Althalos eased himself back into his chair in the study. Once, he had been a spry, able-bodied man, capable of making the trek across the Ka’el Plains in little more than a week. Now Althalos rarely ventured outside of his corridor in the Castle of Drüweis. Althalos muttered something under his breath while flicking his finger towards the hearth and a warm, cozy fire erupted, the scarlet and golden flames gently licking the surrounding stone.
He meandered over to his bookshelf, half searching for a particular title, half seeking to ignore the correspondence that had appeared on his desk. He could tell from the seal that it was from King Terryn, and Althalos knew that he would have to respond sooner or later. But for now, the elderly mage was content to rummage through his old, leather bound books and perhaps for today, he could escape from his responsibilities in the world. It was just as Althalos was beginning to actually enjoy his time studying his bookshelf that the momentary peace was disrupted by one of his books falling to the floor.
Althalos walked over to it, puffing in annoyance as he stooped down to pick it up. The book was certainly far larger than any other book in his keeping. So large was it, that he found it hard to believe that he had no recollection of a book this big. He turned the binding to face him and blew off the dust that wasn’t knocked off when it fell. Ad Mysterium Fati it read. Aha! thought Althalos, and suddenly he did remember. This book had belonged to Fendrel, Althalos’ mentor. He remembered the many moons he had spent poring over this book, learning its every secret and teaching by heart. He had spent so much time in reading it in fact that he had memorized whole chapters of the book in an attempt to impress Fendrel.
Oh Fendrel, if only you were here, surely you could help me. With a sigh that carried the weight of many lonely years, Althalos turned back to his desk and opened the letter that rested there. He knew it was about his taking on of an apprentice, a task he was not nearly as eager as the King to have happen. But Althalos knew that he was old and that he did have to pass on his knowledge and wisdom to a new student, and knew even better that Fendrel would encourage him to do so. The letter, as it turned out, had a myriad of names that Terryn had collected from the various sorcery schools throughout Drüdægen, and it read”
Dearest Althalos,
In honor of your noble and heroic service to the land of Drüdægen in years past, I have been patient and allowed you time to yourself. I granted you a corridor of my own castle to have to your studies and pursuit of every study under the heaven. As your King, I feel I must make this request of you.
But as your close friend, I must say that it is with a heavy heart that I ask you to take on an apprentice. The Great War was a terrible time, and I know that it took Fendrel the Wise, may he rest in peace, from us, but especially from you. He was your mentor and your closest confidant. And even more than that I know how heavily the immense cost of the war was for this whole kingdom.
Althalos, venerable Althalos, it is time for you to take on an apprentice. You are aging and I fear for the day that your health will fail you. As is the tradition and right, being the Grand Mage and Defender of Drüdægen, you must pass on those deep magical secrets that Fendrel taught to you, as was taught to him in his time. You knew full well when accepting apprenticeship the burden and honor it would be to become our Grand Mage. I know that you will choose the best apprentice and no instructor shall be your equal.
In an attempt to be kind and to hasten the process, I have collected 10 names of the most promising students from our Sorcerers Guilds throughout Drüdægen. Each of these fine young men have received the highest marks in their classes and have showed a capability to master advanced spells and I am told that they have the most earnest commitment to the Sacred Art..
Merek, from
Sadon, from
Rulf, from
Cedric, from
Janshai, from
Berinon, From
Tybalt, from
Borin, form
Terrowyn, from
Cassius, from
Any one of these should be a most fine assistant and apprentice to you. Choose well, friend
Your King and
Your Friend,
Terryn
Author’s Note:
My piece is currently in its final stage, more or less, for the purpose of this class. What I wanted to focus on in this piece was how some heroes reject who they are as heroes and only see their failures, and how that can affect them after their heroic times. Also, I created a perpetually benevolent “hero” of sorts to show a kind of comparison between two ways heroes can “age” for lack of a better word. It’s focusing on what happens to a hero after the fact of their actions, and how it affects them (the heroes) and those around them. I think the story is a good mix of plot and background that creates some interest for the reader and that the commentary on heroism isn’t outright said, but rather is left for the reader to discover. I’m rather proud of this piece, it’s long and I have a lot more to say on the story, but that’s for another day. Some feedback that I’m looking for is whether there’s too much or too little background/set-up and the same for plot, and then also if I need to add more overt things about heroism.
Nolan Schad 