An Apprentice with Potential

Word Count: 2862

         The spell was new to him. It came from a branch of magic that dealt with using the mind. It was a telekinesis spell. It would allow him to move living and non-living matter. However, it took focus, concentration, and mana. It was more challenging than fire magic.
         Urzo stood in the study of Edana Bluestone’s home. Shelves of books and scrolls marked the leftmost wall. Along the rightmost wall was a large desk and wood stool with a burgundy plush seat cushion. Edana sat at the desk, watching the young goblin. The orc mage had a quiet, curious look on her face. Urzo glanced back at her, noting her expression. It had been 6 months since he first came to Idorun, met Edana, and became her apprentice.
In those 6 months, Edana taught him about magic. Spells, chants, hexes, incantations, and types of magic were detailed for him. She instructed him to take notes, meditate on each lesson, and demonstrate what he knew. It took time, but Urzo became more skilled at wielding fire magic. There were times he had made mistakes, burned a few items, and fumbled fire spells. Edana chastised him hotly for his mistakes but would offer encouragement and guidance afterward.
         “Are you ready?” Edana asked. “That stack of books isn’t going to move itself.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Then begin. First, extend one hand toward the stack.”
         Urzo nodded. He eyed the stack of books. They were arranged in a 3-foot tower and had thick, yellowed pages. He extended his left arm and hand toward the books. You can do this, he told himself. Telekinetic magic. Easy, right?
         “Now, channel the mana through your body to your extended arm,” Edana continued.
Mana welled up within his body. It was warm and invigorating. The magical energies rippled within the pit of his belly. His pointed ears twitched, and the goblin directed the magical flow from up through his body and to his arm. Such a sensation was incredible. Mana control and channeling were lessons Edana had drilled deep into his head.
“Do you feel the magic inside your body?”
“Yes. It’s incredible!”
Edana sat up straight. Her eyes flickered with excitement and anticipation. A toothy smile spread across her face.
“Now, when you are ready, say aloud the spell word while focusing on the books, Urzo.”
Urzo nodded. “Levus!”
The stack of books suddenly glowed with a green radiance. The spell had activated. Urzo quashed his excitement, focusing on the books.
         “Excellent!” Edana said. “Remember what I told you. Concentrate and image the books rising from the floor. Slowly, slowly lift your arm while focusing.”
I can do this, Urzo told himself mentally. Taking a breath, he lifted his arm gradually, never taking his eyes from the books. The mana continued to flow through his extended arm. The green light shimmered and covered the stack of books like a blanket. Seconds passed. Urzo continued to lift his arm, grunting. The books felt heavy and immense, but he grit his teeth and pushed himself. Rise! Rise!
Urzo gnashed his teeth. His arm trembled. He continued to push through the struggle. It seemed as though nothing was happening. The books stubbornly held their place on the floor. Edana leaned forward in her seat and sniffed.
         “I must…master…this spell…” Urzo grunted.
“Keep trying,” Edana said.
With a growl, Urzo thrust his arm up five inches. The stack of books rose half an inch off the floor. The stack hovered for several seconds. He kept his arm raised and tried to lift it higher, but the weight of the books was too great. After ten minutes, he lowered his arm and grunted. The books dropped onto the floor with a soft thud.
“Drat…I’m still not good with this spell,” Urzo said turning to Edana.
Edana rose from her seat. “You have practiced the spell for 5 days now. I don’t expect you to master it so quickly. Magic is an art and a skill.”
“But I want to become adept at magic. Like you.”
The orc laughed. She shook her head. “You will become adept. But you’ll be better than me.”
“You think so? You’ve got 10 years of experience.”
“Indeed I do. You’re 17 and have the rest of your life ahead of you.”
Urzo couldn’t argue with that. He nodded and looked from the pile of books to his mentor. Though the spell was a challenge, he committed himself to mastering it. He couldn’t give up hope now. Training would continue for sure, and there was still more spells to learn.
“Why don’t you take the rest of the day off? Take a break from training,” Edana said. “Explore Idorun and have fun.”
“But …”
         “No buts, Urzo. Being a mage isn’t all about learning and developing magic. You should rest, relax, and develop relationships with the people around you.” The orc lifted one hand. She uttered the magic word Levus. Green light flickered around her raised hand. Three minutes passed before her staff flew to her hand. She squeezed the staff and tapped the floor with it. “We will continue your training later tonight.”
---
         Urzo walked the streets of Idorun. He passed by elves, humans, dwarves, sprites, beast men, orcs, and prowlers. Magic training was important to him, and he wanted to grow as an apprentice. However, Edana was right. Living and resting was equally important as learning magic.
         When he came to an intersection, he heard laughter and talking. The sounds came from a wide gray stone building. It had smooth pale blue windows, a wide and tall front door, an iron knocker, and a cast iron sign nailed above the knock. The words The Gobbler Tavern were etched into the sign. Several individuals entered and departed from the tavern. Music poured out from the tavern every time the front door was opened. Urzo heard the sounds of a lute, horn, and harp, and a sense of excitement filled him.
         Urzo waved at a beast man and beast woman coming out of the Gobbler Tavern. Both were locked arm and arm. He remembered Edana explaining that beast people looked similar to humans. However, they had sharp teeth, tails, furry ears, clawed digits, and incredible senses. The beast man grinned at Urzo.
         “What’s on your mind, goblin?” the beast man said.
         “Is this place very popular? Is it always like this?” Urzo asked.
         “Yes. Hot food, delicious drinks, and great music. The Gobbler Tavern is one of the best spots to eat and talk.”
         “They also have games too,” the beast woman added with a wink. “And the staff here are entertaining.”
         “Can I go in?”
         “Sure, don’t let us stop you. Enjoy it for yourself!”
         The beast man and woman left without a word. Urzo opened the front door to the tavern and entered. The sound of the music and the smell of the cooked food hit him square in the face. It was wondrous. Tables with chairs dotted almost every inch of the tavern floor. Bowls, plates, glasses, and tankards sat on each table. At the far back was a long wooden counter. Behind the counter shelves were stocked with brown bottles, clear bottles, ceramic plates, clay plates, bowls, and glasses. An elf, a sprite, and a human worked behind that counter, serving the customers.
         The sprite was the first to notice Urzo. She flashed him a bright smile and gestured for him to approach with one hand. She was lithe and fair-skinned. Like other sprites, she had two antennae sprouting from the crown of her head, through short copper brown hair. As Urzo approached the counter, the sprite smoothed her tunic and long skirt before leaning on the counter. She looked a year or two order than him.
         “Welcome to The Gobbler Tavern,” she greeted. “Don’ see too many goblins ‘round here.”
         “I…er…that’s okay,” Urzo said with a chuckle. “What do you have to eat and drink here?”
         “Chicken, potatoes, baked bread, an’ other foods. We have ale, mead, water, and tea. What’s your name, stranger?”
         “Urzo.”
         “Urzo…odd name.”
         The goblin raised a brow at the sprite’s words. “Odd? And what’s yours?”
         “Leticia Crabapple. Most folks call me Letty.”
         Urzo chuckled at the name. The sprite rolled her eyes. She leaned on the counter and tapped her fingers on the wood surface.
         “Now that introductions are done. You goin’ to order?”
         “Sure. Give me a plate of roasted vegetables and cooked chicken and a glass of water.”
         Urzo reached into his trouser pocket, rummaged through it, and pulled out a small brown bag. He opened it up, picked out several coins, and offered them to Leticia. The sprite accepted the coins, counted them twice, and put them into a small pouch sown onto the front of her skirt. She gave him a nod before walking away toward the kitchen. Urzo watched her before looking down at his hands.
         The telekinesis spell came to mind again. It was one that most mages used. It allowed the user to move living creatures and objects with focus and mana. It was one of many spells that existed in the world. He had been practicing the spell for 5 days now, and he knew it wouldn’t be so easy to master. However, he was impatient and excited to learn and use it. And the more spells I learn, the more I can help Edana on jobs and quests, Urzo told himself.
         Though he was an apprentice now, Edana had not taken him on jobs or quests. She had told him that he was still new, still unrefined, and still inexperienced. All those statements held true. She had spent much time teaching him other subjects as well as magic like philosophy, history, language, combat, and etiquette. Those lessons were grueling, but they made him more rounded and cultured. Urzo wondered if Edana was worried and concerned about the risks with taking on jobs and quests. Some mages died or became injured on such tasks.
         But there are many risks in life. Urzo bit his lip in annoyance. I have to take them to progress. That’s why I want to learn this telekinesis spell and others.
         “Something on your mind, kid?” A deep voice asked.
         Urzo perked up. The human behind the counter looked at him, curious. Built like a mountain, he had thick toned muscles, broad shoulders, and large hands. His skin was copper brown and not a shred of hair topped his head.
         “Yeah…just wondering how I’m going to master this spell my mentor is teaching me.”
         “A spell huh?” the man scratched his chin. “You training to be a mage?”
         Urzo nodded.
         “Who’s your teacher?”
         “Edana Bluestone.”
The man’s eyes widened, and he grinned. “Interesting. Edana is quite a capable mage and a looker too.”
Urzo laughed at the last part. He sat up straight. “Do you know her?”
“Briefly. Sometimes, she stops by this tavern for a meal, especially after a job. It’s good to know she has an apprentice now.” The man offered his hand. “Name’s Wendel Rawlins. I’m the owner of The Gobbler Tavern.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” Urzo said, taking his hand and shaking it. Wendel squeezed, and Urzo gasped. The human’s grip was immense and powerful. “This place is…so lively.”
“Indeed, it is, my boy. Enjoy it. Everyone is welcome here.”
“So Edana comes here sometimes?”
Wendel nodded. “For a meal and small talk. What spell are you trying to learn?”
“A telekinesis spell.”
“Hm…and you’re having trouble mastering it?”
“Uh huh…I’ve only practiced for 5 days.”
“Ha! You can’t expect to master it that quickly, boy. Still, I like your eagerness.”
“I know, but I want to be able to learn it so I can go on quests and jobs with Edana.”
Wendel chuckled. “Well aren’t you eager? Keep practicing the spell. Maybe train your body too.”
“It’s worth a try.”
“And use both hands,” Leticia added. The sprite came up beside Wendel. She placed a plate of hot food and a glass before Urzo. “And regulate your breathing. It might help you when using the spell.”
Urzo considered the words from Leticia and Wendel. He nodded slowly. He picked his fork and began to tuck into his food. His mind raced with thoughts. If I can strengthen my body, use both hands, and regulate my breathing, maybe I can do, Urzo mused. I don’t have to master it so quickly. I still have much to learn anyway.
“Thanks for the advice,” Urzo said between bites. “I…I’ll grow as an apprentice.”
“And I’ll push you, so you became a mage,” Leticia said. “So don’ quit. I’ll root for you.”
“Let us know when you master that spell,” Wendell added. “And tell Edana that we miss her here.”
-----
Seven days later
         Urzo inhaled a breath and then exhaled. He flexed his fingers. He eyed the stack of books with a sense of determination and confidence. This time I know I can do, he thought.
         “Are you ready?” Edana asked.
         The orc mage stood to the right of the book stack. She had held her staff in one hand. The other hand rested on her right hip. Her expression was patient and calm. She seemed ready to assess him and see how far he could advance with the spell.
“I’m ready,” Urzo said. “If I master this spell, will you consider taking me on quests with you?”
         Edana hesitated a moment. A flicker of concern flashed across her face. Afterward, the orc sighed and nodded. “I will.”
         Shifting his gaze back to the books, the goblin lifted both arms. He inhaled a deep breath before he exhaled. The telekinesis spell would be his to use. Warmth filled and swirled in his belly. That familiar feeling of magical energy was mild, but it grew within ten seconds. Urzo directed the magical energy up to his extended arms. The mana flowed quicker. His hands shimmered with green light.
“Levus,” Urzo said.
         The green radiance covered the stack of books. The light pulsed and shimmered before him. Edana nodded at the sight. She glanced from the books to Urzo and gestured for him to continue. Urzo breathed in and out. I can do this, he told himself mentally. Slowly, he began to raise both arms, palms skyward.
         Discomfort began in his arms. It was dull. However, the goblin continued to raise his hands and arms. He could mentally feel the weight of the thick books. Seconds elapsed. Minutes passed. The stack still hadn’t moved. Urzo growled.
         “Levus!” he cried.
         He lifted his arms more. The stack of books shook. Suddenly, the stack shot up two inches off the floor. Urzo watched the stack and continued to raise him arms. The books floated higher at a steady pace, still covered in green light. Edana’s eyes widened. Her mouth fell open. The books rose and floated in the air by her shoulders.
         “By the Gods,” Edana breathed.
         The discomfort grew, but Urzo focused his mana to his hands, arms, and books. He turned to the left. The stack flew to his left. Urzo shifted his body and arms to the right. The books zipped to his right. Edana leaped backward and nearly fell back as the books passed her.
         “You have learned it,” Edana continued. “I…Your skills are growing, Urzo.”
         “I finally…did.”
         “Yes, but you will have to practice this spell like the fire spells too. Now, put the books down.”
         The goblin chuckled. Delight and pleasure filled his face. He shifted and lowered the stack of books to the floor. Some books fell onto the floor, covers open. Edana hurriedly closed the books and put them away on a book shelf. Urzo helped her.
         When they were finished, Edana looked to Urzo. There was pride and approval in her eyes. However, there was still concern and worry. Even though he was advancing as a mage and growing accustomed to life in Idorun, Urzo understood that Edana cared deeply about him. He wanted her to not worry so much about him. He internalized her lessons, rebukes, and advice. Idorun and the world itself was dangerous, and it was often unkind to goblins and orcs.
         Edana placed a hand on his head. “My dear pupil.”
         “Master Bluestone…? Are you okay?”
         “I’ll be fine. I just worry about you getting hurt or worse when I take you on quests.”
         Urzo nodded. “I…I know. There’s all kind of dangers.”
         “Right. I want you to be aware of that.”
         “Yes, Master Bluestone.”
         “Now…let us go to The Gobbler Tavern,” Edana said, smiling. “Dinner is my treat. Wendel and Leticia will want to hear the good news.”
         “Sweet! Let’s go!” Urzo started out of the study with Edana following behind him. Within fifteen minutes, the orc and goblin stepped outside on the city streets, heading to the tavern.
         “I can’t wait to see Wendel,” Edana murmured. “Those strong muscles and manly physique are lovely.”
         “Sounds like you’ve got a crush, Master. Sweet on Wendel, eh?” Urzo teased.
         Edana tapped him on the head with her staff. “Hush.”
         “I was just playing.”
         “Keep it up, and you’ll be paying for your own dinner.”
         “Yes, Master Bluestone.”