The Untamed

Chapter 18: Back to the Graveyard

   For the next couple of days, the boy did everything he could to try and understand the phrase: control the element. At this point, the desperation level soared and he was willing to undertake any brutal task just to pass tomorrow’s exam. While the Queen did everything she could, Anya did little to help. She reminded Clyde of how rude he was to her when they had first met – now she was simply returning the favor. The boy could only wonder if she really wanted him to fail…

   He practically spent every minute of the day practicing – reading all of his notes again, trying to make sense of them. On top of that, Clyde continued practicing on the little candle. That too, however, was proving futile.

   By the time his final lesson with Queen Sparla had arrived, he was fresh out of options. Either he put out that fire now or he was likely to fail the exam. Out of desperation, he tried to point out to the Queen that this was a matter of life and death and that he should be allowed to pass automatically, but instead, she responded with a stern glare. After that, Clyde dared not to try any shortcuts around the test.

   Instead, the field was setup as usual with the ladies standing a few feet back. Clyde eyed the fire, trying to think of any other way of putting it out. Was there such thing as an Extinguisher Type? He didn’t bother asking, figuring it was best not to put the Queen in a bad mood right now.

   “The most important thing to remember is that you must remain calm. You have plenty of time to do this. Just take your time – take it nice and slow.”

   More than anything, Clyde wished he could obey. At this point in time, his heart couldn’t stop beating. Thus, when he readied himself, the boy could not focus on one image for very long. One moment, he imagined the entire ocean blasting from his hand, and the next, he imagined a rainstorm.

   He had never been worse.

   “Why?” Clyde panted after ten minutes of trying, “Why can’t I do it?”

   The Queen stood beside him and closed her eyes. “It’s too soon,” she said. “Your body isn’t ready for such a brutal test so suddenly. You need to take your time.”

   “No,” he breathed angrily. “I don’t have time… I need to become a Tamer now.” His eyes darted to the ground. He couldn’t believe what just came out of his mouth. It wasn’t too long ago that Clyde was planning on running away – ditching the idea of becoming a Tamer entirely. Now, as he stood, he was more determined than ever…

   He got back on one knee and tried again. This drive to pass the exam frightened him, even though he knew what was likely to happen if he were to fail.

   Several more minutes past in vain. The fire still cackled violently and victoriously. Sweat was raining down Clyde’s head and he blinked it out of his eyes.

   “Enough!” said Queen Sparla. “You’re trying too hard. Pray, take a break.”

   Were his arm even a tiny bit less numb, he would have continued. Instead, he got back on his feet and collapsed under the shade of the tree nearby. For some reason, this was far more exhausting than any of the other times.

   He looked over at Anya and he could have sworn he saw sympathy for a moment. But an instant later, she stuck her nose in the air and folded her arms. With all of the anger coursing through him, he was about ready to spit some cruel words at her for her attitude, but his exhaustion got the best of him.

   Strangely enough however, Anya came and took a seat next to him while the Queen gave the nearby flowers her fullest attention.

   “You’re hopeless,” she muttered, “Ever since that day you brought that book, I lost all hope in you.”