The Sorcerer's Amulet

Chapter 1: Sweet Sixteen

Normally, becoming fifteen was a huge celebration to Avalorians.  Unfortunately, Mateo De Alva's whole fifteenth year passed and nothing special had happened.  Except for Esteban sneaking him a cupcake for a birthday cake on his Quinceanera.  Now, as he opened his eyes in the early morning darkness, he knew he was now sixteen years of age.

Sighing, he rolled out of bed, not daring to test how long he could procrastinate.  He had long ago started rising before the sun and didn't go to bed until long after it sank behind the horizon.   Not the most ideal sleep schedule for a growing boy, but he wasn't about to vocalize his discomforts.  Perfect way to only get more work on his plate that he already had.

After preparing for the day, he left the room and went to the kitchens.  "Morning Mateo."  A girl, Antonia, tossed him croissant with cheese in it.

He caught it.  "Thanks, Toni." Grabbing a small bottle with water already set by the door for him, he made his way to his destination.  Eating on the way was something he started doing years ago to save time.  He'd rather be early than late.

Mateo's face brightened up as he saw Esteban.  "Morning, Esteban!"

"Morning, Mateo."  He passed by, but not before the teen caught the small smile playing across the man's lips.

The newly turned sixteen year old scurried to Delgado Fiero's Magic Lab in the towers.  From stories he heard from Esteban, it was once Princess Isabel's science lab.  She had been the younger princess the previous royal family before Shuriki took over.  He saw her painting in the throne room behind a tapestry once.

The robed man was already hovering some potion.  Glancing at the clock, Mateo made sure he wasn't late.  Fortunately, he was five minutes early.  That was a good start.

"Good morning, Master Fiero." He gave a quick, respectful bow.

"The broom is over there.  Some idiot set the new bottles on the counter by the edge and some rattled off and broke."

"Yes, Master Fiero."  Once he swept up all the broken glass and tossed it into the waste ben.  "Done, Master."

"Good.  Follow me."

"Of course... Master?" Confused, Mateo follow the Delgado into the room with the big white clock.

Fiero picked up the dying plant and set it on the table.  "Do you know the spell to make this plant bloom?"

"No, it's dead.  That's more advanced magic-"

"It's still mediocre," Fiero retorted.  "However, you're old enough to start getting serious with your magical training."

"Really?" Mateo's eyes lit up.

"Yes, now, before I change my mind, do the spell."  The Delgado set the book in front of Mateo and pointed to the spell.

Not wanting to ruin it, Mateo took in a deep breath to steady himself.  This was an important moment.  This was his time to shine, to prove himself to Fiero.  Prove that he was more than just a vessel for his soul.  He was Mateo De Alva and it would be a name that everyone would know.  At least, he hoped.

He said the spell in strong voice and hit his hand on the tamborita that Fiero had handed him.  However, as he was saying the spell, he saw Shuriki come in from the reflection fo the mirror.  His concentration had split for that fraction of a moment and he accidentally hit the mirror instead of the wilted flower.  It bounced off almost hitting the queen.

Shit!  Mateo cursed inwardly.  He probably just earned a few curse words for the inevitable fate he was about to face.  "I'm so sorry, your highness!  You startled me-"

"Say nothing of it," the woman retorted.  "Fiero, keep the boy's spells in check."

"My apologies, it won't happen again." The old Delgado bowed.

"Yes, I know it won't," Shuriki retorted before walking off.

Fiero immediately turned to the boy.  Mateo had shrank into himself, biting his lower lip.  He was nervously spinning the handle of the tamborita in his hands as an old nervous habit of his.  The elder snatched the magical drum from the boy's hands, making the younger flinch.

"You fool!"

"I'm sorry, it was an accident.  She distracted me when she-"

"If you want to do magic, nothing must break your concentration! Ever!"  He hit the teen on the back of the head.

Mateo bowed his head, defeated.  "Sorry... it won't happen again, Master."

"It better not!  I report for your stupid mistakes, and I never make mistakes!  The only one I made was agreeing to let you be my student.  Aren't you suppose to be the magical golden child?"

The boy didn't answer, merely wringing his hands behind his back.

"Vetzi!"

Mateo felt the sting of the spell that knocked him off his feet.  His back fell into the big white clock.  He grabbed his side, clenching his teeth.

"When you're ready to be responsible, return to my lab," the man growled, taking the book off the table.  He stormed off.

The boy sat there hugging his knees, trying to escape his pain.  He noticed that the impact with the clock caused a hidden drawer to open.  Curious, he peaked in and found a key. "Huh.  Odd."  He tucked it into his pocket and closed the drawer.  He would have to study it later.  For now, he had to get back to Fiero before he got punished for slacking off.