Leverage, Control, and Judgment

As suggested by her mother, Erwyn seeks out her teacher. She has to go all the way to Xenodar to see Xenograg. She well knows his daily routine, and walks straight from the magic mirror to the keep’s annex. She enters a large training hall full of young men and women learning the art of war. Xenograg is in his usual place: sitting in the chair upon a high dais against the north wall, watching the various training groups.

Erwyn follows the wall to avoid disrupting any of the action. Consequently, Xenograg does not see her until she is almost at the dais. He smiles in welcome, but immediately picks up Erwyn’s mood. He comes down to her.

“Master, I—” she begins, but he gestures towards a nearby door. She stops talking and follows him through it. It leads outside. The air is cool for early autumn, this far north. Xenograg then surprises Erwyn with a gentle hug. She gratefully returns it, and only then realizes how much she needed one. Xenograg would know that, of course; he is her adoptive father.

“Okay,” he says as they part. “Now you can tell me.” She smiles, wipes her teary eyes, and begins.

After hearing her story of the brief assault in the stables, Xenograg has her tell it again. This time, he asks probing questions about the confrontation. Each split-second action, by both Erwyn and the stableboy, are scrutinized. When he is satisfied, Xenograg gives Erwyn another short hug.

“Sorry to put you through that,” he says.

“But your questions made me remember things. It happened so fast!”

“No time to think. That is why we practice.”

“I know I made several mistakes—” she starts but he interrupts.

“No fight is without them. You did well enough….” She sighs, feeling better hearing his judgment.

“But,” he continues, “this does show need for improvement in several areas: leverage, control, and judgment.” Erwyn is puzzled by the last one. Xenograg elaborates.

“Magicians train to use magic. That can lead to the habit of using it—of choosing to use it—first. That was your greatest mistake today. A natural one; no shame. You did not use too much. We will address the habit over the winter, together.”

“Yes, Master. And thank you.”