“Jamil, lad, I've told you a dozen times, the sword isn’t necessary!” Master Jesper sounded exasperated from his potion lab, but Jamil paid him no mind. He just tightened the strap securing the scabbard to his back.
“Why not? You said it yourself; we don’t know what manner of creatures exist in that world! I’d rather be prepared in case something attacks me!” Turning to give his mentor a smug look, Jamil had to stifle a laugh at the annoyance on the mage’s face. Shaking his head, Master Jesper poured finely ground greyflower root into the gently bubbling potion vial; the liquid bloomed deep azure blue and filled the room with an earthy fragrance.
“You are not going to Earth to fight monsters, Jamil! You’re going to retrieve Kismet! I don’t think showing up with a flashy sword is going to earn you their favor.” Corking the vial, Master Jesper took the potion over to Jamil and carefully tucked it into the inner pocket of his coat. He then tapped his student’s forehead to get his attention.
“Jamil, I have been preparing for this for nineteen years. I have studied the stars, I have pondered over the magic and the records of our history until I was finally able to locate the world where Kismet was sent. Now the task of retrieving them falls to you, and it is vital that all things go to plan! Now then, after you arrive in Earth and locate Kismet, what are you going to do?” Jamil squirmed slightly; he hated it when Master Jester used his teaching voice. Sighing heavily, he answered:
“I’m going to approach them in a respectful manner and introduce myself, then I'm going to use the spell vial to bring them back here.”
“And?”
“And…I’m going to stay as calm as possible in order to minimize the risk of transforming.”
“Correct!”
“But, Master, what if they won’t come with me?” They had been going over the plan for weeks but that one question had remained unanswered. Master Jesper looked thoughtful for a moment.
“Hm. That…is a very good point. Hm.” Stumped, he sat down to think, tapping his chin with one gold-leaf fingernail. Jamil turned his attention back to making sure he was ready. He could hardly believe it, the mission he had been training for since he was a child was just a spell vial away. He wondered what Kismet would be like – this mythical savior of Ava Mara. Had they also spent their life training for their destined purpose? What would an all-powerful deity even look like? Jamil secretly hoped they weren’t taller than him.
This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.
Suddenly Master Jesper jumped up, hands flying animatedly as he rushed back to his potion lab. Jamil watched with great interest as the mage grabbed beeberry thorns and cloudgrass and an unlabeled jar full of the greenest liquid he’d ever seen and began to brew a potion.
“Uh, Master? What are you doing?” Securing the final clasp on his coat, Jamil inspected his reflection in the mirror. Good enough.
“Ah, a draught of truth, my boy! Crack this over Kismet’s head and they will know when you speak the truth! I had not thought to take into account that they might not believe you right away!” With Master Jesper’s level of skill, the draught of truth took only moments to prepare and the vial of pale yellow liquid was handed to Jamil. He carefully stowed it alongside his other spell.
“Should I…go now?” He asked, suddenly nervous. This would be his first time traveling such a distance by spell, and to a wholly different world, no less! What if…what if something bad happened? He could feel his insides squirming, and he clenched his fists tightly. No, thinking like that would not do him any good. Master Jesper sighed and moved to stand in front of Jamil, gently forcing him to unclench his hands.
“Remember what I've taught you, my boy. What is your greatest strength?” He spoke firmly, yet his tone was gentle. Jamil swallowed hard through the lump rising in his throat.
“M-my greatest strength…is my loyalty.”
“Good. And what will be your ultimate downfall?”
“Doubt.”
“Good! You’re a good student, my boy. Just remember your lessons, remember our goals, and never, ever doubt yourself. Everything will work out.” Smiling, Master Jesper patted Jamil’s shoulders and turned him around so he was facing the door. It was time.
“I’ll see you soon, Master.” Jamil said, glad he was facing away so his master couldn’t see the tears that threatened to spill over.
“Safe travels, lad.” Master Jesper replied, and Jamil heard the sharp crackle of breaking glass as blue smoke began to swirl around him.
I won’t let you down, Master, he thought as the smoke swallowed him up, and he was gone.
~