“You didn’t try to leave last night,” Jan said at the breakfast table. Jal didn’t respond.

“What are you planning, Jal?” Taryn asked. She usually could get it talking.

“I’m not planning anything. I need to stay calm and wait. Giel Moti is in big trouble.”

“With who?”

“With all the Stafriez that live on Shifos.”

Jan had no idea what Jal was talking about. “Jal, I’m not trying to be mean, but I think you’re confused. Most of the Stafriez that are on the planet are in Nik or Kop.”

“Jan, I understand that’s what you believe and that’s what it seems like, but most of the Stafriez on this planet live on Shifos.”

“How do you know this?”

“I just know.”

“Have you been meditating?”

“Every day.”

“I never see you doing it.”

“I prefer to meditate in private.” Jal turned to Taryn. “I need a haircut. Could you get me there, in the next few days, please? Also, I have a list of things that I need. I’m not sure where to look. I’ll be bringing the glazes from Solrio into the crafting room this week. I’ve had several people ask me about specific colors.”

“You have ‘schedule more frequent combat and martial arts lessons’ on here.”

“The next level requires two lessons a week.”

Taryn remarked, “Something has to give, Jal. You keep adding things to do, but not taking things away.”

“Shorter, more intensive times of learning things are more effective than long, drawn out sessions.” Jal said aloud.

“What does that mean?”

“This is one of the tips from the Academy. Study a short time without stopping and focus on one thing. Put it away. Study another subject a short time and focus. Suppose I cut the frequency of certain things down? Instead of going running six days each week, I do it three times a week. Instead of running the other three days, I’ll have a combat lesson one day, martial arts the second, and rest on the third. I could work on herbology three days a week and be at the pottery wheel, three.”

“What about schoolwork?” Jan asked.

“When we’re at the office, and between the tasks that you give me, I do it.”

“I wonder how effective that is?” Jan wondered. Jan looked at Jal's school scores and was surprised to see that Jal was successful in what Jan considered to be a “choppy” way of learning. Jan and Taryn agreed to the adjustment in the schedule, as Jal kept itself on track with a calendar and a timepiece.

Jal struggled with the combat lessons, and the martial arts classes became frustrating. After hurting several people and being told to hold himself back, Jal became more irritated. If it was taking the training to become stronger and faster, why wasn’t it being allowed to use it? It said one evening at the meal table that it wanted to drop out of martial arts. Jan gave a flat, “No.”

“Can we talk about this?” Taryn tried to get them to talk.

“I can’t seem to satisfy the instructor,” Jal complained. “First, she says to give it my all, then she says ‘hold yourself back and don’t hurt anyone.’ I don’t know how to do both.”

“You can figure it out, Jal. I know you can,” Jan urged it. “Maybe we need to find some different competition for you. Let me ask around about a different instructor.”

Jal tried to consider everything as building blocks to move forward but as the days passed, it became increasingly unhappy. “There’s something wrong,” Jan said to Jal one day. “What is it?”

“I want to be outside. I run, but it's just not the same thing. I find the cold invigorating, but no one else does. I want to go camping and fishing. I want to climb the mountains. They call to me.”

“I understand that you want to be out there. Maybe we should go to Shifos for a few days. To the mountains of northern Zebru.”

“I could study the geography, and learn which plants to look for,” Jal said eagerly. In the moments that Jal wasn’t busy with something else, it learned about Zibran.

The weeks passed, then a month, and another.

One day Jal asked if it could fill the speeder and take its wares to Pencadick Rill. It stopped at the community information center for some downloads for schoolwork and went to Eiske’s.

Eiske was surprised to see Jal. Jal asked Eiske if it could take some of the clay chunks that they had dug up for the root cellar, and the two put a pile in the back of the speeder. Jal stayed for the noon meal and, to Eiske, seemed very quiet.

Finally, Eiske looked at Jal, “You seem depressed.”

Jal shrugged. “I’m alright.”

“Have you seen Wizard Wyrran lately?”

“He went to Nik. Said it was hard on his joints to be here.”

“You’re still practicing your magic?”

“Yes. That reminds me. I have a gift for you.” Jal went out to the speeder and came back with several bottles. “Here are some potions that I mixed. Maybe you can use them?”

“Elixers of health. You should keep these.”

“I have a bunch. They are only for moderate injuries. I hope you can use them.”

When it was time for Jal to go, it hugged Eiske, something it hadn’t done in a long time. “I’ll see you in a month. Would you go fishing with me?"

That evening, at Ridali Tower, Jal looked over the collection it had made in cubbyholes in its sleeping room. It needed to practice magic, so it placed the tiljeekik skin on the floor. “Erken!” A box popped up next to it. “Enchanted Tiljeekik skin. Level three defense to wearer. Value: Unknown.” Jal rolled it up and put it away.

“I wonder if those two backpacks are magic. They lasted through the acid of that monster’s gut. Erken!” The first was a common hiker’s pack. The two potions were still inside it. Jal put them on a shelf and slid the pack back into the cubbyhole. It took the second pack out and remembered there was a cloak inside it. Jal took the potions out, set them aside, removed the cloak, and waved the wand over the backpack. "Erken!"

"Enhanced Hikers Pack. Will expand to four times normal capacity. Internal bottom pocket allows access only to owner. Right outside pocket allows wearer tube access to Flex-Bag liquids or water pack. FB packs are available at all Titan distributors. Condition: Moderately used. Still under warranty. Restoration service available at any Titan distributor. Value: 300mu."

Jal looked at all the pockets in the pack. It unzipped the zipper a pocket that it had missed. It took a pouch from the packet. It was the flexible water pack. Jal slipped it into the side pocket where it belonged, then set the pack aside and placed the cloak on the bed.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

When the identify spell was invoked, a gold box became visible. "Enhanced cloak. Level 3 Defense Grey Wolfskin. Turn fur to inside to use invisibility property. Condition: Nearly New. Value: 500mu."

Of course Jal had to see if it worked or not. "Ridali Tower, are there any mirrors in the building?". Blocks slid and a reflective surface appeared. Jal flipped the cloak over its head and looked in the mirror. It stuck a hand out and waved. After some time of playing in front of the mirror, Jal folded the cloak and put it away.

“I don’t need all these backpacks. I’ll take the simple ones to a used equipment store and see if I can exchange them for camping gear. I can start gathering things for a spring trip.” It made a list of items that it needed to purchase.

It identified the potions and each of the charms it didn't know. Then Jal prepared charms for Eiske, Jan, Tar

yn and itself. It put the remainder into one of the charm bags. Jal would trade them when it went to Kauflen or Dagmon. Jal played with the wall configurations that afternoon and when it was finished, there were niches that looked like steps going up the wall. It drew trees and birds on the walls. Jal had seen pictures of a waterfall, so it drew one of those, too.

When Jal came down for the evening meal that night, it was tired. There really wasn’t a reason for it, Jal thought. Then it realized that casting all the spells had drained its energy. It ate dinner and went to bed early.

The following month Jal stopped by Eiske’s house on the way to Dagmon.

“Want to go to Dagmon with me?” Jal asked Eiske. “I need to stop in Pencadick Rill first, at the General Store and at the Community Center.”

While they were crossing the street Jurien de Clerk saw them. He called out, and they followed him to his office. “I have the fees that Geldou Bron was sentenced to pay. This is supposed to go directly to you.” He showed Jal the total amount, then subtracted his fee. Jal thanked him for all his work. Eiske and Jal went back to the speeder. Jal sat there, looking at the currency, before it put the currency away.

Eiske looked at it. “What are you thinking, Jal?”

“I’m afraid that you’re going to say no.”

“Why?”

Jal hesitated. “Eiske, I would like to see you pay off the loan on your medical equipment. I sleep easier knowing that your freezer is full and the chickens are still laying eggs. I want to be sure that your income will cover your expenses.”

“You don’t need to do this, Jal. I’ve learned to live this lifestyle and I’m okay with it.”

“I know you are, Eiske. But I’m worried that sometime you might forget to use the charm before you leave, and when you return, the house and medical facility will be destroyed.”

“Why would that happen?”

“Because someone knows that I have a big amount of currency and I wonder if they think I still live with you. If we paid the loan, you kept part of the remainder, and I kept part of it, it would be better for both of us. If someone asks, you can tell the truth. The money was used to buy equipment. You don’t need to explain more than that. People may think it’s farm equipment, medical equipment, or equipment for my work.”

They talked about it on the way to Dagmon and finally Eiske conceded that Jal’s suggestion was probably a good idea. In Dagmon, Jal stood watching as Eiske paid the balance on the loan. They celebrated over lunch. At the magic shop, Jal went to the wizard who owned it and asked whether he would consider giving some advice to an amateur. The elderly man agreed to do so.

“What charms would you say are the most often helpful for a traveler?”

The wizard pondered this question for several minutes. “I would say that a traveler would best use the charm of foresight.” He searched the boxes behind the counter. “This one.” He opened it and showed Jal a set of tiny binoculars. The wizard named the price and closed the box.

“The second one is this key.” He held it up. “It will show you when there is an opportunity available that you can succeed in.” Jal lifted the box and looked at the price.

“I am a student. I’m going off to further my education. What would you recommend?”

“I have the perfect charm for you. But first, a question for you, my young friend. Have you decided what you will do when you’ve completed your education?”

“I think so.”

“This will help you on the days when you question whether you have made the right decision.” He opened a box that held a silver acorn. This will renew your determination on the path you have chosen. The determination it gives you will renew that which you have; at the same time, it will grow even stronger. It is good for three uses. If it is given freely to someone who needs it, it will work for them three times, and so on. Do you understand?”

“I do.” Jal nodded. “Those are three fine choices. I like each of them, but I can only choose one.” Jal sighed. “I think this acorn would be the most helpful. I have a pocketful of charms to trade, but they aren’t worth much, I’m afraid.”

Eiske tapped on Jal’s shoulder. “Perhaps you should keep saving. Come here for a minute.” They walked out the door. “Do you have the dice and card charms with you?” Jal nodded. “The price for them on the shelf is four hundred mu-tok. I think that we need to get rid of them. I know that when they are worn they bring luck at the gambling tables. But the length of time may be unpredictable. Get rid of them.”

“I’m going to put them on and wear them inside to show them off,” Jal said with a smile. “Appear to be arguing with me,” Eiske went along with the charade. He wasn’t so sure how this would turn out.

Jal went back to the counter. “I’m interested in that acorn charm. Would you look over the charms that I’m willing to trade?” Jal carefully lined up the ones that it wanted to get rid of. The wizard made a low offer. “Perhaps there’s a wizard in Nik.” It began to put the charms back in its pocket. “I’ll keep saving.” Jal pushed its hair back.

“Where did you get that charm?”

“What charm?”

“Oh, it's a set of charms,” the wizard said smiling. “Your earrings. You use them at the gaming table?”

“They can be used there.”

“These bring great luck to the user. Where did you get these?”

“From a family member.”

“Luck isn’t needed in the classroom. The ability to learn is. I'll give you four hundred zu-toc for them.”

Jal hesitated. “They were from a family member.” It picked up the box with the acorn. “I would like this.” Eiske pulled Jal’s sleeve. He gestured and spoke softly.

“Six hundred zu-toc and the acorn.” the wizard raised his offer, “for the earrings and these charms you’ve offered.”

“Six hundred zu-toc, and two acorns.”

The wizard went to the shelf and brought a second box. He opened it and showed Jal the second acorn. Jal carefully removed the earrings and put them on the counter. The wizard counted the currency. “Thank you for a good trade.”

“Did you rub those charms before we walked in there?” Eiske asked as they walked along the street.

“Yes, but I’m sure they only work at the gaming table.”

A big smile spread across Eiske’s face. “They were working when you were wearing them. The clovers were black when you put them on. When you were bargaining, the clovers were green. That’s how you tell when your luck’s run out. They turn black again.”

“I wonder if he knows?”

“Who cares? We got the good end of the deal! Two hundred zu-tocs more than the earrings that were in the display case.”

“I want to stop at one more place, Eiske.” They carried in two backpacks and the tent. Jal haggled and argued with the storekeeper. When it was done, it walked out with a new tent, a first aid kit, and several balls of heavy cord.

That night, Jal stayed at Eiske’s house. Jal cooked dinner in exchange for a long lesson in first aid. “Are you planning something, Jal?” Jal asked Eiske what he meant. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were planning to go camping.”

“No, I’m not. Not for a while."

A few days after Jal returned, Taryn studied Jal at the meal table. “Are you planning something, Jal?”

“No, why do you ask?”

“It seems to me that you’ve become exceptionally tidy over the last week or so.” Jal looked at her curiously. “I saw that two backpacks are gone from your sleeping room. You’ve lined up potions, charms, and all your personal hygiene items in a single long row on a shelf. I found it odd.”

“I was just playing around with the shelves and the walls. I think Ridali Tower likes it when I do that.”

Jan laughed. “It does.”

Taryn told Jan that Jal had turned its room into a jungle. “Can I see?”

“Come anytime you like.” That night, Jal was stretched out on the bed, with its feet in the air. As it read, it waved its long, slender legs back and forth.

There was a knock at the open door. “Enter,” Jal responded, without looking up.

“It is a jungle in here! This is terrific!” Jal looked at its tablet and Jan came to sit beside it. “What are you so focused on?”

“I’m looking at my bank account. Look at this. I’ve had this much growth in my sales and I’ve set aside this much for university.”

“Jal, that’s impressive. That’s about enough to pay for one year. Son autumn will come and then your birthday. Is there something special you'd like to do?"

“Birthdays are for kids. It’s just a day on the calendar.”

“It bothers you to think about your birthday, doesn’t it?”

Jal shrugged. “It wasn’t really a birthday. It was a throw-away day. Better off forgotten.”

“Why do you call it a ‘throw-away day?’”

“Because I was born and put out in the snow, like a shoe someone wants to get rid of.”

“That was what happened.” Jan sighed. “I wish I could make the hurt go away.”

“I’m okay. Every day that passes is proof that Geldou Bron and Giel Moti are idiots. I’m smarter and stronger than either of them.” Jan didn’t say anything. “I sold the earrings that she used to get herself in debt. I made six hundred zu-toc and got two acorns of determination for them.”

“Six hundred zu-toc?” Jan looked at Jal in surprise.

“I wore them when I went into the store and rubbed them for good luck when I was talking to the wizard.”

Jal sat up and took its belt off. It opened the currency pocket. “Jan, Eiske and I saw Jurien de Clerk today. He gave me a stack of currency and said it was what we won in court.” Jal told Jan what it had done with it. “Here is a thank you for taking me in.” Jal gave Jan the stack.

“Oh, no. That’s not how this works, Jal. You put that aside for university. You keep saving. You’re going to need that someday. You’re a good apprentice. Not excellent, but you do try hard. That’s payment enough for me.”