Chapter 14

Marcus closed the book, staring at the leather cover as a memory washed over him. He had held this book once, fascinated by the changing stories and adventures that never seemed to be the same. This had been his comfort when his mother died and he felt all alone. He had entertained himself for hours when the others were in meetings or classes and he couldn’t go along. It had disappeared the day he had arrived at his foster’s parents house years ago, how had Geoff and Ailora gotten it all these years later? Had it always been here or had it just appeared one day without them realizing it? He had learned long ago the quirks magical items picked up through the years.

            Marcus frowned, he knew so much and yet he knew nothing at all. Everything was a blur and yet pieces would come into focus for a second before hiding behind the veil again. Astra knew things about him, but because he refused to believe her, she had stopped telling him. Maybe she was right, maybe the dreams and nightmares only seemed that way because of the drug Max had shoved down his throat…Marcus’ thoughts drifted to a stop. Max had only forced the drink on him after he had awoken from a dream or nightmare. Was it possible that Max really was the reason he couldn’t remember anything? And if so, did that mean they would come back to him as long as that potion stayed out of his system?

Marcus closed his eyes, rubbing his temples as he felt a headache coming on. “Every damn time I remember something or start to remember something, I freaking get a headache. What the hell happened to me?”

            When no one replied, Marcus opened his eyes and looked around. Balls of light floated around the room as starlight flickered in through the window. A tray of cold chicken and vegetables sat on the desk next to him. Stretching his senses, he realized people packed the inn, but none of them came any where near the study or the hallway that lead to it. He found Astra and Ailora out among the crowd, taking orders and helping their servers dish out food.  Marcus realized he could not sense Geoff anywhere.

            He pulled back, listening to the small band playing as it drifted through the house. Careful not to alert any mages in the area, Marcus tried a spell he hadn’t used since he had burnt down his foster parents mansion in the other realm. “Though this should not start that kind of fire,” Marcus mumbled as he rubbed his hands together and placed them over the food.

“You actually don’t need a fire Marcus.”

At the sound of Geoff’s voice, Marcus turned around dropping his hands from the tray. Geoff stood in the center of the room, watching him closely. “You didn’t come through the door did you?”

“No, I didn’t want to disturb you if you were still reading. I’ll show you how to do that at another time. Right now, I’m going to show you how to warm up that food without creating a fire.”

“How?”

“Rub your hands as you did and instead of creating a fire, say blàth a’ biadh.”

Marcus tried it, feeling the heat from the spell as he removed his hands from above the tray. “Does that work on all food or just the stuff already cooked?”

“If the food hasn’t been cooked yet, I would suggest you start the fire as you originally planned.” Geoff came closer, passing Marcus and settling in the chair behind the desk. He said nothing as Marcus started eating, his eyes settling on the book Marcus had put to the side. Marcus noticed and held it out to him.

“Do you know what this is?”

Geoff stared at the cover, the information his father had just shared coming back into focus. “I don’t believe this book ever had a name. From what I remember, it had several stories in it, though it looks only large enough to hold one. My brother carried it everywhere before he disappeared.”

Marcus almost choked. Geoff’s brother used to carry this book around! Than how in the world had he gotten it? Unless he had found it after Geoff’s brother had lost it. “When did your brother disappear?”

Geoff continued staring at the book, but before Marcus could change the topic, answered his question. “My brother disappeared at five years old. It’ll be eleven years next week. He would have just turned 16 seven months ago if he was still alive.”

“Why do you think he’s dead?”Marcus asked, “The last time you mentioned your brother you made it seem like he could still be alive.”

            “As I said, it has been almost eleven years since he disappeared. We have had no news to support either way, but unfortunately there was a witness to his drowning.”

            “Who?”

            “My uncle Max.”

            “But isn’t it possible he lied to your family about it?”

            “That is what I’m afraid of Marcus. If he did lie to us, than my brother is learning to hate us because we did not try to find him after he disappeared.”

            “How do you know Max is even bothering to lie to him? I mean he could just be doing what he did to me and trying to make your brother forget everything so that he won’t be able to condemn Max when he comes back.”

            “If he comes back, there is a great possibility that Max wiped out his memories, completely erasing anyway for him to come back.”

            Marcus snorted. “I highly doubt that. With your connection to him, I’m sure he found a way to keep a part of his past alive and is just trying to find a time when Max is occupied elsewhere to get loose to come back. Than all you’ll have to do is explain what happened to keep you from letting anyone know he was still alive.”

            “What do you mean letting anyone know?” Geoff asked. The boy sounded like he remembered what had happened, though Geoff doubted Marcus really understood what he was saying, let alone ready to handle the truth just yet.

            “Well I mean I wouldn’t want to tell anyone any of the weird crap I’d been seeing, especially when I would be what twelve or thirteen when my brother disappeared? I mean half of the stuff you saw wasn’t anywhere around here and the only way you’d be able to see it was if you were connected to someone in the other realm. And the only person you are connected to like that had just disappeared, so your family would probably think you were crazy and try to lock you away somewhere which wouldn’t help your brother out anyway.”

            Marcus stood up, empty dishes in hand, “If I were you and my supposedly dead brother showed up, I would just explain everything that had happened. If he spent as much time with Max as I have than he should understand, even if you two had fought about him being an annoyance before he disappeared.”

            Geoff watched him walk out the door, his true intention for coming in gone as he replayed Marcus’ words in his head. “Who said anything about having a fight with my brother?”

 

            Marcus made it to the kitchen and placed the tray next to the sink before it hit him. What in the world had he been talking about? Geoff had never mentioned anything about his brother before, how could he possibly know they had a link or that they had had a fight before the brother disappeared? And that whole thing about seeing stuff from the other realm had been more his own experiences than anything Geoff might have actually seen, if he had seen anything to begin with.

            Marcus spread his hands along the sink, his eyes closing as he thought about what he had just spit out. His dreams had replayed in his head and he had spit out what he had seen, using it as an answer for Geoff if his missing brother ever showed back up. Not because he understood how Geoff felt, but because if he ever got back to his real family he would want someone to explain to him why he had been left with Max for eleven years without anyone coming to get him, if he even had a home to go back to.

            Marcus opened his eyes. He and Geoff’s brother had been gone for the same amount of time. They were even the same age. Maybe that was why Geoff decided to teach him in the first place, to make up for not being there for his brother to begin with. It explained why he allowed Marcus to choose his own path without forcing a decision.

Marcus frowned, but according to Derek, Geoff allowed the students the final say. He didn’t force those learning from him, he allowed them all to choose their own future and none of that really had to do with his brother. Or did it? Did Geoff’s reaction to all his students have to do with feeling guilty about losing his brother? There was only way to find out. Marcus straightened from the sink, heading towards the study.

He stopped in the doorway to the common room hearing laughter as he walked by. His eyes wandered over the crowd, watching them enjoy the evening together, trying to ignore the fear he could feeling running underneath their happiness. Just as Geoff deserved to know what had happened to his brother. Even if he only had a small amount of power, his knowledge of Max gave him a chance to help right the problems these people were facing.

Sensing Geoff out in the crowd, Marcus started forward, missing the looks of shock and the following silence as the townspeople watched him come into the room. Geoff waited for him, eyebrows rising as Marcus stopped a few feet from him. Realizing no one else would allow him time or have the patience to deal with him, Marcus placed himself in a position he swore never to be in again.

“I’ll do it. I’ll become your apprentice officially.”

“Are you sure this is what you want?”

Marcus nodded, knowing Geoff had given him the chance to back out and would not give him another. “I’m not saying things are going to be easier. I’ll probably end up fighting you until I get used to this, but you’re right I won’t get the chance to choose from anyone else.”

“Why decide now?”

Marcus shrugged, “I got to thinking about our conversation earlier and realized you deserved to know the truth one way or another and the only way you’d be able to do that would be to weaken him so he’ll talk.”

“That’s the only reason?” Geoff asked.

“Well these people deserve to celebrate without thinking someone might come in and destroy their lives. I know how that feels and won’t let anyone live like I did if I can stop it.”

Sensing Marcus had another reason, but didn’t wish to discuss it here, Geoff nodded. “You do realize you’ve just put yourself under someone else’s rules.”

Marcus nodded reluctantly. “I know, but that’s the difference you’ve been trying to point out I think. I wasn’t forced to accept this decision, it was my choice.”

Geoff smiled, holding out his right hand. “First lesson accomplished Marcus, welcome home.”

A cheer rose from the crowd and the evening came to life once again as they shook hands. Still in shock, it took Marcus a minute to understand that they had all heard his declaration. When Geoff let go of his hand, Astra broke between them. Hugging Marcus tightly, she asked to steal him to make introductions.

            Geoff let Marcus go amusement and confusion crossing his mind as Astra dragged the boy around the room. Ailora stole up beside him, putting down a tray as her left arm wrapped around his waist.

            “He seems to be in shock sweetheart.”

            “He has another reason he won’t share amongst the crowd and is surprised I didn’t press to hear it too.”

            “He doesn’t know about…” she trailed off, knowing Geoff would understand.

            Geoff shook his head, “Not yet, though I think a small part of him remembers and is trying to bring the rest of his mind up to speed.”

            “Why do you say that?”Ailora asked, looking up as the smile fell from his face.

“The conversation he mentioned from earlier, Ailora he knew what I had seen right after he disappeared.”

“That could be through the link too.”

“He knew about the fight we had before Max told me about Marcus falling in the river.”

“You didn’t even tell me that until recently. How did he find out?”           

“He remembered it. Though I do not think he realizes it is from his own memory. My fathers are right Ailora, my little brother has finally come home. Now all I have to do is make sure he stays that way.”

“Don’t think about the negative, you have him with you now. You can help him learn the truth and explain what really happened. He’ll understand Geoff. He has always looked up to you.” Ailora stretched up on her toes and kissed him on the cheek. “I have faith in you love, I know you can do this.”

She unwound her arm from his side and picked up the tray. “Now go rescue him from those vultures out there and find out what that other reason is.”

Geoff watched her walk away, wondering why she put up with him.

 Because I love you, now come rescue your brother. The counsel’s cronies have cornered him and are asking questions he should not be answering.

Geoff’s eyes immediately sot out Marcus, finding him in the center of the very men Geoff had been reluctant to introduce him to. Extracting himself from the congratulations, Geoff made his way to Marcus’ side as the question he dreaded came up.

“If you just formally accepted his offer, why have you been named his apprentice these last few months?”

Before Geoff could stop him, Marcus turned to the speaker and answered honestly. “You do remember the madman ruining all your lives right? I had the misfortune of being caught in one of his traps a few years ago and Geoff offered his experience to help me free myself from Max’s hold.”

“So you were never his true apprentice?”

“What do you mean by true apprentice?” Marcus asked, turning to the new speaker.

Geoff closed his eyes for a moment, wishing he had found a way to keep Marcus away from this group. Xavier Manfield came up beside him, throwing daggers at him as he answered Marcus’ question. “He never taught you anything?”

Geoff watched as Marcus’ eyes flared immediate dislike and he muttered. “Sir, we traveled through areas infested with Max’s cronies. With the little I am able to control Geoff teaching me anything would have been considered a benefit to your cause.”

“A true apprenticeship must be formally accepted boy before any real training can be started.”

Marcus’ face twisted into a confused frown, “What do you consider real training?”

Xavier’s eyes started spitting flames as he said, “Formal training is any type of method to ensure that the student is able to perform his or her spells to the best of their ability.”

“So what do you consider teaching a student how to protect themselves in order to cast a spell properly or teaching the correct healing spell after an attempt goes wrong?”

Marcus saw the glare Geoff shot him before Xavier could answer. He ignored it, concentrating instead on controlling his anger as a spell formed at his fingertips.

“Those are types of spells allowed before the official teacher is assigned.” Xavier admitted, “We like to keep the newer mages alive as long as we possibly can.”

“Than why are you asking me about this?” Marcus asked, his temper igniting. “He showed me how to protect my mind and how to heal injuries I’ve acquired recently. Without his assistance, I’d either be with Max or dead.”

Geoff cut in before Marcus could unleash the spell. “Marcus, I need to talk to you. Meet me outside.”

Marcus nodded, catching himself before the spell released.  “Yes sir, excuse me.”

The group let him go. Geoff watched him walk away, silently reminding him to let go of the spell and calm down. He waited until Marcus started the breathing technique before turning on his prey. “Is the counsel starting to question my decision making abilities?”

“Of course not Geoffrey Nathaniel,” Xavier snorted. “The counsel believes that we have been caught in a trap. They only wish to ensure that we have not been taken in by your uncle.”

“If my judgment is not in question, than any concerns regarding when I teach and what I teach to my apprentice should be discussed with me not the boy.”

Xavier stiffened, “Are you asking us to back off?”

“I’m not asking Xavier, but if it makes you happy to think so than yes.”

Xavier studied him a moment than dismissed the others around them. Quietly, he agreed. “We will back off Geoff, Adage just wanted to ensure you would accept him after what your family told you.”

“Whether he is my brother remains to be seen Xavier, I will not allow him to wander around without help regardless of the truth.”

“I will inform the others.”

“You do that.” Geoff said bitterly. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to make sure he didn’t blow up anything.”

“Before you go, answer me this. How unstable is he?”

“Xavier, had I not interfered, I’m not sure what you would have been hit by, let alone a counter to prevent an injury to more than his intended target if it had indeed been you.”

Xavier’s eyes widened, “Than I for one am glad you decided to take him on regardless of the requirements.”

Geoff waited until Xavier wandered away before shifting into the background and sneaking out the front door to find the boy. His eyes adjusting to the dimly lit bulbs of light floating around the area, Geoff looked around trying to locate Marcus among the shifting shadows and animals littering the small area.

He found Marcus behind the barn, leaning against Ailora’s back fence, staring off into the rows of knee-high greenery. “Find what you’re looking for?”

Marcus shrugged, “Did I mess up in there?”

Geoff shook his head. “No, but the attitude will need to go, especially when talking to one of the counsel members. They do not take too kindly to that type of treatment in the formal meeting.”

“Formal meetings, formal apprenticeships, do they even know what improvising is?”

Geoff chuckled, “I highly doubt it. Speaking of improvising, what was that spell you were going to chuck at Xavier’s head?”

“I’m not sure. It just popped into my head.” Marcus turned to face him, “Would you be able to tell what it was if I actually did it?”

“I should be able to, but how about waiting until we have more light to work with before trying. I’m sure Ailora would appreciate it.”

“You’re probably right. Do they do that to you all the time?”

“When I do something they do not expect.”

“So that would be a yes.” Marcus grinned.

Geoff’s mouth twitched in answer and Marcus started laughing. Listening to him, Geoff decided to ask his questions in the morning. “Don’t stay out here too long.”

“Geoff, what did you want to see me about?”

“We can discuss it in the morning.”

 Marcus nodded. When he said nothing more, Geoff started to walk away, but stopped as Marcus spoke. “Was it about my decision tonight? Cause there is one more reason I made it.”

“Really?”

“I’m tired of not understanding what’s going on.” Marcus turned around, leaning backwards against the fence to face him. “I know things about people and places I have no memory of having ever seen. I talk and act as if I have a right to control people’s lives even though I’m no better than anyone else. I have a lunatic hunting me down because I defied him and I don’t even know why he’s interested in me to begin with. And now, I almost blow some guy up because he questioned a decision I should have made four months ago.

“I’m tired of screwing up. I want to control my life and you may be the only way I will even have a chance to get it. I’ll probably regret it when we actually start training, but it’s gotta be better than what I’ve been through already.”

            “Will you continue if it gets harder?”

            Marcus nodded, “Nothing could be harder than not knowing who I am. At least around you, I’m starting to remember. Besides, if you’re willing to go against the rules in order to give me the training I need, I might as well learn to be useful for when you face Max and your people.  And the only way to do that is to learn what I can while you’re still willing to take a chance on me.”

            Geoff studied him. “I will do what I can to help you Marcus, but it’s up to you how far the training goes. Don’t stay out here too long, we start first thing tomorrow.”

            He turned to leave again.

“Geoff?”

            “Yes?”

            “Thank you.”

            “Don’t thank me yet Marcus. We have a lot of work ahead of us.” Geoff headed inside leaving his apprentice to wonder if he had made the right decision after all.