Rune mage

Chapter 11: Supression

Frederic's whole family wanted to meet me. Thankfully Fredric explained that we didn't have a lot of time. He wasn't going to able to help me since I was carving runes into wood and stone. But it was nice of him to make it sound like a joint effort.

And he did stay.

He asked a few too many questions. I understood because he wanted his brother safe. But I wasn't used to answering questions and after a while would let silence be my answer.

I got about a third of the way done the first day. The second day went quicker since I was working mostly with wood. The third day I connected all the parts and powered up the runes.

Fredric stepped inside and tried to create fire. After staring at his hand in increasing intensity he sighed and said, "I would risk a pillar again if I tried harder."

Which reminded me I needed to protect the roof. A ten year old capable of losing control of his magic now might very well be a higher level than his brother. Fredrick hoisted me onto his shoulders, which granted me the height I needed and I worked on adding to the suppression design. I powered everything down, then connected the roof portion to the rest and powered it back up.

Fredric couldn't create the smallest flame within.

Predictably, he called everyone in to see, even going so far to light a candle in a different part of the room and then bring it back in. They all gasped when the flame snuffed out instantly.

The parents were worried it would hurt, and Fredric assured them it didn't. He even had his dad come inside to see for himself, since their father was a fire mage, too.

"No candles will work in the circle, so no late night reading," I pointed out to the family. "No lanterns either."

"How often will you need to power this?" Fredric's dad asked. He had tried to start a fire as well, and the suppression had been successful.

"Once a month," I said. "I'll forget if you don't remind me, I've been very busy and it's only the start of the year."

"I won't let you forget," Fredric said, his smile brighter than I had ever seen it. He must really miss his little brother.

I would find a way to give the family the ability to charge my runes.

Or.

Or I could simply put a web design. Same as at the tavern. That would work. Next time I came I would just set it up. I would have to be sneaky about it though. The web design was either going to save my life or get me killed.

"I probably shouldn't have done this," I said slowly. "Fire suppression to this degree... I'm sure you're familiar with the consequences of such magics being done unsanctioned by the school."

Everyone simultaneously put their hands over their hearts. It was a little creepy how they were so solemn and earnest.

"You are bringing Isaiah home," the mother whispered, eyes overflowing with tears. "We will make you one of ours, welcome to our meals and home alike. And we will never betray your gifts."

I huffed to clear my own emotions. "Good. Still, might be a good idea to make sure the lad knows. Ten is pretty young."

Fredric put his hand on my shoulder. "I will beat it into him if I have to."

The others chuckled. I had older brothers so I was pretty sure he only meant it a little.

"Time to head back," I said. "Training right after breakfast has to be a joke. I can't eat anything because I know I'll be eating dirt."

Fredric laughed and walked with me out of the home. He pressed a scone into my hand and waved goodbye to his family.

The scone was delicious. I'd hate throwing it up later.