A scholar who reveres wizards and a street rat who despises them both find themselves apprenticed to a mage with a dark storied past and discover he is not what either of them expected. They may end up learning more from each other than they do from...
Tenet followed Bria as she hastened across the marketplace toward the Ordo compound. "It's time you see the Ordo library for yourself, Tenet. If there's anyone who can help you, it's Master Archivist. He's got information on everything. Even magic."
Tenet was stunned. "The Ordo has a wizard for a librarian?"
Bria shook her head. "The library doesn't belong to the Ordo. It belongs to Master Archivist. He houses his collection there, allowing them use of his resources in exchange for protection. I don't know if he's a wizard, Tenet. Perhaps once he was. He's a little cracked in the head. He doesn't talk about his past. But he's incredibly knowledgeable, and he keeps his word."
"Why have I never met him before?"
"Because you've never been in the library before, Tenet. Master Archivist doesn't leave it. Ever."
Tenet found himself curious despite the reports of eccentric behavior. He could overlook a bit of odd behavior if this Master Archivist could help complete Tenet's training. If he was as knowledgeable as Bria claimed, he might even know secrets that Madrigal didn't.
Tenet focused on the compound as they approached. "As long as you trust him, Bria."
Bria shrugged her shoulders. "I trust him to keep his word, Tenet. Nothing more. Don't expect him to give you anything for free. I know for certain he will want something from you, but he will deliver on his end of the deal."
Tenet paused, having second thoughts. "What will he want from me? What am I walking into?"
Bria turned to look at Tenet, stone-faced. "Relax. He'll want the only thing he's ever wanted. More knowledge. He's always hungry to learn more. He's a lot like you in that respect."
Tenet still seemed uncertain.
Bria continued. "Tenet, I know this isn't what you hoped for, but it's your chance to become what you are meant to become."
Tenet considered this, smiled, and followed her.
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As Quinn followed Madrigal to the tower, the seasons seemed to change before her eyes. Years passed. The tower was visibly aging, and the town was falling apart before her eyes.
As they stood at the doorway, Madrigal spoke to Quinn. "I expect you understand my purpose in bringing you here, Quinn."
She looked around. "This tower—this memory of a tower—was the home of the wizard council. It's where you became a wizard. It has symbolic meaning. I can feel that just from your memories. You seek to promote me here just as you were, long ago."
Madrigal nodded his head. "You've proved yourself. Within this tower is that which separates wizards from apprentices. The last step. I want you to make that step, Quinn. The world once again has a need for wizards."
Quinn hesitated before responding. "Why now? I feel like I've only started learning. What if I'm not ready?"
Madrigal tilted his head, considering her words. "I expect you will continue learning, Quinn, but you are not one to learn from books or repetition. You're not like Tenet. You learn from experience by adapting to your situation. I'm trusting that you will adapt to this. Besides, I fear I lack the luxury of training either of you much longer."
