Spellcaster series #3: The Adept

Magic Versus Science

TRISTAN

I had been a Spellcaster for sixteen years and a Sage for about ten. I learned all I knew from my grandfather, Sir William Embers, the former Sage of Untamed magic. I also learned to fight with my fists from my father when encountering a close-combat situation. No djinns would escape unscathed and sometimes they never escaped at all. I could fight dark Vampires with my hands tied behind my back and still win. I was taught to always win every fight or duel, hence being known as a Duel Master.

But against my mother? Impossible.

Brunch had started and my mother apparently reserved me a seat next to Dr. Nicole. She was not afraid to strike a conversation with small talk.

For the most of brunch, I kept to myself unless spoken to. I was thinking about the different ways to let my mother down. Dr. Nicole was asking me a question.

"Pardon?" I asked, suddenly embarrassed.

"Where did you study, Sir Tristan?" The doctor asked.

I cleared my throat before answering, "My grandfather taught me."

The young lady let out a soft, airy laugh. "No, I meant your academic background. What degree do you possess?"

I practically felt my mother's eyes and ears in front of me even though she was two seats away.

"I have no such qualification."

Her olive-green eyes darted back and forth, a perplexed look with a tinge of concern and perhaps condescension.

"Oh, so as a Sage, you just...cast magic spells?"

Definitely condescension.

I avoided her gaze and cut a piece of the poached egg on my plate. "We do more than that. We run the Academy and teach new Spellcasters. And as a Sage, I do possess academic knowledge in order to teach my students, just not on paper."

Dr. Nicole nodded. Her smile seemed plastered. I caught her olive eyes dart to her mother before returning to me.

"You seem like an intelligent man. Have you ever thought of pursuing a degree in philosophy or psychology?"

"I read here and there," I replied nonchalantly. "When I have time."

"Surely you understand the laws of physics and the human body in order to cast any spell?"

I avoided her gaze or my eyes would give away my irritation. I wasn't sure if it was my pride or patience that she was testing. "Certainly."

After the brunch ended and everyone fed, Dr. Nicole asked me to go with her for a stroll in Wynona's back garden. I did not stand a chance to disappear into the kitchen again. We stepped out through the backdoor with the escort of the butler, tall hedges running along on both sides like a maze. We followed the path.

"Your family is kind and my mother seems fond of you. But to be honest with you, Sir Tristan, I am not thoroughly convinced."

I did not offer any response. She continued after noticing.

"You're awfully quiet, sir. Am I intimidating you?"

I held my gaze on her. "You do not understand much about spellcasting for you to challenge it, so I offer no words of comfort. My responsibilities as a Sage include protecting the sanctity of the Magic realm and everything in it."

"Words of comfort for whom, my good sir? Do you not trust that a woman would seek to understand the field you're in?" She was challenging me. Her eyes darted back and forth, tone hardening at each word.