Thank you to all of you who reviewed/favourited my story !
Chapter betaed by Miette as usual :)
AN-2021/02/18: Huge thanks to dstone12 for correcting the mistakes Miette and I had overlooked :)
From then on, Severus spent his mornings performing the Yang and Chen forms in mirror, and his afternoons in the void room trying to Sense earth Magic. After that first lesson, Dhaal refused to let Severus on his own in the void room and remained almost glued to him from lunch to the end of the session, helping Severus control his Khorlos width. Then they walked back together to the pagoda, Severus drained from his day. He had no energy left for his library escapades and only ate before going to bed.
Another month parade went by. Severus and Dhaal were still under the charms of the celebration and enjoyed the various demonstrations of Magic and skills of the performers. March surprisingly was incarnated by a male Giant. His size was impressive and yet, he was gentle with the children attempting to climb on his float, no doubt in answer to dares between friends. Severus had learnt at Hogwarts that Giants were not particularly bright, but having met Hagrid, Severus was more of an opinion that they had different world-views and priorities than Wizards. As he watched the parade, Severus was hit by sudden inspiration. Different world-view. He was so used to sensing air Magic. What if to Sense earth Magic, he needed to Sense differently? That could make sense. Except he had no idea how to Sense differently, and surely Drunek, Wirkrund or Master Richtigk would have told him… Severus smiled wryly to himself. Goblin Masters sometimes seemed to forget important pieces of information.
This day, Severus entered the void room with renewed determination. He sat on the floor calmly, breathing quietly. He knew he could not Sense any Magic flow. If he was correct, the truth was he could not Sense any air magic flow. The room had to be full of earth Magic, the exercise would not make sense otherwise–he almost wanted to hit his head on the wall for not realizing it sooner. Severus let his sensing shield down and tried to think of opening himself to the earth Magic which had to be in the room. Like many times before, he had the feeling of something just out of reach. Instead of focusing on this feeling, Severus ignored it. He waited. And waited. The moment he finally Sensed earth Magic was quite anticlimactic. It was the same as air Magic yet completely different. From the moment Severus had been able to Sense Magic, he had pictured it like a kind of current which was either smooth, bubbly or a strong whirlwind, depending on the situation. He now understood this was what air Magic felt like. Earth Magic felt like waves–and Severus had to wonder what would water Magic feel like.
Severus smiled as Dhaal bumped his head into his torso, chirping cheerfully. He had done it. Laughing quietly, he petted his Familiar's head before getting up. Now, he needed to feel it again outside the void room.
Severus went to the dojo where he trained every morning with Master Richtigk. He took one deep breath then Sensed. Immediately, he felt the current he associated with air Magic. He pushed it to the back of his mind and concentrated on the wave feeling he had Sensed in the void room. There. He felt it. Severus basked in the feeling, adjusting to it. Then he brought back air Magic. The two Magic together were beautiful. He only managed to Sense them together a few seconds before losing earth Magic.
"You will need practice."
Severus would have jumped out of his skin if he had not trained himself to be in control.
"We will begin with the Yang form. Focus on Sensing both types of Magic as you move," Master Richtigk paused as he looked at Severus thoughtfully. "You will practise with your Sensing shields down until you can perform the Yang and the Chen form while Sensing both air and earth Magic. Then you will practise with your Core shield. When you have mastered the forms with your core shield, you will add your Personal shield. I trust I do not need to warn you to never let your shields down outside the dojo," added the Master sternly.
"No Master Richtigk," answered Severus.
"Then begin."
Now that Severus knew what he was looking for, it was surprisingly easy to Sense earth Magic while performing Taichichuan. The problem was to Sense both air and earth Magic at the same time. Still, after only a week, as Severus finished the Chen form, he was confident he had finally mastered Sensing.
"Yang and Chen in mirror now. Then as quickly as you can."
Severus nodded and executed himself. His movements were smooth. He Sensed the two Magics around him, their flows moving in harmony as he moved through the forms.
"Kiitos Daoack."
Severus looked at the Master in surprise. For the first time in seven months, the Goblin had praised Severus. For the first time, he was openly smiling at Severus. With pride.
"I trusted Drunek assessment that you were skilled, even though your demonstration before the Korkein was poor. But I did not think you would improve as quickly as you did," the Master shook his head ruefully. "I owe Drunek several cases of my finest ale."
As pleased as Master Richtigk was, he did not give Severus the time to go over his shock–a bet with Drunek?– and went on straight to business.
"You now know the basics required to perform Magic correctly. However, to balance air and earth Magic while performing Taichichuan is not the same as balancing them when using Runes or casting spells," explained Richtigk quietly. "Too much use of one side of Magic can limit the power of spells, runes, potions as well as their efficacy. It can also make them fail, especially when used with medical goals."
The Master paused then smirked.
"Before practising all this, I want to show you something. Come."
Severus followed the Goblin obediently, his curiosity piqued. They passed before the earth Magic room and entered the room just aside. It was empty, except for two tables. On each table, one glass globe was resting. One ribbon was lazily gliding in each globe, one yellow, one blue. Severus watched mesmerised. He was certain he was looking at water and fire Magic.
"Try to Sense the Magic in each globe."
"I can Sense them?" asked Severus, baffled.
How could he Sense Magic which was not of his element?
The Goblin laughed.
"Try, Daoack."
Severus walked closer to the globe holding water Magic. Remembering how he had finally been able to Sense earth Magic for the first time, he dropped down his shields and just opened up.
At first, he Sensed nothing. Then, he felt something. Like silk. However, it felt… passive. No. Not passive. Indifferent.
Intrigued, Severus walked to the other globe. There. He felt… like a warm breeze. And still, this feeling of indifference.
He looked up to Master Richtigk askance.
The Master nodded with a smile.
"You Sensed it. We are all made of the four elements. We would not live otherwise. As such, we can Sense them all. However, because our main elements are Air and Earth, we can only use their Magic. It is still useful to remember you can Sense other kinds of Magic. This can come in handy against other species."
He still had so many things to learn. As always. Severus smiled ruefully. He would not like it otherwise. How boring it would be. However, it meant he needed to adapt his core and personal shield to what he had learnt.
As Severus checked them over to see what he needed, he realised his Core shield did not need any modification. He had built it to protect his core from alteration, to prevent another from using it, no matter the kind of Magic used. He should not have been surprised his Core shield protected his core from any kind of Magic. Except…
"Master Richtigk. To my Sense, my Core shield protects my core from any kind of Magic. But how can I be sure of it when I don't know what users of fire or water Magic can do?" asked Severus perplexed.
Master Richtigk nodded.
"As I told you, you can Sense other magic flows even if you cannot use them. Your Core shield essentially prevents outside magic flow from coming in contact with your core possibly using or twisting your own Magic. You do not need to use fire Magic to prevent fire magic flows from coming in contact with your core. As for your Personal shield… I remind you Sensing attacks essentially means someone using the magic flows you are using against you. They cannot use fire magic flows against you as you cannot use them."
Severus nodded thoughtfully. He had had trouble grasping how useful a Sensing attack could be on someone who had a Core shield until Drunek had demonstrated how you could stop and reverse spells simply by taking control of the magical flows used to cast that spell. It still made his head hurt sometimes, especially when goblin Masters added more Magic theory to it.
"Alright Daoack. I think we will end the lesson here for today. Starting from tomorrow, you will keep on practising the different forms while Sensing in the morning, but we will practise concrete use of Magic in the afternoon."
"I thought I was only supposed to practise Taichichuan?" asked Severus, to be sure he understood what the Master was saying.
The Goblin's eyes twinkled.
"T'aichich'üan is the beginning of everything. We could practise swords or hunting and we would still be practising T'aichich'üan. I will see you tomorrow."
The Master left as Severus was still trying to make sense of his explanation. Goblin Masters. Severus smiled. Finally, something other than Taichichuan.
Master Richtigk was true to his words. The next afternoon, Severus and the Goblin went back to the training room where the Master had first shown Severus what his Magic looked like. There, Severus cast Lumos until he could Sense that both Air and Earth Magic were balanced in the spell. When he did, the light produced by the spell was so bright he could not even look at it. From then, Master Richtigk had Severus work on controlling the intensity of the spell. As it was, Severus was used to using too much power in the spell to make up for the imbalance in his Magic.
By the end of the afternoon, Severus was confident in his ability to cast Lumos any way he wanted to with just the necessary amount of power to obtain the intensity of light he desired. He was also completely drained. And feeling lighter than he had in months.
Now that he truly understood how Magic worked, Severus was confident he would master all the spells he had already learnt quickly. Then he would go on Runes. He could hardly wait to see how his new perception of Magic had improved his ability to Sense runes meaning and combinations. Merlin, how would it impact the Runes he would carve? Severus was also certain that casting spells with different intents would work now. He really wondered what his friends were learning in their own Apprenticeships or Universities. He could not imagine anything that would trump his own.
Severus was right to be confident. Only five weeks after their first lessons, Master Richtigk stated he had nothing more to teach Severus on Magic casting. The Master had even looked a tiny bit impressed with Severus, if Severus had correctly interpreted the slight lift of his mouth as he had told Severus they would only meet in the morning for individual Taichichuan practise.
However, it did not mean Severus had his afternoons free. Master Richtigk had decided that to further his Taichichuan comprehension, Severus would join a Defence Usta group. The difference from the Defence Usta group back home was that Master Liútǐ, unlike Master Suoajack, was a Master in Magic. At first, Severus was a bit apprehensive because the Master clearly was not from clan Röykkiö. However, Master Liútǐ was cut from the same cloth as Master Richtigk. He demanded the best from all his students. Those who, in his opinion, did not strive to succeed were excluded from his group. Severus loved the lessons.
He had not forgotten Lord Voldemort's expectations once his Apprenticeship was over. He had not forgotten he needed to be ready against Muggles. But first and foremost, he had not forgotten he only had four months left before his next demonstration before the Korkein.
While Severus was training hard, Dhaal had not been idle. Three months ago, his Familiar had found other Thestrals in one of the woods surrounding Bǎo. The horde had welcomed him warmly despite Dhaal's unusual appearance. Severus' Familiar was not talkative about what he was learning from his kind. He only told Severus that most of what he was learning would not be useful until he reached adulthood, about two years from now. While Dhaal should reach his adult size in a few months and have his head over Severus'–even though Severus now towered at 186 centimetres–his wings and Magic would still grow for at least a year.
Like Severus, Dhaal had already grown a lot since they came to China, his head now coming up to Severus' shoulder. Adult, he would be the size of a Friesian horse–this was one of the few pieces of information Severus had found in books about Thestrals and then he had had to check what Friesian horses looked like. Severus was very curious to see what Dhaal would look like, and even more impatient to discover the Magic prowesses he would be able of.
It was not really a surprise when one morning, Master Richtigk was included in the restricted circle of people able to see Dhaal. Like everyday, Severus' Familiar had entered the dojo to wait for the end of Severus lesson before going to eat lunch. This time, when Master Richtigk looked at the Familiar, he did a double-take–although Severus had to give points to the Master for covering it up quickly behind his impassive mask. The Goblin waited for Severus to finish his form before slowly approaching Dhaal. He took the time to observe–and admire–him, and Dhaal obligingly turned on himself and spread his wings to better show himself. He even allowed a brief pat on his head before shrinking and going to Severus' shoulder.
"May I ask for your name?" finally asked Master Richtigk.
The Thestral chirped cheerfully.
"His name is Dhaal," answered Severus.
While Dhaal understood both English and Gobbledegook, he could not pronounce the words. He had managed to say a few words through Sensing to Drunek, but it had required adjustments in the Master's personal shield.
"Dhaal," repeated the Master thoughtfully. "I am pleased to finally meet you."
Severus' Familiar whickered softly in answer.
The Master looked at them for a few more instants before smiling.
"I will let you go to lunch."
He left quietly, his robes flowing behind him.
Severus looked at his Familiar inquiringly. Dhaal only snorted. Yes he trusted the Master. No he had no idea why today was the day he had become visible to the Goblin. Yes he may be able to control this invisibility thing better once he was an adult. Now could they please go eat because he was ravenous!
Severus laughed softly as he petted his Familiar gently. Once more, he thanked Kiveä for pushing him to attempt the Ritual.
The day was definitely full of surprises. For the first time in nine months, Severus met other members of his clan at the pagoda.
This evening, Severus went down to the dining room around the same time as usual. He froze in the entrance when he realised that five Goblins were sitting at the usual empty table. They had obviously noticed him too as they turned toward him in unison.
"Yíngjiē! Come sit with us!" said a Goblin who looked far more jovial than any Severus had ever met as he gestured wildly toward the empty stool next to him.
Severus reminded himself they were clan and so had no reason to be a threat to him. He still checked his shields, wary of their sudden appearance all together before joining them and taking the offered seat.
"You must be Daoack," continued the jovial Goblin. "Allow me to introduce myself and my companions. I am Wegk, Master of Paths and Bonds, from Jokii. The delightful lady next to me is my sister, Ksendes, Master of Knives and Shadows, from Jokii too. Next to her, Sätta, Master of Paths and Words and her husband Röstk, Thạo of Words and Myst, from Brücke. Finally, Egyénk, Master of Crossings and Self, from Vrhovi."
Severus was surprised by the precision of each introduction. They were clan, but he had thought they would all introduce themselves the generic way, as Masters of Bonds and Beyond. Now, he knew each of their specialities, which gave inklings of their capacities and worth. Severus did not know enough of goblin geography to know where they came from. He would have to ask Drunek to show him a map of his nation, it was bound to be surprising and interesting.
Severus wondered at Röstk's title. Thạo had to be a special kind of Mastery. Something else to ask Drunek. There was so much he did not know of Goblin culture.
Severus bowed lightly to each of them, getting smiles and nods in return.
"Yíngjiē. As you guessed, I am Usta Daoack of Shields and Crossings, from Uusi. May I ask how you knew who I was?" enquired Severus.
There was no reason for him to be the only wizard Apprentice of the clan. Even if he was, why should all these Goblins know of him when they did not come from the same cities?
All the Goblins laughed. That was not the reaction Severus expected.
"We apologise Daoack," said Sätta as she calmed down. "I am sure Goblin politics are far different from Wizard ones but just as complex. You are the first wizard Apprentice chosen by our clan in the last two centuries. Considering how Master Wirkrund bent the rules for you, all members of clan Röykkiö knew about you within a week of you beginning your Apprenticeship."
Regel had implied that Severus becoming a Röykkiö Apprentice had been worthy of notice, but Severus had not understood the scale of the impact his Apprenticeship seemed to have had.
Wegk nodded.
"Here, serve yourself while I explain," ordered the Goblin. "I know Richtigk will have my head if we keep you up too late or do not allow you to replenish your energy. He is a fair but harsh taskmaster as you surely have noticed."
Severus obeyed, knowing the Goblin was right and feeling his mouth water as the scents of the different dishes reached his nose. He would miss the exotic food back home.
"I assume Drunek did not have the time to tell you about our clan history. Röykkiö is one of the youngest clans. It was created roughly around 1250 in your human years. Clan Röykkiö became part of the Council in 1438, the year the last seven clans were added to the Council," explained the Goblin. "Clan Röykkiö only claims three Johtaja. The last one negotiated the Wizard-Goblin truce in 1789. Of course, he would never have been able to impose the truce if only clan Röykkiö had agreed to it. Most clans understood the need to stop the bloodshed. But from then on, we have been accused of favouring Wizards."
"It does not help that the England branch of Gringotts, the only one under clan Röykkiö protection, is where most of Gringotts Wizards work," piped up Röstk. "They only represent five per cent of the employees but it is proof enough for those who would ban any trade with Wizards."
"This won't happen and you know it, Röstk. We all know Wizards are too numerous to be ignored. It is in our interest to have alliances and business with most of them," said Sätta firmly.
"You know the rumours–"
"And they are only rumours, foolish dreams of those who do not understand our world and live hidden in Bǎo," interrupted Ksendes. "But, what we want most is for you to really blow the Korkein away when you demonstrate what you have learnt this year!" she added, turning her intense gaze to Severus.
Severus nodded. It was his objective as well. From what he understood, it would show the Korkein how powerful Wizards could be and why the Goblins should not even imagine turning their back on the 1789 truce. It would also prove clan Röykkiö had made all the right choices with Severus, from choosing him to their ways of teaching him. Severus knew he lacked far too much information on Goblin politics to fully understand the situation, but he felt like it would give clan Röykkiö a chance to improve their status too.
Sätta cleared her throat.
"Let's not bother Daoack with all this depressing talk. He already has much on his plate. If he cannot sleep because of this, Richtigk will not let us have dinner with him again."
"We had strict orders not to distract you until Master Richtigk deemed you ready enough," whispered Wegk to Severus.
Well. That explained why they had all appeared suddenly. Master Richtigk must have lifted his ban. Severus felt himself smile. It was the equivalent of huge praise from the Master.
"Why don't you tell Daoack of your many travels, Wegk?" continued Sätta as she turned to her neighbour.
Wegk was a good storyteller and clearly enjoyed having an audience. The rest of the dinner was joyous and animated, Severus feeling more relaxed than he had in months. Wegk made sure to send him to bed before midnight, and Severus did not even feel offended. Dhaal was already sleeping when he slipped under his covers and fell asleep at once.
During the next weeks, Severus met several other members of his clan. Several wore the same title as Röstk. Others, despite being older than Severus, were only Usta. He supposed they were studying a new field and so chose not to wear their Master title. Unless they had not been able to begin an Apprenticeship until now. He never dared ask, for fear of upsetting them. He was so glad for their presence, for the break in the routine of his days. Severus was never alone for dinner anymore and enjoyed the company, although he sometimes wished for a bit more quiet, or the familiarity of his foster family. He tried his hardest not to think about Lucius and his friends. The approaching deadline for the Korkein demonstration helped.
Severus could not wait for the year to be over. To finally go back home. To hear from his friends and family, both Wizards and Goblins. To study with his Master again. To show Drunek everything he had learnt. In the meanwhile, Severus gave his all. Some nights, he even dreamed of performing Taichichuan. It was always better than the werewolves nightmares which still popped in from time to time, especially when he felt stressed.
Severus practised and practised until finally, it was the day.
Once more, Severus waited in front of the doors leading to the Korkein. Regel was waiting with him, but he looked a lot less nervous than one year ago which surprised Severus, knowing how important his performance would be for the clan. Instead of Master Drunek, Master Richtigk was at Severus' shoulder, his face stoic.
"Clan Röykkiö, you may come in and present yourself to the Korkein."
The doors of the chamber opened, and Severus followed Regel and Master Richtigk quietly, holding his head high. This time, all the benches were full. Severus kept his face impassive as he spotted Drunek and Frekka in the audience.
He should have known they would be present to encourage him. He would not disappoint them. He also recognised Egyénk sitting next to Frekka. Did he know her personally?
Severus pushed the thought aside. The Korkein was watching him from his throne with cold eyes. Severus met his gaze squarely, neither defiant nor meek.
Regel stopped one step after the bench seats and bowed to the Korkein. Master Richtigk and Severus followed suit.
"Please introduce clan Röykkiö."
"I, Regel of clan Röykkiö, Master of Jewels and Words, come before the Korkein to present Master Richtigk of clan Röykkiö and Usta Daoack of clan Röykkiö. Master Richtigk of Self and Beyond is presenting Usta Daoack of Shields and Crossings, in loco Master Drunek of Magic and Myst, for his yearly Apprenticeship Trials."
Stated like this, the demonstration was even more important to Severus. His Apprenticeship could not end today. He still had so much to learn from the Goblins.
"Yíngjiē Master Regel. Master Richtigk. Usta Daoack," answered the Korkein, bowing his head slightly. "Let's not tarry. Usta Daoack, you will be evaluated by the ten Wises bedsides me," continued the Korkein, gesturing toward the Goblins sitting next to him.
Severus was reasonably certain those Goblins were different from his first meeting. Only Wises could renew or end an Apprenticeship, even the Korkein had to follow the rules and respect his contract. A minimum of four Wises, from at least two different clans, was required to ensure an objective evaluation.
"Master Qiángdà of Magic and Myst from clan Quán, Master Renji of Knives and Shadows from clan Hankō, Master Rǽdgifa of Paths and Bonds from clan Runsaus; Master Adræt of Knives and Balance from clan Röykkiö, Master Mìngyùn of Myst and Self from clan Sēnlín, Master Herkkä of Jewels and Shields from clan Vauraus, Master Yǐn of Shadows and Self from clan Rén, Master Hegyek of Paths and Crossings from clan Összhang, Master Zancada of Crossings and Beyond from clan Roca, Master Sahar of Magic and Shadows from clan Tarik."
All the Wises nodded to Severus. Some smiled, others looked unimpressed, a few were impassive.
"Please begin with your Yang form, Usta Daoack."
Severus bowed slightly then gave his robes to Master Richtigk. He briefly met Drunek's encouraging gaze before positioning himself in front of the Wises.
Wuji. Severus breathed calmly. Then Qǐshì. Lan Que Wei. Severus flowed through the form, movements fluid and precise. Magic danced around him, and Severus lost himself in the moment, though never totally forgetting his surroundings. Once the form was complete, Severus only paused in Wuji for two breaths before carrying on in the mirror form. He felt a probe at his Personal shield and casually pushed back, never breaking the form. All along the form, probes of various intensity tested his shield. None even made him stumble. Once more, Severus paused for two breaths at the end of the form then began the accelerated version. It went in a flash, and he was already back in Wuji, waiting in front of the Korkein.
He waited patiently, the Korkein watching him almost thoughtfully. The Wises looked more interested and intrigued.
"Well, that was better than last time," finally stated the Korkein. "Same with the Chen form please."
Severus bowed lightly. Wuji. And begin.
Magic flowed around him, coiled within intent, ready and waiting for his call. He moved through the form, precise, martial and powerful. This time, he did not pause when he reached the end of the form, and began the mirror immediately. It was a deadly dance, really, except Severus knew he would never feel so at ease dancing. The accelerated form was always a joy to perform for Severus. It told of fights to come, of what could be.
Wuji. Severus faced the Korkein and the Wises. He stole a glance towards Regel and Master Richtigk, and had to steel himself not to laugh at Regel's astonished look. Master Richtigk sported a tiny satisfied lift of the upper lip. Severus was confident he had passed his Trial.
"Thank you for the performance Usta Daoack," said Master Mìngyùn unexpectedly. "Now, I would like to test you on something more demanding, if you do not mind."
More demanding? Seriously? Could Severus even refuse?
"This is the goal of Apprentices Trials," answered Master Richtigk. "Usta Daoack will be pleased to answer your challenge."
Right. No choices.
"If you are sure Richtigk," smirked Master Mìngyùn. "I have heard from Usta of my clan that Daoack joined in Defence classes for the last three months. I would like him to face four Masters using only Sensing and Taichichuan. The Masters will of course only be allowed the same weapons."
Four Masters… The Wise was harsh. But it was easier to defend than attack with only Taichichuan and Sensing.
"This is an excellent idea, Master Mìngyùn. This will be your last Trial, Usta Daoack," decided the Korkein.
Severus bowed. At once, four Goblins rose up from the benches behind Severus and joined him in front of the Korkein.
"Thank you Masters for volunteering to test Usta Daoack," said Master Mìngyùn.
The fours Goblins bowed then lined up in front of Severus. The five of them stepped into Wuji.
"Begin!" ordered the Korkein.
At first, the Masters came one after another, choosing either Taichichuan or Sensing to attack Severus. They gave Severus time between each of their attacks. When it became clear he was easily holding his own, they began attacking in pairs, two using Taichichuan at once, then two using Sensing. Severus still defended easily. So they mixed Taichichuan and Sensing. Severus was completely focused, parrying kicks and hits while preventing the Masters from taking a hold of his Magic. His shield was unbreakable.
Finally, the four of them came at once, in a flurry of attacks. Dhaal Sensed warnings at him, letting him evade kicks which came from behind at the last seconds. One of the Masters tried to block their connection but protecting their link now was second nature to both of them. One tried to use their link to break through Severus' shield. Severus allowed Dhaal to push the Goblin hard through the link. To their surprise–and Dhaal amusement–the Master landed flat on his back, dazed. The most they had managed when practising with Drunek had been a step back. They had grown. And they would keep growing, Sensed Dhaal proudly to Severus.
"Stàt."
The word resonated in the room. Severus could not have said if minutes or hours had passed. He realised he was breathing heavily. Looking around, the Masters were not better. He stared as they each came up to pat him on the shoulder before bowing to the Korkein then going back to sit on the benches.
"Come Usta Daoack," ordered the Korkein, taking Severus out of his daze.
He walked back to face the Korkein once more. The sovereign watched him with a wry twist of the lips.
"Usta Daoack. The Wises have taken their decision. You are hereby awarded the grade of Thạo. Thạo Daoack of Shields and Crossings, you now have up to two years to complete your Apprenticeship by achieving a project combining all your Apprenticeship fields. Your project must be innovative enough to be published in one of your Wizard research reviews," stated the Korkein with a fixed stare.
Severus bowed, mind churning. Two years seemed both so long and so short a time. Thạo. He had not known there was another grade to attain between Usta and Master. What kind of project could he find which would be interesting enough to follow during two years and encompass Runes, Infiltration, Herbs, Defence and Potions?
Severus was brought back to the moment by the discreet elbow of Master Richtigk. The Master and Regel were now standing from either side of Severus.
"Thank you clan Röykkiö. Thank you Master Richtigk for taking the time to educate Thạo Daoack and helping him catch up to his peers level," said the Korkein.
Severus wanted to growl at the slight to Drunek and Wirkrund.
"To be honest esteemed Korkein, Thạo Daoack did not need me to improve, only time and practice. It was my pleasure to teach him," replied Master Richtigk, bowing lightly to Severus.
"I suppose we will verify your claim in two years at most," answered the Korkein sweetly.
Severus wanted to roll his eyes. The Goblin did not know how to admit defeat.
"Kāma ra alavidā, clan Röykkiö," ended the Korkein.
"Thank you esteemed Korkein," said Regel. "May the light always shine outside the cavern."
He bowed, followed suit by Master Richtigk and Severus.
They left the room walking head high. Regel led them to an adjoining room.
"Some will want to speak with you," he explained to Severus.
There were drinks and food on one table. Apparently, after-Trials were cause for a social gathering here. At least, after-Trials presided by the Korkein were.
Severus realised he was famished, and helped himself to some food and one mug of spiced tea. Master Richtigk nodded approvingly.
"You spent a lot of energy in the last part of the Trial. Kiitos Daoack," praised the Master. "I was not sure you would hold up as long as you did against the four Masters, but I had forgotten one of your main advantages," he added smiling.
"Thank you Master Richtigk."
"Do not forget that you all were restricted in your means of attack. In a real fight, it would have been over far earlier, one way or another," admonished Master Richtigk.
"I am aware of it Master," nodded Severus.
"I think you are. A reminder is never lost," smiled the Goblin.
"Congratulation Daoack," added Regel. "I confess I was not convinced when Drunek sang your praises. You were just too perfect for a wizard Apprentice. But I must admit you performed marvellously. I know none at court expected such controlled, precise and powerful performance. You made the clan proud,"
he clasped Severus shoulder with a huge smile then looked up behind Severus.
"Speaking of the clan. Here comes our Johtaja."
The three of them turned toward the approaching Goblin. Even if Regel had not warned him, Severus would have known he was their clan leader thanks to the silver dagger hanging across his chest. He noticed other Goblins had entered the room but were giving them space to talk.
"Thạo Daoack," greeted his Johtaja with a smile, bowing lightly to Severus. "I am Johtaja Klar. It is a pleasure to finally meet you."
"Yíngjiē Johtaja Klar," answered Severus with a bow. "The pleasure and honour are mine."
Regel had disappeared during their brief exchange, leaving Severus with only Master Richtigk and the Johtaja.
"I apologize for my absence during your first meeting with the Korkein. My Johtaja title was quite fresh and I was swamped by demands and urgent matters requiring my attention."
The Johtaja looked younger than Drunek, and after three years among Goblins, Severus was reasonably certain it was not just an appearance. It made him wonder if the Johtaja had agreed with the Wises' decision to renew his Apprenticeship at the time.
As for his absence during the first meeting between Severus and the Korkein... The Johtaja might have decided it would be wiser not to show too much support to Severus when his value to the clan was uncertain.
"I honestly had not expected you to be there," answered Severus honestly. "Meeting with the Korkein was a surprise."
"A surprise. Yes, I can imagine," smirked the Johtaja. "But Master Richtigk was here to speak on my behalf, and it turned out for the best," added the Johtaja. "Thank you both for your hard work, your performance was brilliant Daoack. If you achieve a final project as impressive as Master Wirkrund and Master Richtigk believe you capable of, our clan will owe you much."
"Thank you, honoured Johtaja. I will strive not to disappoint our clan."
"I do not doubt you will," answered the Johtaja seriously. "Thank you for your time, Thạo Daoack. I will not monopolise you more than I already have. May the light shine above you to bring honour to our clan."
"Thank you for speaking with me," answered Severus. "May the light brighten your path to bring prosperity to our clan."
They bowed to each other, then Johtaja Klar left to mingle with other Goblins.
"He trusts you," said Severus quietly.
"I have taught him for a long time," answered Master Richtigk.
"You are recognized by the other clans," stated Severus.
The Master smiled.
"Drunek and Wirkrund made the right choice. I am looking forward to your final project," he put his hand on Severus' shoulder. "Give my best to Dhaal. Drunek and Frekka won't let you remain long now you are free of us. It was my pleasure teaching you, Thạo Daoack. May the light brighten your way under the mountain," said Master Richtigk.
"Thank you Master Richtigk," answered Severus, looking at the Goblin right in the eyes. "It was my pleasure to learn from you, and Dhaal agrees with me. May our paths cross again under the mountain's sky."
They bowed to each other, then Master Richtigk disappeared into the crowd.
Severus smiled. The year had been hard, but it had been worth it. He felt his smile grow as he spotted Frekka and Drunek walking toward him.
He was going home.