Chapter 6

Geoff watched as fear took control of Marcus’ eyes, than released them. He had sensed something had happened and had headed back early, only to be stopped by Emé in the hallway and told that Derek had been telling Marcus about his experience at the last counsel meeting. He would have to talk with Robert about Derek’s habit of sharing too much information. It could lead to trouble if given to the wrong people, and Derek did not discriminate against an audience; as long as they had ears to listen, Derek would talk. Right now however, he had to worry about what information Derek had shared and how Marcus would handle it. From the look on the boy’s face, Geoff knew the answer.

            “You’re back early.”

            Geoff heard the squeak in Marcus’ voice and saw the slight wince as he backed farther against the wall. “I was warned that the noise level up here had stopped. I wanted to see if you were still around or if you had managed to unwind yourself.”

            Marcus’ eyes narrowed, “Of course I didn’t go anywhere. I couldn’t and you knew it. Did you come back to gloat? To show me how stupid I am?”

            Derek had shared too much. Marcus wanted answers, unsure of how to ask the questions. “No I did not come back to gloat nor did I plan on showing you how stupid you were behaving. I came back to talk and it seems I came at the right time. You seem agitated.”

            “I’m not agitated.” Marcus muttered, his hand going through his hair again.

            “Really?”

            Marcus crossed his arms, annoyed. “Okay, I am, so what? That doesn’t mean I want to talk or anything. It just means I have a lot on my mind.”

            “Like what?”

            “Nothing.”

            “Nothing?” Geoff repeated, watching Marcus start pacing. “I believe the last time you told me that we stayed another two weeks. Do we need to stay longer here?”

            “No.”

            “Then tell me what is going on Marcus. I won’t read your mind unless I have no choice. I would rather you fill me in.”

            “I apologized to both of them. Emé and Derek both came to see me right after you left.”

            “That should not cause this.”

            “It didn’t. Derek was here for a few minutes after we both apologized.”

            “What did he do?”

            Marcus hesitated. Geoff could see the concern for the other apprentice running through his head. “He won’t be in any more trouble than he already is. What did he do?”

            “He didn’t do anything. He said a bunch of stuff that doesn’t make any sense and I‘ve been trying to figure it out.”

            “What did he say?”

            Marcus shook his head. These were questions that would lead to trouble for both him and Derek. He couldn’t ask, couldn’t be the one to open up this mess, Geoff had to volunteer the information first. But, how could he volunteer information if he didn’t know what information Marcus was looking for?

            “Should I call Derek up here and have him tell me what he said?” Geoff asked, already knowing what the boy’s answer would be.

            “No! You can’t!” Marcus eyes glowed bright green.

            “Why can’t I?” Geoff asked, trying to make Marcus relax.

            “Robert wanted him to do some work.” Marcus answered lamely.

            “I’m sure if I have questions Robert will allow me time with Derek. I did after all bring him here in the first place.” Geoff turned to go, hoping that would open Marcus up.

            “Why did you bring him to Robert and not keep him?”

            “What do you mean?” Geoff turned back around.

            “Derek told me that you’ve never kept an apprentice before. According to him, every mage you’ve found and trained for awhile, you’ve passed on to another teacher for guidance.”

            “What Derek has said is true. Because of my talent at reading people, I have been able to find for our side many young mages just starting to recognize their own powers. I have brought them to counsel meetings and made sure they have a good teacher before moving on.”

            “Derek also told me that the counsel really doesn’t want you keeping an apprentice. He said they are afraid you’ll lose an apprentice like you lost your brother.”

            “My brother?”

            Marcus closed his mouth tight. Geoff could see the fear turning his eyes. The boy had not meant to add that in, it had been an accidental slip.

            “Marcus, you need to tell me everything Derek told you. No more hedging.”

            “Why do I have to tell you everything?”

            Geoff scowled, “Because only you can tell me why the things Derek told you are bothering you. And I need to know how much Derek is telling people.”

            “Why do you need to know? Shouldn’t his teacher be the one to find out?”

            “I will tell Robert when I find out what is going on. I need to know because that information is about my family and could have disastrous effects to what we are trying to do.”

            “Your family is involved?”    

            “The part still alive, yes.”

            “What about your brother?”

            “I do not know where he is. If he were alive, I would hope he was on our side.”

            “You don’t think he’s alive? Why not?”

            “My brother disappeared when he was five years old. We have had no more information about him since then. I can only guess what has happened to him, but I hope everyday that no news means he’s alive.”

            “Derek told me that the counsel doesn’t believe you are ready to take on the responsibility of a full time apprentice because you don’t listen to anything they say and not even your dad can help you convince them otherwise.”

            Which is what you are worried about, Geoff thought watching him. “Marcus regardless of what the counsel allows or disallows, they are not the reason I have agreed to train you.”

            Marcus stopped pacing, staring at him. “Really? Because using me, an untrained kid with a past, to prove that you can take the responsibility of an apprentice would be the perfect out for the counsel to let you take on someone else full time; even if you didn’t get their approval to start teaching me in the beginning.”

            Geoff straightened from the door and stepped farther into the room. “If I was manipulative and out to prove myself to a group of old men I probably could have my pick of apprentices. However, I am fully aware of my talents and I have no need to have their approval to do what needs to be done. I have not kept any of the others because there was no reason for me to.”

            Marcus’ eyebrows rose. “You said anyone untrained needed a teacher. There is a perfect reason.”

            “That is true, but have you felt how skillful the three apprentices we’ve been around have been?”

            “They’re pretty powerful. They know how to get things done.”

            “Yes, but on a level of one to ten how close do they match up to you?”

            “To me?” Marcus closed his mouth. How did they match up to him?

            “Yes, to you, how do they match up?”

            “Won’t I sound like I’m big headed if I answer that?”

            “No, just answer the question.”

            “I guess they would be about a four.”

            Geoff snorted, “If you were being nice. Marcus at your full power, they would maybe reach a one or two if they were lucky. That is not to say they do not have power, in their areas, Patrick, Jeremy and Derek all possess levels of incredible ability. But if you study enough, you would surpass them.”

            “But they could surpass me if they had the right teacher.”

            “It doesn’t work like that Marcus. Max may have pushed on you that power is all-important, but working with the skills you possess and making the most of them is what a teacher is truly passing on. Had I kept any of them as my students, they would have been burnt out on their patience and their power.”

            “Why?”

            “Do you remember that surge of power between us?”

            “Yeah?”

            “The higher the color of that surge the more powerful the student is. Do you remember what color yours was?”

            Marcus remembered. “Silver. But what does the color matter?”

            “Each color represents the ability of the students. The lowest level is orange, then its orange-yellow, yellow, yellow-gold, gold, gold-green, green, green-blue, blue, blue-red, red, red-purple, purple, evening-purple, black, gray, white, white-silver, and silver.  Derek will tell you his was green-blue and Patrick and Jeremy were both blue. They are all below the level of skill I possess, if I had retained them, I would have injured them.”

            “But I thought all spells were the same? How could you have injured them?”

            “All spells are the same, but the amount of power behind them is different for each mage. Had I been in charge, they would have been pushed beyond their limits of power.”          

            “And that would have burnt them out.”Marcus cut Geoff off, nodding.  “I watched Max do that to several of the men working for him.”

            “Then you know why it would have been dangerous for me to have kept them. The counsel knows that as well as I, Derek has not gained this information yet. I don’t think Robert’s gotten to that part of his training.”

            “But why would you keep me? And don’t say that the color of my power is silver. I know for a fact I’m not even close to that.”

            “How do you know that?”

            “Max showed me that move. He told me that the color proved that I was stuck with him.”

            “And what color was the surge?”

            “Evening Purple.”

            “The level that Max is,” Geoff nodded. “That does not mean that it is the level you are Marcus.”

            “But wouldn’t my power keep changing colors if I was higher than him?”

            Geoff shook his head, “That is why it is the benefit of all to have the highest mage possible to find the younger ones. If the mage doing the searching is not the most powerful, the level that will show up will be the highest the mage can go, not the students full potential.”

            “What does the silver mean to me?”

            “It means that you are equal to only one other person that we are aware of.”

            “Who would that be?”

            Geoff’s eyebrows rose. Marcus was not thinking, he was more worried about Geoff‘s reasons for keeping him. “Did Max ever tell you how to distinguish the color level of a mage without trying to throw a spell at them?”

            “Yeah, he said if I ever made another mage angry enough, or if I was around a mage who was angry, I need only to look at their eyes to see if it was a level I could manipu .…” Marcus trailed off understanding what Geoff was getting at. He had made Geoff angry enough times to read the color of his power. And Astra always said that his own eyes sparkled with his anger.

            He sat down where he was, leaning his back against the wall. How could he have missed that? He had been tangling with the most lethal of Max’s enemies and he had been blind to it. How could he have been so stupid to get involved with this man? Max would be after him for sure now.

            “Okay so I’m equal to you in power. But wouldn’t you want to prove to everyone just how powerful you were? If what Derek says is true, and the counsel really hates you, wouldn’t it make sense to want to keep someone who can take them all out by your side?”

            Geoff walked to his side, kneeling down so that they were eye level. “I am not Max. I do not use people for my own purposes. I did not make the decision to train you and to keep you as my apprentice to make the others notice me. Yes, the counsel heard about you and they are none too pleased with me for taking you, an unknown, under my wing. It was their plan to have me watch you, to see if you were really on Max’s side or not.”

            “Why didn’t you just keep it that way?” Marcus asked sullenly.

            “I believe I’ve told you I do not follow the rules that everyone else does. I watched the power you’ve used and I saw what you could do. I also saw your frustration when you did something without fully understanding and your fear when other mages asked you about it. I can help you understand what you can do and keep Max from coming after you if you allow me to help you.”

            “And if I don’t?”

            “You will be fighting me until the counsel meeting.”

            “What will happen there?”

            “If you have not accepted my offer, they will assign you to someone else.”

            “And if someone can’t be found? What am I expected to do, wait for Max to find me?”

            Geoff nodded and stood up. “That will be entirely up to you, Marcus. Seeing as you have a lot to think about now, I believe I will leave you here. I need to go find the others.”

            “Why?”

            “I promised Emé that I would help this town rid itself of Serrano. We cannot leave safely without being rid of him.”

            “You maybe, I could leave whenever I wanted to.”

            “With or without Max following you?”

            “You just said I’m higher than Max. I don’t have to worry about him any more.”

            Geoff narrowed his eyes, looking down at the top of Marcus’ head. His voice held no confidence; he still felt that Geoff was using him for his own gains. If Geoff left him on his own, the boy would leave as soon as he could. He would have to hold him here, until he could locate Evans. Then he would have to bring Marcus with him. Allowing Marcus to face his monsters would be a better course than allowing him to run from them.

            “But can you fight him off?”

            Marcus shrugged. “Can’t hurt nothing to try.”          

            Geoff nodded, “Nothing except your freedom and a chance to beat the man at his own game.”

            “What would that matter? I’m no freer now than I was under Max’s thumb. At least he wanted me around. You plan on dumping me off at that damn counsel meeting.”

            “Marcus.” Geoff growled in warning.

            The boy jumped to his feet. “No, don’t try to warn me. You already said you weren’t teaching me for your own plans, yet you won’t let me leave. Admit it! I am just a pawn to prove to everyone that you can take responsibility for another person without losing them!”

            “I think I came back too soon. You seem to need more time to think about what I said.”

            Geoff cast another spell, keeping the boy in the room, but able to move if need be as he walked to the door. “This time you need to think Marcus. If you are terrified of something, you can talk about it. There is nothing wrong with fear. But I will not allow you to run from it, Max will only follow you.”

            As the door closed, Geoff remembered the last time he had been in that same room with his father. Their conversation had not gotten them anywhere either. Geoff pushed the thought aside as Marcus’ voice came crashing through his mind.

            Geoff wait!

            So, you can initiate our link.

            Yes, I can. Look, I’m sorry okay? Let me go and I promise I …

            Do not make promises you can’t keep Marcus.

            Then how am I to convince you to let me go?

            Think about that while I try to find out if the others might know where Evans is.

            Can you release me from this bond first?

            And have you leave without me? I think you’ll be fine right where you are until I get back.

             Geoff cut off the conversation, allowing Marcus the chance to think things through. It would take time for him to sort out all the conflicting information and find what he truly believed.

            Geoff made it downstairs before the memory of his meeting with his father caught up to him. It had been the first time Geoff had seen Daniel since his father had left him in Max’s care. His resentment had spilled over into their conversation, not only there, but in the tavern room below. When Daniel had left, Geoff had been bond to a chair and Daniel walked out with his sword in hand.  Now he faced a similar situation with Marcus. Geoff shook his head; he had to keep his thoughts on the task ahead, he couldn’t allow old problems to interfere with his work now.

            Geoff found Emé in the kitchen. She stood the moment he walked in the room.     “Where can I find Evans?”

            “You had no luck with your apprentice then?”

            “No, Marcus is as stubborn as I am. So where is he?”

            “Are you sure you want to continue with someone this difficult. It will only make the counsel’s decision easier if the boy continues to fight you.”

            “Emé, I’ll tell you what I told Joseph and Marcus, I am not doing this to impress anyone. After watching him today, you know as well as I that I am the only chance he has at freeing himself from his past. They may not think too highly of me, but I take training more seriously than using someone to impress them. I cannot leave him to fend for himself nor will I allow him to be handed off to someone else. Not even my father has the power to meet his and Daniel trained me.”    

            Emé stared at him, “You are serious about this boy then.”

            “I would not be taking such a risk if I wasn’t.”

            “Be careful Geoffrey Nathaniel, the counsel is no friend to your family, and they will do anything they can to show they are the power not you.”

            “I know that Emé, but if I don’t stand up to them, no one will and things will be even worse.”

            Emé smiled, “Yes, six doddering old fools in place of the Mad One, not a future I wish to be a part of.”

            “Speaking of the Mad One, I will ask you again. Where is Evans?”

            “Staying with me.”

            Geoff turned to the door. Sam and Robert walked in with Derek trailing behind.

            “Why is he staying with you?”

            “You know I can’t tell Max’s people to shove off. I want to stay in business as long as possible.”

            “I was thinking out loud. If Evans specifically chose you, a place in the middle of town, could Max know more than we think he does?”

            “What are you saying?”

            “Marcus told me that Max could hear everything that he did. And Evans turned up here before Marcus and I arrived.”

            Emé’s eyes rounded, “Do you think he has that tattoo Max has been infecting everyone with?”

            Geoff shook his head, “I would have noticed it by now. There has to be a way that idiot is keeping tabs on Marcus. I need to find out how he’s doing it, unless of course…”

            “What?” three voices asked in unison, Derek stayed in the shadows, trying to keep from Geoff’s sight.

            “Marcus had not been able to tone down the flare of his power until this morning. Even if Max could not understand how much power Marcus has, the man is not stupid. He would have recognized the signal of Marcus’ path even better than I did.”

            “Why?”

            “He and Marcus have spent some time together as I am sure all of you are aware. Before today, he would have been able to spot Marcus’ aura in a crowd of powerful mages. That might be the reason he never had Marcus learn to block it from other people.”

            “But if that’s true, why hasn’t Evans come here? Marcus has been here without his power shielded.”       

            Geoff glanced at Emé, “But he has been surrounded by mages more comfortable and in control of their power. Evans is not as powerful as Max and has not been around Marcus, he would not have been able to identify him as easily. And now with his power being shielded, Max will be unable to identify him in a crowd.”

            “You hope. But will the counsel be able to recognize the power the boy holds if he remains shielded by his own fear?”

            “Emé he is not being shielded by fear, it was created without emotion. If he had added emotion it would be more anger than anything else. Which reminds me,” Geoff pinned Derek with a look, causing the boy to slink behind his teacher. “Come here Derek.”

            When Derek refused, Robert turned around glaring at him. “What did you do Derek? What are you hiding from?”

            Derek looked down at his shoes, “I opened my big mouth about something that wasn’t any of my business.”

            “Look at me Derek. What did you say?”

            Derek looked up, but could not meet Robert’s eyes. “I told Marcus about the counsel and how they felt about Geoff.”

            Robert closed his eyes, than turned them to the ceiling. “Give me strength,” he muttered. To Derek, he said, “What exactly did you tell him about the counsel?”

            “That they hated Geoff so much they did not trust him to keep apprentices and that they thought that Geoff would lose an apprentice like he lost his brother.”

            “Why would you say that?!”

            Derek winced, his eyes falling back to his shoes, and shrugged, “I dunno.”

            Robert stared at the top of Derek’s head. “Do you regret the counsel’s decision? Are you jealous that another is under Geoff’s rule?”

            “NO!” Derek meet Robert’s stare directly, not realizing he had cut his teacher off. “That has nothing to do with it. I’ve grown so much under your direction. No offense to Geoff, but you are a much better teacher.”

            “Than what made you tell Marcus all of that crap?” Robert growled, “You do not know why the counsel makes its decisions nor do you know what caused them to dislike Geoff. None of his personal information is for you to share with other people, even if Geoff did not mind.”

            “I know that,” Derek mumbled, looking down again. “I don’t know what made me tell him all that. I didn’t even realize everything I’d said until after it was too late to stop and take back those things. I didn’t mean to make things difficult.”

            He turned to Geoff than, his eyes crystallizing like Marcus’, “I’m really sorry to have messed stuff up like this. I hadn’t meant to do that, honest.”

            “Derek, that is not enough. This is not the first time you’ve spread information that was not supposed to be released. Your tendency to allow information to slip regarding private lives and meetings is going to get you in serious trouble one of these days; trouble no one is going to be able to help you get out of.”

            “But I don’t know how to stop myself from doing it. I’ve tried.”

            Geoff opened his mouth to answer, but stopped. His eyes fazed out for a moment and when he focused again, Geoff turned to Robert, “I need to talk to you. Derek, stay right where you are.”

            Derek nodded as Robert and Geoff stepped back Emé and Sam followed, wanting  to know what was going on.

            “What?”

            “Marcus told me he saw Derek when we first arrived in town. He hadn’t thought about it until he heard Derek yell no. Derek had been at Sam’s inn when we come in; he had been talking to one of the men at the bar. The man Marcus had run into as he had stepped away from you, Sam.”

            “How would Marcus recognize him from a word then? My inn floor was packed.”

            “Supposedly, he had heard Derek scream no before he had stepped away from Sam. It was why he bumped into the man in the first place. He wanted to dislodge the man’s grasp from Derek’s arm.”

            “Derek’s arm?” Robert tried turning towards Derek.

            Geoff held his arm, holding him back, “Derek doesn’t have the tattoo, I think Marcus stopped the man from getting that type of hold. However, I do think the man planted something in Derek’s mind that would allow for him to pass damning information about me onto Marcus when they were alone.”

            “But what would that do?”

            “What has he been trying to do since last night?”

            “So Marcus recognized Derek from a single word that he heard in a packed room and almost gave away why you two where there in order to protect him? Why would he do that?”

            “Marcus has a history of protecting those he doesn’t know if they are in trouble. Ask Joseph about what Marcus did for Patrick and Jeremy. You’ll understand after that.”

            “Alright, ignoring that then, what do you suggest we do?”

            “Why was Derek at Sam’s to begin with?”

            “He had been getting information for me about the meeting.”

            “So who was Derek talking to that night?”

            The four sets of eyes turned to Derek. He backed up slightly, nervously glancing at all four before settling on Robert’s face. “What?”

            “When I sent you to Sam’s, who did you start talking to?”

            “Why?”

            Robert blinked. Derek never answered a question with a question, ever.
            “Because, I need to know Derek answer my question.”

            “I didn’t talk to anyone. I was in a corner of the room.”

            Robert frowned, “I know that isn’t true Derek. You never walk anywhere without talking to someone. Who were you talking to that night?”

            “No one, gees why don’t you believe me? I don’t lie to you.”

            “You also do not give me attitude.” Robert said sternly, “Who were you talking to?”

            Derek stared at him, refusing to answer. Robert glared back. Geoff could see he was ready to do anything to find out what had happened. Geoff held him back, knowing if he didn’t they would lose another apprentice to Max.

            Geoff? Let me go, I can help him. Please. I promise I’ll stay in the room after. And I’ll answer anything you ask me.

            Marcus’ message caught Geoff off guard. He hadn’t noticed Marcus listening in on to what was happening downstairs.

            How do you know what is going on with him?

            I’ve seen it before. Max uses this strategy a lot. It helps to build up the people that follow him. Please, let me help.

            Geoff waited a moment, allowing Marcus time to think about what he had just agreed to and to take back any part of it if he wanted. When Marcus stayed silent, Geoff agreed.

            You will stay here after this is over.    

            The second Geoff let him go they heard pounding above them. At the stairs, they heard the pounding stop and then several thuds and curses. A heavy thunk announced Marcus’ arrival in the front hall. They waited a few more minutes before Marcus walked in behind Derek, rubbing his left shoulder.

            Derek stared at him, “What did you do?”

            “Fall down the stairs. What did you do?”

            “What do you mean?”

            Marcus nodded towards the others, “They all look pissed.”

            “The stuff I told you earlier. I was out of line. A lot of that stuff is rumors I picked up after I had gone to Robert. When I was with him, Geoff was cool and I learned a lot.”

            “But you were given to Robert, why would you still think Geoff is cool?”

            “You’re his apprentice, you should know.”

            The others turned to Geoff wondering what Marcus was doing. Geoff just shook his head. He had not seen what Marcus had done to help Patrick and Jeremy from getting into trouble, but he recognized the feeling of guilt Marcus had tried hiding. He was using the same ploy to help Derek.

            “Why should I know? I’ve only known him two maybe three months and all I’ve done is work. And if I don’t do that I get in trouble, like this morning.”

            “Yeah, but you are safe with him.”

            “And you’re not safe with Robert?”

            “I thought I was,” Derek said, his eyes growing distant.

            “What do you mean thought? What are you talking about?”

            Derek‘s voice came slowly, an even greater distance echoed in his eyes. “I was at Sam’s inn when you and Geoff came into town. You were able to get out before that jerk Evans grabbed you. I wasn’t so lucky.”

            “Who is Evans?”

            “That guy you ran into at the bar. He had my arm intending to force me back to Roberts’ and you bumped him making him let go of me. I tried to run, but he caught up to me.”

            “What did he do?”

            “I don’t know. He had tried to brand me, but it wouldn’t stick so he tried some trick with his eyes.”

            “Tried?”

            “I pulled back before I fell all the way in. I got out of his grasp and ran for it. He hasn’t come for me since then. But…”

            Robert opened his mouth, but Marcus blocked him from Derek’s view. He hoped Geoff understood and would keep Robert back. “Had this happened before?”

            Derek nodded, his eyes completely glazed over now. “A few times, usually it was Max who caught up with me, but he didn’t show up this time.”

            “What happens after Max is here Derek?”

 

            “He sounds like an inquisitioner,” Robert muttered to Geoff. “What is he doing?”

            “He’s trying to draw out Derek’s problem. I know Derek doesn’t talk as much as he has been lately, but I’ve never been able to draw things out of people.”

            “And your apprentice can?”

            “If he’s doing it now, I would assume so.”

            “How often has he done this?”

            “I don’t know, he won’t tell me anything. I’m learning more about him from his interactions with those we meet than on our own.”

            Robert grinned, “Welcome to the joys of being a teacher. He’ll open up once things settle down some. Your apprentice has not had the advantage most others do, so do not be surprised by some of the mistakes he might make.”

            Geoff just nodded, before turning back to the boys, trying to block out the smirk on Robert’s face.

 

            “So, Max leaves and some leaders of the council usually show up. You get to sit in on the meetings and then no matter how much you try, the information is spread before you can stop yourself?” Marcus asked, catching Geoff and Robert up with what Derek had said.

            Derek nodded. “I know this sounds stupid. You would think if I recognized the problem I would stop going to meetings. But I can’t stop myself from going either. I have a compulsion to go or something.”

            “That isn’t stupid Derek. It means you’ve been nabbed.”

            “Nabbed?” Derek’s eyes cleared, his confusion glowing brightly in his eyes. “I’ve never been taken anywhere though.”

            “Max doesn’t need to take you anywhere to nab you. He makes you a prisoner in your own town. Isolating you until no one is around or comes around and then he sweeps in, offers you a job with him and leaves again, usually with you along for the ride.”

            “How do you know?”

            “I have a feeling I was his first.”

            “But you don’t have the same problem I do.”

            “No, I think he uses your own weaknesses against you before coming in and making you one of his. But I think he may have only started with you, he hasn’t gotten anywhere close to making you his minion.”

            “Why is that?”

            “You’re smarter than he gives you credit for. He’s not a very good judge of character.”

            “But it’s worked so far.”

            “Has it?” Marcus stepped back allowing Robert and the others to been seen. “I would say you aren’t quite as isolated as Max would like you to be. And if Robert is anywhere close to Geoff in the ‘he’s my apprentice, back off’ category, you won’t ever be.”

            Robert, Sam, and Emé looked over at Geoff, fighting to keep back their smiles. Geoff said nothing, watching Marcus keep Derek occupied with his voice while his fingers started a spell.

            “He is, probably even more so ‘cause, like the rest of the teachers I’ve met, he’s worried that even though I’m his apprentice, I’ll want to go back to the traveling that Geoff had me doing.”

            “Do you?”

            Derek shook his head, “I didn’t mind the traveling, but I like being in one town surrounded by people I know, without worrying about where the next place to sleep is going to be. Besides, there is only one person that can put up with Geoff full time, and I am definitely not it.”

            “Why only one person?”

            Derek shrugged, “I don’t know really. It’s just something all of us who’ve been under Geoff’s guidance realize after a few hours.” He turned his eyes to Marcus, “You’ve never had that feeling have you?”

            Marcus shook his head. “I’ve wanted to leave, but not because of him. Others have had this feeling besides you?”

            “The other apprentices I’ve met have all said the same thing. Something keeps them from staying with him. After the first month or so, most apprentices are ready to move on to their real teacher. How long have you been with him now?”

            Marcus stepped back from him, thinking. Geoff noticed the lingering effects of a spell glittering in Derek’s eyes.

            “I think about three months. But…” Marcus turned to Geoff.

            “About that,” Geoff agreed, wanting to test Marcus’ spell without the others realizing, “Derek, what did Evans want from you?”

            Derek shook his head, “He said I had information Max wanted, but I swear I don’t know what he means. I don’t listen in on conversations I’m not supposed to.” His eyebrows crunched, “But then, I didn’t think I spread gossip either and apparently I’ve been doing it for awhile now.”

            Marcus’ spell worked. Geoff glanced at Robert, nodding so only he could see. Robert moved forward taking charge of his apprentice once again. Derek watched him closely, some fear still lingering.

            “I think extra work would help you to curb your tongue,” Robert suggested, annoyed that Derek had kept Max’s interference from him. “There are some things you have been neglecting with your wanderings and other work that should have been completed today that has not been touched.”

            “Yes sir.”

 

            Marcus watched Derek’s face fall and a slight twinge hit his chest. Derek hadn’t meant any harm by talking, it was one of the worst weapons Max used. It turned people against each other until the target was isolated and desperate for any type of company, even the enemy’s. Derek had almost lost his apprenticeship and his friends.

            Marcus felt his fingers begin to twitch upwards, curling into fists at his side. Max had gone after these people because of him, because he had disappeared from his hold and had managed to escape his anger. He didn’t even know these people and Max was using them against him. Unless this was punishment for them going against him and Marcus hadn’t even been a part of it.

            Even if Evans did know he was here and had come for him, Derek’s description made it seem that Max had been after this city far longer than Marcus had been out of his sight. Could it be that the others were gaining ground and Max didn’t want them to know it? He only got this aggressive if he began to lose his grip on things and for Evans to attack the kid in a rebel town like this could only mean that Max was trying to speed things up.

            Marcus wanted to say something, anything that would keep Derek from feeling that he had been the cause for Max coming after him. The look on his face reminded Marcus too much of how he used to feel, of how worthless and pathetic he thought he was, but he knew he couldn’t interfere. Robert already seemed annoyed that he had helped Derek to begin with. Saying anything now would demolish whatever Robert planned in order to teach Derek how to stay away from Max in the future.

            “Sir, I want to apologize for allowing that monster to stay one step ahead of us.” Derek’s voice sounded harsh and swollen, bringing Marcus back to the scene before him.

            Marcus watched as Derek’s face-hardened as he turned away towards his teacher. “If you wish to dismiss me from your service I will understand. I have turned my back on everything you expected of me. I have let you down.”

            How did Derek let him down? Marcus wondered, watching Robert’s reaction. Derek hadn’t done anything on purpose; he had been manipulated by Max’s own cunning. Derek wouldn’t have been able to do anything to stop Max from implementing his will as he wished Marcus knew that from experience.

            Robert’s face remained impassive, his eyes hard as he studied something in Derek’s face. As they stared at each other, Marcus could feel his fingers wrapping themselves into his palms. He couldn’t look at the others, afraid that he would miss something if he turned away. He could feel Geoff’s eyes on him, watching him as his body tensed. Marcus knew he was more concerned than he should be, but he couldn’t help it. He felt somehow responsible for what was happening even though the guy annoyed the hell out of him.

            “I am not going to dismiss you from my service. I do not believe you are ready for what our world needs from you.” Robert growled, moving closer to his apprentice. “However, if this ever happens again, and you do not tell me, so help me Derek, you will wish you had been dismissed. Is that clear?”

            Marcus could tell it took everything Derek had to keep his relief from showing in his face, “Yes sir, I understand. I do not plan on keeping anything else from you.”

            “Fine, now we have wasted enough time here. Geoff the meeting is set for nine tonight, here as it was last night. We expect you to show up,” Robert’s eyes fell on Marcus, “both of you.”

            Geoff nodded, “We will see you tonight. And Robert, I want Derek there as well.”

            Robert met Geoff’s eyes a silent message passing between them. Robert nodded his head, “If he is not dead from the work, he will be here.”

            They left together; Derek already explaining everything that Max had done.

            Emé breathed deeply.             “I am so glad that is over with. I hate when Max goes after our apprentices like that.” She turned to Marcus, “Thank you for helping him. No one else was able to get through like you did.”

            Marcus shrugged. “I know how he felt. I’ve been there before. Nothing makes a person talk more openly than when talking to someone who understands.”

            Emé shot Geoff a look as she nodded. “I would love to stay and find out more, but I need to get things together for this evening. Sam I do not suppose you could help me out?”

            Sam looked at Geoff and nodded, “Of course I can help Emé. Let’s see what you need and I’ll just take it from my place. I’m sure Drew has things fine.”

            They left quickly, leaving Marcus alone with Geoff. He couldn’t leave, he had promised to stay and answer anything Geoff wanted to know; but everything in him said to get out of Geoff’s way.

            “Do you still think I’m keeping you for my own agenda?”

            Marcus winced, catching the anger lingering in the question. “No, after what you told me and listening to Derek, I realized that you could have kept any of the other apprentices you’ve passed on if you wanted to prove yourself.”

            “And this pawn nonsense you keep referring to?”

            “I’m sorry okay.” Marcus ran his fingers through his hair. “I should have never said that. If you were trying to use me, you wouldn’t be explaining things to me or taking time out to help everyone. I was being childish and I apologize.”

            “Childish or trying to keep something bothering you from me?”

            Marcus turned, facing him almost the same way Derek had faced Robert. “How did…what are you…huh?”

            “That’s what I thought.” Geoff moved towards the door. “I think we’ve spent too much time in this inn.”

            “Where are we going?”

            “Where there are many ears, but no one listening.”

            They left the inn without saying anything to Emé or Sam. Geoff said they were probably getting one of the back rooms ready for the meeting and wouldn’t want to be disturbed anyway. Marcus wondered what exactly they were doing, but had a feeling that finding out would stick him further into their problems.

Outside he flexed his cold fingers trying to get feeling back into them. As he moved them, he turned his palms up, noticing the deep nail prints he had left during Derek’s confrontation. Staring at his palms, Marcus heard Geoff’s offer in his mind again. Leave and try fighting Max alone or stay and learn how to beat the man at his own game?

If he stayed, would he become the pawn he feared to be or would he become his own person like Jeremy, Patrick and Derek were becoming? Those three had been with Geoff and Derek had said that no one had stayed with Geoff longer than a month, yet he was still here and it had been three months or so. Only one person was meant to be Geoff’s apprentice; was that really him like Derek suspected? Or was there someone more worthy of Geoff’s time and patience just waiting to be picked up during Geoff’s travels?

 Marcus pushed back the thought quickly, his stomach dropping. Why did it matter if there was someone else? If there was he would be able to disappear back into the shadows hiding from Max like he was good at. But could he really? After getting to know all these people and being around Geoff this long, would he really be able to go back to the shadows?

            They stopped at Robert’s forge. Geoff went in, discussing something with both Robert and Derek. Marcus stayed back, letting the sun spread it’s warmth through his body. Would he ever be able to stand back in the cold air after being able to feel the sun on his face without fear? Could he ever truly give up this adventure even with Max threatening his life?

            Marcus sighed, already knowing the answer. Even if he left Geoff’s side, he would never be able to go back to how things used to be. Marcus frowned; Geoff wanted to know what he was keeping from him. He had given a reprieve in order to allow Marcus time to think, like he should have been doing when he had been held captive in their room. How could he explain what he didn’t understand? How could he make Geoff understand that giving him this decision was making things so much harder?

            “Marcus, come here.”

            Marcus blinked, noticing Geoff waving to him. He slowly moved forward, regretting the light leaving his body as he moved into the familiar icy darkness. Only it didn’t feel the same; this shade had the same warmth that the sun held; only it was coming from the people that were within it. Maybe Astra had been right after all; maybe it wasn’t the light or lack of it that mattered. Maybe the people that were in the area made the temperature change. Marcus noticed Geoff’s concern and realized he was still frowning. He straightened out his lips as he came up.

            “Yes?”

            Geoff’s eyebrow rose as he nodded to Robert. “He has a question for you.”

            “Yes sir?”

            Robert glanced at Geoff, surprised at the courtesy. “You made a comment to Derek earlier that I wanted to make sure I heard correctly.”

            “Which one?” 

            “You were trying to convince Derek he was not as alone as Max tried to make him feel and you said something along the lines, ‘if he is anything like Geoff in the “he’s my apprentice, back off” category, you won’t be.’ Now if I heard correctly, what exactly did you mean? If I did not, please tell me what you said.”

            “You heard correctly.” His eyes lost focus, he remembered saying it, had heard the words come out of his mouth, but what had he meant by it? What did it mean to an apprentice? What did it mean to the teacher? What did it mean for him and Geoff?

 

            Robert waited, wondering whether the boy would explain what he meant. He had been speaking from the heart, but had not really heard what he had said. Derek had heard and understood which was why the spell Marcus had set on him was able to take hold and erase Max’s taint. The boy had talent and he needed a master at their craft to teach him to use that talent. Geoff was the only master artist they had, even the counsel could not argue with that. Yet Geoff’s training would only continued if Marcus accepted Geoff before the meeting began. No one knew of that stipulation until Derek had gone to Robert. When Geoff had explained to a wide-eyed counsel, the twelve members were not the only ones in shock.

            Robert focused back to the boy. He seemed lost in thought, trying to come up with something that sounded close to a truth. Out of the corner of his eye, Robert could see Geoff’s face. He wanted the answer as much as Robert did, maybe even more so. Geoff had grown attached to this one faster than he had the others. In fact, he had kept Marcus away from the counsel longer than he had the others. It could be that the counsel felt Geoff had overstepped the line when he had taken Marcus as an apprentice to begin with, but watching his friend now, Robert knew there was more to this situation than anyone could guess.

            “What exactly did I hear Marcus? What were you telling Derek?”

            The boy’s eyes remained unfocused as he spoke, “You protect those you care about, those under your watch, without even really thinking about it. You watch out for him, help him learn his talents, and keep him alive. If anyone has a problem with something he does, they have to go through you first and even then they probably won’t get to Derek.”

            “But you said if I was anything like Geoff. How am I like Geoff?”

            “He does the same thing for me that you have done for Derek.”

            “But what exactly? And how do you know?”

            “I can see it. In the way you can communicate without speaking, the way Derek respects you, how you tried to figure out what was wrong without blaming him for it right off. In the way Derek talks about you and how you had to be the one asking the questions, not allowing the others to add anything. Your stance was he’s my apprentice, I’ll find out what happened and I’ll deal with it, back off until I ask for your help.”

            “But how is that like Geoff, Marcus?”

            “Because he does the same things to me all the time; if I do something stupid, no one else can say anything. He takes me aside and we talk about it. If I try to leave because I don’t agree with something, he comes after me himself. He explains things; he takes time to help me correct mistakes. He watches out for me, like he knows I need his help, even if I don’t ask for it. If someone else tries to correct something I do, he cuts in, stopping them from commenting.” Marcus lips curved upward, his eyes still not focusing, “the ‘he’s my apprentice, back off’ strategy. Now that I’ve gotten used to it, I’m starting to recognize it in other people.”

            “And how do you feel about this category? Derek and I talked about it, and it drives him crazy.”

            “It aggravates me.”

            “Why?”

            “Because I’ve always watched out for myself; I’ve never depended on anyone to help me with anything. I take care of myself and everyone else; yet now I’ve got to deal with someone watching over me. I feel like I’m in a box without air. And I hate how dependent I’ve become on that.”

            “Dependent on what?”

            “On having him around,” Marcus’ eyes refocused, slipping to the ground. “It’s been about three months and I’ve gotten used to him being here for me. I’ve started questioning how I lived and why it’s become so important for me to have his approval when I know that the longer I stay the more danger I put him and everyone else in.”

            “How have you put our lives in danger?”

            Marcus looked up, “Max wants me for some plan of his. I’m to be his puppet to keep people in order. The longer I’m away from him, the angrier he’s gonna get. The angrier he gets, the worse the punishment is. And if anyone helped me stay away from him, he’ll kill them.”

            Derek and Robert exchanged glances, then as one, they faced Geoff. How would Geoff compete against a fear imbedded so deeply?       Robert opened his mouth to say more when Geoff moved. Robert’s mouth turned upward, Geoff had placed himself next to and in front of Marcus simultaneously keeping the others from interacting with the boy any longer, but allowing Marcus to see everyone; something Robert did to Derek often.

            “We need to be moving on and it looks like you need to be finishing whatever that project is.” Geoff gestured to the table behind them.

            Derek groaned, rolling his eyes at Marcus. Marcus’ mouth twitched, but did nothing more when Geoff’s glance hit him. He nodded goodbye, then followed Geoff back into the sunlight.

            “Do you think he’ll keep Marcus?” Derek asked, watching Marcus match Geoff’s steps.

            “Yes. I do believe Geoff has found that one apprentice you and the others believe he needs. Which reminds me,” Robert crossed his arms in front of him and turned to his apprentice, frowning. “Do you really think I’m worried about you going back to Geoff?”

            Derek turned bright red, “Well at first I did. I mean every time Geoff came to visit you wouldn’t allow me to talk to him about his travels at all. You had to be in the room if he did talk about them.”

            “And now?”

            “I know why you stuck around.”      

            “Why?”

            “You wanted to find out how I reacted to what he said; not to see if I wanted to go back, but to see if I was really ready to learn what I needed to know. If I wasn’t then, I think I’m ready now. Watching Marcus, I realize I had so much more support and I’ve not appreciated it as much as I should have.”

            “Do not apologize for growing up Derek. You are not Marcus, do not feel responsible for things you have no control over. Learn from the mistakes and get past them, your power and your skill will increase once you understand that. Now back to this project.”