadership will lead the way starting with the red tunics.”

He read off three names, one of which was Cindy’s. She stood and was joined by two other initiates wearing red tunics. The trio were directed to stand by the door and listen as the speaker in the auditorium called their names.

Dylan listened too. The speaker was wrapping up an oration on the importance of education and claimed that the future rested in the hands of those who were about to appear on stage.

Then the speaker, the Guildmaster, called the first name. The first initiate stepped out into the auditorium and marched to the stage. Cindy’s name was called second.

Dylan watched through the doorway as Cindy calmly and gracefully walked out onto the stage and stood before the Guildmaster. The Guildmaster drew a scroll from a stack of papers and placed it in her hand. He placed his own hand atop her head and pronounced that she had completed the terms of her servitude and was free to depart with the blessings of the Academy. There was a polite round of applause and Cindy disappeared from view.

The seconds dragged out as the yellow tunics followed. There was a look or two of curiosity as the first green tunic followed the yellow. Dylan still wore his yellow tunic, but had not been called. Other students, particularly those who studied magic, wondered why he had been passed over. It was well known that students studying magic declined the tunics of leadership.

After the green tunics were called, the few initiates who wore no colored tunics and did not study magic were called. Soon afterward, the only initiates in the room were Dylan and three others who he knew were students of magic.

The Guildmaster led the audience in a round of applause for the graduated students. Then he spoke again.

“At this time, there are four initiates who we hold in very high regard. These are students who have chosen to remain with us and study magic. As they come forward, they will leave this room as apprentices and will be bound to the art and craft of magic.”

At that point Master Gage stepped onto the stage. He carried a grey bundle in his arms. “Guildmaster,” he said loudly. “I am Gage of Tycho, Master of Wizardry. I have need of an apprentice and wish to call Dylan, Son of Learth of Sandy Cove to service.”

Dylan, as he had been instructed, stepped out onto the stage. He walked what seemed like hundreds of meters until he stood before the podium, the Guildmaster and Master Gage.

“Dylan, Son of Learth of Sandy Cove,” the Guildmaster addressed him formally. “Thy studies have set thee apart from thy peers. Thy master has asked that thou stayest with him and learn his art. Should thou agree, thou shalt be geased to him until such time as thou obtain the rank of journeyman. Should thou refuse, thou shalt be free to depart with no loss of honor. Dost thou accept the mantle of apprenticeship?”

“I do,” Dylan answered. He was approached on either side by journeymen. They turned him to face the audience. Dylan gazed out at the small sea of faces. He saw his father and the tears in his father’s eyes gave him great pride as well. He stood straight and proud. Then his eyes spotted Cindy who was watching and smiling with such beauty that she seemed to glow. He could read in her face that though she was angry that he had not confided his decision to her, she was also very, very proud.

There was a rustling noise behind him. It was quickly followed by a breeze and then the weight of heavy cloth as the gray robe was fitted around his shoulders. The journeymen fitted the robe onto him and tied the waist with a white sash. Then quite audibly, one of them barked “Apprentice, take thy place.” The command sounded cruel and rude, but even as he said it, the journeyman winked to show that it was meant with respect.

As he had been instructed, Dylan took two steps towards the audience to signify his former place, then turned and walked across in front of the podium and came to a stop to the left and slightly behind Gage signifying his new place in society.

Gage and Dylan stood there as the other three initiates were made apprentices. They obediently performed the same ritual. Dylan felt more than a little smug in the knowledge that he had been called first. He was sure that it was the fact that he wore the yellow tunic that had placed him above the other students of magic, and he was sure that they were chafed by that fact.

Finally the Guildmaster dismissed the assembly by bidding the former initiates farewell.
Dylan joined his father outside the main hall. He was almost mugged, however as Cindy came flying through the crowd. She flew into Dylan’s arms and kissed him soundly on the lips. “You beast,” she accused. “So that’s what the master meant by a new wardrobe. And you didn’t tell me?”

“Well I couldn’t take the chance that word would get out.”

“What do you mean?”

“A student of magic with a colored tunic?” Cindy fingered her own red tunic. Dylan was right. The students of magic did not wear colored tunics and would have shunned him. “I see,” she said.

“And where are you off to now?” Dylan asked.

Cindy briefly glanced over her shoulder towards her parents. “I’m on my way to my room. I have to change into traveling clothes. We’re leaving within the hour.”

Dylan started then fell silent. The time had come. He and Cindy were parting ways, possibly forever. “I don’t know what to say,” he finally stammered.

“I do,” Cindy hugged him once more. She leaned close and whispered into his ear. “I’ll always love you Dylan. You’ve been the brother I never had.”

Dylan hugged her in return. Their bodies pressed close made him a little uneasy and at the same time was comforting. They held each other for several long moments, and then parted. With an unspoken agreement, Dylan and Cindy severed the bond that they had forged those many years earlier. Almost reluctantly Cindy turned her back to the young apprentice. She took a step and then turned around again. “I won’t forget you, Dylan. And if ever you should need me, I’ll be there for you.”

Dylan smiled. “I won’t forget you either,” he promised. “And should you need me, you have but to call. I’ll come running.”

Dylan watched detached as Cindy walked out of his life. Then he went with his father to Master Gage’s quarters. There he was congratulated by Kayla, and Master Tesron both.

“So now what do you do?” Learth asked.

“Well, we will move Dylan’s things from his room and place them in storage here in my quarters,” Gage answered. “Since I do not have any initiates to care for at this moment, I am going to take advantage of the situation and embark on a sabbatical. It is a common thing for a new master to do. And since Dylan here is my apprentice, he will accompany me.”

“Where will you go?” Kayla asked.

“I am going to return to my home in the Tycarian region,” Gage answered. “I have a membership with the guild in Tycho, and I have a small place south of the city where Dylan and I can study in peace. I can teach him quite well there.”

Learth placed his hand on his son’s shoulder. “I envy you,” the man said. “You’ll be going places and seeing things that I never could.”

“This is an excellent opportunity,” Master Tesron added. “The Northern Archives in Tycho aren’t quite as good as the Great Library here in Allentown, but they’re an excellent resource. Tycho will also give the boy exposure to other races as well as human and elf.”

“When will you leave?” Kayla asked.

“Oh, I think tomorrow is a bit early, but I definitely want to be on the road by the end of the month,” Gage replied. “And I want Dylan and his father to have a little more time together.”

“I appreciate that,” Learth stated. “I’ll be leaving tomorrow, but until then I wish to spend time with Dylan. Do you have any objections to me taking him for the rest of the day?”

“By all means,” Gage answered. “Dylan is free to your request until you return home. That will give me time to make the preparations before departing.”