Chapter 7

Marcus glanced at Geoff again, wondering if he would react at all. Right after leaving Robert’s forge, they had gone to the Seaman’s Fancy intending to meet up with Max’s death. Evan’s hadn’t been there and Geoff, not wanting to go back to the Maiden’s Arm, had decided they were going to go looking for him. That had been almost half an hour ago and Geoff hadn’t mentioned anything about the discussion at the forge yet.

            For the last twenty-five minutes, Geoff had answered any question Marcus had about the city, but he didn’t volunteer any. Would they walk around the entire town before he said anything? Marcus hoped not, he didn’t want to find Evans or have Evans find them with this hanging over them. But how could he fix it? If he agreed to be Geoff’s apprentice now, it would look like Derek’s problem and Evans being in the area influenced his decision. He really didn’t want the problems that would bring affecting everything they were already dealing with.

            Marcus knew he had issues with how Max had treated him over the years, he also knew those issues were what had kept him isolated for so long in the other place. Geoff had slowly begun taking on the challenges of those issues, so slowly that Marcus had only realized it while he was locked in their inn room the second time. The man had done a lot for him without pressing for a decision, and he had repaid him with arguments and making him look like a fool in front of his friends. How did Geoff deal with that and still want him around?

            Marcus shook his head; this silence would drive him insane. If he wanted to clear this, he would have to bring it up. But how? How could he tell Geoff what he was keeping from him without making Geoff angry? How could he tell Geoff he was frustrated because he couldn’t make up his own mind? How could he explain that the questions were due to his uncertainty about himself?                                   

            “How angry are you?” Marcus stopped moving, not expecting that question to pop out of his mouth.

            Geoff stopped too, turning around so that they were facing each other. The people around them kept moving, ignoring the fact that they had just stopped. Marcus watched them, afraid to face the answer to his own question.

            “What should I be angry about Marcus?”

            “Robert got more out of me in ten minutes then you’ve been able to pry out of me in almost three months. If I were you, I’d be kind of teed.”

            “Why?”

            “I’m supposed to be your apprentice. I’m supposed to be listening to you and following your lead and answering anything you ask of me. Instead, I’ve ignored your orders and relied on my past to get me through tough situations.”

            “I seem to remember this conversation Marcus.” Geoff interrupted, “And I seem to remember telling you that until you were ready to commit to the apprenticeship none of that mattered. Why is this bothering you?”

            “I-” Marcus stuttered to a stop. What was he going to say? He had wanted to build up to his point, but Geoff crushed that idea, leaving him to scrabble for thoughts. What was bothering him? Marcus shook his head, realizing there were too many things wrapping around his brain, making it a struggle to think clearly. Marcus could feel Geoff’s eyes on him, waiting.

            “Your attitude towards everything; you don’t judge me, you wait for me to make decisions, and you allow mistakes. Most people would have made some hint at how they felt back at Robert’s when I answered Robert’s questions, especially if they had been trying to discover the same information for the last three months. But you didn’t do anything. You just stood there, allowing me to continue as if it didn’t bother you that another teacher had found the information that you had been searching for.”

            “Do you remember when I told you that I asked for help when I needed it?”

            “Yeah.”

            “I have always had a difficult time trying to get information from someone unwilling or unable to talk about things. You were able to help Derek when the rest of us in the room could not; Robert was repaying your help by enabling you to talk about your problem. There was no reason to interfere with what was happening.”

            “So you’re not upset that Robert and Derek know what’s wrong with me?”

            “Marcus there is nothing wrong with you.” Geoff muttered. “This decision is going to take some time for you to make. Even if you’re mind and heart agrees, there will be a hesitation. Do not feel that I need an answer by tomorrow.”     

            “But Derek had said you only keep apprentices for a month and it’s been almost three with me. Why I am so different?”

            Geoff sighed. “It seems we’re going to need to sit somewhere.”

            He turned down a side street and Marcus jogged to catch up. When they stopped, Marcus’ eyes widened. Stone benches scattered around a circular stone walk and between the cold rocks every color he had ever imagined hung from a storm of dark green.

            “What is this place?”

            “A safe place to discuss things, take a seat Marcus and I will try to explain something.”
            Marcus had taken a step forward, but stopped. “Explain what?”

            Geoff nodded to a bench as he settled in some thick leaves on the ground. Instead of sitting on the bench, Marcus sat in front of the bench closest to Geoff wanting to be able to hear what Geoff said.

            “You are just like any of the teenagers I have picked up on my travels Marcus. What makes this different is the situation you come from; none of the others had previous teachers, nor have they been subjected to many of the things you have endured. I never offered myself as a guide because not one of them matched my power. The time to meet with the counsel and decide teachers differs for each person. I had one apprentice with me for a year because I had wished to see her with a certain teacher and that teacher had been trying to move another apprentice up to full mage.”

            “So you can place them?”

            “In a way, the counsel gives the okay, but I am the one to decide who the apprentice is stuck with. I work with the students close enough that I gain an understanding of what their true talents are.”

            “What’s mine?”

            “Besides getting into trouble?”

            Marcus grinned sheepishly, “Yeah.”

            “You care about people Marcus. You are the first person I have ever met that does not trust others, but is self-sacrificing at the same time. From the few instances I’ve seen, I know the following things: one, you will never leave someone behind, even if that means getting caught yourself. Two, you would do anything in your power to get the blame placed completely on your shoulders whether you were actually involved or not. And three, you do not trust yourself anymore than you trust anyone else.”

            “How does that last part show I care about people?” Marcus asked, confused.

            “You won’t let anyone trust you or get close to you because you don’t know if you will turn them in. You assume you will become a traitor the moment you let someone else in and those already close to you are in danger at every moment of being betrayed.”

            “How is that a talent?” Marcus asked, trying to change the subject.

            Geoff studied the boy beside him. “I got too close, didn’t I?”

            Marcus looked at his hands, playing with the blades of grass by his feet. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Got too close to what?”

            Geoff sighed. Marcus eventually you are going to have to let me in to help you finish your education. The boy ignored him, continuing to twist the blades of grass between his fingers. “It’s a talent because not everyone has it. Nor is it often the source of the power the person possess’. You are unique in this Marcus; your power connects strongly to how you react to situations.”

            “If I’m unique in this, how are you planning on teaching me to do anything?”

            “I noticed some time ago Marcus and you have gained quite a bit since joining me. I think I will be able to continue teaching you what you need even if your power supply is more complex than anyone else I have ever met.” Except for my missing brother.

            “Are you going to pawn me off on someone else by the end of the year?”

            Geoff leaned back against the bench, watching Marcus stiffen after he asked. The boy dreaded the answer; Geoff could see it through his back and the stubs of the grass blades in his hands. “I don’t pawn people off Marcus; I deliver them to the right guide. And your situation will depend entirely on you and your progression while in my custody.”

            “Have I set things back because of my actions lately?”

            “I have no time limits on learning Marcus. You will gain what you need when you are ready, not beforehand. But no, you have not set anything back as far as teaching is concerned. The meeting we were supposed to attend last evening is an entirely different story.”

            “I don’t think I should go to that meeting Geoff. I’m not ready to face those people.”

            “Why?”          

            “They’ll ask questions I’m not sure I can answer. I don’t want to lie to these people, especially if I’m under suspicion for being Max’s spy. That would just make things worse.”

            “Max won’t be able to find you unless you allow him to Marcus. With that block you created this morning, he will not be able to enter your mind without you realizing it. You will be at the meeting tonight, to keep the others from thinking you are Max’s spy as well as other business. Right now, I wouldn’t worry about it until it happens.”

            “What should I worry about than?”

            Geoff studied him a moment, deciding what to tell him. “Worry about keeping that friend of yours out of Max’s reach until absolutely necessary.”

            “Nothing else?”

            Geoff shook his head, “Max has always been a threat to me and the others I work with. You being among us will change that, no matter how angry the fool gets. He cannot enter your mind any longer, but he does have spies that will be able to see. The only person you’re still hiding is this friend of yours; I would worry about her the most.”

            “She’s more than just a friend.” Marcus murmured, relaxing again.

            “Really?”

            Marcus ignored the sarcasm in Geoff’s tone. “Astra is my girlfriend. She’s been with me, helping me with all of this confusion for several years now. She’s actually the reason I’m here to begin with.”

            “Why?”

            “Max hunted her down, breaking into her place and taking her with him. He almost killed her.”

            Marcus stood up, unable to sit thinking about it. “When I found out, I tried to find her and was almost too late. She was barely conscious, bruised and bloody. The cuts all over her body were partly healed, but still swollen and infected. I had to get her out of there and as far from Max as possible. I promised as long as I was alive, Max would never discover her whereabouts again.”

            “Why are you telling me if you promised her?”        

            Marcus drew a hand through his hair, “I honestly don’t know, now just seemed the best opportunity.”

            “Why?”

            Marcus shrugged. “Change of heart I guess. You’re willing to help me even though I could get you killed; I figure you should be able to help me keep her safe.”

            “But only if I knew about her?”

            “That usually helps.”

            Geoff stood up, folding his arms. “I will only help you on one condition.”

            Marcus froze, looking up at him. “What would that be?”

            “You never keep something like this from me again. I allowed you this one because the girl is important to you, but I will not tolerate being in the dark about anything else from now on. Do you understand?”

            “Yes sir.”

            Geoff nodded, freezing as he began to say something else. Marcus saw it and turned around thinking something had come up behind him. Marcus stop moving.   

            What’s wrong? Turning back Marcus tried to see what Geoff did.

            See it with your power, not your eyes. You won’t sense anything otherwise. 

            Were we overheard?

            No, I would have noticed. Now, what do you sense?

            Marcus stretched out his senses, slowly infiltrating the area around them and into town. Bypassing people he had noticed when they had first arrived, Marcus reached for Max’s taint. Allowing it to swallow him completely, Marcus searched within it knowing that the one he sought hid among Max’s shadows. He’s waiting at Emè’s. I’ve endangered her like she said.

            Geoff’s low growl tuned Marcus back to his teacher. “You are not responsible for Emè being hounded by Evans Marcus. I never want to hear that again, got it?”

            “But what if I am?”

            “He was here before we were Marcus. Max wants this town for something besides you, trust me.”

            “So what do we do?”

            “Lead him away from her and the others.”

            “How?”

            “Leave that to me. Right now let’s start walking back that way and see if that helps some.”

             Marcus nodded and followed Geoff out of the small garden and into town. Marcus continued to track Evan’s even though he had to pretend not to feel the man hunting them, had to pretend everything was normal or he would give the game away. He would not disappoint Geoff again, especially when the man promised to protect the only reason he still lived.

            Marcus watched Geoff’s movements and after a moment realized he had begun to copy them. Shaking his head, Marcus realized that no matter how much he tried to deny it, he had come to accept Geoff’s leadership over him. Though it was more like they were both learning together, something he had never experienced before. He could ask Geoff anything and as long as it did not relate to Geoff’s family, it would be answered. He had more options to use his abilities without the fear of being used for them. He…Marcus grabbed Geoff’s sleeve, stopping him from crossing in front of an alleyway. His eyes glued to a storefront across the street.

            “What’s wrong?” Geoff muttered, immediately turning to face him.

            Marcus nodded to the store, his hand dropping from Geoff’s arm, unable to peel his eyes away from the scene. Before him stood a glimpse of his childhood; a crowd had gathered before an angry looking shopkeeper. The man held one of the street urchins Marcus had seen the night before in his grasp shaking the boy hard, the boy’s head snapping back and forth violently. He could not hear the words, but he could guess what was being said.

            “We have to help him.”

            Marcus could feel Geoff’s eyes darting between the scene before them and his eyes. Marcus realized helping the boy would divert them from their purpose of drawing Evans into a secluded place, but he could not leave, not now.

            “You can continue if you want. Evans isn’t that far away, I can feel him moving away from the inn. But I can not walk by without doing something. I have been there before and no one came to my aide. I won’t let it happen to anyone else if I can help it.”

            His eyes had moved from the shopkeeper to Geoff waiting to see the disappointment that would flood his teacher’s eyes because Marcus wanted to aide the unfortunate instead of keeping to the plan.  Instead, Marcus caught Geoff’s surprise, a moment of indecision, than his nod. Marcus blinked sure he had imagined it.

            The corner of Geoff’s mouth turned up slightly, “What do you think we should do?”

            “Probably find out what exactly is going on first. I made the mistake once of going into something without details.”

            “And how did it turn out?”

            “Don’t know yet, I’m still trying to figure it out.”

            Geoff laughed, “I’ll have to remember that. Well, come on, we better go find out what happened before they cart the boy to the sheriff.”

            Marcus made it halfway across when the taint he had felt last night hit him full force. He stopped behind Geoff trying to catch his breath. Geoff heard him and turned. The moment Geoff saw his face, Marcus felt himself pulled back a little from the crowd

            “He’s causing this.” Marcus whispered, still trying to breath, “I can feel the spell he used to set the trap. I can’t believe I was so stupid to fall for it.”

            “Marcus, you aren’t stupid. Evans recognizes a weakness and plans to use it to his advantage. Now that we know, we can change the scene and trap him.”

            “How?”

            “Never give a situation a glance and decide it’s hopeless before trying all angles. Besides, as you said, the boy needs our help. If we don’t do something, no one else will.”

            Marcus looked up at him, his question in his eyes.

            “Watch and learn.”

            Geoff moved forward in line, Marcus watching in amazement as the crowd parted without him saying anything. When they reached the front, Geoff put his back to the wall ensuring no one could come at him from behind and glared at the shopkeeper. The man let the boy go immediately, his hands shaking as he stared at Geoff’s face. The boy, for his part, tried to race past them into the gap they had created in the crowd. If Marcus had blinked he would have missed Geoff’s arm snagging the boy’s shirt and pulling him back to them. The boy struggled a few minutes, but when he realized Geoff had a firm grip, he gave up, at least for the moment. Marcus caught the calculating look; one he had often worn when Max was around. 

            Watch him Marcus and keep tabs on what Evans is doing. I’ll handle the others.

            Marcus barely nodded, letting Geoff know he heard. He could barely concentrate on one thing at a time, yet Geoff trusted him to watch both the kid and keep track of Evans. How was he going to handle both simultaneously?

 

            Geoff could tell Marcus thought he was crazy, he had no faith in himself and Geoff planned to change that, starting now.  I made the mistake once of going into something without the details. Geoff wanted to laugh as he thought about it. Marcus had no idea how much Geoff understood that. Shaking his head inwardly, Geoff turned his focus back onto the problem before him. The crowd had closed up since he and Marcus had appeared, the shopkeeper stood beside him shaking, the boy stood on his other side waiting for the chance to slip away and Evans waited in the crowd somewhere plotting his chance to attack. And the day had only begun, Geoff sighed before glancing at the shopkeeper.

            “What happened here?”

            “Good sir, this brat came into my store, grabbed some merchandise and ran. I have a right to get it back and he no longer has it on him. I demand payment for it if I can not have the merchandise. We cannot allow these beggars to run our shops and they will if they are not stopped.”

            “So shaking the boy until his head pops off will stop others like him from taking your things?”

            The boy chose that moment to bolt. Or at least he tried. As he moved, Marcus stepped in front of him. The boy tried avoiding him, but Marcus had managed to stay in front and the boy crashed to the ground. As the boy looked up at the shadow over him, his eyes widened in shock.

            “Oy what ya doin here gov?”

            “That’s my question. What are you doing here? Where are the others?”

            “Round somewheres. Ya goin get these chaps off me back? Im stealin nuttin, just havin a look see is all.”

            “Really? Why don’t I believe you?”

            “Ah, come on gov, you know I wasnt doin nuttin. I promised ya, didnt I?”

            Marcus nodded. “Stay here and I’ll see what I can do. If you leave, whatever the shopkeeper decides is your fate. Got me?”

            “Sure gov. Sure.”

            The boy stood up, brushed himself off, and much to the crowds and the shopkeeper’s surprise stayed by Marcus’ side. No one saw the look of confusion that crossed Marcus’ face or the look he shot Geoff as the shopkeeper turned back to them.

            “So the boy says he was just looking around. Did you see him take anything?” Geoff asked, skeptically eyeing the shopkeeper as he turned bright red.

             “No, I didn’t see anything, but I know he took something. His kind always takes things.”

            “His kind?” Marcus asked the question softly. Geoff could see the silver slicing through his eyes. “Sir, do you know what you’re implying?”

            Normally, Geoff would have stopped him, Marcus had been told to watch for Evans. Something in the boy’s voice kept Geoff from keeping Marcus silent. If what he had mentioned of his time before coming here was true, than Marcus had every right to defend the boy as he saw fit. Ignoring, the shopkeeper’s glare, Geoff stepped back giving Marcus the conversation.

            “Of course I know what I’m implying. The brat and his friends set this up, he took something, handed it off, then uses you good sir to take the blame away from himself. Street trash always do, good sir, I’m sorry you got involved in this. I really am.”

            Marcus don’t bite. Geoff sent the warning instead of grabbing Marcus’ arm. His apprentice had lit up as the shopkeeper had continued, and knowing the little he did of Marcus’ past, Geoff knew the shopkeeper would be dead if not for him being there.

            “Let me get this straight, you are assuming the boy took something. You are assuming that I would be sympathetic to you because I am a lord. And you are assuming that I would not step into this if there was not reasonable cause to prevent you from killing the kid.”

            “Hey now gov...” the boy started.

            Marcus shot him a look that silenced the boy immediately. Geoff wondered if it worked on Marcus as well. Turning back to the shopkeeper, Marcus finished his thought. “There is too much assuming going on here sir and that is not something I deal with very well. Unless you have strict facts to help you incriminate the boy beyond a reasonable doubt, I suggest you release him and go about your business. If later I find the boy did indeed lie to me, I assure you sir, recompense for this afternoon will be coming to you.”

            Geoff stared at Marcus; surprised by the speech and the manner it had been given. Where had he learned to take such responsibility and exert such power in so short a time? He had not had the chance to pick that up yet. Or had he?

            The shopkeeper all but dropped from fear. “Forgive me sir; I did not realize it was you. Of course the boy may go, of course. A friend of yours is a friend of mine, just don’t let him come in again and then run when I try to ask him a question.”

            Marcus nodded, stepping away from the man and allowing him to go back inside. Now that the situation had ended, the crowd dispersed leaving Geoff, Marcus and the boy alone.

            “Well that went right well, didn’t gov. Well I’ll be off then.”

            “Come back here Tony,” Marcus muttered.

            Geoff watched the boy’s eyes widen as he turned back. What was going on?

            “Where are the others and why are you here in this town? I believe I told you to stay away from here.”

            The boy, Tony, dropped his head. His feet shuffled in the dirt. “Well, ya did, but ya see, this guy, he said he was a friend of yours and he knew where you had gone. We all went with him cause well we didnt know what else to do.”

            “I told you what I wanted you to do. Looking for me was not part of the plan and you knew that.”

            The boy nodded, continuing to look down at his feet. Marcus sighed. “Who was the man?”

            Tony shrugged, “A gent like you, name Evans I think.”

            Marcus glanced at Geoff, fire flashing in his eyes, “Tony I want you to grab the others and leave here.”

            “How?”

            “There is an inn a little ways up called the Maiden’s Arm. Tell the innkeeper, a woman named Mistress Cirano, I said you could stay there. Wait until I get back, there is going to be a meeting and those people might just be able to help you.”

            Tony nodded, “The others are going to be thrilled your back gov. Just wait until I tell Drew he was wrong about the news that you disappeared.”

            Tony took off before Marcus or Geoff could ask him what he meant by that. Geoff shook his head and turned to go, pausing as he noticed Marcus’ face. Marcus stood a few inches from the store, staring intently into the buildings across the street, looking for something only he could see. Something about the boy and the shopkeeper had brought out a different side of Marcus, a different side Geoff had only seen once before.

            “So you know him.”

            “I guess so. I just don’t know how I know him.” Marcus looked back at the shop, “I don’t know why that man became so frightened either. None of this is making sense Geoff. I know this place, I know these people, but I don’t know why.”

            “I think a good way to start would be looking for Evans. If he says he knows you, he might be able to answer some of your questions.” And some of mine, Geoff thought to himself. Marcus had become a puzzle in the last few hours, now even more so. If Evans had created problems within this city and Marcus could feel it, there might be a connection that only Evans would be able to make.

            Geoff felt Marcus stiffen beside him, and turned to see what had caused the change. Across the street, hidden by the shadows of the building, Geoff could barely make out the outline of a man. As Geoff watched, the man pushed away from the shadows and came out into the street. Serrano Evans looked the same as the last time Geoff had seen him. Standing about six feet, Evans stood as confident as ever. Slight of build, he was often mistaken for an easy target, but as Geoff had learned, the man had more skill in combat and more power than one might think just looking at him.

            He stood in the middle of the street, watching them closely. When neither Geoff nor Marcus made a move toward him, Evans stepped closer.

            “So, you finally decided to show up again. Your father will be pleased that you befriended the head of the enemy, Your Highness.”        

           

            Marcus unconsciously backed up so that Geoff stood between him and Evans. His head bursting with pain, sending white heat into his eyes; he staggered backwards hitting a wall, voices swarmed around him, snatches of images floated through his mind, but he couldn’t catch them all.

            WAIT! I need to know what’s happening to me! COME BACK!

            The white light stopped, the images coming into focus. He saw buildings, a courtyard, people walking by smiling at him, waving, happy to see him. Marcus turned in circles taking in the area about him. He recognized the place, knew it by sight, by sound, and yet he had no idea where he was.

            A man, about Geoff’s height came towards him, shaking his head. “We’ve been looking for you everywhere Michael. Astra is in hysterics; thought Max had finally caught on to the plan and captured you.”

            Marcus heard himself laugh, “She should know better than that. The only time Max catches me is when we need him to think he’s in control. I was taking care of a problem named Anthony and Andrew. Those two are going to drive Mrs. Davenport insane.”

            “Poor woman, don’t know how she puts up with those two had been thieves trying to give up a life of crime.”

            “Ah, come on Payne. You know she doesn’t mind and Tony and Drew have helped us quite a bit.”

            “I know.” Payne started moving towards one of the houses and Marcus felt himself move into step beside him. “Do you think the counsel will realize you’re on our side and try to snare you with a teacher?”

            Marcus felt his shoulders shrug, “I haven’t the faintest idea. They should have guessed who I was a long time ago if they were going to. Besides, the only person who has any hope of being my teacher is stuck in one of Max’s cells and you know I can’t go in there without setting off his warning system.”

            “Why are you so set on Geoffrey Nathaniel McPherson being your teacher? There are a number of other mages, some even here, who would be happy to help you learn what you’re still missing.”

            “I know that Payne and I appreciate everyone’s offer, but we both know none of them can help me all the way. Geoff is the strongest mage alive right now besides myself, and if I have any hope of understanding any of the spells I can do without thought, it would be by being his apprentice.”

            “MAR-MICHAEL!” Marcus turned towards the voice and saw Astra racing to him. “We’ve got to leave now!”

            “Astra slow down, you two just got here, why leave so soon?” Payne asked confused.

            “Max is moving towards the others isn’t he?” Marcus knew the answer before Astra could nod her head.

            “He’s not taking any chances. If you aren’t back there those kids are going to be hurt.”

            “Then we better get moving.” Marcus turned back to Payne, “Tell them I’m sorry. I’ll explain everything when I get back.”

            Payne nodded, frowning. Marcus took Astra’s hand and the two disappeared into the evening air.

           

            Marcus sat up, his head pounding against the sudden movement and the light. Cradling his head in his hands, Marcus thought about what he had seen.  Astra had almost called him by his real name, but had seen the other man, Payne, and stopped. She had known he had been here to this world, obviously on more than one occasion. Both of them had known the people here, had interacted with them, and had tried to help Geoff’s group without letting Max know they were giving away information. Had she known he had wanted to be Geoff’s apprentice? Was that why she had never shared this with him? Had this memory even truly happened? Or had he imagined this as much as he had imagined his past? Why couldn’t he remember his life without Max?

            Slowly opening his eyes, allowing them to adjust to the bright light of the sun shining in the nearby window, Marcus looked around deciding he was back at the Maiden’s Arm in the room he and Geoff shared. Standing up, careful not to jar his aching head, Marcus shuffled to the table in the middle of the room where Lady Otis’ bag sat waiting. More questions ran through his head as he searched for something to take away the headache. How had he gotten here? What time was it? What the hell had happened?

            “Ah you’re awake.” Marcus lifted his head, sending shooting pains through it. Closing his eyes, Marcus grabbed the chair in front of him to stay balanced. When the dizzy spell ended, Marcus turned to the doorway seeing Geoff watching him carefully. “How are you feeling?”

            “Confused. What happened?”

            “Don’t you know?” Geoff asked.

            Marcus shook his head slowly, “Last thing I remember Evans showed up.”

            “Evans called you Your Majesty and you collapsed when he tried coming towards you.”

            “Why would I have that reaction to him?”

            “My guess is Evans carries Max’s taint and it overset your power sending you into a white out.”

            “A what?”

            “A white out. You might have seen a recent memory replaying itself as if it had just begun to happen.”

            “What happened after I collapsed?”

            Geoff smiled, “Nothing important. Your friend Tony brought some others with him, says that Ailora Davenport has been worrying about you getting caught up in Max’s treachery. She wants Robert and Derek to bring the group back when you leave here. You might want to prepare yourself before going downstairs though.”

            “Why?”

            “Tony has told everyone how you rescued him single-handedly from that shopkeeper. The boy idolizes you Marcus and has made you out to be quite a hero.”

            “Not me.” Marcus shook his head. “He idolizes that other person, the one he thinks I am.”

            “And do you know who that is?”

            Marcus nodded, “Although the details are fading now that I’m conscious, I remember being Michael, Max‘s second child. I remember being here in this world and feeling like I belong.” Marcus closed his eyes, “But I can’t remember anymore, it hurts too much when I try concentrating.”

            “Anything else?”

            I wanted to be your apprentice, Marcus thought. But he couldn’t tell Geoff that, not until he got back his memories and could figure out who he really was. Out loud Marcus said, “No, there’s nothing else.”

            Geoff nodded accepting what he said as the truth. “Well, I hope you can subconsciously remember being Michael.”

            “Why?”

            “You, as Michael, are a leader, a hero to the rebel cause. You have fought next to Max only in order to defeat his true purposes. Battles have turned in our favor because of your information. You have killed traitors in our midst and saved countless families because of your sacrifices.”

            “Sacrifices?”

            “You are Max’s youngest son,”

            “He is not my father,” Marcus growled, not realizing he had interrupted.

             “And have been treated to many harsh public punishments because of your defiance to your father’s wishes. But your constant aide to our cause continues. You have just thrust yourself more into the public eye than you know Marcus. I hope you’re ready for it.”

            Marcus felt pain of disappointment, of fear and knew it wasn’t coming from himself. Geoff thought he was losing Marcus to the people, and that made no sense. “Sir, now that everyone thinks of me as this Michael person, what is going to happen?”

            “Another counsel meeting has been established. You and I are to report to it in two months, along with the other four I have already told you about. Your future will be decided there.” Geoff started out the door, his back still facing Marcus.

            “I don’t think I can do this.” Marcus choked, unsure whether it was an act or whether he really did not want to face those people downstairs without knowing Geoff would remain with him. Inwardly, Marcus sighed, to think only a few months ago he had wanted nothing to do with the man.

             “You have more skill in deception than anyone I have ever met. You can face these people without fear; you’ve done it countless times. I’ve seen it. How can you say that you can’t do it now?”

            “It’s different now. My memories are gone; I have no idea who I am. Maybe I can be this Michael person, but that is not me, not anymore. It obviously shows up or these people would not have recognized it, but I don’t remember!”

            Marcus straightened up, his headache slowly fading. Agitation making him restless, he paced in front of the window unsure how to explain he didn’t want Geoff to leave without giving him a promise he did not know if he could keep. He knew that was Geoff’s plan, had sensed it as Geoff related what was happening downstairs. He heard Geoff sigh, felt the release of a weave, and turned, making sure he planted his feet on the ground as the binding spell took hold of him again.

            “Stop pacing.”

            “I hate staying still. I can’t think straight if I don’t move around.”

            “You’re going to start. And you are going downstairs to face those people. They have been waiting for you, you can not disappoint them.”

            “But if I don’t know who I am, won’t I be doing exactly that.”  Marcus felt the blood drain from his face; he could not face those people downstairs, not yet. He needed to know who he was before he could pretend to be something he wasn’t.

            “Even in your ignorance you have a skill with people I have only begun to acquire. Everyone downstairs knows you Marcus, just relax.”

            “But they don’t know me! Not really. I’m Michael to them, someone who knows how to control his magic, can keep Max from hurting others, and stand up for what should be. I, Marcus, can’t do any of that!”

            “That is were you are wrong Marcus. You have been doing that since I met you.”

            “What do you mean?”

            “You stood up for Jeremy and Patrick to Mr. Dodd and myself. You are protecting someone even now in hopes that Max will never find out she’s alive. You have protected others after Max has dealt with them regardless of what will happen to you.” Geoff stepped back and Marcus felt the barrier around him dissipate, “You may not think you can be this Michael everyone wants to be around, but they can all see it in you and trust that part of you. As I trust you.”

            “Why do they trust me? It’s like you trusting me, which I don’t understand either.”

            “As I told you before, I don’t expect you to. Just know that I understand and will wait until you are. Now we need to get downstairs before she sends someone up after me.”

            Marcus nodded and slowly followed Geoff downstairs. He could feel everyone’s anticipation as their footsteps echoed down the stairs and into the hallway. Emé had gathered as many of the group she could and had planned the biggest party she could manage in her small rooms. Their hero and leader had finally returned; they would soon be free. He waited all evening for any of them to mention the plans he had promised to share with them, or for Derek to ask what had happened. He had not expected Geoff to come up with a cover story for him, one that had answered all the group’s questions and kept them from questioning him. He was even surprised that Emé, Robert and Sam continued to call him Marcus. After a few times, even the boy Tony and his friend Drew began to call him Marcus. The fear that they would not accept him had melted away, but the unease of his and Geoff’s situation grew. How could he keep Geoff from abandoning him when they got to this counsel meeting? What would change Geoff’s mind of continuing this mirage now so that he could get used to the fact he was alone again? If he was going to be getting someone else, wouldn’t it be a good idea for him to meet the other options?

            From his memory, he knew Geoff was the only option he had to learn everything he needed. The counsel could not guarantee a mage that would have the strength to outlast him. And what if Max were to discover that he was here alive and that he was trying to switch sides again? He knew Max and his tactics. Another teacher would not stand a chance against the power Max had gained through corruption. Geoff could, he had withstood about as much abuse from Max as Marcus had and had become the fighter and leader he was because of it. Marcus knew he would not gain that knowledge in the two months he had until the meeting. But he could not tell Geoff everything he wanted to; there was no way he could remember who he had been as Michael in less than two months. Unfortunately, Marcus knew that was the only chance he had. Learn who he had been as soon as possible or lose the one man that had ever wanted to teach him without a price tag.

           

            Geoff watched Marcus’ eyes change to a smoky gray fear. The boy really had no idea what was going on. The man he had known as Michael surpassed Marcus’ age by a few years, and that was when Geoff had first seen him five years ago. Knowing the power Max and his Uncle Misha had of altering appearances, Geoff wondered if Marcus could possibly do it as well. Which would explain why he knew how Evans fought, and why he seemed so confused. Was it possible he had created Michael in order to keep Max from realizing he had been here instead of back in the city? And if he was, why didn’t he remember any of it? What was keeping him from clearing this up for himself?

Geoff knew he had to give Marcus space if he was Michael. There would be expectations the others would want Michael to meet. But he couldn’t do it now, not when Marcus became agitated by memories that he didn’t understand. The boy would need his help and if what Evans said was true and Marcus was indeed Michael, Geoff could not allow the counsel to take control of his lessons. Michael had been too powerful when he had first joined them, none of the mages who tried could tap into his senses to calm his passion and zeal for destroying his “father”.

            Getting to know Marcus, Geoff understood why Michael had been unattainable. He had kept himself that way in order to protect those men. If Marcus had indeed been Michael, than their hero had believed Max could tap into his thoughts at any time as well.  To keep supporting those who would bring his jailor down, he had to keep them away, only allowing them to know him from a distance. It seemed only one soul had been able to get behind that wall, and Marcus would not talk about her. Geoff knew he would have to get Marcus to talk about her in order for Max’s power over him to start fading. It would be the only way for the boy to gain total control over anything he wanted to do.

            As the night stretched on, Geoff became aware of Marcus’ resistance breaking down. He had stayed upright while the children had been present, keeping them occupied so that the others could discuss plans that the children did not need to be a part of. As soon as Robert and Derek had rounded the younger ones up and left to take them back home, Marcus had sought out the darkest corner he could find and sat down on the floor, his back to the wall. He tried to stay awake, knowing that the others would want him to contribute to the conversation, but Geoff could feel how tired Marcus’ spirit was. When Marcus gave up and started to doze off, Geoff moved so that none of the others would notice.

            “So when we meet up here at Fielder’s March, we go towards Mission Point right?” Sam asked looking at the roughly drawn map the group had lain out on Emé’s table.

            “That wouldn’t be a good idea. Marcus said that Mission Point was crawling with Max’s allies the last time he had gone through there. We would have to go through Catties Caverns instead.” Another man growled from the food table.

            “But Catties Cavern holds those little people that tried attacking Geoff and his father, remember?” Emé glanced at Geoff quickly. She was the only one in the room who knew how off balance he and Daniel really were. They had both been careful not to show it to anyone else then the close few. The only reason Emé knew at all was because this inn had been the site for their last battle.

            “So how do we go from Fielder’s March closer to the castle?”

            “How about the Spartan’s?”

            Geoff glanced down at Marcus. His head still rested on his knees, but his eyes were clearing up. When no one answered, Marcus lifted up his head and said it again.

            This time the entire group turned to stare at him.

            “You want to go straight through Max’s own territory. I thought we wanted the element of surprise?” An elder from the group said, glancing at the others.

            Marcus glared at him, “They don’t belong to Max’s army. I wish you people would stop spreading that crap around.”

            “Then who do they belong to?”

            “They don’t belong to anyone. They choose to be loyal to me.”

            “To you?”

            Several people in the room looked shocked by this news. Michael had been a loner never tying anyone’s loyalty for fear Max would find out. The fact that he had obtained the loyalty of the fiercest fighters in their realm and had kept that knowledge from Max and them was new.

            “Yes to me. I don’t know why that should surprise any of you. I’ve told you before that I had hidden in the area Max would least suspect. They have become my friends and my family. If you are going to truly let me in this resistance of yours than you’re going to have to trust me.”

            The others glanced at each other than they turned their stare on Geoff. Geoff could feel Marcus looking up at him as well.

            “I don’t know why you all turned on me. It’s Marcus you have to answer.”

            “But did you know about the Spartan’s before you took him on?” Sam asked.

            “It wouldn’t have mattered if I had. They are loyal to him and thus they have my support. If nothing else we will meet there and discuss further options. If anyone would know how to get around Max’s spies, they would.”

            “If they let us in.”

            “If you stopped accusing them of fighting for Max, maybe they would.” Marcus growled, standing up.

            “You boy need to remember who you are talking to.”

            “And you need to get a grip on reality.” Marcus stepped closer to the table. His eyes were glowing red and his fists were clenched tight.  “We need everyone we can get if we plan on getting rid of that man. Rejecting any help is detrimental to everything we do. How can we be united if you won’t give everyone a chance?”

            Geoff stepped in front of Marcus blocking the others from him. “I think we need to end this now. We’re all tired and nothing is getting accomplished. Marcus go upstairs, the rest of you goodnight.”

            No one moved. The other mages were still grumbling about Marcus’ question and Marcus had dug his feet into the floor waiting for an answer. Knowing he could do nothing about the others, Geoff turned on Marcus. “I said now.”

            Marcus stared at him a moment, glanced back at the others, turned on his heels and left the room. Geoff waited until he heard Marcus stomping down the hall before turning back to the room. “You want him to aide you now that he is back, but you question his decisions. You expect results, but you ignore the process of getting there. Do not expect his loyalty if you can not show him the same courtesy he has always shown you.”

            “Geoffrey Nathaniel, do you understand what he is asking of us? Do you realize how fearsome those Spartans’ are?”

            “Yes, I know what he is asking and yes, I know the stories that have been spread about. But I too have spent time with those men and women the rest of our world fears. They are powerful fighters and loyal to their own. They have accepted both me and Marcus and if you want our help you have no choice but to accept everyone we bring with us, regardless of who they are.”

            Aldre, the oldest of Daniel’s company, stepped forward, “You’re giving us an ultimatum for your help?”

            “I am giving you exactly what you are giving me. Do not expect me to be continuously blinded by the fact you have been with me since the fight for freedom began. Your loyalty is waning; your doubts are beginning to swallow your fighting spirits. You want a quick way out and it cannot happen. If you want to continue to fight, listen to the suggestions brought before you.”

            “But you trust a 16 year old boy with decisions that are better made by much older men!”

            “And when has a much older man had the chance to gain as much insight as the 16 year old just out of Max’s clutches. Marcus has seen things and has heard things an older mage would have missed for fear of being caught. If you want to get out of this war alive, you should start listening with all ears. Good night.”

            Geoff left the room, the older mages that knew his father still grumbling. Emé followed Geoff outside, closing the door behind her.

            “Geoffrey Nathaniel, wait a moment please.”

            “Emé, I am not going back into that room. Marcus and I will be leaving tomorrow morning.”

            “I figured you would not stick around, not after that reception. But Geoffrey Nathaniel, not everyone feels the same way as Aldre and his cronies. You know that the others accept Marcus because you have. They were just surprised he spoke up at the meeting. We all thought he had fallen asleep. We need both you and Marcus; we won’t last if we lose the two best leaders we have.”           

            “Do you speak for everyone? Or are you speaking for you, Sam and Robert?”

            “I speak for everyone that does not follow Aldre. Eventually that old buzzard will figure out the young have as many ideas, if not better, than the old mages that have life behind them. He will accept you and those you support when he sees you for more than Daniel’s son.”

            “If he has not done that before now Emé, he will not ever. And the others need to accept Marcus for himself, not for me. They accepted him when he went by Michael and looked physically older. He is now how he has always been and they have begun to question themselves. This will not last if they can not accept that he has always been a part of what we stand for, regardless of appearances.”

            “I know, but they are men and forget to use their common sense sometimes.” Emé glared at him, “Do not make that boy apologize to us Geoffrey Nathaniel. He had every right to be angry with us. We have judged Payne and his people for many years without knowing the full extent of their reasons. Now that we know they were helping keep the boy alive, I do not believe the others will have a problem with the Spartans.”

            “Regardless of the reason, he needs to apologize. He can not keep getting upset by everyone’s reaction to him.”

            “Like you do?”

            Geoff stopped, frowning. He had never thought of it before, but she had a point. Sighing, Geoff nodded. “Alright, you have a point. I will not have him apologize, but do not think you will always be able to change my mind regarding his training.”

            Emé smiled, “I do not expect to, but I know in this instance demanding he apologize will not be advantageous.”

            “Thanks for the tip Emé. Good night.”

            “Good night, Geoffrey Nathaniel.” Geoff watched her walk towards the door and saw her stop. He waited wondering what else she wanted, “Good night Marcus Michael.”

            Geoff turned towards the stairs and caught Marcus at their foot. Realizing he had been caught, Marcus mumbled a good night back and waited for Geoff to join him. Geoff remained in the hallway wondering how close he would have to be to wring the boy’s neck.

            “I told you to go upstairs.” Geoff growled, ice dripping from every word.

            “I know.” Marcus mumbled.

            “I also told you not to question my decisions.”

            “I know.”

            “Then, what are you doing down here eavesdropping?”       

            “I was going to apologize. I realized how childish I sounded and figured I needed to make it right before you demanded I did. I had not meant to listen in on anything, I swear.”    

            Geoff stared at him a moment before moving towards the stairs. “We’ll talk about it in the morning.”

            “Are we really leaving tomorrow?” Marcus asked, as Geoff passed him.

            “Yes. I think it’s time we moved on. We have a long way to go before that counsel meeting and I do not wish to waste it here.”

            “Why would it be a waste?”

            Geoff turned to look at him, “Do you want to stay here?”

            “No, not really.”

            “There‘s your answer.”

            “So where are we going?”

            “Where I told you we’d be going.”

            “That’s a lot of help,” Marcus muttered. Geoff ignored him, continuing up the stairs. The events of the last few days and the little sleep he had had hit him as he entered the room. Without removing the sword at his side, Geoff dropped to the bed, closing his eyes immediately. His last thought rested on Emé’s words as she had walked away.

 

            “Goodnight Geoffrey Nathaniel. Sleep well.”

            “Good night mommy.”

            The woman bent over the little boy giving him a kiss on his forehead before moving to the other side of the room where the crib stood. The little boy watched as she picked the bundle inside the crib up and held him in her arms.

            “Mommy, will he be fun?”

            The woman smiled, laying the little one back down, “Geoffrey Nathaniel when you are both big enough to play, you will find that your brother will be a lot of fun. You two will be so close, it will be hard to separate you.”

            “Why?”

            “Because as the big brother you will be very protective, I have seen it in your daddy and uncles and I know you will be just like them.  He will learn everything from you; he will follow you around all the time.”

            “I get to teach him stuff?”

            The woman nodded, her smile drooping slightly. The little boy missed it as he stared at the blankets from the crib. The little brother belonged to him alone. He didn’t have to share this like he did his daddy and mommy. He could keep him all to himself.

            “Will I be a good teacher?”

            “If you are patient and wise like your daddy and uncles, you will be a wonderful teacher sweetie. Now you need to sleep, tomorrow is a big day and your daddy wants you up extra early.”

            The little boy closed his eyes as she came back to his side. He felt her hand smooth out his hair as she whispered soft words of sleep. As she moved away, the little boy opened his eyes, watching her dim the candles with her magick. 

            “Good night Geoffrey Nathaniel, good night Marcus Michael. Sweet dreams my angels, sweet dreams.”