Prodigy
He had been looking forward to this day for years. All of his roommates had as well. On this day, all of them turned fifteen. That was the age of reckoning. The day of Choosing.
Ander had long awaited this day. After years of being tutored by irate old men, and forced to learn histories he would never use. He wasn't going to be a historian.
There were few choices before them. All young boys were taken from thier parents at birth, and raised in the Lord's castle, learning from the lord and his staff.
The choice most made was to become soldiers. Ander had never even considered this. The second choice was to be a servant of the Lord. Another was to be a preist to the Gods. Then there were others, like being an artisan, a chef, or a horseman.
The last was to become a feared and dangerous Magic User. Very few ever undertook the Quickening. This was the test, which determined whether a boy would become such a dangerous individual.
No-one knew what the Quickening was.
But as Ander stood in line before the Council, he had his doubts. What if he couldn't become a Magic User? Or, as they were properly called, Masters. Practicers of the Black Arts.
The boy in front of him was called forward. Seconds later, he left, and the Lord called,"Ander! Come forward, Ander."
Ander shook slightly. He walked forward, and stood in the circle of men. These men were the Senior Craftsmen. They decided what became of a man. The Lord was seated center, while the Senior Smith was seated beside him, and the Senior Swordsman sat on his other side. He looked at them all. Senior Chef. Senior Horseman. Senior Fletcher. Senior Artisan. Senior Farmer. Last of all was a man seated in a smaller chair. He wore a long black cloak, marked with a brooch made from gold, inlaid with rubies. His face was well hidden, and he wore black gloves, boots, and dark attire beneath his cloak.
This was the Master. Of this area, anyway. There were far more than one. He was just one of a whole legion of powerful people.
The Lord broke the sudden silence, by saying,"Who will take him?"
Only three people rose. The Senior Swordsman, the Senior Horseman, and the Senior Farmer.
The Lord nodded to the Swordmaster. He nodded back, and said,"He's got the build, sir. I would be happy to have him. We are somewhat short on new recruits."
The Horsemaster interrupted him."He is perfect for the saddle, sir. I need young men like him."
The Farmer said,"Lord, I would be happy for anyone."
The Lord nodded, and started to speak, but then, he suddenly went pale. He sat quickly, and they all turned to see what he was looking at.
The Master had gotten to his feet. He turned his head, and surveyed them all without speaking. He walked forward, his feet making absolutely no sound. He reached into his pocket, and pulled out a small pendant.
The others unfroze. The Swordmaster and Horsemaster both leapt to thier feet. They started to protest, but then the Master turned his hidden gaze on them. A whisper of sound came from beneath the hood, and both men clutched at thier throats. Then the Master turned away. Both men relaxed, and took thier seats.
The Master clasped the pendant at Ander's throat, and then stepped back. The Lord stood."As you will, Master Clarissa."
Ander stared at the Master. He had thought him a man, but now that he looked closer, he noticed that his build was slighter, his hands more slender, to be a man. This was a woman. A female Master! He had never seen nor heard of a woman becoming a Master.
But of course, the Masters were a secretive lot. No-one knew eveything about them but themselves. And he had been chosen. Just as he had always wanted.
The Master made a slight motion towards the Lord, then turned and walked out of the Council hall, motioning at Ander to follow. He did, bowing to the Lord and the Senior Councillors.
The Master was incredibly quick on her feet. He followed her out of the city, and into the forest. She moved like a specter beneath the trees, like a shadow.
They entered a clearing. Two horses stood in the clearing, grazing on the fragrant green grass that grew there. A stream gurgled nearby.
The Master vualted into the saddle, an athletic motion that Ander had never assumed a Master could make. He had always assumed that the Masters were slightly lazy, since thier power gave them whatever they wanted.
Obviously not so, because the Master was more athletic than anyone he knew. Even the Senior Swordsman.
He got into the saddle of the other horse. The Master kneed her mount, bringing the horse to a steady trot. Ander hurried to catch up. The Master did not speak, but instead kept up a steady pace. They rode for several hours. Although Ander tried to talk to her, She simply held up a hand each time.
When they stopped, the Master didn't get off her horse. She reached into the saddlebag, and handed Ander a small leather pouch. He opened it, to find it full of dried fruit. He ate ravenously, and when the Master handed him a water skin, he drained it.
When he had put the empty items into his own saddlebags, the Master took off again. This time, they rode until it got dark. Then the Master slid from her saddle, and led her horse to a small clearing in the formidible forest they'd ridden through since they left.
Ander also got down, and his knees almost buckled when he hit the ground. He followed the Master to the far side of the clearing, where he tied the horse's rope to a branch that had evidence of being used for that exact purpose many, many times before.
The Master turned to the circle of stones that were arranged in the center of the clearing. She went to a pile of firewood, and piled several logs in the pit, then produced steel and flint from beneath her robe. She struck the flint several times, then put it away as the fire caught. She walked over to her horse, and unsaddled him. She motioned for Ander to to the same. He did, copying her practiced movements. Then she pulled two blankets from the saddlebags. She spread hers a little distance from the fire, and Ander did the same.
The Master took out another packet of fruit. She also pulled out a small packet of meat. The last she pulled out was a small wineskin.
The Master removed her heavy cloak. Under it, she was really very beautiful. She had long golden hair, bound back in a severe braid. Her eyes were bright blue, and her lips were a soft pink. She wore no makeup, but she did have a single piece of jewelry. A necklace, with the design like the one on the pendant she'd given to Ander. The same as her brooch.
She wordlessly began to eat, passing food to Ander. She did not offer the wineskin until after they were done. She took a short swallow, then passed it to him. He followed her example, only drinking a little.
Then she acknoledged him for the first time, giving a small approving nod. She wrapped herself in her blanket, and turned her back to him. He did as well, reveling in her presence, overwhelmed at the prospect of becoming a Master.
Morning came all too soon. He was torn from that realm of blissful sleep by the hand of the Master shaking his shoulder. She was gone before he could open his eyes, already saddling her horse. He rose grogily, and hurried to saddle his own animal. Then she leapt into the saddle, and watched him from beneath her hood.
Ander repacked the food packets, and the blankets, then got into the saddle. She gave another slight nod, then rode away. He quickly caught up, and she spoke for the first time.
"We will soon arrive at Queen's City. Have you ever heard of it?" He voice was melodic, smooth, and soft. But beneath that, he could hear an edge.
Ander thought, then said,"I don't think so, Master."
Another nod."It is the city where the Master's make thier home. There is a palace there, where you will be going. If you survive the Quickening, you will live there, trained by a Master chosen by the Council of Five."
Ander dared ask a question."What is the Quickening?"
The Master did not turn."The Council of Five will explain."
Ander frowned."But what is the Council of Five?"
The Master turned to look at him now. He couldn't see beneath her hood, but he felt her eyes on him."The Council of Five is the ruling body of the Masters. It is they who make all decisions, and they who perform the Quickening. You will meet them tommorow. Today, I will teach you the proper ettiquite of the Masters."
They rode for several more hours, with her teaching him how to behave around other Masters. She told him that to speak without invitation, like he had when he asked his question, was considered very rude with a Master of higher rank. The Council of Five were above all, and one must never meet thier eyes. All who even went into thier presence, other than the Masters, went immediatly to thier knees.
She said that if he survived, there were others of his own age in the palace. He would behave as he liked with them, but he must treat all Masters with respect.
He had several questions, but he fought them back. She nodded again, and said,"Questions have thier place. When you are assigned to a Master, he or she will be your teacher. For now, keep your questions to yourself. It is not my place to answer them. Soon. For now, I will explain the order to you, so that you are not overly confused when we arrive."
She told him that the Order of Masters was split into four parts. First, at the bottom, were the Pupils. They were taught mostly mundane things, like thier basic history, reading, writing, arithmetic, and self defense.
After these Pupils came the proper Apprentices. The Masters handpicked the Pupil they would take on, then they trained them in the arts of Magic. This process usually took close to ten years.
Then, when the Master deemed them ready, they were brought before the Council of Five, where they were tested. Then, if the passed, they took thier place among the ranks of the Masters.
At the top was the Council of Five itself. New members were chosen when one of the old members died.
As she instructed him, Queen's City came into view. At first, all he could see were the great walls. He saw bright points moving atop them, and deduced that these were armored men patroling the walls.
Then they reached the gigantic gates. Made from steel, they stood thirty feet tall by twenty wide. Ten men stood outside, and one of them stopped the two travellers. He bowed deeply to the Master, and shouted,"Open the gates! A Master demands entrance!"
With a hollow boom, the gates ground open. The Master led the way through, and they were inside the city.
They stood on a wide stone street. It led past shops and restraunts, inns and bars. And at the top, stood a huge square. Around this square stood huge mansions, all made from white stone. Two avenues led off of this open square, and Ander saw that they met again to form one large road that led to the base of a mountain. The road went up in a zigzag, switchbacking up the face of the mountain. It led to a massive palace built into the side of the mountain. They wound up the road, and then stopped before the gates that admitted entry to the palace grounds. Two white robed men stood there, both armed with elegant swords, and bows that gleamed, made from white wax wood.
They bowed to the Master, as the other guards had. And, come to think of it, so had everyone they'd come across. They allowed them to pass, and opened the golden gates.
The grounds were huge, and filled with flowers, bushes, trees, and secluded ponds. A broad path paved with white marble led to the huge wooden doors that were firmly shut against intruders. The windows of the palace were all stained glass.
The Master dismounted. Ander quickly followed her example, and they left thier horses on the path. She climbed the broad stairs, and banged on the doors with a closed fist. The echoing boom lasted for a full minute. Then the doors swung soundlessly outward.
The hall inside was brightly lit from the windows, and the marble floor reflected the light nicely. Incense burned in multiple braziers all over the place, and more white robed young men and women walked quietly through this hall. There were also a few boys and girls around Ander's age here, wearing creamy tan colored robes.
The Master walked calmly through them, and they all turned and bowed respectfully before going on thier way. She led Ander up a large marble stair, and then up several more. They climbed steadily through the palace, encountering less and less of the youngest people, fewer of the white robes youths, and now a few black robed Masters. They did not bow to the Master, but did greet her with inclined heads.
Then, then climbed a last stair. They stood on a large landing, and Ander faced a large door, painted red, with the Master's symbol. A lightning struck tower.
The Master stopped. She knocked on the door, and then pushed him gently through.
He stepped into the room, struck by how dark it was. He got the impression of five raised seats, one higher than the others, before he remembered what the Master had taught him. He bowed, and fell to his knees. No-one but a Master could stand on thier own feet before the Council of Five.
The five Masters did not speak for a moment, then one said,"You are the Pupil brought by Master Clarissa?"
Knowing it was rude not to answer, Ander replied,"Yes, Master."
He heard a rustle, and then another voice say,"Then you are prepared for the Quickening?"
Ander felt sudden fear. He hesitated, and said,"I don't know, Master."
A woman's voice said,"Master Clarissa did not explain the Quickening?"
Ander shook his head."Master Clarissa said it was not her place." He still did not look up, although he was burning to look at the Masters.
The first voice spoke again."Then let us explain, before we begin. The Quickening is a magical ritual that opens your blood to Magic. Without this ritual, you would remain closed to the Magic. So we perform the Quickening." He fell silent, and another spoke.
"Now, are you ready?"
Ander nodded."I am, Master."
The Masters all rose. He could hear thier robes rustling. They stepped down from thier chairs, and formed a circle around Ander. Then, one of them began to sing softly. Another began whispering. Rustling came from the left, like one of them was moving his arms. The woman started humming, and the last chanted softly.
Ander didn't feel aything for a second. Then, a warm feeling started in his chest. It spread, growing hotter. And hotter. And hotter still. He flinched, and fell on his side, in agony. But no sound came from his mouth. The heat and pain lasted a few more seconds, then began to fade.
When the heat was almost gone, fresh pain flared sharply in his upper back. He heard a ripping sound, and then felt a draft on his back. He felt like he would throw up. The Council of Five fell silent for a moment, then started muttering. They backed away, retaking thier seats.
When Ander finally felt better, he pushed himself back onto his knees. He waited, and finally, a voice said,"Rise."
Ander rose to his feet immediatly, at first not even realizing enormous impact of that one word. He was standing, in the presence of the Council of Five. Only Masters were allowed to stand in thier presence. Ander still kept his eyes downcast. He still saw the hems of the Council's robes. They were ebony, with bloodred designs sewn into the black.
The Council rose. They stood silent for a moment, then one of them said,"He is . . . Prodigeous?"
Another voice answered."It seems . . . it seems so."
Ander almost couldn't believe it. They sounded doubtful! The Council of Five! He had never thought to hear them doubt anything!
Then the woman spoke."Look up, boy. Look upon the Council."
Ander couldn't believe his ears! Actually look at the Council of Five? He did as he was told. He met thier eyes.
They all wore hoods, so thier faces were hidden, but he could at least tell that there were four men, and only one woman. The man in the center must have been the Head of the Council.
Then, as one, they reached up with red gloved hands and lowered thier hoods.
The man in the center had long black hair, and black eyes. His skin was pale, but he radiated strength. But there was something strange about him. Something vague. . . .
The next man was very different. His hair was black, too, but his eyes were solid blue, without pupil. His skin was blue as well, and it looked slightly scaly.
The woman had long red hair, and eyes that were definitely not human. They were gold, and slit pupiled, like a cat's.
The next man had fur all over his body. His nose was slightly flatter than most, and his eyes were soft and brown.
The last man had feathers for hair. He had yellow eyes, eyes that seemed like they could peirce a man's soul.
Then he identified the first man's vague difference. He had gills. Along the sides of his neck, three pink slits opened and closed, showing the tender flesh beneath.
The woman spoke."Some people react very strangely to the Quickening. They aquire strange physical differences. They are very powerful with magic, and usually very skilled physically as well. They are called the Prodigeous. Look at yourself."
Ander did. He looked down at his body, expecting to find some horrendous deformation. He found none. He body hadn't changed. Then he felt a cold draft on his back. He wrapped his arms around himself, and felt something on his upper back.
Ander spun around, tearing frantically at his shirt. He felt the strange appendige, and then stared at the Council of Five. The woman nodded, and hummed a quick tune. The floor shimmered, and turned reflective.
Ander stared hard at his reflection. Huge black feathered wings jutted from his shoulder blades. They perfectly matched his ebony hair and strange, black eyes. His eyes had always been that way, though. They were black with gold flecks in them.
He tried to move the wings, and found that he could. They moved like arms, and were as easy to control. He brought them foward, closing around his body, and sent them sweeping back. The resulting jerk threw him forward. He landed with a huff, and pushed himself to his feet, his face burning.
The Council evaluated him with narrowed eyes. They seemed to be thinking hard. At last, the head of the Council nodded. They all sat."You will be trained like any other Pupil. But remember, you are Prodigeous. Your power may well exceed that of the other Pupils. We will be watching you." He waved a red gloved hand, and Ander bowed one last time. Without looking up, he backed out of the Council Chamber.
Master Clarissa waited in the hall. She gasped. He moved his new wings self conciously. Master Clarissa shook, then said,"I will show you to the Pupil's wing. You will stay there until you are chosen by a Master." Without another word, she turned on her heel and stalked off. He hurried to catch up, ignoring the stares of the Masters. He caught up along a corridor filled with Pupils in their cream colored garments. They all stopped in thier tracks, staring openmouthed at him.
Master Clarissa made a quick gesture with her hands. The Pupils all moved quickly on thier way, not without many glancing over thier shoulders.
Master Clarissa led him into a small room with two neat beds. It was empty, but Master Clarissa said,"Rarely does a room go unused. You will likely soon have a roommate. There are garments in that wardrobe. You will change them every day, and place the soiled clothing in the basket down the hall. Clear?" Ander nodded.
"Good. Tommorow, at seven o'clock, you are expected at the dining hall. After you leave, follow the other Pupils. They will aid you if you get lost. We shall not meet again for some time, as I am returning to my post. You will give any Master your absolute obedience. Clear?"
Ander nodded again, and bowed. Master Clarissa nodded, and swept from the room. Ander watched her go with mingled feelings. For one, she was the only one he knew here. For two, he was relieved to be away from her. The Masters were unsettling.
He went to the wardrobe, and pulled out a neatly stacked outfit. It was very soft, made from cotton. He pulled it on, relieved that it was so simple. He had thought that the Order's clothes would be far grander.
Then he noticed something. His new wings, although they felt strange before, now felt sore and cramped. He took off the shirt, and moved them a bit. Then he heard someone gasp.
Ander spun around. An Apprentice stood there, in white robes. He bowed to the Apprentice, and the Apprentice nodded in return."I have a message from the Council of Five. They say that you may cut the back of your garments to allow for your wings. They said that you would be wondering."
Ander almost whistled in awe. The Masters had thought he would be wondering before he even realized the problem. He looked at the Apprentice, and recalled it was not rude to speak to them."Why do the Pupil's wear only a shirt and trousers? Why don't we wear cloaks?"
The Apprentice smiled."Only Masters are permitted to wear cloaks. We Apprentices wear robes. We aren't allowed cloaks either. Anything else?"
Ander grinned."Yeah. You got a knife?"
A few minutes later, he was gingerly pushing his wings through the two foot slits he'd made in the fabric. They slid through perfectly, and he nodded in satisfaction. He turned to thank the Apprentice, only to find a different Apprentice standing there. This one a girl, with long honey blonde hair, and crystal blue eyes. She nodded as he bowed, and then said,"Will you be jioning the other Pupils at dinner?"
Ander shook his head."Not tonight. I think I just want to be alone for a while."
The girl nodded sagely."Yes. Most do. You may find making friends here difficult, though. The Prodigeous are regarded with awe, respect, and fear. Do not be overly hopeful." She nodded again, then left, closing the door softly behind herself. Ander spent a few minutes exploring the sparse quarters, the small lavatory, the bedroom, and a small study. He eventually sat on the bed, and pulled out the pendant he'd been given. Everyone had one. All of the other people he'd seen had been wearing them.
He set it on the bedside, and pulled out several more of the cream shirts. He methodically slitted the backs, to allow room for his wings. They seemed to be permanent. That done, he undressed, and lay full on the bed. It wasn't very comfortable, but he still fell asleep quickly.