“Doesn’t matter. I’ll do it!” Katie proclaimed, taking a step towards Melar, fire in her eyes.
“Katie, hold up! You can’t make such serious decisions so impulsively,” Steve protested, only to be cut off.
“I can and I will! It’s my choice!” Katie whirled on him, fists clenched, ready for a fight.
Thankfully, the ever-calm Emily reacted quickly, dousing the flames before the fire could grow.
“Calm down you two! Katie, you are right, it is your choice. However, your grandpa only wants what’s best for you. You’ve been raised better than this… This impulsivity. Melar must have a reason to use words like beyond and immense.”
For a few moments, Katie was uncertain how she should respond, caught between two deep truths. Thankfully Melar came to her rescue.
“This zeal is commendable. It is a must-have ingredient for you to have a chance at becoming a sourcerer. However, as your grandparents said, you need to calm down and hear me out before making your final decision. There is much you need to know.”
“Sorry Grandpa, I got a little excited. That news caught me by surprise,” Katie then turned to Melar, and flashed him a half smile. “You were saying?”
Melar flashed a smile of his own and pointed at her seat.
“Sit and listen carefully. As I said, I am going to give you choices, and an uninformed choice is not a choice, it’s manipulation. You deserve truths, not lies masquerading as such. So, I want you to prepare yourself. This option, this proposal is very black-and-white in nature. Many great benefits to gain and equally as many difficulties and dangers to overcome.”
Finally, Katie sunk into her seat. Took a deep breath to settle down her raging emotions, and then sat primly, like a student ready to listen.
“Better. Thank you. Let me share all you need to know so that you can make your choice with your eyes wide open.”
“First, it will be hard, as in difficult to do and succeed at. The process of becoming a sourcerer is dangerous and deadly. One misstep from you or me, and you will die. And even if you surpass this first hurdle, all that awaits you is a life-long pursuit against nearly impossible odds. A pursuit that requires countless hours of dedication each day, while constantly dancing on the edge between life and death.” Melar began with a heavy tone, some of his own struggles reflected in his voice.
“The work that would fill your waking hours will be painful, at times boring and frustrating, and a host of other unpleasantries. It might even necessitate some less-than-kind activities, just so that you can take one tiny step forward.”
“As if that wasn’t enough, for you to achieve your dream, you would have to simultaneously study the human body. On top of all that would come your responsibilities towards me and those you care for. This means that if you want even a chance at accomplishing what you’ve set out to do, you will need to sacrifice almost all of your free time. All that effort and I still cannot guarantee your success. There is too much of a personal element for me to honestly promise that.”
Melar intoned with grave seriousness, glad to see the tension all three were showing.
“Good, you are all starting to see what I mean by ‘beyond hard’. However, there is a silver lining to all this suffering. First, I believe you are capable of achieving it. I can feel it. What’s more, if you fall in love with it, like I and many before me have, all of that burden will feel right, almost light. It will engage your being like no other pursuit ever could. To be a sourcerer means to be someone exceptional, extraordinary. It opens up doors you have not dreamt of, and offers one-of-a-kind opportunities to enjoy and experience,” Melar finished and allowed for all of that information to sink in.
First to restart the conversation was Emily.
“Can you give us some kind of estimates? How likely is it that she can do this? It sounds almost impossible, the way you describe it.”
“It does sound beyond hard,” Melar responded with a half-smile. “I needed you to see that simply describing this path as difficult or challenging doesn’t cut it. As to estimates, they would be hard to give since there are too many novel variables. Such as me not being at a level where one usually trains others, her being human and not lesi, and us being in this world which seems to have no sourcery. These could be yet another obstacle to overcome, but just as easily a bonus to enjoy.”
“What I can offer you instead, is some information about the success rates in my world. According to the last count some five years ago, Leira, as well as the various colonies, had nearly four billion people. Out of them, somewhere around one hundred thousand people are sourcerers. The year when I joined the Academy, back when I was fourteen, a little under seven thousand new students were recorded, across all academies and private tutelages. The cases of deaths for children going through the initial stages were over thirty thousand. The deaths that occurred during education were a little under one thousand.”
“This is insane,” Emily breathed out. “How could you subject children to something so horrible? So many deaths and for what?” she asked outraged.
“I understand how this might seem to you. All I can say is that an entire civilization believes those deaths are a small price to pay for what the few who succeed can do for everyone else, as well as the improvements to their own lives. Also, not one of those children attempted this against their will. It wouldn’t work. They need to want it deeply and truly, to have a chance at success.”
Melar paused, waiting for another objection but when none came, he continued.
“The cost is high but if you succeed… Every wild fantastical thing imagined by your people is possible for a sourcerer. For they are the people with a direct connection with reality. Individuals who tap into the source of all things and bend the world around them to their Will. There are still rules and lines that are hard to cross but even they are malleable and up for interpretation.”
“The simplest of benefits is having a drastically lengthened life span with no decline in health until months before your death. I think the record is over three hundred and fifty. The exceptional among us become immortal. Not only would they never age and die but they are extremely difficult to kill.”
“As to what they can do, let me share a few examples. I have seen recordings for which no amount of wordy explanations would do justice. The sight was both exhilarating and horrifying. Imagine creating storms with but a thought. So large and powerful that they could obliterate hundreds of kilometers of land in mere hours. Imagine splitting mountains with a hand gesture or creating meteor showers out of nothing,” Melar spoke, his tone getting more and more passionate with each word. He then paused to take a breath as well as let his words sink in, and they had.
Melar could see the fear bubbling up in Steve’s mind. His worry about invasion had suddenly become much more pertinent and disturbing.
Then there was Emily, her worried eyes were on her granddaughter, clearly concerned if the promise of such power would lead to her death.
Katie on the other hand was excited, sitting on the edge of her seat, eyes glimmering. Yet she was quiet and deep in thought, flashes of all the fantasy media she had seen going through her mind. Each created one thought in response that echoed in her mind endlessly: ‘Would I be able to do that too?’
‘I think she has the right mindset. I bet she hears scary possibilities and thinks: “If I could do that? What else could I do?” Good!’
Sensing that the pause had gone long enough he quickly turned to the other side.
“Of course, it is not all about destruction. I have seen healers create limbs in seconds, healing crushed hearts like it is nothing. A single powerful sourcerer once came and cured a pandemic in the span of days, saving tens of thousands. I have seen wondrous inventions that made the lives of millions easier and better. So much is possible for a powerful sourcerer. The only true limits are their imagination and Will.”
“Now you see why it is difficult. Reality and existence are balanced in many ways. Nothing worth having comes easy and without sacrifice. Katie, I’ve told you a bit of what you would need to suffer through to get abilities you have only dreamt of. To be able to heal your mother with your own two hands and make her whole again. Now it is time to tell you what you would have to sacrifice to be the first human to have been given that opportunity. Do you want to hear it? Or is this enough to stop you?”
Before Katie could respond Steve was on his feet.
“WHAT? There is more? All of that doesn’t count as immense cost? What more do you want from her?”
This time it was Katie who jumped up to de-escalate the situation.
“Grandpa! Hey, it's okay. It’s okay.” She grabbed his hand drawing his furious eyes on her. “We are just talking about it. He is simply trying to help us understand a part of his world. Don’t forget he has suffered through this himself. Besides, all of that was the cost of walking the path. Not the cost of being helped walk it. He is not an enemy.”
“HOW WOULD YOU KNOW? Have you faced an enemy before? I HAVE!” Steve’s rage seemed too potent for a single person to deal with, so Emily also jumped out of her seat.
However, before either could say anything else, Melar quietly spoke.
“I have. I have faced more than you have, of that I assure you. I have faced so many I do not remember their faces, not even their eyes. The only thing I remember is that final moment before the spark that made them alive winked out. In that, we are all the same. So I can tell you, your enemy, would not be sitting here quietly. He would be choking the life out of you, regardless if it brought them pleasure or pain. Fear colors your eyes and makes me seem like your enemy. Would you like to truly see me as your enemy?” the short rebuke was spoken to the ground quietly, gently. Until the final moment when Melar lifted his head and looked into Steve’s eyes.
Steve was a veteran of the Vietnam War and had fought there for nearly 2 years between the ages of 19 and 21. He had faced many brushes with death, his own, that of his comrades and friends, as well as their enemies. He had dozens of confirmed kills and numerous pitched battles with almost no survivors on either side.
Yet, here was sitting a 17-year-old boy who spoke of death like they were even more intimate with it, like close friends. The kind eyes that Steve had observed for the last four weeks, including tonight's conversation, were gone. Instead of peace, the golden orbs were filled with cold indifferent bloodlust.
Steve’s heart skipped a beat. Then another, and another.
In the span of 3 seconds, he was hyperventilating. His knees gave out, falling heavily in his armchair, guided by the two women who too were shivering in fright.
Then as sudden as the pressure had come, it was gone. Melar was no longer looking up at him from his little chair. Instead, he was staring through the window into the dark of night.
“I am not your enemy. At least not yet. I do not wish to be. All of you seem like decent and kind people. You do not deserve such a fate,” Melar said quietly to no one in particular. Then he looked at the huddled family and breathed out heavily.
“I will take a walk. I will come back in a few minutes. Then, if you want, we can finish our talk. Or part ways. Do not forget that ultimately, the choice is in your hands.”
Just as Melar was about to exit the room he turned towards the still recovering trio. His eyes were once again the kind warm gold of old. Not the steel of death they had felt like a moment ago.
“I apologize for my outburst. I may appear to be fine, but I am still recovering from my injuries. The body heals fast. The mind and soul, however, they take a lot of time.”
With that he walked out of the house and started walking through the nearby field, only the dying rays of the evening sun to keep him company.
----------------------------------------
“What was that?” asked Emily a few minutes after the strange boy had left the house.
“That was a warning by someone capable of ending our lives as easily as stomping ants. I was wrong in my outburst. He could have attacked us!” Steve responded with a bit of panic in his voice. Fearful of the close brush with death he had almost invited in their home. He reached for his chest, his heart picking up speed as the memory came back unbidden.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
“He wouldn’t have. I felt something similar when the bear attacked us earlier today. You were right back on that first day when he seemed almost dead. He is dangerous. Apparently more than we realize. It's like he has this monster inside of him. However, he keeps it on a short leash.”
“Do you really believe that?” asked Emily, incredulous but also hopeful that it was indeed so.
“I do. I don’t know why but I do.”
“I want to hear what happened today. With as much detail as you can give me.” Steve asked, some of the characteristic robustness back in his voice.
All of them needed the distraction and Katie was more than happy to oblige. She embellished a bit but mostly stuck to the truth. During the short story, Steve poured a large drink for himself and Emily, hoping to help calm their agitated nerves.
----------------------------------------
Finally, about fifteen minutes after his sudden exit, Melar came back. However, instead of entering the home as usual, he chose to ring the bell, like the guest he was.
It was Steve who opened the door and invited him back into the living room.
“I would like to apologize for my earlier outburst. Your words were so impactful, that my feelings got the better of me. I hope I didn’t offend.”
“It is fine. I understand where you come from. You just want to protect your family. Admirable and deserving of respect. Seeing as I am back in your home, I am guessing you would like to finish the conversation? Better tonight in one go than tomorrow, I think.”
“Yes, we think so as well. It's better to get this over with so we can all mull it over,” Emily agreed, back in her seat, glass empty,
“Glad to hear it. However, before I explain at length, I would like to note another important fact, something I just realized outside. Being the first of my kind and holding all the knowledge is both a boon and a disaster waiting to happen. There would be countless individuals that would pay dearly, even kill for a chance like the one I am offering Katie. This means that the moment knowledge of me, my abilities, and all I have shared with you becomes known, I will be hunted. Both to receive offers of trade and demands of service. Therefore, unless you choose option one and offer me to your government, I will be binding you to secrecy. In that case, I encourage you to share nothing with others. I will enforce the secret, one way or another. I would hate to take the lives of innocent people, so be mindful of that. Also, no manner of clever roundabout ways of getting this information out would escape my notice, so please don’t make everyone’s life harder by going that route,” For a few moments Melar stared at each of them, taking in their reactions, and ensuring they understood the severity of the warning.
“Let’s continue. I believe you should brace yourselves. What I am about to tell you would sound even worse than what we have covered. However, that is only on the surface. At its core, it is not as bad,” Melar warned and without a pause continued.
“Before the Emperor, there was only one way to become a sourcerer. By forming a Seer-Seeker bond. That name has a lot of meaning hidden within it that I will not be sharing with you. For you to better understand what it means for Katie, I will use Master-Apprentice as the title of the relationship instead.”
“Helping someone become a sourcerer is only the first step of an endless journey of self-cultivation. A journey that without guidance gets infinitely harder. Helping someone to become a competent sourcerer is not a trivial matter.”
His eyes stopped roaming the group and focused on Katie alone.
“As I said earlier, teaching you sourcery would naturally make you dangerous. Even if your focus is solely on healing, it would be a trivial matter for you to take that knowledge, and skill, and weaponize it. Just a thought and your enemy could crumble, nothing but a meat sack left behind. That is why my people have such a strict hierarchy.”
“There used to be only one way to become a sourcerer, through the Seer-Seeker bond. Only after the appearance of the all-powerful Emperor did the academies get established. For everybody knows, that if they step too much out of the established order, they would be crushed, mercilessly, with no chance for recourse. Before that, for over seventeen millennia, Master-Apprentice relationships were the only path for aspiring sourcerers. A relationship that was and still is, based on trust and respect, as well as a magical contract that binds the two in many ways. One of its main uses is to ensure that the student wouldn’t one day turn on their Master.”
“I would never!”
“Trust me, every student says so to their master, but our history taught us otherwise. Usually, that sentiment dies after a few years and only the mutual benefit and threat of destruction keep the balance. For all the help you and your family have offered me so far, I would gladly heal you. Teaching you to be a sourcerer, however, requires me to expend far more effort and resources. For several decades I would have to consistently care for and look after you and your progress on the path. For such an exchange to be equal I will expect from you, to offer me your loyalty and services.”
“What exactly does this Master-Apprentice relationship entail,” asked Steve with worry. “Is that the cost you spoke of?”
“Yes,” Melar answered, yet his eyes never left Katie’s, who was listening with bated breath.
“Let me explain what it means to be my apprentice, both the benefits and the costs.”
“First, I will help you recognize the potential within you so that you can be rightfully called a sourcerer. This is a process that serves as the first great divide and hurdle for all aspiring sourcerers. It is comprised of three separate steps or challenges. Sadly, your advanced age may prove too difficult to overcome the very first one.”
“But I am just eighteen! What do you mean by advanced age?” Katie asked, full of indignation.
“The older a person gets the harder it is to cross over this first obstacle. You see, all children are mandatorily taught this initial step of the process since there are benefits even if they fail. They begin their practice around eight, rarely as late as ten. Those that succeed take between three and six years. Meaning that the vast majority awaken between the ages of twelve and fourteen. Which later serves as one of the metrics when getting chosen for an academy or apprenticeship. Those who miss that window rarely if ever succeed.”
“So that excludes fossils like us,” Emily added.
“I will not say it's impossible but highly unlikely. The older a person is the harder it gets to pass this first step. Why, I will not say. You would have to trust me on that.”
“Just how low are my chances? Is there nothing I can do to boost them?” Katie asks, quietly, her emotions shot from all the ups and downs of the conversation. Seeing her grandpa’s sharp glance she quickly added, “If I decided to try it of course.”
“Usually, the process is entirely up to the individual, their will and desire to succeed, as well as a few other factors. I will do my best to give you the best chances possible. If the usual route fails, I know of a way to force it. Sadly, the chances of death are so high that all in the know keep quiet about it. It is used only by the extremely confident, foolish, or those without other options.”
Hearing yet another threat rearing its head all three grimaced.
“It’s too early to think about that though. You haven’t made the choice, and we will consider it only after you have tried and failed the standard method. Who knows, maybe humans have it easier than lesi in this regard.”
“Alright,” came a barely audible agreement from Katie, only for another question to rise to her lips. “You said they take three to six years? That sounds like a lot of time!”
“It is but that is for children. Being eighteen makes a part of the process that much harder, while another aspect of it, you have mostly already completed as part of growing up. Without going into details, if you are capable of dealing with that harder part, you will probably succeed within a few months.”
This made Katie sigh with relief for the first time that night.
“Okay, enough about that, we will go into more details if you do agree. The next benefit to being my apprentice, even greater than the one before, is that I will teach you actual sourcery. I will offer you ready-to-use spells and knowledge of how to make your own. I will help you in all your efforts as best I can. You want to be a healer, and I will do my best to raise you to be the best healer this world has ever seen. I will not prevent you from studying and finding a way to heal your mother. That is your purpose and taking it away or obstructing you would be only detrimental, for both of us. If you are truly dedicated and nothing unforeseen happens, then I reckon within 10 years you will be able to heal not only your mother but many others besides.”
Despite the positive note all three were waiting quietly for the other shoe to drop. They could feel it coming. Without skipping a beat, Melar continued.
“I will give you options beyond your wildest imagination, but I will also take many away.”
“Using the word apprentice serves well to describe the educational side of the relationship. However, there is another side, which is better described as a Master-Servant. I will be responsible for you and your well-being. However, you will be, for all intents and purposes, a tool for me to yield as I see fit to further my own ambitions.”
“What they are, I do not know. Your questions earlier made me realize I have quite a bit of thinking to do. I assure you, I despise tyrant rulers, so I would never be one. So, no matter where my path may take me, I doubt I would make this world any worse than it already seems to be. Of course, nothing but the future can tell for sure. But back to the Seer-Seeker bond. If you choose this path, Katie, much of your freedom will be taken away. I will use sourcery to form the bond, and it will allow me to command you to do anything and you would be forced to obey. Even thinking about betrayal will be punished by the bond. I could tell you to strangle yourself and before long you would happily comply. Again, I would not abuse such a sacred relationship like that, I have murdered a score of such masters in the most gruesome ways for such transgressions. But your freedom would be nonetheless limited. So, think this through well, for once the bond is formed there will be no going back.”
“So you will make her your slave? For how long?” said Steve, with a low, threatening voice. Still, he kept himself in check. Fists clenching one another, yet he didn’t move from his seat. Expressing his displeasure at a distance.
Melar turned his eyes to the two grandparents.
“I firmly disagree with the word slave but on that more later. As to duration… Usually, the bond has an expiration date with only the non-aggression part remaining for life. This expiration date is set at the start of the relationship. It is even possible to break the bond if both parties agree to it. Something I would naturally add to ours. However, this is not a usual case, so the expiration clause would not be included.”
“My earlier warning about secrecy hints at the fact that what I am offering is extremely valuable and enviable. Being the first human sourcerer will allow her much and if I was to release her from my service in a few decades nothing would stop her from becoming a Master in turn, potentially becoming my enemy in a roundabout way. By the way, she would still be able to form such bonds herself. However, it would form a hierarchy with me at the top. As I said, my position is both a boon and a danger. To offset the danger, it is only reasonable to never remove it. In case she fails but doesn’t die, a modified bond could be set up where she would swear secrecy regarding all that she knows about me and the topic. However, choosing this path with that thought in mind is dangerous for her development so think of it as lip service. After all, if she is useful even as a non-sourcerer, why release her? “
“Lastly, Steve, you used the word slave. I have been lucky to have studied a bit about the history of your country. It’s a big part of the school curriculum. So, I understand why you have such deep reservations towards any kind of servitude. However, unlike a slave, she would get to choose this life. Unlike a slave, her needs and desires would be respected and hopefully fulfilled.”
“Finally, aren’t you all servants? Emily works, or in other words, serves at a hospital. You have served as a soldier, at least that is the word that the army ad uses. Sure, going in and out of service is easier but still you do serve. So, I don’t see much of a difference.”
However, Steve's angry scowl told Melar that an angry tirade was about to come, so he quickly forestalled him with a hand gesture and by getting up.
"I do not care to debate about this. We come from drastically different worlds and upbringings. Naturally, we differ in our understanding of something as complex and nuanced as morality. And when it comes to sourcery you are incapable of really having an opinion. These are your options, whether you like them or not.”
“With this today’s conversation comes to an end. Now, I will leave and come back tomorrow evening for dinner, when I will answer any questions you may have, but I also expect to hear your choice. I do this so that you can discuss this serious topic freely. Without the worry of me overhearing a poor choice of words, caused by heightened emotions. Even though it is Katie’s choice, it is still a decision you should make as a family,” Melar finished and rose from his seat.
“I shall see you tomorrow. In case we meet under worse circumstances, allow me to thank you once more for your hospitality and assistance.
He then bowed deeply, holding the pose for several seconds. Then with a steady unhurried steps he moved towards the door and the sea of darkness on the other side. Just as he was about to close the door Katie called, having followed him to the antre.
"Where would you go?"
"I will go explore that big city. The map you showed me today is marvelous, but nothing beats first-hand experience."
"Wait a moment then,” and without waiting for a response dashed towards the stairs. After a few minutes, she came rushing down, holding a white sweatshirt with a wide hood, and a pair of dark sunglasses.
“Use these. Your hair and eyes are too eye-catching. You would still be stared at but at least you wouldn't be as memorable.”
“Thanks. I hope we meet again under good circumstances.”
“Wait. Before you go. Can I ask your opinion?”
“Sure,” Melar agreed readily, curious about what.
“Do you like our world?”
“Hmm. Well… There are aspects of it that I found eye-opening and truly impressive. On the other hand, even after living just with you, locked in the house most of the time, I can already see the dark underbelly of it all. In some ways your world is way ahead of ours, in others I think we are better. Does that answer your question?”
“Not really. I was wondering about the whole invasion thing we mentioned earlier. Is that even a realistic possibility or just a natural response caused by our biology and war-like culture?”
“In that regard, for sourcerers, any living planet, especially one as densely populated as yours, and with a sapient species no less, is valuable. So, yes, my people would be interested in some form of a relationship with this world. Conquest being the best choice. However, I don’t think that is the reason I was sent here.”
“You don’t? Why?”
“I need more information, so this is somewhat of a baseless conjecture. If I am right this world is extremely far from the Mother World. Even with Dimensional Gates, traveling costs would be discouraging, at least for now. We are in the process of subjugating three worlds. We are already spread too thin. Another attempt at conquest would place too much burden on us and potentially ruin our civilization. The Emperor would never go for it. Of course, there could be something I don’t know, so…”
“Okay. If you were on our side. How would you advise us humans to protect ourselves from you?”
“Hahaha. Quite bold to ask a hypothetical enemy, who is here to conquer you, to tell you how to prevent that. But sure, I’ll tell you. Get sourcerers. I am a small fish. The fancy weapons I saw in your movies can easily kill me. The truly powerful sourcerers would find them as harmless as toys. And those individuals can take over your world in a matter of days. Is that all?”
“One more?”
“Alright,” Melar responded with a warm smile. “But then you should go inside. Your grandpa is getting antsy.”
“Oh, nice use of the phrase. I feel like I can trust that you would tell me the truth, funny I know. Still, would you advise me to take option 4 and join you? Do you think I would enjoy my life? Let’s leave me healing my mother, which, don’t get me wrong is a big deal. However, if you are right, and I succeed before my 30th birthday… To be your servant for another 50 or however many years is quite the price to pay if I would be miserable.”
“I agree. I cannot say if you would be, the future can hold many secrets. That said, I believe that if you were miserable as my servant, it wouldn’t be because of me but the present world. Which means you would most likely be miserable regardless. So, let me ask you this. Would you rather be miserable and hopeless, or miserable and powerful?”
Melar smiled at the suddenly motionless Katie. Seeing her too engrossed in her thoughts to respond, he gave her a gentle squeeze of the shoulder and then strode into the warm July evening.
Soon there was no sign of him or his passing. As if he had never been there. Yet his presence remained in the hearts and minds of the people living in the remote house.