The Pursuing Victory Collection

By M.M. Brownlow

Rhys has one goal - to end the pact that joins Bacovia and Evendell. The spell at the heart of the pact has been responsible for ruining the lives of children throughout Evendell for centuries, and he's had enough. But in order to end something this big, this powerful, he's going to need some help. Join Rhys as he spreads his influence throughout Obyra, collecting the allies that he needs to help him complete his mission... the eradication of the Bacovian royal family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.M. Brownlow
• Release date: Jul 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463591574

M.M. Brownlow

M.M. Brownlow works as an elementary teacher and lives with her husband and three sons in Ontario, Canada. She's also surrounded by a variety of "critters" - a dog, two cats, two guinea pigs, a hamster, a pair of frogs, and a leopard gecko. Life is never boring, and she finds herself often wishing for more hours in a day.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Henry rushed down the corridor, mindless of which turn or stairway he took. His goal was to lose his pursuers, and it wouldn't do him any good if they managed to pluck his location from his mind. Better for him to be lost in the maze that was the lower levels of the large building. He knew not to look behind him as he ran — that cost him precious seconds — so instead Henry concentrated on simply moving as fast as he could.

He had no idea how long he ran before his pounding heart and ragged breathing finally drove him to search for somewhere to hide. He didn't hear anybody behind him, but he wasn't sure how long that would last. Ducking into room after room, Henry scanned the spaces and rejected them one by one. He didn't know what he was looking for until he found it, a small room with a padded bench and battered table in the middle, and no other furnishings. Shutting the door behind him, he flipped the lock and breathed a sigh of relief as he felt the room's shielding click into place. This workroom would allow his magic out but no magic in, effectively hiding him from all but the most thorough and persistent search. 

Brushing his sweaty brown hair back from his forehead, Henry collapsed onto the bench and placed his apprentice staff on the table. Folding his arms beside his staff, he laid his head on his arms and took deep, restorative breaths. Slowly his heart returned to a normal rhythm and he felt a little less fatigued, and when he felt ready, the boy picked up his staff once again.

Henry caressed the smooth wood of the staff, which was about the length of his forearm. The pale wood showed very little grain, and each of the magical symbols he'd learned so far showed clearly where he'd painstakingly etched and painted them along the wooden length, one rune for each spell he'd mastered in his nearly five years of training. The end of the staff held a large emerald, the wood curving around the focus stone almost lovingly. Henry was an apprentice Earth mage, and the staff was the symbol of his craft. He needed it to focus his energies for all but the most basic spells, and as he found and traced the rune he needed now, Henry could feel the wood warm beneath his hands like it was a living thing.

Closing his blue eyes, Henry began to see a map of the building painted across the darkness by the spell he was casting. Slowly he watched walls take shape in his mind, marking out rooms and hallways, and as he continued to weave his spell, the layout of other floors appeared in his mind as well. Soon he knew exactly where he was, as well as where his tormentors were. They were searching for him still, and Henry sighed as he let the spell go. He shifted his weight on the bench, trying to make himself more comfortable; it looked like he was going to be here for a while.

Henry remembered the very first time he'd run afoul of his special torturers, a group of three boys who seemed hell bent and determined to make his life miserable. It had been his second day as an apprentice mage, and he'd been trying to find his way from the dining hall to his first class. Only six years old, he'd felt lost, confused and somewhat abandoned by his parents, and trying to look in five different directions at once had caused him to walk right into another student, a tall, older boy named Jerome. Jerome had immediately spun around to confront him, the boy's swinging staff slamming into Henry's arm with enough force to bruise right down to the bone. Henry had fallen to the ground, much to the amusement of Jerome and the two boys who'd been standing with him.

Watch where you're going, imbecile, Jerome had growled.

Scowling, Henry had pushed himself to his feet and brushed the dust from his clothing. Show some respect, he'd answered. Don't you know who I am?

Jerome's answer had been another blow from his staff, knocking Henry back down. Of course I know who you are, your Highness. Who could have missed the fanfare yesterday? Well, guess what? I don't care about your prophecy or who your parents are… You're no better than anybody else here, princeling. Might as well get used to it.

Jerome and his cronies had left it at that, the first time, but the truth of Jerome's words was evident when Henry had complained to the masters and been told that he should be more careful in the halls. From that point forward, whenever Jerome caught Henry alone, Jerome always made sure the prince knew where his place was — on the floor — and no amount of telling or complaining had helped. When the punishments Jerome inflicted on Henry for the apparent sin of being born who he was got worse, Henry took to running away instead of getting beat up. He was the prince of this kingdom, that was true, but that held no weight in this place, and he couldn't ever seem to defend himself against the older boy. No matter what he tried, Jerome was always a step ahead of him.

Pulling himself from painful memories of beatings past, Henry hung his head in his hands and closed his eyes once more. Until he'd come to this place, nobody had ever laid a hand on him; he'd had a whipping boy at home to take his punishments for him. His whipping boy, a peasant about his own age, had been named Lewis. The idea was that if Henry needed to be punished, instead of laying a hand on the heir to the kingdom of Mythesti, Lewis would take the punishment instead. Since Lewis was innocent of any wrongdoing, Henry was supposed to feel bad about having the boy take his beatings, thereby encouraging Henry to better behaviour. Lewis' family was well compensated for their son's service, something that went a long way in Mythesti's poor economy, and Lewis himself was educated, housed, dressed and fed like a noble. Henry had always thought that Lewis was getting a good deal, until he'd had to start taking his own beatings.

Henry stayed in the workroom he'd chosen for a sanctuary until his legs were numb from sitting in one position for so long, and his stomach was rumbling with hunger. Pushing himself up, he kicked his legs and walked around the room a few times to restore circulation before finally approaching the locked door. He knew that as soon as he opened the door, the shield would open and he'd be detectable once more.

In addition to Jerome and his friends, there were two other apprentices, three journeymen and two masters who called this building home. The master mages were a husband and wife team, and this building was the closest thing Mythesti had to a mage School, making Henry's apprenticeship here something that his parents had been very happy about. 

After his magical abilities had been discovered shortly after his sixth birthday, Henry was heralded not only as the heir to the throne, but also as possibly the prophesied saviour of the poor, failing kingdom, a mage of royal birth who would turn the kingdom's fortunes around. Most master mages picked up apprentices as they found them, and there was a lot of moving around involved in a mage's training, with the associated security and safety concerns. The king and queen liked the idea that their son would be stationary, at least until his journeyman years, but right now, Henry wished that he were alone with his master instead of living here. Taking a deep breath, he opened the door and stepped out into the hallway.

Henry crept along the dimly lit corridor slowly, trying to keep all of his senses alert so that he wouldn't be caught unaware by Jerome. When he felt a heavy hand on his shoulder a few moments later, he shrieked and turned around so abruptly that he stumbled and nearly fell.

Take it easy there.

He felt another hand on his shoulder, this time to steady him. Henry looked up and met the crooked grin and sparkling green eyes of Master Rylan's journeyman, Cedric. He breathed a sigh of relief. Cedric was five or six years older than he was, and the older boy was someone Henry admired a lot. Cedric had actually rescued him from Jerome a time or two, and Henry loved the classes he had that were taught by the journeyman. Cedric never looked down on him for his royal birth, though he did expect Henry to pull his own weight when it came to both chores and lessons. 

I've been looking all over for you, Cedric scolded with a smile. You've missed dinner and your evening chores.

Henry groaned, making the older boy laugh. 

Don't worry. Maddie covered for you, but you owe her the next two mornings of kitchen duty in exchange.

Henry smiled and nodded his agreement. An extra shift of chores was a small price to pay to avoid a beating from his master for shirking his responsibilities. He made a mental note to thank Maddie as well, one of his master's younger apprentices, a girl only two years into her own training.

Come on then, Cedric prodded, giving Henry a gentle push to get him moving. I'll take you up to the kitchen for something quick to eat, and then see you safely to your room. You really need to learn to stand up to him, you know.

Henry sighed. I tried, I really did, but he always seemed to know what I was going to do before I did!

"No, he knew what you were going to do when you did, the older boy corrected him. Jerome is a Spirit mage, remember? He likely uses a telepathy spell when he picks on you, which would let him read your thoughts. You need to keep your shields up."

Henry sighed again, louder this time. I thought I was keeping them up. I guess I'm still not very good at splitting my concentration.

As promised, Cedric took Henry to the kitchen, where the cook put together a sandwich for him and gave him an apple to take back to his room. After the journeyman escorted Henry to the dormitory and his small sleeping chamber, Henry locked the door and threw himself onto his tiny, hard bed. As he ate his makeshift dinner, he contemplated Cedric's words of advice. If only he could finally stand up to his bully, maybe the next five years wouldn't be as bad as the first five.

Chapter 2

Cedric ducked into the library and closed the door before leaning back against the smooth wooden panel with a sigh. Across the room, his master and the lady of the house sat by the fire, crystal goblets of wine catching the light as they turned to regard him.

Well?

I found him, Cedric stated as he straightened. He'd taken refuge in one of the shielded workrooms after fleeing from Jerome… again.

What is wrong with your apprentice, Melynda? the master mage asked, looking to his wife for an explanation. What does he have against the boy?

Melynda tilted her head to the side and smirked. I don't think there's anything wrong with him, dear, she answered. He just feels strongly that the prince shouldn't expect differential treatment because of his birth.

The boy came to us when he was six! He was just a child. He still is.

Rylan, you know as well as I do that six years of coddling and luxury are more than enough to set a child firmly down the wrong path.

Seeing that he wasn't going to get anywhere with this argument, Rylan turned his attention back to Cedric.

And what is your assessment of this situation, young man? he asked.

Cedric blinked, surprised to be asked his opinion. Well… Henry told me that he tries to fend off the attacks when they happen, but that Jerome always seems to be a step ahead of him. To me, that sounds like Henry does not yet have the instinctive control of his shielding when he's under stress, which is something he'll need to perfect before he can take his journeyman test. It worries me that he is so far behind.

And what would you recommend? the master mage wanted to know. This question caught Cedric entirely off guard, and his expression must have shown it because Rylan laughed.

Don't be so shocked, his master admonished. You'll be a master soon yourself, and you'll need to deal with these sorts of things.

Cedric took a few moments to frame his answer in his mind before replying. 

I would give Jerome his test and promote him, he finally stated. Once Jerome begins his walkabout, Henry will be free of the distraction of his bully, and will be more likely to be successful. He will need tutoring, however, since if the shielding isn't instinctive by now, it won't be without direct intervention.

Excellent, Rylan pronounced, turning to face his wife. Didn't I tell you, Melynda? Cedric has a wonderful head on his shoulders. You can start tomorrow, young man.

Excuse me? 

His master hadn't turned to look back at him, so Cedric wasn't certain that the man was speaking to him.

You can start tutoring Henry tomorrow. Jerome's test will be the day after tomorrow, and Henry's is only three months away, so you'd better start his tutoring as soon as possible.

Hold on a moment. What do you mean that Jerome's test is in two days? It takes longer than that to assemble a circle of mages.

Yes, it does, Rylan agreed. That is why Melynda began the process a couple of weeks ago.

But if you were already going to promote Jerome, why did you ask me about what I thought you should do?

Rylan laughed. Just because I asked for your thoughts, it doesn't mean that I was planning to act on your advice. You are, after all, still a journeyman, and one with a year of learning left before him. Now off you go, Cedric. Have a good night.

Cedric didn't need to be dismissed twice, but as he closed the door of the room behind him once more, he remembered his master's comment about Henry's test being in three months. They couldn't have scheduled it already, could they? He turned back to ask, but hesitated with his hand on the knob. Neither Rylan nor Melynda took kindly to having their judgement questioned, and so Cedric turned away and made his way up to his own little room. If he only had three months to whip the prince into shape, then he did indeed require a good night's sleep. Tomorrow was going to be the beginning of an exhausting amount of work.

~  ~  ~  ~

Bang, bang, bang.

When all Cedric heard from the inside of the room was a soft groan and the rustle of sheets, he knocked again.

Get up! he called through the still closed door. You have until I count to one hundred to get out here, or I'm coming in to haul you out, dressed or not!

He was well into the nineties, his hand on the latch, when a sleep-tousled young prince appeared.

What time is it? Henry wanted to know as he used his fists to scrub sleep from his eyes. I feel like I've barely had time to sleep at all.

Is that a complaint? Cedric asked in way of answer. You're going to be reaching your five year anniversary in just a few months, and you're nowhere near ready to take your journeyman test. Do you want to pass, or do you want to sleep?

Cedric watched Henry's eyes darken at his disrespectful tone of voice, and the older boy waited to see what would happen. He knew as well as Jerome did that Henry felt unjustifiably entitled to a lot of things, and he had no intention of letting the prince get away with any inappropriate behaviour or comments. 

Pass, I guess, the boy muttered finally, and Cedric nodded as if he hadn't expected anything different.

Come along, then. I'm going to tutor you before morning chores for the next little while, and we're going to start with dividing your focus between two spells.

Cedric turned on his heel and started to walk briskly down the hall and away from the small sleeping chambers. Caught by surprise, Henry had to scamper to catch up, and when he did, the apprentice needed to practically jog in order to keep pace.

Why are you doing this? he asked, his voice sounding just a little breathless from their quick pace. Why are you giving up sleep to tutor me?

A few different replies flashed through Cedric's mind and he considered each of them before stopping outside one of the shielded workrooms and turning to face Henry.

You are my master's apprentice, he began, and your performance reflects on all of us. I have no desire to look foolish because you weren't able to pass your test.  It wasn't the entire truth, but it was part of it.

Henry nodded, his expression conveying understanding, and Cedric had to school his features in order to avoid showing his disappointment. It saddened him that the boy could so readily identify with such a self-serving answer. He hadn't really expected anything better of the prince, though, as much as it pained him to admit it, even if it was only to himself.

So what are we going to do first?

Cedric opened the door and gestured the prince inside. 

First, we're going to work on getting your thoughts shielded a lot better than they are currently. Then, we're going to make sure they stay that way.

Chapter 3

Five… four… three…

Head in his hands, Cedric tried desperately to regain control of his temper. As he finished his silent count, he took a deep breath and looked up at the young prince sitting across from him.

How is it possible that you can't do this? he asked Henry, quite pleased with himself for keeping most of the frustration out of his voice.

Henry sat up as if affronted, spine straightening, and he blinked his eyes. 

How am I supposed to know? he asked in return.  "Aren't you the teacher? You tell me why I can't do it."

That was it! Cedric was tired of the attitude and the number of times the boy foisted the blame for his lack of prowess onto someone else.

Look, Cedric stated, I don't care if you're going to be my king one day, and I don't care if you're supposed to be some sort of prodigy destined to save this wretched kingdom. I WILL NOT be spoken to this way any longer.

Cedric stood and began to pace along the length of the table that was thankfully between him and his student.

I have no idea how you're supposed to amount to anything, let alone a saviour with untold magical ability, he spat brutally, hoping to shock the boy into better behaviour. If you can't even cast a pair of second year spells by this point, you're not only dooming this kingdom, you're likely going to get yourself killed. And with an attitude like you've been throwing around, good riddance!

As soon as the rant left his mouth, Cedric was sorry for saying the words. It wasn't that they weren't true, but Henry didn't really need to hear all of Cedric's thoughts and concerns laid bare like that. 

Henry blinked rapidly a few times, pushed himself up from the table, and fled the room.

~  ~  ~  ~

Henry stalked down the corridor, using anger to keep the tears at bay. 

How dare Cedric speak to me like that? he asked himself. If I was king, I would… I would have him executed! Chop his head off and leave it on a pike outside of the school for everyone to see that…

Henry let that thought trail off inside his head, suddenly uncertain of where it was leading. Everyone in the kingdom knew the prophecy that Cedric had thrown in his face. A few generations ago, the Seer of Talothis had foreseen that a child of the royal family would be born with the magical ability to save the failing kingdom of Mythesti. Every royal child, whether of direct descent or part of a branch of the family, was tested for magical ability on his or her sixth birthday. Henry was the first child since the prophecy was spoken who actually had magical ability, and in the last five years, the prophecy and Henry's role in its fulfillment had been all he'd heard about. The pressure he felt was enormous, though he'd never told anybody that he felt that way, and now Cedric was telling him everything that he'd ever feared. Henry was desperately afraid that he would fail to save his kingdom.

So would I chop off Cedric's head because he was disrespectful, or because he was telling me a truth that I don't want to hear? Henry asked himself. Would I be warning people not to speak rudely, or not to be honest with me?

He stopped walking. He took a deep breath, and then he turned around. He may not have been happy with Cedric's words or his tone of voice, but Henry realized that if he didn't want to fail, if he didn't want to let everyone down, he needed Cedric. He went back to the workroom, prepared to beg if he needed to.

When the door opened beneath his touch, Cedric looked up and Henry could see regret pasted across the journeyman's face. He opened his mouth to speak, but the older boy held up his hand, indicating that he wanted to speak first.

I'm sorry about what I said, Cedric admitted quietly, and Henry nodded his acceptance of the apology.

And I'm sorry for… overreacting, Henry stated. You're right. I should be able to do what you asked me to. I should be able to do anything you ask me to.

Henry looked down, ashamed. I… I really need your help, he said quietly. I don't know why I'm not… why I can’t… 

Henry felt Cedric's hand on his shoulder, and he looked up to see the journeyman's slight smile.

Don't worry, Henry, he assured him. "We'll figure it out. How about we sit back down and begin at the beginning? You show me what you can do, starting with your first year spells, and we'll figure out where your skills need strengthening, okay?"

Henry nodded and let himself be led back to the table, where he resumed his seat. Running his fingers along his staff, he found the rune for the very first spell he'd ever learned. Taking a deep breath, he gathered his energy and felt the wood beneath his hand warm to his touch. As he released his spell, everything in the room that was magical began to glow with an eerie green light.

Excellent, Cedric said as he looked around. The glow is strong, and it shows variation to indicate the strength of each object's magic. Now, the next spell.

Spell by spell, Henry spent the next few days casting his entire repertoire as Cedric watched carefully. As the spells progressed through to the higher levels, the journeyman began to take notes about what he observed when Henry cast, and at the end of the week, he shared his notes, explaining in detail what he'd seen.

So your individual spells are fine, Cedric told him. You cast them exactly the way they are supposed to be cast, and that's the problem.

How is that a problem? Henry wanted to know. If I'm doing what I was taught to do, why is that bad?

Cedric took a deep breath and took a few moments before answering. By this point in your training, he explained, you should be… personalizing your spells. For example, when I cast the detect magic spell, things glow blue instead of green. I've always found the green a very unpleasant thing to look at, so when I grew powerful enough, I changed the spell a little. You're not doing that sort of thing.

But nobody ever told me that I was supposed to! Henry exclaimed. How was I supposed to know?

It's usually something that just happens, Cedric said with a shrug. I'm guessing that you've been so focused on getting everything exactly right, that you've never loosened up enough to experiment.

So that's what we work on next? Henry guessed, and Cedric nodded.

Which spell's effects do you like the least? the journeyman asked, and Henry took a few moments think about his answer.

The entangle spell, the prince said at last. I've never understood why, when every other apprentice spell is about rock and sand, that spell is vines.

Cedric nodded. So we'll work on that one. What do you think it should be then?

I think it should be more like mud rising up from the ground to encase you, Henry explained. Maybe the mud could even solidify into rock to hold the person in place?

So do it.

How? Henry wanted to know.

"Figuring that out is your challenge, my dear apprentice, not mine."

Chapter 4

Henry clenched his teeth against the pain and blinked his eyes rapidly in a vain attempt to keep the sweat rolling down his forehead out of them. His lungs burned as he tried to pull oxygen into his air-starved body, but nothing he tried seemed to ease his discomfort, nor put an end to his suffering. He knew that there was only one thing he could do to stop this torture, but he wasn't quite stretched to his limit just yet.

Let go! Cedric commanded, his voice distorted by the stone and earth that separated them. Henry shook his head stubbornly, refusing to give up when he'd finally managed to transmute a large section of earth into a huge pane of bubbled glass, and he watched as his tutor threw his hands into the air in disgust. He just needed to smooth the glass a little more to get the bubbles out, and then Henry could consider this latest challenge accomplished. The fact that Cedric wanted him to quit was just another example of how the journeyman was working against him, trying to hold him back and prevent him from becoming the saviour he was meant to be. Such things had become more and more common, the closer Henry got to his fifth year anniversary as an apprentice mage.

Closing his eyes for just a moment, the young prince tried to find a previously untapped reservoir of magical strength, but there was nothing left. With a horrendous crack, the glass shattered and fell in on itself, the vacated space rapidly filling with earth from either side. The noise was nearly deafening, and Henry clapped his hands over his ears in an effort to reduce the sound that stabbed into his suddenly aching head.

When the rumbling of moving dirt stopped and the dust finally settled, Henry opened eyes, knowing that the disapproving face of Cedric awaited him. Light stabbed into his overly sensitive eyes, and he groaned before he could stop himself.

Given yourself a reaction headache, have you? Cedric's unpitying voice echoed through the room, far too loud. Well, it serves you right. What were you thinking, trying a section so large?

Henry shook his head. I don't know.

Liar! Cedric spat, infuriated. You decided to try to impress Master Rylan, endangering yourself and me! You are the heir to the throne, and should know better than to take risks like that! Magic is dangerous, and you can't just jump ahead to bigger spells and greater consequences without learning all the steps in between!

Henry looked up, meeting the older boy's glare with one of his own. How do you know that I'm not up to the challenge? he demanded. You tell me that you want to help me, you tell me that I have to challenge myself, but you've been holding me back!

Holding you back? You little brat! Without me and what I've taught you, you wouldn't even—

Cedric! boomed Master Rylan, interrupting the journeyman's tirade. I believe you have somewhere to be right now.

Cedric snapped his mouth shut, spun on his heel and stalked from the large workroom without another word. He didn't so much as glance back at them, his spine straight and his body language radiating fury. Henry watched him leave with a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. The journeyman deserved to be put in his place like that.

That was a very reckless thing to do, your Highness. You must be more careful.

Henry turned his attention to his master, affecting the posture and attitude of a properly chastised student. Keeping his eyes on the master mage's boots, he rolled his shoulders forward and curled in on himself a little.

I'm sorry, Master Rylan, he apologized. Cedric is right; I did want to impress you. I know that my five year apprenticeship is nearly at an end, and I wanted to be sure that you were proud of me. What better way to demonstrate everything I've learned from you than by performing such a complicated spell?

Master Rylan chuckled and his put hand on Henry's shoulder. I know that you're a good student, my boy, he assured him. You don't have to go around getting yourself killed to show me that!

Henry blushed, showing his embarrassment, and Rylan ruffled his hair. 

Come along, your Highness. You'll need a good meal, a bath, and then a good night's sleep if you're going to take your journeyman's test tomorrow.

Tomorrow? 

Henry could hardly believe his good luck. Finally, after three months of hard work under the watchful eye of Cedric, he would be free of the early mornings, the extra practice, and the stupid challenges that were meaningless when it came to actually advancing his skills. He had no idea why he'd ever admired the older boy, knowing now that Cedric was too cautious with his instruction. Henry remembered clearly the journeyman's words a few weeks ago, when he'd stated his belief that Henry would not live up to his destiny. How was he supposed to save his kingdom if people like Cedric were trying to hold him back from achieving the greatness he was born for?

Henry let the master mage steer him away from the dining hall and toward the kitchen. He watched as Rylan got a covered basket full of warm dinner and a few extra sweets, and he smiled when the man passed him the food and left him in his room a short while later. Full of excitement for the pending test and wondering what it would be like, Henry ate as much of the food as he could and then crawled into bed. Blowing out the candle beside the headboard, he fell immediately into dreams of triumphant parades through streets full of citizens chanting his name. Tomorrow, he'd be one step closer to being the hero he'd been born to become.

~  ~  ~  ~

You can't seriously be planning to go through with this!

Cedric watched Rylan's eyebrows rise in question at his journeyman's tone of voice, and he quickly ducked his head in apology.

I'm sorry, Master, but the boy is simply not ready. He is arrogant, and grasping for power that is beyond him, though I will admit that his progress these past weeks has been quite good.

I didn't call you here to debate the flaws in the prince's personality, Rylan chided gently. One must expect a certain amount of arrogance from the heir to the kingdom.

Cedric sighed. If you don't want my opinion, then why did you call for me?

I was hoping that you would be part of the casting circle tomorrow, the master mage revealed. 

Cedric's head snapped up and he met his master's gaze. Really? Even after I have voiced my concerns about the test?

Rylan chuckled. Yes, even after that.

I would be honoured, but…

But what? Rylan asked with a sigh of his own when it became apparent that Cedric wouldn't continue the thought without prompting.

I don't think this is a good idea, not yet. Can't we delay the test? Even another month or two would give Henry more time to refine his skills. Ever since he started making good progress, progress he could see for himself, the prince has started to reach beyond his ability. It's dangerous.

And are you going to be the one to explain to their majesties why their son isn't progressing through the ranks at the expected pace? Rylan began to pace. The crown has generously contributed large amounts of money toward the upkeep of this place over the past five years.

So you'd be willing to risk the boy's safety and his future because you don't want the flow of gold to stop? As soon as the incredulous words left his mouth, Cedric knew that he shouldn't have said them. The way his master's eyes narrowed dangerously confirmed the feeling.

I would never risk an apprentice's life by allowing them to take the test if I truly thought they were unready, Rylan stated. I am confident that young Henry will be fine, and that your reticence is due to inexperience.

Cedric tried to keep the next words inside his head, but he failed. But what if I'm right? What if he fails? What will happen to the hopes of the kingdom then?

You are obviously tired, the master mage commented softly, dangerously. You should retire and get some rest, if you plan to be of any use tomorrow.

Recognizing that his concerns were not going to be acted upon, Cedric bowed his head once more. Goodnight, Master.

Goodnight, Cedric.

As he walked back to his room, Cedric couldn't help but wonder which of Master Rylan's words were true. Would he truly risk Henry's life to appease the king and queen and keep the gold coming in? Sadly, Cedric was almost certain that he would, because he was almost certain that Henry wasn't ready to become a journeyman in his own right. It was with those dark, unhappy thoughts that he blew out the candle and settled into the darkness, hoping and praying with every fibre of his being that he was wrong about both the prince and about his master.

Chapter 5

Henry had a difficult time eating breakfast the next morning. Despite the fact that he knew in his heart that he was ready for the challenge of his journeyman's test, he couldn't help but feel nervous. It soured his stomach, and nothing on the table before him looked at all appetizing.

Ready, my boy? Master Rylan asked what seemed like an incredibly short time later.

Henry took a deep breath and nodded, pushing back from the table and meeting the curious and envious gazes of his fellow apprentices, who were seated with him. With a smile that he hoped portrayed confidence instead of anxiety, Henry left the dining hall as an apprentice for the last time.

Henry knew as much about the test he was about to take as any other apprentice, which is to say, nothing at all. It seemed to him that if anybody failed this test, they were either too embarrassed to talk about it, or they blocked the painful memory from their conscious minds. Anybody who passed the test was apparently sworn to secrecy, because there wasn't anybody Henry or the other apprentices could find who would tell them about it.

Reaching one of the largest workrooms in the building, Master Rylan pushed open the door and gestured for Henry to precede him across the threshold. There were five people already in the room, and Henry recognized Cedric immediately. He opened his mouth to protest the journeyman's presence, knowing as he did that Cedric was biased against this test being successful, but then Henry thought better of the idea. It would be just desserts indeed, when Cedric witnessed his victory, when Henry joined the ranks of the journeymen mages and would be considered Cedric's equal.

The other person Henry recognized was his master's wife, Melynda. He knew that she was a Spirit mage, as he knew that Cedric was an Earth mage like he was. The staves of the other three mages in the room indicated that they filled out the collection of elemental powers, representing Fire, Water and Air.

Henry, you are here before us today to take your journeyman's test, correct? Melynda asked. Henry nodded, not trusting himself to speak.

You are aware that magic is a dangerous tool, the master mage continued, and you have studied hard to reach this point. You only get to attempt this test once, and there is no shame in turning away now to study further, as there is no shame in refusing the test altogether. You could remain at your current level of power until the end of your days.

Henry shook his head this time. No, he said. I am ready to take the test.

Melynda nodded as if she had expected this answer. 

The test does not come without a price, she informed him. Upon its completion, pass or fail, you will be forever changed. If you pass, you will be granted the rank of journeyman, and your studies will continue. If you fail, you may die or you may have your magic burned from you, leaving you unable to cast any spell at all. Do you understand?

I understand.

And do you still wish to proceed?

I do.

Henry felt as if an entire colony of butterflies was inside his stomach, trying to escape. He was sure that someone had explained the risks of this test at some point — probably Cedric, trying to scare him — but it was so much more real when Melynda spoke the words. He could die! But he knew that he had to push ahead, knew that his parents expected this of him, and he expected this of himself. He stepped forward into the circle of mages, and Rylan moved to the side of the room. As Henry's master, he was here only to observe.

Melynda began to chant, the others joining in after a few moments. The fact that it was the Spirit mage who seemed to be running the test struck Henry as important, but before he could figure out why, the room around him went dark.

~  ~  ~  ~

Henry stumbled forward, disoriented in the darkness. He spun around, trying to regain his equilibrium, but he ended up falling to his knees instead. Holding his head in his hands, he waited for the sensation of spinning to stop, and then he looked up and around him once more. Where was he? How had he ended up here, in the dark and alone?

It took another few moments, but as his eyes continued to adjust to the dark, Henry remembered his fall. He'd been looking for the entrance to… a cave, and he'd fallen and ended up here. Looking upward, he could see a pinprick of brightness that showed him the hole he'd fallen through, and Henry thanked the gods that he'd survived such a significant fall without apparent injury. Looking around, he also realized that there was a source of light down here after all. Over toward his right, there was a patch of grey against the black.

Pushing himself carefully to his feet, Henry turned toward the lighter area, the scabbard of his sword swinging with the movement. He put his hand on the pommel of the weapon to steady it, only then realizing how strange it was for him to be wearing a sword at all. He was a mage, wasn't he? Wasn't magic his weapon of choice?

The voice of his weapon master tugged at his memory. A warrior knows to use every available tool at his disposal. Of course! Henry remembered the many long hours he'd trained with both blade and spell, helping to make him the young man he was today. A young man destined to save his kingdom. Henry moved once more toward the lighter patch in the darkness.

Moving slowly and carefully, unwilling to tempt fate and provide the opportunity for another fall or an accident that would bring a premature end to his quest, Henry thought about his journey to this point. He knew that this quest was dangerous, that he could fail and die… like the others who had accompanied him. As prince of this kingdom, it wasn't usual that he travelled alone. There had been others, warriors who'd accompanied him, but they'd died one by one… 

Henry suddenly felt crippling grief over the deaths of his men. The deaths had been his fault, every one of them. If he hadn't been so determined to take on this responsibility, both he and his men would be home right now, safe behind thick, strong walls. Safe from the poverty and the destruction that ruled this kingdom with an iron fist. Safe… He could be safe.

The prince shook his head, trying to banish the cowardly thoughts. This was his destiny! It was his job to save his kingdom, just as the prophecy foretold. Henry, a child of the royal family with magical gifts, would turn the fortunes of Mythesti around. He would alleviate the poverty that gripped this kingdom, he would help the citizens to rebuild their homes… He would defeat the monster that was at the root of all of the kingdom's problems.

Henry reached the patch of grey and stretched out his hand. He expected to find stone, like the rest of the cave in which he found himself, but instead his hand passed through empty air. Moving forward a little more, and keeping his hand extended in front of him, Henry found the opening to a side passage that led deeper into the heart of the mountain. If he'd had a torch, he was positive that he'd never have found the way into the monster's lair; it would have looked like the room's walls were solid all the way around without the tiny difference in light to give the passage away. Thanking the gods once again for his good fortune, Henry moved down the new branch of the tunnel.

As he moved slowly down the passage, he could feel the rock practically vibrating under his feet. Unsure if this was an actual feeling or the result of his affinity for the earth, Henry paused and took a deep, steadying breath. Extending his senses outward in all directions, the prince tried to determine what was causing the vibrations, hoping it wasn't something like a cave in or earthquake.

He could feel the earth all around him, and he drew comfort from the steadfastness he sensed. There was no impending eruption or shift in the stone anywhere within range of his spell, but what he did sense did nothing to ease his anxiety. In a large room not too far ahead of where he now stood, rested a huge beast whose very breath was causing the vibrations he felt. He wasn't far from finishing his quest now, for better or for worse.

The farther down the passage that Henry moved, the easier it was to see. Better lighting made it possible to move faster, but knowing what awaited him made him hesitant to pick up his pace. How was he, a young man alone, supposed to face this fearsome beast and survive? Waves of self-doubt rolled through him, and Henry struggled to push his way past them. What would happen to his kingdom if he failed? What would happen if he turned away right now? Would it really be so bad?

Fighting to take another step toward his destiny, Henry tried to banish the defeatist thoughts running through his mind. He was going to do this, he told himself. He would succeed and everyone would rejoice!

As he rounded the final bend in the passage, light flooded the tunnel and forced him to squint his eyes tightly shut. He could see yellow through his eyelids, and as he cracked his eyes open slowly to give them time to adjust, the sight that was slowly revealed before him took his breath away.

The passage opened out into a natural cavern more than large enough to swallow the entire city of Danmoor, with room to spare. Henry stood on a ledge about ten feet above the bottom of the cavern, and somewhere around fifty feet or so below the top. 

Looking around, the prince tried to determine the source of the very bright light, and he blinked a few times to clear his vision to be sure of what he saw. The bottom of the cavern had initially seemed to be something like a yellow quartz, something that was reflecting light, but he realized now that he'd been mistaken. The floor was actually covered in gold and gems that were reflecting the light, and he readjusted his estimate of his current height to closer to fifteen feet from the actual stone floor. That much treasure would not only correct the downward slide of Mythesti's economy, but it would propel them into an economic boom of… draconic proportions. All he had to do was slay the beast that guarded the treasure.

It took him some time to find the actual monster, his eyes dazzled by the light as they were. It took him even longer to realize that the light emanated from the beast itself, a dragon partially buried beneath its hoard. Once he realized what he was looking at, once he traced the sinuous body with his eyes, Henry nearly turned and fled.

The dragon was so large that it could have easily crushed the walls surrounding his city just by stepping on them. The beast could flatten the capital just by laying down, and the yellow light that poured from beneath its scales told Henry that it was a dragon that could likely breath fire as well. It was no wonder that his citizens hid inside their homes in fear, that the kingdom was so incredibly poor, and that nobody seemed to have any hope. Faced with this monster, Henry felt the same need to run and hide and give up. There was no possible way that he could defeat this dragon.

The hopelessness of the situation drove Henry to his knees. He couldn't advance and he couldn't go back. Everyone expected him to defeat this monster, but how? He looked around the cavern again in desperation. Seeing nothing that could possibly help him, Henry turned his eyes to the heavens to look for some fortuitous divine intervention, and there it was, plain as day.

The roof of the cavern was rough and full of protrusions, many of which looked sharp and dangerous. There wasn't any single stalactite that would do anything other than make the dragon angry, but if he dropped the entire roof…

Closing his eyes and gathering his strength, Henry prepared to cast the largest spell he'd ever attempted. He needed to ensure that he brought down enough of the stone and rock overhead to kill the dragon, because making it angry would only lead to more damage for his already troubled kingdom. He knew that the amount of rock he needed would mean that it would take a long time to dig out the treasure that would also be buried, but the mining operation would provide jobs to a large number of people, so that would be a good thing, too.

Henry clenched his fists and brought them to his chest, using the gesture to symbolically gather the magical energy he needed to do this. When he felt full to bursting with power, he flung his hands outward, spreading his fingers as if he was letting something go. He felt the spell rush through the air and slam into the ceiling high above. The impact was loud, and if Henry hadn't already been on his knees, the shockwave would have knocked him down.

The spell was more than loud enough to wake the sleeping dragon, and the beast raised its massive head to look up at what Henry hoped was its doom rushing toward it. The dragon breathed in, almost casually, and let loose a blast of fire that made Henry cover his face and head instinctively, trying to protect himself from the heat.

Stone melted beneath the onslaught of the dragon fire, becoming liquid that rained down upon the treasure and the beast.  Presumably immune to the effects and consequences of its own weapon, the dragon seemed undisturbed by the liquid rock, but Henry had started a chain reaction of sorts when he'd cast his spell. As the fire from the dragon's attack died down, there was an enormous crack and another section of the room came free. The dragon seemed almost surprised when it glanced up, but this time it didn't have the chance to breathe fire. The rock slammed into the beast, which crumpled and was buried.

Henry jumped to his feet, startled by his sudden victory, but as the dust settled and there was no movement below, he was able to admit to himself that he'd done it. Mythesti was free of the tyranny of the dragon, and Henry had done what he was born to do. His men hadn't died in vain, and now everything would be fine for his people. His elation got the better of him, and Henry leaped into the air with a whoop of jubilation. As he landed, however, his foot came down on a patch of loose gravel. As his boots went out from under him, Henry wind milled his arms in an effort to keep his balance, but gravity had a hold of him and pulled him over. His head hit the ground hard, and Henry blacked out.

Chapter 6

What the hell was that? Cedric demanded. He didn't care that his tone of voice was disrespectful, and he didn't care that he was still in what could be considered a public place. He was tired of the preferential treatment the prince was receiving, and he just wasn't going to stand here and let this travesty of a test be allowed. He stepped out of the casting circle, and being careful not to step on the prone and unconscious Henry, advanced toward his master.

No wonder you weren't concerned about his readiness for the test, Cedric observed. You knew that the test would be… rigged!

I don't know what you're talking about, Rylan protested. I wasn't a part of the casting. I was merely here as an observer.

Do you really think I'm that stupid? the journeyman demanded. Your wife led this casting, and I'm sure that you discussed your desired outcome with her.

Rylan had reached his breaking point. He took a menacing step forward, but Cedric refused to back down.

Now see here, the master mage said quietly. There was nothing at all wrong with that test. It met all of the criteria that are considered necessary.

How? Cedric wanted to know. The boy is afraid of failure! When did he confront that fear?

He was presented with a difficult situation, one with every possibility of failure.

Cedric laughed. Being faced with a dragon and being afraid of dying is not being afraid of failing. It's being afraid to die.

And his feelings of guilt and doubt about the deaths of his men—

Are normal for someone trained to rule! Cedric insisted, cutting the man off. When he was allowed such an easy way out of his predicament, Henry wasn't given the chance to confront his fear, he was given more fuel for his overwhelming ego. Now, he'll have the impression that he's invincible, and that anything he tries will succeed. We've done far more harm than good, and all for some gold.

During his tirade, Cedric had entirely forgotten that they were not alone. That fact was brought back to his attention when Rylan looked over his shoulder and thanked the other master mages for their help. The others, including Melynda, took that as the dismissal it was, and the four of them quietly left the workroom. Henry groaned softly on the floor.

Cedric, I admire your conviction, I truly do, but you are trying to simplify a very complicated situation, the master said softly after the door closed behind the mages. Henry's promotion to the rank of journeyman is not about the money his parents pay toward his schooling here, nor was he unfit or unready to take this test. I ask you how, precisely, do you think we should have tested him and let him confront his fear of failure?

Cedric took a deep breath to collect his thoughts and rein in his temper, something Master Rylan had taught him during his early years of study. 

I will admit that Henry's fear is not one that is as easy to confront as others, he admitted at last, but the prince has never known failure, not really. The closest he's come is when he was learning each of his spells the first time, but the pressure of trying to keep pace with the other apprentices is nothing compared to the pressure of saving an entire kingdom. Or of ruling an entire kingdom. I'm just afraid that Henry is… unprepared for what the future holds, having never known any real failure.

His master smiled in a way that made Cedric very nervous. 

Then I task you with teaching our young prince the lessons you feel he so desperately needs, Rylan said, confirming Cedric's fears. As your final journeyman challenge before your master's test, you will be Henry's mentor on his first journeyman walkabout. You can use your time with him to teach him that failing is not always a bad thing, as long as you learn a lesson from the process.

Cedric sighed. I've already been working with him for the past three months. Henry barely listens to me as it is.

Then you will learn valuable lessons about teaching reluctant pupils, won't you?

Before Cedric could reply to that or protest further, Rylan spun away from him and swept from the room, leaving the older journeyman to wait for the younger to regain consciousness.

Isn't this going to be fun? he asked himself silently as he settled in to wait. I get months alone with the prince to look forward to, and his tenure with me is going to begin with a massive headache on his part. Oh joy!

~  ~  ~  ~

It seemed to Henry that he was almost awake for quite a long time before he finally opened his eyes. He closed them again immediately, the reaction headache slamming into his brain with such force that he wasn't at all surprised that his body had been trying to keep him unconscious. When he slit his eyes open again, just a little, Henry was both relieved and surprised to see Cedric leaning over him, a cool cloth in his hand.

So this time you'll take pity on me? Henry asked, his voice sounding hoarse. He closed his eyes again as Cedric laid the cloth across them, and he realized that his throat was very dry. He wondered how long he'd been lying here.

This time it wasn't your own stupidity that caused the headache, Cedric replied. Henry could hear the smile.

So are you here to gloat? the prince wanted to know.

No.

At the very short answer, Henry reached up and removed the cloth from his eyes. Squinting, he looked at Cedric carefully.

So I passed then?  I don't even really remember what happened…

Yes, you passed, Cedric replied tersely. Henry could tell by the tightness around his eyes that the older boy wasn't happy, and he felt the urge to say something. As he opened his mouth to gloat in turn, Cedric turned away.

And you'll remember all about your test, eventually, Cedric told him as he stood and moved toward the door of the workroom. It usually comes back to you in nightmares. I'm going to go get some food.

Before Henry could say anything, Cedric was gone. He let the cloth fall back over his eyes, and started to mull things over. He was a journeyman mage now. What, exactly, did that mean?

When Cedric came back into the room a little while later, Henry was happy to see that he was feeling well enough to sit up. His head still ached, right behind his eyes, but the pain was fading. He knew from experience that the reaction headache would be gone soon, and he wondered again what he'd done to himself in order to spark the reaction in the first place.

I'm assuming I don't need to tell you that you're not allowed to talk about your test to anybody who isn't already a journeyman, Cedric stated without preamble as he laid out a small meal for them to share. Henry recognized a few of his favourite dishes, and wondered if the kitchen had prepared them with a specific purpose in mind, or if it was just good luck.

So I'm a journeyman now? the prince asked, needing to hear someone actually confirm his new rank.

Not exactly, Cedric answered with another smile. You need to go through the promotion ceremony first, which will happen tomorrow morning.

And then what?

And then you will begin your first walkabout, he was told, so tonight is all about packing up whatever you're bringing with you and getting a good night's rest. You'll leave right from the promotion ceremony.

Henry wasn't sure what to think about that. On one hand, getting out of the building he'd basically been confined to for five years was incredibly appealing, but he had no idea what to expect. He didn't like not knowing what to expect.

What about my parents? Henry asked instead of asking the questions he truly wanted the answers to.

They'll be here tomorrow to see you off, and to witness your promotion, of course. That's part of the reason the ceremony isn't until tomorrow. Master Rylan sent his fastest courier when he knew of your success, and I expect your parents are already on their way here.

Cedric pushed another plate in Henry's direction. Now eat up, and I'll take you to the quartermaster to get you some of the supplies you'll need for travelling. Then it's up to you to go through your belongings. Make sure that you box up anything you're not planning to take with you tomorrow, and remember that you'll be travelling the better part of the year, so bring heavier winter clothing too.

Why do I need to box everything else up? Henry asked around a mouthful of meat pie.

Because tonight is your last night in the apprentice wing. When you return from your walkabout, you'll have a new room, with your boxes waiting for you to unpack.

Henry nodded, the extra packing making sense now. As he finished eating, he started to go through his clothing and possessions in his mind, sifting through five years of accumulated stuff to try and determine what to pack. He suspected that packing up for a year's worth