Unusually gentle knocking on the door woke Morgan rather early in the morning. Sluggishly Morgan got out of bed and stifling a yawn he opened the door. Outside stood a frowning Mary-Ann causing Morgan’s already slow thought process to grind to a halt. As he stood there blinking Mary-Ann looked him over with a raised eyebrow and spoke.

“Good morning Morgan, looks like you woke you up.” Her voice held a hint of reproach. This jumpstarted Morgan’s mind and looking down he saw his wrinkly undershirt and his pants, an attire that could not even by kindest of critics be said to be on properly.

“Give me just a moment!” Morgan said in a fluster and shut the door. Morgan was sure that he heard laughter from the outside as he dressed himself in a fluster. Once he had put on his clothes in record speed he opened the door and stepped outside.

“G-good morning, sorry about that. I umm… I just woke up.” He said in an apologetic and somewhat confused voice.

“Don’t worry about it.” Her face twitched and she could only keep a straight face by the slightest of margins. “Did you perhaps forget that you invited me to come with you to the Archmage?” Her expression changed from thinly veiled amusement to slight apprehension.

“Um, no.” Morgan said. “T-the Archmage prefers to meet after lunch…” He added in a fluster seeing Mary-Ann’s look.

“Oh, oh I see.” She sounded rather surprised. “I'm sorry I woke you then.” She said, suddenly looking a bit embarrassed.

“No, no it is my fault for not telling you.” Morgan said, scratching his head.

“No, it is not your fault.” Mary-Ann gave Morgan an uncomfortable smile. “I sort of just ran off…” She said looking away. “Oh well, since you are already awake should we go and get some breakfast?” She gave a somewhat awkward smile.

“Sure.” Morgan said nodding

The two made their way down to the cafeteria in a quite awkward silence. Luckily the pair found two bedraggled looking twins slowly working their way through their breakfast and joined them.

“You two look miserable.” Mary-Ann said, pulling out a stick from Rina’s hair as she sat down on her tray.

“It rained this morning…” Ross said tiredly.

“And we were sluggish from yesterday…” Rina half groaned half yawned. “Mistress Cromora was less than pleased.” She sighed tiredly.

“Sounds rough.” Morgan said sympathetically. “You two are really are something else though.” Morgan said with honest admiration. “I have a hard time just getting up in the morning.” He added with reddening cheeks as he thought about this morning.

“You can say that again.” Mary-Ann said with a laugh making Morgan blush harder and focus his food.

This made Rina smile and lean in closer to Mary-Ann and whisper something into her ear. The other girl giggled and whispered back deepening the colour on Morgan’s cheeks. This seemingly energized Rina and she was almost back to her normal self when Ross finished his food and stood groaning like an old man.

- “Sis I’m going to the bath.” Ross stretched and yawned. “Then I’m going to bed, mind if I borrow your notes later?” He said hopefully.

“Brother.” She gave him a flat look. “You think I’m any less tired then you are? I’m sure as hell not going to history class just to have books thrown at me.”

“Figures…” Ross said tiredly with shoulders slumping and he was about to leave dejectedly when he looked back at Morgan with pleading eyes. Morgan found his eyes rather frightening given how bloodshot they looked.

“Morgan, you have history this morning right?” Ross looked hopeful.

“Yes, you can borrow my notes later.” Morgan answered with a smile and a nod.

“Thanks, you’re a lifesaver!” Rina smiled widely in a way that made her look rather lovely despite her less than perfect circumstances. Morgan just nodded and felt the previous defeated blush creep back on his cheeks.

“Sis.” Ross said tiredly. “I asked him, why are YOU thanking him?”

“What’s yours is mine, and what’s mine is also mine remember?” She said sticking out her tongue tauntingly.

“…” Ross just looked at her in silence for a moment before sighing hopelessly. “I’m…” He stopped giving his grinning sister a flat look. “I guess we’re counting on you Morgan.” Morgan nodded and Ross walked off with a wave.

Rina soon followed with slightly more spring in her step than her brother. This left Morgan and Mary-Ann alone once more.

“Morgan, what kind of person is the Archmage?” Mary-Ann gave Morgan an earnest look. This question gave Morgan quite the start. He put down the cutlery and tilted his head in though. Morgan just sat there tilting his head back and forth for quite some time perplexing Mary-Ann quite a bit.

“Well, I have only met him a handful of times…” He took a piece of food and chewed slowly thinking of a good way to put it. “Confident I guess.” He said finally.

“Confident?” Mary-Ann said blinking.

“Yes, it is always hard to describe anyone. Much more so with someone you don’t know very well.” Morgan looked up and met Mary-Ann’s eyes. “So if I had to describe the Archmage confident, is the only easy answer.” Looking away he scratched the side of his head. “But I could also say that he is enigmatic, incredibly intelligent, respected and powerful but also a bit childish.” He shrugged. “If you are coming with me you will get a better understanding than I could ever give you.” He gave her a smile.

“Alright…” Mary-Ann sounded both intrigued and a bit perturbed.

As the two were finishing up their food Marith and Louie showed up. The four talked as Louie finished his food after Marith had practically inhaled his food. After they all had eaten they made their way to Adepts Katarina’s class finding Gias thankful absent.

The subject was the Empress Riana Kaas Ilian, the first Imperial heir. She unified the kingdoms that her father had conquered and is considered the mother of the empire. Morgan was even able to ask a few questions he had been wondering about. All in all Morgan felt like it was a good class and he felt a growing respect for the short Adept with her thick glasses and unruly brown hair. Louie had even managed to keep Marith awake without much effort. This was probably more due to the fact that Mary-Ann had been with them than due to any content of the lecture.

Leaving, the four of them headed to the magical wing where they split up. Mary-Ann and Louie had a class on basic survival magic and the remaining pair had magical theory. It was at this point that Morgan learned how hard it could be to keep Marith awake during class as the ancient adept droned on and on.

After what felt like an eternity the bell rang and Morgan along with a yawning Marith left for the cafeteria where they met up with Louie and Mary-Ann and found the twins having an uncommonly quiet meal. The two of them still looked tired but considering that they had almost looked dead on their feet before this was a significant improvement. Morgan finished his meal and was in the process of pulling out his notes he was surprised and a bit startled to see three hands to reach out for them.

“Um.” Morgan hesitated and Rina and Ross glared at one another.

“I was going to have the scribes copy the notes…” Louie said, reluctant to get involved.

““You can do that?!”” The twins said in what was, basically one voice causing them both to frown at one another.

“Well yeah…” Louie suddenly looked around with a frown. “Am I the only one that took the introduction class?” Louie sounded exasperated and looked between the others who suspiciously avoided his gaze.

Louie clicked his tongue and took Morgan’s notes. Morgan, who hadn’t taken the introduction class either, chose to focus on his food. After eating Mary-Ann started fiddling with her pack and then with her hair making the others give her strange looks.

“Is everything alright Mary?” Rina asked, concerned. “You look nervous.”

Mary-Ann glanced over at Morgan stuttered a bit before closing her mouth. This caused quite a few raised eyebrows and Rina for some reason gave Morgan an accusing look making Morgan sputter.

“Morgan invited me to meet the Archmage with him and I’m just not sure what to expect.” Mary-Ann said, saving Morgan from Rina’s gaze.

“I’m coming with.” Marith said firmly crossing his arms in a pose that clearly stated that he had made his decision.

“Oh nice, then I don’t have to keep you awake during etiquette.” Louie said and smiled at Marith who turned pale. “That should really make my life easier.” He chuckled.

Marith looked between Morgan and Louie with an amusing expression before steeling himself.

“I’m not helping you with any etiquette homework you get and I doubt that Morgan will have any time to help you either.” Louie’s word was like a bucket of cold water to Marith who deflated.

“I’m going with you next time!” Marith said, sounding less than convincing.

This statement was met by some restrained chuckles and mocking laughter from Rina. Marith glared at her which only made Rina laugh louder. Morgan looked at the large clock in the cafeteria and stood giving the rather nervous Mary-Ann his best reassuring smile.

“Are you ready?” Mary-Ann nodded at his words and stood to follow.

The pair arrived at the old building and found Aspartos’s office open and the old man snoring with his head resting on his fist as he slumped in the large chair. Seeing this Morgan looked over at the dumbfounded Mary-Ann and laughed before walking into the office.

“Archmage.” Morgan's voice made Aspartos open one eye into a thin crack. “I brought a friend that I think you will be interested in meeting.” He cleaned off another one of the chairs by the desk putting the scrolls and books on one of the many piles.

Mary-Ann was slowly picking her way through the clutter trying her best not to step on any potentially rare or expensive scroll or book. This was apparently a pace that was too slow for Aspartos’s liking.

“Oh hurry up will you child, there is nothing valuable on the floor.” He sat up and gestured for her to come around the table. “Come here so I can evaluate you.”

Mary-Ann looked conflicted for a moment but did as she was told and made her way around the large table and grabbed Aspartos outstretched bony hand. As Aspartos grabbed her hand she yelped and jumped back and withdrew her hand with a wide eyed look.

“Interesting!” Aspartos said delightedly with a wide grin. “You girl…” He turned to her with golden eyes making Mary-Ann take a step back and overturning a pile of books flustering her further. “Might have even greater potential of becoming a true mage than Morgan!” Aspartos said nodding to himself, clearly not caring about the overturned books or Mary-Ann’s discomfort.

Aspartos fell into thought closing his eyes and rubbing his chin. This Left Mary-Ann standing awkwardly by a pile of overturned books. Morgan was stunned by the fact that Mary-Ann had greater potential than he, but he recovered and called out to Mary-Ann in a gentle voice.

“How about you take a seat?” He gestured at the chair he had cleaned. “Archmage, how about some tea?” Morgan said, trying to bring Aspartos out of his own world.

“Master.” Aspartos’s voice was thoughtful.

“Excuse me?” Morgan asked confused.

“Call me Master. We are going to be spending a lot of time together so you should start calling me Master.” Aspartos said as if it was obvious and Morgan was slow to comprehend.

“Um, alright…” Morgan said uncertainty. “Master.” He added at the strange look that Aspartos gave him. At this Aspartos nodded and after finding an additional cup from under a handful of parchment he poured tea to the three of them. As he finished pouring he frowned.

“Shouldn’t it be the apprentice that makes the tea?” Aspartos said this while tilting his head.

“I have only ever made pine tea before...” Morgan admitted a bit embarrassed. “And I’m not sure I could power the enchantment with the mana I have.” He said apologetically, but Aspartos just shrugged.

“Well then, have a sip and calm yourself child. I don’t bite…” He was about to say something else but Morgan had wired premonition and shot the old man a glare. “Ehhm” Aspartos cleared his throat somewhat awkwardly. His old face soon wore a childlike smile at the surprised and excited expression on Mary-Ann’s face as she tasted the tea.

“See!” Aspartos stood and pointed at Mary-Ann who almost jumped out of her chair at the gesture. “That is the correct way to react to Modevian tea!” He gave Morgan an almost resentful look. “Not the sour look you always have.” He snorted and sat down sipping his tea.

“Modevian?!” Mary-Ann said in a fluster as she looked down into her cup with wide-eyes.

“Yes! Modevian red to be more precise.” Aspartos said, looking pleased.

Mary-Ann sat looking at her rather dinky cup, mouth gaping opened and closed. “Looks grey to me…” Morgan though, he had never heard of Modevian tea and had not thought much about it but Mary-Ann’s reaction concerned him.

“What is so special about Modevian tea?” Morgan asked. “Master.” He added at Aspartos raised eyebrow.

“Well Morgan, as I told you before Modevian tea is rather difficult to harvest and only it grows on a single small island in the eastern part of the Isles.” He took a sip. “Thus only a small amount is harvested every year.” Remembering he added “Oh and it is also rather expensive.”

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“I-it… ehh it…” Mary-Ann spluttered.

“What?” Morgan was growing increasingly concerned by Mary-Ann’s behaviour.

“It is more expensive than any precious gems!” Mary-Ann seemed to lose it slightly. “The Isle’s council sent a single pouch about the size of an apple as a gift to the emperor on his coronation and it was considered one of the most precious gifts he received!” She stood panting looking at her cup with a half enraptured, half horrified expression.

Morgan paled, making Mary-Ann nod her head as if to underline the value of the tea they had been drinking.

“Nonsense girl.” Aspartos said with an uninterested gesture. “What he was given was Modevian white.” He snorted. “Since they remove the poison from the white they end up with only a fraction of what they start with and they lose much of the flavour.” This made Mary-Ann look down into her cup and pale.

“Is this tea poisonous?” She whispered and gulped.

“Of course not.” Aspartos said a bit miffed. “The raw tea is, but if you cock it properly you neutralize the poison.” He shook his head. “What point would there…”

“Master, how about we get back on topic?” Morgan said, interrupting Aspartos who just looked at him for a moment before remembering the original topic.

“Ah right.” He cleared his throat “I don’t know how much Morgan told you or how wrong he got it, but I am seeking apprentices with the potential to becoming true mages.” He took the pot and stopped before himself as he was about to pour himself another cup. “More tea?” He said with a smile that revealed white teeth.

Morgan shook his head at this and after what was a few moments of internal conflict Mary-Ann nodded putting forward her half empty cup. After filling Mary-Ann’s and his own cup Aspartos shot Morgan a look. After which he began explained the basics of how a human mana vessel worked and his theory of a true mana vessel.

Mary-Ann was listening intently and by the end she had a look of hope in her eyes.

“Is it really possible for me to become a, um ‘true’ mage?” Her voice was steady but betrayed her feelings of nervousness and hope.

“Yes.” Aspartos said simply while grinning. “In all honesty the spell or ritual I have constructed is more likely to succeed for you than for Morgan.” At this point his smile vanished and his blue eyes bored into Mary-Ann. “There is still great risk even for someone as compatible as you.” Mary-Ann felt her mouth become dry at this and took a reassuring sip of her tea.

“What makes her more compatible than me?” Morgan asked, sounding more curious than offended.

“…” Aspartos gestured at Mary-Ann and just sort of stopped mid motion blinking. “I believe that my apprentice failed to introduce us.” He glared at Morgan for a moment. “I am Aspartos Mudreth, Archmage…” He looked like he was about to add more titles. “And so on.” He apparently decided that he couldn’t be bothered.”

At this Mary-Ann stood in a bit of a fluster and straightened her clothing before doing an impeccable curtsy.

“I am Mary-Ann student of the Academy, I hail from the great city of Ilios.”

“Ah the capital, I was…” Morgan gave Aspartos a sharp look and he stopped talking. “Right…” Aspartos sighed. “The reason Mary-Ann is a better fit so to say is because her mana vessel is only vaguely formed. It is likely due to her very low mana capacity, which means her body hasn’t really needed to form a vessel to protect her from her mana.” Mary-Ann looked extremely conflicted at this. “In terms of capacity she is only just ahead of you Morgan.” This caused Morgan quite a shock.

Morgan had a lower mana capacity than Mary-Ann despite the fact that he was constantly channelling his mana. This depressed him quite a bit and he looked down feeling a bit dejected. Having heard that she had a larger mana capacity than Morgan, Mary-Ann looked at him in surprise. She had been sure that Morgan had been exaggerating when he had described his own mana capacity. While the two wrestled with their emotions Aspartos continued speaking either not noticing or more likely not caring.

“Thus there will be less resistance when I break Mary-Ann’s vessel compared to yours Morgan.”

“Wait!” Mary-Ann said alarmed. “You are going to break my mana vessel?!”

“Did I not say that?” Aspartos said, looking thoughtful. “I suppose I did not, well yes I will. To make your entire body a true mana vessel it is necessary to either grow the vessel to encompass your entire body or to break the vessel and force the body to become the vessel.” He paused and finished his tea. “The first path is the normal one and the far safe path. However…” Aspartos raised a finger to forestall any questions. “Even if you two live for a thousand years that will be impossible for you two.” His tone accepted no argument. “Your latent potential is simply not good enough.” He paused giving time for his words to sink in. “Thus if you want to become mages and not just any mages, but true mages like myself you will have to brave the risks of the second method.” He leaned back into his chair. “I won’t force you nor tell you that it will be safe, but I will do my best to make it successful. And in my opinion Morgan you have little to no choice in this, as your other options are in my opinion rather shit.”

Aspartos began rummaging through a drawer under the desk and after some time he pulled out a parchment and a pen. After clearing enough space to put the parchment down on the desk by chucking a book away from the desk to he began drawing. The pile of books that was unlucky enough to be hit by the stray object promptly collapsed under the extra weight causing the students to flinch.

It took only took Aspartos a moment to finish what he was doing and he held up the parchment with its front to Morgan and Mary-Ann. On the parchment the outline of two people had been drawn. Within those outlines one had only an inked dot where the heart would be but the other had an impossibly complex network of tiny lines that stretched from a similar dot at the heart and reached all over the body. The two could not help but wonder how it was possible to draw such a thing in such a short time, but before either of them could ask Aspartos spoke.

“This.” He pointed at the two outlines. “Is a representation of your respective mana vessels. What the ritual I have created will attempt to do is this.” He pointed at Mary-Ann and then to the outline without the complex pattern. As he did so the ink in the dot started bleeding out growing less intense until everything within the outline had the same now faint colour.

The two gasped at the seemingly moving picture. It was clearly magic but magical spells are such complex and difficult things to Master that seeing such a frivolous spell shocked them. Aspartos clicked his tongue and put down the parchment.

“Children stop imagining the world in black and white. Your knowledge of this world amounts to but a drop of water in the ocean that is the truth of this world.” He grunted. “There are far more ways of controlling magic than you imagine.” He added as if had read their minds. “Now.” He raised the parchment again surprising even himself by staying on track. “By emptying as much of Mary-Ann’s mana reserve as possible we should be able to use only residually mana when acclimatizing her body to mana strain.” He smiled.

“Mana strain?” Mary-Ann asked uncertainly.

“Yes, like I told you mana is an incredibly potent force.” The two nodded. “We humans that are not creatures born from mana, like dragons and elves are. We cannot simply use mana from birth, or even contain it. We must train to not only gain control of mana but also to protect ourselves from it.” Aspartos looked at the two making sure they understood. “Using more mana than we are accustomed to leads to mana strain, or what more commonly and incorrectly called mana overload.” He sighed. “Mana overload refers to overloading your mana vessel by casting a spell that uses more mana than you could muster. But that is simply not possible, thus mana strain is more apt wording.” There he stopped and thought for a moment. “Mana overload would be a good description when one overcharges a spell to the point of it backfiring however…” He said rubbing his chin and looking out into space.

“Master.” Morgan said, clearing his throat.

“Ah, yes where was I?” He looked back on the parchment once more. “Right, since we can reduce the mana strain to the absolute minimum there is little risk for you Mary-Ann.” He gave Morgan a glance. “The only problem is that this way you will not have enough mana to create a new vessel that keeps the mana within your body from dissipating into the air around you.” He suddenly grinned. “But I should be able to do this for you. It will probably make it somewhat harder to channel mana outside your body. At least until you truly make the vessel a part of you.” Aspartos took a deep breath and proceeded to take a sip of tea only to find it empty.

He gave the cup an accusatory glare as if it was the cup’s fault and not his that it had become empty. Taking the pot he opened the lid only to frown and mutter a curse under his breath. Putting the pot down on the table he placed one hand on it, then his mouth moved without sound and green light enveloped the pot and then seeped into it. Taking it back up and looking inside the nodded approvingly.

“Brew” Aspartos said in his deep voice.

The two students looked on in a mixture of awe and confusion. Soon steam rose from the pot once more and Aspartos smiled while pouring himself another cup. This time Mary-Ann polity declined a refill.

“Now, Morgan.” Aspartos now spoke in a far more serious voice and turned to Morgan. “Your situation is, well... quite frankly worse.” He held up the parchment and pointed at the outline with complex lines. “Your vessel is not only more firmly formed but with your constant use of mana means that there is always a small amount of mana traveling throughout your body.” He pointed at the web of lines. “This has over time created a sort of mana network within your body. This would have been delightful news if we had more time, Alas…” He shook his head disappointedly. “This means that when the break your vessel mana will flood this network resulting in even great strain on your body. What is even more unfortunate is that this mana is required for you to combat the Sylthian disease, so we cannot simply use up all your mana like we will with Mary-Ann since it will result in permanent damage to your nerves.” He said gravely. “Thus.” He poked the back of the ink dot and the ink spread through the tiny lines into the rest of the outline and as it did so the paper seemed to ripple. “When I break your vessel, mana will spread with ease through the network instead of evenly spreading out in your body. Since you are already using it to channel mana this network will have more resistance than the rest of your body, however….” He leaned forward locking eye golden eyes with Morgan’s own. “This will be nothing like the gentle trickle of mana you are used to.” His eyes were more serious than Morgan had ever seen them. “The pain will be substantial, and the risks are many. Should you lose consciousness for a moment you might lose your ability to control your mana completely. And that…” He paused locking eyes with Morgan who swallowed hard. “Is only if I’m able to keep you alive.” His expression softened and he grinned. “Under normal circumstances the biggest risk would be that the spell that is keeping your disease at bay will run out of mana after the initial surge, but with me around that is frankly impossible.” He added confidently.

“…” Morgan tried to speak but found his mouth terribly dry, losing control of his meager ability to use mana was not a great loss but he was in truth risking his life. “W-what are the odds of success?” He finally corked out.

“Humm…” Aspartos became thoughtful and after a few moments he spoke. “Bout half and half.” He said nodding to himself and seeing Morgan’s pale expression he continued. “When I Say half and half it is not death and perfection I’m referring to. What I mean is that there are 50% odds of a good result and 50% of a bad. The most likely bad result is that you losing control over your mana. The best result is that we cure you, create a strong vessel with your own mana and maintain the spell that repairs your body..” He paused here letting Morgan calm himself somewhat before continuing. “There are many results that are more or less likely between a perfect result and the worst case scenario.”

“What is the worst case scenario?” Mary-Ann who had been silent until this point asked.

“Death.” Aspartos said without mincing his words. “And sadly it is about as likely as getting the perfect result, but only due to the multiple ways it could all go wrong.”

“How likely is that?” Mary-Ann said nervously glancing at the pale faced Morgan.

“About maybe, humm… one in ten.” Aspartos stated it clearly after a few moments of consideration without trying to hide the risk. “That is why I won’t force you Morgan.” He looked at Morgan until he met his eyes. “You do have other options.”

The silence that followed was rather heavy. Mary-Ann was not sure what to say. A treatment that allowed one to become stronger but with a 50% risk of failure and an additional one in ten risk of death sounded horrible. “But Sylthian is supposedly incurable so maybe this was good?” she thought swallowing hard. Not knowing Morgan’s other options she could not give him advice one way or another. Yet she knew that even if she had only known Morgan for a short amount of time she would be very sad if he died. As her thought turned rather grim there was one question she had to ask.

“Um, I’m not sure if I missed it or simply did not understand…” Mary-Ann said half embarrassed. “How will this cure Morgan?”

Her question made Morgan blink in confusion and he was about to explain when he realized with a start that he did not know how this would cure him. Morgan could not help but look at Aspartos in his confusion.

“Oh, I suppose I never answered that did I? It won’t.” Aspartos said, cackling at the gaping students. “I will however incorporate a spell into the ritual that will use the surge of mana to burn out the disease. I will also attempt reinforce the regenerative spell that Morgan is constantly maintaining to negate any potential damage to his body and nerves.”

“Can that really be done? And won’t that make the ritual even riskier and more painful?” Mary-Ann asked as she shot Morgan a concerned look.

“It can, mana can purge the body of anything.” He said with utmost confidence. “If it will make it riskier.” Aspartos Considered for a moment. “That is hard to tell, it really shouldn’t. If anything it should make it safe and less painful as a part of the mana will be used instead of chaotically flood his system.” He shrugged looking over at Morgan.

Morgan just sat there silently as he considered. He was obviously afraid of death, but he felt excited and hopeful by the potential of becoming a mage like he had once dreamed. In the end what made him decide was like so many other times the words of his father, ‘Find your path.’

“I’ll do it. Morgan said breaking the long silence. He looked into the smiling eyes of Aspartos and felt both a bit afraid and terribly excited.

“I thought you might.” Aspartos said pleased, Mary-Ann was about to speak but Aspartos raised his hand silencing her. “I want you to think this over carefully as well before you give me your answer girl. Even if the risk is far greater for Morgan you may still lose your ability to control mana, thus you should think this over.” As she was about to argue he laughed and added. “Patience girl. Unlike Morgan you have plenty of time and don’t worry, I won’t change my mind.” He pulled out a parchment from a drawer and after looking over it he handed it to Mary-Ann. “For today I will give you this, it is an apprentice contract. Read it thoroughly and you may join Morgan next week as well, for now you are free to leave.”

“Um…” She looked at the contract and then at Morgan and lastly at Aspartos with a somewhat perturbed expression. “Can I stay?” She said glancing at the determined looking Morgan.

This confused Aspartos and he tilted his head before he blinked guessing what Mary-Ann was thinking.

“I’m not going to do the ritual now!” This caused a look of surprise to appear on the faces of the students. “Did you really think it is something I would do willy-nilly like that?” He said in a slightly offended voice, to this Morgan nodded firmly and Mary-Ann looked away ashamed. This made Aspartos cross his arms narrow his eyes at the pair forcing Morgan to avert his eyes as well.

“So little faith.” He shook his head with exaggerated sadness. “I’m just going to contine the initial treatment to prepare Morgan for the ritual. If I did it as he is now he would just die.” This paled Mary-Ann and made Morgan swallow a mouthful of saliva. “I intend to do the ritual by midwinter. Until then I will have to focus on preparing Morgan’s body as much as possible.” It was at this point that a smile formed on Aspartos lips that were rather frightening to the two. “Since you two are so determined to be become my apprentices I a task for each of you.” He leaned forward and his smile widened. “Morgan I had intended to wait a bit with this but now…” He looked over at Mary-Ann. “Mary-Ann if you want to become my apprentice you will have complete a task for me first.” He stood up pulling two envelopes from his robes. “For the coming weeks I will be busy preparing the ritual and some items needed to help Morgan. Thus you will be looking after Morgan for me.” He smiled widely at Mary-Ann’s confused expression. “Morgan, you will give this to the head chef of the cafeteria you frequent, if you two go to different ones from today you will visit the same.” He handed one envelope to Morgan. “After giving this letter to them you will be given a token, once a day you will show this token to the chef and you will be given a free meal and an herbal concoction.” He turned to Mary-Ann. “Make sure he drinks ever drop of it.” His smile looked slightly sadistic to Morgan at this point. “You will also make sure he eats properly and that he at the very least goes to Alina’s class and follows her instructions to the t. This will be useful for both of you irrelevant of what kind of mages you become.” At this he paused. “Basically you be his babysitter until midwinter.” Wide eyed the pair looked at one another. “This way I can be a bit more forceful with my treatment.” He said this and as quickly as a viper he grabbed Morgan’s head with his right hand.

In the next moment Morgan let out an intelligible sound and almost slid off the chair as his body lost all strength. It was like lightning had run through his body and he felt as if for a moment his entire body was on fire. It was however not an altogether unpleasant feeling but he was still glad it did not last very long. Aspartos withdrew his hand and nodded to himself pleased before turning to Mary-Ann.

“Now this is for the headmistress.” He handed her the other envelope that unlike the other one had a wax seal with the depiction of a book with the spine up. “This will officially make Morgan my apprentice. If you choose to accept the terms of the contract I gave you I will make the same arrangement for you.”

Saying this he walked back to his seat. Mary-Ann’s eyes shifted between Morgan who was slumped and sweating in his chair to Aspartos and the contract she had hastily stuffed in her pack.

“More tea?” Aspartos said proffering the pot as he sat down and with a smile he answered Mary-Ann’s unvoiced concern. “He will take a moment to recover enough to leave so unless you want to carry him…” He shook the pot and after a moment and an uncertain glance at Morgan she picked up her cup and got a refill.

After some idle chatting Mary-Ann walked away supporting a very embarrassed Morgan. During the trek back to Morgan’s room he had apologized several times mostly when other students had given the two looks as they passed them in the halls. Mary-Ann simply laughed it off, as she was far too occupied with the possibilities presented to her.

As she somehow managed to help Morgan into his room he almost immediately collapsed on the bed. Before he had fully managed to mumble out what was either a thank you or an apology he was snoring softly still clothed and only halfway on the bed. Mary-Ann Laughed and suppressed the urge to show this scene to Rina. “She is right. He is like a puppy.” She closed the door and stood there in thought for a moment before she came to a decision. She walked to her room and started writing a letter to her grandfather.