September 22 / Hagalsan 1

  “Remember, the words are needed, but absolute accuracy is not.” Mom said in the video Alboim was watching one last time. “The power and intent you put behind them are much more important than perfect pronunciation. In time it is even possible to guide your etere without vocalizing them. My grandpatter, Artur the Elder, could silent cast like this.” Mom smiled. “Alboim, Artur is a family name and I hope you pass it on.”

  The door opened behind him, and he pushed pause before turning around. “It is time, My Lord,” Bennit spoke, “Lady Elspith should arrive within five minutes.”

  “OK.” Today was the day she would test him and, God willing, grant him permission to actually practice Mom’s spells. He had, of course, been memorizing the magical language of Mom’s world, but in keeping with his promise, not tried to use any of the spells the files contained.

  “Good morning, Aunt Elspith, Dobsen,” he greeted his aunt and her ever-present butler when they arrived. “May the Light shine on you and grant favor to you this day.”

  Elspith smiled at the formal greeting, and replied formally as well. “May the Light shine on us all.”

  Suzsise, in her most formal dress, guided his guests to the table, already set. As usual when they dined together, Dobsen served while Bennit poured the tea. The two discussed lighter topics during the meal, as only the rude, or great urgency, spoke of weighty matters over good food.

  “Oswalt and Harralt have told me that your ability to touch etere has grown rapidly.” Elspith spoke after the meal was over. Aunt and nephew were lingering over an after-breakfast tea.

  “Thank you.”

  “Show me.” She passed a complex-looking talisman over to him.

  Given his cheating, along with work cementing the transferred magic symbolism into his brain, he could read it, albeit with some difficulty. “This measures arwa, etere, and control?”

  “Correct. You have the theoretical knowledge for intermediate circles, then.” She smiled at him, as Dobsen refilled her teacup.

  “Here, or do you want to head over to the workroom?”

  “There is no danger. Here will be fine.”

  It was the work of a moment to visualize the process and pour his power into the canvas talisman. It glowed in patterns that meant nothing to him, but revealed much to his aunt. “Yes, I can see now why they praised your dedication. You have gone from knowing nothing to being moderately above average in arwa manipulation in less than two months. Of course, Arnulf trained you in the basics, but you worked very hard at this.” She smiled. “It is time. Let us go to the workroom for this.”

  The two rose from the table, and walked into the workroom together.

  The memory of his knees hitting the floor, exhaustion and pain flaring all over his body as he tried to use Mom’s magic, came back to him. I did not know anything back then. It’s different now! He told the feelings. Alboim tried not to show his nervousness. And Aunt Elspith has my back now. He trusted her more than anyone in this world, except for possibly Bennit and Suzsise.

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  “What spell will you be using?” Aunt Elspith sounded concerned.

  “Mom’s version of the light spell, Ixghel id-dawl. And there is a stopping spell as well, wakfa.”

  “Interesting. So, it must be designed to draw power until deliberately turned off. I wonder, does it draw on the caster’s etere, or is it more like a proper mage-light spell that harnesses ambient ahna?” She laughed a short, sharp sound and wryly noted, “I have been spending too much time with Moara lately. We’re collaborating on some research.”

  “I am ready, Aunt, if you are.” A lump rose in his throat, and he briefly used a meditation technique to calm his nerves.

  “Very well, Alboim.”

  Alboim closed his eyes. For this, he proceeded slowly and deliberately. “You’ve got this, Alboim.” Mom spoke in his head. “I know you can do anything you put your mind to.”

  He floated in his multi-colored lights and selected a thread, the smallest he could find. Not wanting another flashy display, he mentally split it, then split the split to create a truly narrow line, which he lowered to his etere core.

  Moments before it touched, he spoke the spell he had practiced so many times using his mother’s videos and Dad’s books. “Ixghel id-dawl.”.

  “Very well done, Alboim. A little slow but acceptable.” Elspith was looking at a small off-white glow in Alboim’s cupped hand. He judged it a little dimmer than a standard bulb back home.

  “One thing that Oswalt and Harralt drummed into me was caution when trying new things.”

  “And how does it feel?”

  “The methods are very different, but the actual touching of ahna to etere was almost exactly how it is with circle casting. I wonder, could you use it as well?” he replied.

  Do not suggest experimenting with Moara. She’d be useless until she could use spoken magic. “One thing at a time, Aboim. You must become proficient before you can teach another mage. I have seen what you are capable of. At this level, you may not feel any drain to begin with.” She finally said. “I have seen enough.”

  “Wakfa!” Alboim said the release word, and the little light winked out.

  “Do it again, as fast as you can.”

  In less than three seconds, it returned, moderately brighter. “I didn’t split the thread as much this time.”

  Elspith nodded. “Fine control will come to you with practice.”

  “Wakfa! Yes. That’s one of the main things I’ve been learning in my practicals.”

  “I shall have to compliment both of those boys. Especially for their first time, they did a remarkable job training you up. You will continue lessons with them, but you have my permission to practice your mother's magic on your own in your free time.” That is not a lot, nephew, but I cannot afford to cut into your other training. “But do not be alone when you do. Make sure either Bennit or Suzsise are with you. In a pinch, knocking you out can stop you from arwa-burn.”

  Alboim bowed formally to his aunt. “Thank you, Aunt Elspith. This means a lot to me.” He held his composure until Aunt Elspith left before he broke out into a massive grin and shadowboxed around the room in glee. “I did it!” he chortled.