The Time Hopper

A New, Terrible Plan

I raised an eyebrow at Obsivian. He was lying, obviously. But why? What purpose would lying about this do for him? I paused for a long moment, observing him, before finally answering. 

"And how do you figure that?" I asked slowly, frowning in confusion. I had had my book since my power first came to me, since I was born. Apparently, it had been the nearest thing, so I had latched onto it. Consequences always said that the power was too much for us to hold in our bodies. That it would kill us. Obsivian opened his mouth to speak, and then changed his mind and shook his head. 

"It's a little too complex for you, my dear. If you work with me, I will teach you everything you need to know. For now, just know that you do not need your book for your power." He told me. I didn't like the veiled insult, or the simple condescension, I wasn't sure what he meant by the comment, but I was still damn curious. When I frowned, he hurried to continue. "I only understood it myself after many decades of studying the arcane, it is no reflection on you." He dismissed with a wave of his hand. I thought on it for a moment. 

"Alright then, how do I get my power back?" I challenged him. I wanted him to prove it, yeah, or just call his bluff, but I also wanted my abilities back. I felt so lost, so afraid now I didn't have my book. It had been with me for as long as I could remember, a familiar weight, the worn down leather cover as familiar to my fingertips as my own face was. And without it, I was helpless. The only way I had to defend myself was to use my powers, and without them there was nothing I could do. Obsivian gave me something of a wry smile. 

"My dear, I won't tell you it that easily. There is a way, however I don't intend to tell you until I am sure that your loyalty is guaranteed. If I were to teach you how to draw power from your book and into yourself, you would be gone in a heartbeat and would take my prisoners with you and we both know it." He pointed out, and I knew that I couldn't rebuff it. I scowled at him. 

"Look, I don't think we have anything else to talk about. I've given you my conditions for working with you, and you know that I won't stop causing trouble until you either agree, let me go, or kill me." I said abruptly, standing up with my palms slammed flat on the table for maximum effect. Then I remembered the hallucination he had caused the last time I was rude, and pulled my hands away. But he didn't do anything. Instead, he sighed and shook his head. 

"I have no intention of doing any of those. The only way you will get any concessions from me is through a reasonable negotiation. When you are ready to do that, then come and find me." He bade me with a wave of his hand. I scowled at him again, turning and storming out of the room. Felix was waiting outside, leaning against a pillar, and stood up straighter when I came out. I continued through the manor, heading towards the dungeon with a stubborn determination. 

"Boss, what do you want me to do?" I heard Felix ask behind me, poking his head through the door. 

"Follow her, keep her out of trouble." He instructed. The urge to kick up my heels and run away, try and hide and shake him off, almost overwhelmed me. But I ignored it, allowing him to catch up with me even when gritting my teeth. He trailed a pace or so behind me, ready to grab me if I acted out no doubt, but I trusted that he wasn't going to do anything if I was merely making a nuisance of myself. 

So I was a little surprised when I entered the room with the door to the dungeon and his hand came down heavily on my shoulder, stopping me. I looked up at him innocently, though I feel that the scowl I could barely hide marred the look a little. He sighed at me. 

"Really, Sadie? Going for another jailbreak?" He asked me, looking rather tired. Good. When I was stubborn, I could hold out for hours. I wanted to wear him down. I just needed an opportunity. Or a lighter. Starting a fire would certainly distract people.