The Other Apprentice

3-1 | New Starts

Tenet was packing his clothes when he heard the knock at the door of his quarters in the temple. Tightening the straps on his carry sack, Tenet crossed the few steps of his small room to open the door.

"Lord General Morrow!" He gave a quick bow, though not as deep as he would have the day before. He was still trying to force himself to address this man as an equal. "I would invite you in, sir, but—" Tenet glanced around his cramped quarters.

"There's no need, Seeker." He held a familiar pouch and placed it in Tenet's outstretched hand. "I have come only to return your stolen property. The thief has been apprehended."

Tenet opened the pouch and checked the orrery, relieved to see it had not been damaged. "Thank you, sir. This means a great deal to me. What is to happen to the woman? Melli?"

"Quinn. That was the name used by the other girl who was caught with her. They were both offered the opportunity extended to thieves and petty criminals. Service in Lytgard's militia for a term of years commensurate with the severity of their crime."

Tenet wasn't sure why he cared about the fate of the girl who had robbed him, but with his property returned, he found he had little reason to have any animosity toward her. "That's good then. I'm sure the military will be a better opportunity for her."

"It would be, but I am told she has steadfastly and vehemently refused. A pity. Thieves who refuse are not treated well."

Tenet blinked. "Then what is to happen to her?"

"The same as any thief who refuses military pardon. In the morning, she will meet with the gaoler's hammer and have her hands broken to uselessness." Morrow said this without a hint of remorse or pity, as if he were merely reporting on the weather.

"I suppose that's fair." Tenet wasn't sure if he believed the words as he was saying them.

"Indeed. A lax attitude toward crime makes our streets unsafe. I will not have that. But enough about the thief. I expect this will be our last meeting before you depart, Seeker Tenet, and I want to wish you well on your journey. We are hopeful of your success at becoming a wizard. And if there is anything I can do to be of service, you should not hesitate to ask."

"Thank you, Lord General." Eenet gave another polite bow which Morrow returned with a smile. The general then turned to leave as Tenet began to close the door.

Tenet suddenly opened it again and called after the departing regent. "Lord General, actually there is something you can do for me."

Morrow turned with a raised eyebrow, "Of course. How may I be of service, Seeker."

"The girl. The thief. I don't want to see any harm done to her." Tenet spit the words out quickly before he lost the nerve to say them.

"We can't just release her without penalty, but we may be able to find an alternate sentence. It's unorthodox but within my power. But why Tenet? What is she to you? You don't know this woman. The one you danced with earlier was a fabrication. I doubt very much she would show as much consideration for you."

Tenet thought for a moment, breathing deeply before continuing. "It's not about her. It's about me. The reason I want to be a wizard. The wizards in the old stories helped people. That's why I want to be a wizard. I want to help people. That doesn't mean just helping people who will do me a kind favor. It means helping everyone regardless of what they can do for me. It starts tonight. She's the first person I've come across since being named as Seeker that needs help. I can't turn my back on her if I have the power to do something about it."

Morrow nodded his head, listening. "Well spoken, Tenet. I believe you will make an excellent wizard. You would make a terrible politician, however. In my world, favors done expects favors in return. You may be a better man than I, Tenet. You have nothing to gain here and no one would believe you responsible for her fate. Are you sure this is what you want?"