The Other Apprentice

8-1 | Fenhollow

After three days of riding, Tenet was eager to be out of the saddle.

Luckily, the marker to Fenhollow showed it to be only a further mile down the road. Tenet looked curiously at the squat gnarled trees that filled the swampy ground with their long, twisted roots. He could hear the call of the birds and insects and caught rare glimpses of larger animals amongst the shadows. Madrigal, riding beside him, seemed less impressed. Quinn and Valryk rode behind in silence.

After leaving Widdershanks in the care of Momma Henny and Bria, the group had departed Stillbrook and begun the arduous trek east toward Fenhollow, which was days away in Ogdendell. They'd spent their first night on a farm, treated to an exceptional apple-rhubarb pie. The second night had seen them in a crowded crossroads inn. Their departure had drawn the attention of a belligerent drunkard who threw obscenities and stones at the wizard and his coterie.

Tenet wondered what kind of reception would await them at Fenhollow. The faint lights of the village became clearer as they approached. Villagers were gathering at the edge of town with lanterns and torches to get a better look at the new arrivals. Tenet doubted they saw many visitors this far off the beaten track, and Tenet again wondered what it was about this solicitation for help that had piqued the wizard's sudden interest.

An ugly man stepped forward from the crowd, blocking the path with his lantern raised high. He scowled while straining for a better look at Madrigal and Tenet. "And who might yew be?"

Madrigal didn't even look the rough-faced man in the eyes, swinging down off of his horse and holding out the reins. "I might be the veiled empress of Kemura, or I might be a traveling soap merchant here to offer you a deal on a product you have great need of. However, I am neither of these things. I am, however, hungry, saddle-sore, and a tad irritable. So, take my horse, fetch your baron and inform him that Madrigal has come, per his request."

The ugly man's eyes went wide as he took the reins. "The wizard? Truly?" Thinking better of waiting for an answer, he turned to the crowd behind him. "Yew all 'eard the man! Fetch the baron!"

Suddenly, there was a loud commotion as the crowd dispersed to share the news or to take the reins of the horses.

A man of proud stature with an embroidered tunic, polished military boots and a neatly groomed beard strode out to meet them. Tenet presumed that this was the baron. A handful of attendants trailed behind him, curious to get a look at the wizard. "Master Madrigal! Very kind of you to answer my summons so expediently! And who have you brought with you?"

"My apprentices, Quinn and Tenet. My guard, Valryk. Our journey has been long, and we require food."

"But of course!" The baron clapped his hands together. Two of his attendants turned and darted off. "For such distinguished guests as yourselves, there will be a feast in your honor at my home!"

Before long, the feast was under way. The food was excellent. There was roast mutton, vegetable stew and barley bread. Troubadours played the flute and lyre. Attendants brought casks of wine from the baron's cellar, but upon being offered the first drink, Madrigal shook his head. "Strong wine and magic do not mix well."

Upon hearing this, the baron ordered the casks returned to the cellar. There were several groans of protest. "Silence!" the baron yelled. "If cider is good enough for my honored guest's cup, it is good enough for my cup!" At this, the disappointment turned to cheers and raised mugs.

When everyone had had enough food and drink, a small girl of seven or eight walked up to Madrigal and looked up at him, her eyes wide. "My mum says you can magic things. Can I see you magic things?"

A woman stepped forward, panicked. "Forgive me, master wizard. Mara! You mustn't ask such things!" She reached for the young girl's hand.

"Nonsense! Let the child remain." He stooped down lower, his hands on his shins as he looked the girl in the eyes. "Mara, is it? You wish to see magic?"