The Collected Tales

The Lost Apprentice

"Geryl, for the love of all that's holy, please don't let me be late again!" Jared told the tiny, bat-like creature, his guide and, until recently, his only friend in this cold, inhospitable castle.

Mergenthaal, his less-than-gracious host and teacher, was expecting him at the throne room, where Jared received rigorous instruction on the fae, the earth power that permeates the Shadow Realm and the world of Ervon beyond.

Unfortunately, although this was Jared's third day of lessons, he still had no idea where the throne room could be.

Blame it on the cheerful old critter.

Geryl was one of the immortal guerlaxi, a telepathic, native species living in colonies within the nooks and crannies of the castle. Like miniature butlers, they serve the needs of their lord and his guests. However, instead of staying with its colony, Geryl chose to follow Jared around, perhaps sensing how lost and alone he was in Mergenthaal's castle.

And just like yesterday, Geryl flew before him, leading him to yet another strange, convoluted path to the throne room.

Finally, they emerged into a vast chamber bordered by seven towering pillars, with a domed ceiling glittering with black gemstones. The lord of the Shadow Realm regarded them from his obsidian throne. Even from this distance, Jared could feel Mergenthaal's growing displeasure at his lateness.

The next day was much the same, with Geryl ignoring Jared's command to take the quickest route to the throne room.

As he followed his guide with a resigned sigh, Geryl suddenly turned around with a series of panicked chirps, wings frantically flapping at Jared.

"There you are! Have you been avoiding us all this time?" said a low, extremely annoyed voice.

Three older youths blocked his path. They wore the same silver-lined cloaks and black uniforms, identifying them as Mergenthaal's apprentices.

The taller of the three raised his hand, and a surge of blue fae threw Jared to the ground. "This scrawny kid is the lord's favored student? He's too weak!" He sneered while the other two exchanged nervous grins.

Jared struggled against the grip of earth power that held him immobile.

With a piercing screech, Geryl swooped towards the taller boy, sinking its fangs deep into his hand.

"Arrgh!" The youth swatted at Geryl with his other hand, but the creature nimbly hopped into the air, circling and screeching above them.

Jared felt the older boy's control over the fae weaken. Breaking free, he seized the fae with his will, looping it around his attackers' legs. Yelling, the three boys toppled in a heap on the floor.

Geryl flapped past Jared towards the hallway they came from. Quickly scrambling to his feet, Jared raced after the guerlaxus.

Those boys had been lying in wait to ambush him, and he had managed to avoid them thus far. Thanks to Geryl's skill in the art of evasion.

To think he had doubted his friend!

Jared couldn't help but laugh at the smug, self-satisfied expression on the tiny critter's face.

✧☽ ✧ 🗡 ✧ ☽ ✧

A side story of "The Lost Chronicles", written for The Ink Games.

Link to the main story →

Prompt: A magical creature refuses to follow the hero's orders.
Word count: 499