The Pursuit of Power

Part 1 - Slave

Chapter 1

Callum trudged wearily along the dark road, his path illuminated only by the infrequent squares of light that shone from the occasional window he passed. He walked without really paying attention to his surroundings, his feet knowing the way after so many trips home from the stable of the inn where he worked.

He stumbled on an uneven paving stone and fell to his hands and knees, his brown hair swinging forward to hide his face. Callum knelt there, exhausted from his long day, which had started before dawn and ended well after dusk...again. He wondered if it was even worth getting up. The prospect of just curling up in the street to sleep or to die was appealing. He closed his hazel eyes and let the late summer heat soak into him while he thought about just giving up; there certainly wasn’t anything left for him at home.

Ever since his mother had died a few months ago, Callum’s work as a stable boy went from providing him with spending money to keeping him fed. His father was an out-of-work blacksmith, too drunk and too sick to earn enough money to support himself and his son, and Callum resented the man for taking away his childhood. Callum knew there were plenty of children who worked to help support their families, but he hadn’t been one of them. At least not until recently, and he didn’t like the change of status.

With a groan of effort, his better sense won out and the boy forced himself to his feet. He’d never been one to back down from a challenge, and he wasn’t planning to start now; giving up was just a passing fancy. Besides, Callum had seen the stable master today when he’d come in to inspect the stables, and that had just cemented Callum’s plans for his future.

The stable master was a large, well-dressed man who carried a whip, and the other stable hands scurried out of his way like mice scattering before a cat. Callum liked the idea of having power over men who worked for him and enjoyed the prospect of a nice house one day, perhaps with a pretty girl to run it for him. These sorts of plans didn’t come to fruition by themselves, and Callum knew he wasn’t going to get anywhere bemoaning his fate and giving up now.

Newly resolute, Callum squared his shoulders and resumed his walk to the small shack he shared with his father. Tomorrow was another day, another day to prove his worth and start working his way up the ladder to the top job.

Callum slowed as he approached his home. Something wasn’t right, and it didn’t take him long to figure it out. By this time of night, his father was usually passed out drunk and his little shack dark, but instead there was light pouring out of both filthy windows and the wide-open door. Confused, he stopped. There was definitely something wrong, and Callum wasn’t sure he wanted to walk in on whatever it was. Still, he couldn’t just wait around outside forever. He was tired, and he needed to be up before dawn for work again tomorrow. And so Callum cautiously approached the building, straining to hear any sound that might indicate what was happening.

Walking through the door didn’t help ease his confusion in any way. His father, apparently sober for once given the sour expression on his face, sat at the small table with a man Callum didn’t recognize. Both men turned to look at him as he stood there, and the stranger grinned, showing crooked, yellow teeth. The man’s eyes were dark, likely brown, and they had a glint to them that Callum didn’t like at all. He took a step backwards and felt a hand on his shoulder. Looking up, he met the gaze of yet another man he didn’t know.

Welcome home, boy! the man at the table exclaimed with apparent happiness. We’ve been waiting for you.

Why? It wasn’t the most polite question, but Callum was too tired for games and false pleasantries.

Your father and I have been discussing business.

I don’t see how that’s any concern of mine, he stated firmly. Callum took a step back into the room and the man behind him let him go. Apparently, as long as he wasn’t trying to get away, he was free to move around the room.

Oh this business concerns you very much, the stranger informed him. Why don’t you join us over here at the table?

During this whole interaction, his father hadn’t said a single word, and Callum glanced over at him. He’d lowered his eyes and was staring fixedly at his hands clasped on the table in front of him.

"Father? Don’t you have anything to say?"

His father just shook his head, not looking at the boy.

Come and join us, the stranger insisted, the smile slipping from his face. You won’t like it if I have to force you.

Callum took a good look at the man sitting not too far away. Aside from his very dark eyes, he had the brown hair that was so common in Madelia and he had tanned skin from being outside. He wasn’t overly large, but Callum could see muscles under the cloth of the light shirt he wore, and the boy knew he’d never be able to hurt the man in any real way, not without a weapon of some sort. Callum walked over to the table and sat down.

So, young man, your father tells me that you’re working as a stable hand over at the Crescent Dagger. How do you like it?

After the threatening tone the man had taken, it seemed strange that he’d want to have a normal conversation now, but Callum didn’t see any reason to lie. I like it well enough, he answered. The other boys are okay to work with, and I like the horses.

Good, good, the stranger intoned with another smile. A boy who isn’t afraid of hard work.

So why are you here? Callum blurted out. He didn’t just want to sit here and answer questions. He wanted to go to bed.

Ah, yes. Well, like I said before, your father and I were talking business. Callum nodded, and the man continued. It seems like your father isn’t able to repay the debt he owes me.

Callum looked over at his father, startled. What debt?

What did you want me to do, boy? his father asked instead of answering the question. With your Ma gone, there wasn’t any money.

"I know that. That’s why we sold the house and pretty much everything in it, and moved here. And that’s why I started working so much at the stable. I don’t understand why you also borrowed money from him or why you haven’t paid him back. Callum knew about the loan sharks around the city, and he’d heard stories about what they’d do if you didn’t get them their money. What did you do with all the money? What have you been doing with the money I’ve been bringing home?"

The stranger let out a deep bellow of a laugh. Really? Boy, I thought you had more sense than that! What do you think he’s done with it?

Callum blushed. It was true that his father’s drinking habit was the likely culprit here.

So what are you going to do to him? he asked the man seated beside him. His father already couldn’t work, and honestly, Callum felt that a good beating was likely better than his father deserved.

I’m not going to do anything to him.

Again, Callum was surprised. Why not? Isn’t that how it usually works?

Usually, the man agreed. However, your father is in a unique position. He has the ability to get me the money he owes me.

Really? How?

Callum jumped as the man’s heavy hand landed on his shoulder. Your father has assets that he can sell.

Callum tensed, knowing full well that his father had nothing of value. Sensing the change in the boy’s posture, the man moved his grip from Callum’s shoulder to his upper arm.

Let’s go see what you’re worth.

The man pulled him from the chair and Callum stumbled as the loan shark half dragged him across the room and out the still open door. He glanced back at his father once, and grimaced in disgust as the man who was supposed to love and take care of him didn’t intervene and didn’t even look up. Callum vowed silently that he’d somehow repay his father for this.

Where are we going? Callum asked, practically jogging to keep up with the man’s longer strides. It’s late at night.

There are some businesses that never sleep, the man replied, keeping his quick pace as they walked through the deserted farmer’s market. All of the shops were long closed for the night, and the stalls of the farmers who lived outside the city were empty of goods and awaiting the dawn.

When they neared the far end of the market, the truth of the loan shark’s words became apparent. While there weren’t a lot of people around, there were some, and they were all gathered around the front of one particular building. The man holding his arm pushed his way through the crowd, drawing Callum with him.

Good to see you again, Sir, a small man greeted the loan shark. How can I help you tonight?

I have another one for you. He thrust Callum forward so that the small man could look at him. How much?

The small man, who Callum realized must be the slave master, stepped forward eagerly. He felt along the bones of his arms and legs to make sure they were growing straight, checked Callum’s teeth and eyes, and basically made the boy feel like an animal on the market block.

He’s certainly a fine specimen, the slave master commented at last. I’ll give you ten gold pieces for the boy.

Ten? Do you think I’m a fool? He’s worth at least fifty!

As the two men settled into the business of haggling over his worth, Callum glanced around. The other people who were around the slave master’s house were an interesting mix. The women were obviously working girls, and the men were certainly working a trade of their own. Some were happily counting coins or talking with some of the others, while still others had soon-to-be slaves in tow. Those poor souls looked defeated, staring at the ground and not seeming to care at all about their fate. Callum, on the other hand, had no intention of going down without a fight.

As if sensing the boy’s sudden new determination, the loan shark tightened his grip on Callum’s arm and jerked him sideways a little, making Callum stumble. Frowning, Callum tried to plant his feet again, hoping to get some leverage to jerk free of his captor, but the man pulled him off balance once more.

Frustrated, Callum let himself go limp in the man’s grasp and was surprised when his sudden dead-weight made the loan shark let go of him. He was on his feet and dashing across the courtyard as fast as he could go, while shouts of alarm sounded behind him.

Remembering all of the deserted stalls in the market, Callum thought they’d make a good hiding place, so that was his first destination. He figured that even if his pursuers were too close for him to hide there, the stalls would help to slow the men down, helping him to get away. He pushed himself harder when he saw the first of the stalls appearing out of the darkness ahead of him, but then suddenly he was falling.

Hitting the ground hard, Callum managed to curl his arms around his head. When he came to a stop, he looked up and saw that someone had thrown a spear at him, catching him between strides and tangling his legs. He cursed in frustration as the loan shark jogged up and grabbed him by the back of his shirt.

That’ll cost me money, the man growled, shaking Callum hard. Don’t you dare try something like that again.

Callum did not intend to agree to that, but there wasn’t anything he could do right now. The man dragged him over to the slave pen, the slave master opened the door and the loan shark tossed the boy in.

Welcome to your new life.

Chapter 2

Callum sat huddled in the corner of the pen, knees drawn up under his chin and his arms wrapped tightly around himself to preserve what little body heat he could produce. His clothing was still intact, unlike all of the others in the pen with him, but he was in desperate need of a bath, his brown hair caked with dust and not much darker than the rest of him.

There had been a few potential buyers for him over the past week while he’d languished in the slave pen, but Callum had apparently scared them off. Whenever someone showed interest in purchasing him, Callum would meet his gaze and answer any questions himself, something that upset the buyers and angered the slave master. Callum was establishing himself as unruly, something no slave master wanted because unruly slaves were much harder to sell.

Caris!

Callum looked up at the sound of someone’s voice, the tone angry and full of reprimand. It was still very early in the morning, the market not yet open, and it was unusual for anybody but the guards to be around at this hour. He scanned the square outside of his pen, and the boy was able to just pick out the silhouette of someone, a man based on the voice he’d heard.

Caris, what are you doing?

The man was coming closer now, apparently following something, but Callum couldn’t see anything else in the plaza. Then he felt something coming nearer, and he tensed involuntarily. There wasn’t anything in front of him, but that part of his brain that was afraid of sounds in the dark didn’t believe his eyes. That part of his brain told him that there was something nearby, something dangerous.

The feel of hot breath on his nearly bare arm and the rumble of a low growl sent Callum scrambling away from his corner, eyes wide with fear.

Stay still, boy.

Callum froze, and he raised his eyes momentarily to see that the silhouette from across the plaza had solidified into a tall, well-dressed gentleman of about twenty years, with black hair, very dark eyes, and an athletic build. He had a sword belted at his hip and a stern expression on his face, lips pinched with displeasure as he gazed down at nothing. Callum felt the something move again, and this time the man moved too, coming to stand right in front of him.

How did you get here, boy? the man asked, looking Callum over and seeming to appraise his appearance. The boy was thin and dirty, but not terribly so, and the man concluded that the boy hadn’t been among the slaves for very long.

"My Ma died, and my Father sold me to pay off his debts." The boy met the man’s eyes when he said this, almost daring the man to comment. No, this boy hadn’t been a slave for very long at all, the stranger concluded.

The man felt something bump against his leg, and he laid his hand casually on the back of his eesprid’s neck, running his fingers through the thick fur there. He kept a shield of spirit around the cougar, keeping Caris invisible from everyone else and avoiding a panic, but he could see the magical animal and he knew that Caris sensed potential in the boy. With a sigh, the man turned away from the slave pen and started back across the plaza to where the slave master lived.

After a few moments of pounding on the door, Callum watched the strange man enter into the slave master’s house and he wondered what was going on. He shook his head, not pretending to understand the ways of adults, and he settled back into his corner. The sun was continuing to rise, and soon the market would open.

Are you sure, my Lord? You don’t know anything about him.

I’m sure, and I need to be on my way, so get to it.

The slave master rushed to the gate of the pen and drew a large key from his belt. Fitting the key into the lock, the slave master called for the guards to come near and then he opened the gate.

Boy, come here, the slave master commanded, gesturing to Callum. He rose and did as he was told. He was starting to enjoy the discomfort he invoked in potential buyers.

You’re sure? the slave master questioned one last time. The man nodded his head sharply and took Callum by the arm.

Here are your papers then, my Lord...?

The man looked over at the slave master in askance, and the man was quick to elaborate. I need your name for the papers, my Lord.

Rhys, the man answered with a sigh and a slight grimace. The slave master quickly completed the papers and handed them over.

Rhys accepted the packet of papers and stuffed them into the bag he carried over one shoulder. Come with me, he directed, and Callum found himself being led from the market as the slave master locked the pen behind him. Startled by the lack of inspection and questions, Callum kept pace without troubling the man who was apparently his new master.

After a little while, Rhys let go of the boy’s arm, but he kept walking as if he expected his new slave to follow him. When Callum hesitated, Rhys just shook his head and kept walking, knowing that Caris would keep the boy in line. Sure enough, he heard a swift intake of breath and then the sound of jogging as the boy caught up to him.

I felt something nudge me! the boy exclaimed, looking up at his new master for an explanation.

That was Caris, and he’ll make sure you keep up. Or he’ll eat you.

They walked in silence for a time, Callum looking over his shoulder occasionally almost as if he was checking on the cougar’s location though the boy still couldn’t see anything. Finally, his natural curiosity got the better of him.

What’s a Caris?

Rhys chuckled and paused to look down at the boy at his side. Caris is my companion. He’s invisible right now so that there aren’t a whole lot of scared people. You can meet him properly once we’re out of the city. What’s your name, boy, and how old are you?

Callum, and I’m ten. Would you like me to carry your bag...Master?

Rhys shook his head and the boy looked up at him, his eyebrows lifted in confusion before his expression become serious.

Why did you buy me? Callum asked. If I’m not to carry your bags, then what do you want from me?

Rhys shook his head again, and some emotion flashed across his face too fast for Callum to determine what it was. I bought you because the world is changing, and you, my young slave, are going to be a part of that change.

He started walking again, and Callum kept pace without being prompted this time. What does that mean?

It means that you will do what you’re told, Rhys replied sternly with a quick backhand. Callum would have to learn his place, and now was as good a time as any. And you will not question me.

Yes, Master,

They travelled north out of Madelia’s capital city and into the countryside. Once they were a good distance from the walls and any early morning travelers, Rhys dropped his shield and Caris materialized. With a shriek, Callum dashed up the road to take shelter behind his new master’s body. He immediately appreciated why Rhys had kept the large tawny cat invisible.

Where did you get him? Callum asked after a few steps taken while looking around Rhys’s body. His master chuckled once again.

"Caris came to me when I was young, a magical companion called an eesprid. He helps me carry out my dut– Rhys cut off abruptly with a shake of his head. He’s my companion."

Callum sensed there was more to his master’s explanation, but wasn’t inclined to push his luck. He’d already been backhanded once this morning, and the day was still young. He certainly wasn’t stupid, and he learned quickly.

The two continued to walk in silence for a time, Callum frequently glancing back over his shoulder at the cougar. It took him a little while to be comfortable with Caris, but it was soon obvious that the magical beast did not intend to eat him. If anything, Caris seemed to like the boy, the cat slowly edging closer as they travelled, eventually coming right up and bumping Callum’s hand to beg for scratches. Callum laughed, thinking that the big cougar wasn’t really all that different from the cats at the stable where he used to work. They were friendly enough, as long as it was on their terms.

After a few hours, Rhys stopped them by a river and instructed Callum to wash himself in the water. The sun was high in the sky now, and the late summer day was warm enough that the chill of the water was actually pleasant. While Callum bathed, Rhys riffled around in his bag for something clean for the boy to wear. He managed to find an old shirt, but he had to cut the sleeves off. The boy could belt it tightly and it would do until he had time to find the child proper clothing. There were just a few things he had to take care of first...

Chapter 3

They continued to travel north from the city, the countryside more and more forested the farther they went. The trees were conifers, and there was little undergrowth to obstruct their view of the road and the area around them, which made Callum more than a little uncomfortable; he’d never left the city before a few days ago. Rhys and Caris hunted as they went to ensure that they all had enough to eat, and on the second day, Rhys showed Callum how to use a bow. The first time his master handed him the weapon, Callum’s jaw dropped in disbelief.

Um... Not to question you, Master, Callum began hesitantly, "but why would you give me a weapon?"

His master answered with what was fast becoming his usual response - a chuckle. By the time I’m done with you, boy, you’ll be far more dangerous than you are with that bow, even when you can use it properly. A slave you may be, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to defend yourself.

Callum was confused, but struggled to keep his face straight. You trust me not to turn on you? What if I take this bow and shoot you with it?

Now Rhys laughed outright. With a casual flick of his master’s wrist, Rhys disappeared and only a few moments later, Callum felt the bow ripped from his hand and flung to the ground.

You have a long way to go before you can even dream of challenging me, boy, Rhys’ voice whispered through his mind.

Now outright astounded, Callum bent to retrieve the bow from the ground. As he straightened, he was happy to see that Rhys was visible again and standing not too far away. Getting left alone in the wilderness wasn’t a good idea in his meager opinion.

How did you do that? the boy asked breathlessly.

I’m a mage, Rhys replied with another of the cryptic smiles he tended to sport on his handsome face from time to time. And so, my dear slave boy, are you. Or at least you will be, once I’m done training you.

Callum actually laughed outright before catching himself. He bowed his apology to his master. I don’t mean to question you, Master...again, but that sounds far too much like a children’s story. Slave boy finds that he can control incredible power. Not likely.

I understand that having this thrown at you is a little overwhelming, so I’ll excuse you this time. Trust me, I wasn’t planning on finding an apprentice. You’re...unexpected, but I know Caris and he feels the potential in you, so I’ll alter my plans. Don’t make me regret it by acting like a stupid little child.

Callum looked at Rhys for a few moments and then bowed again. I won’t make you regret it, Master.

Good. We need to keep moving, and you need to practice drawing that bow string.

Yes, Master.

Rhys started walking and Callum followed, trying to draw the string back to his shoulder. He repeated the motion another few times, before dropping the weapon to his side and jogging to come up beside his master. Callum lengthened his stride to keep pace, but remained silent. He’d been pushing the boundaries today and he knew it.

You’re not working to strengthen your muscles with that bow, the man finally pointed out, ending the silence that was starting to become uncomfortable.

No, Master, Callum acknowledged with a bowed head.

And why not?

Well, I can’t seem to do it, the boy began. The bow doesn’t want to bend for me.

That’s because you need to be stronger, Rhys answered, a touch of exasperation in his voice. But that’s not the entire reason you’re not practicing, is it?

No, Master, Callum agreed again.

Well?

I want to know more about being a mage, the boy admitted. It may still seem more like a tale than reality, but if it was true, being a mage was much better than being a stable master. He’d figure out the whole slave thing later.

Rhys glanced down at the boy practically jogging beside him, and slowed his pace slightly. He recognized the eagerness, now that the first wave of doubt was passing. The doubt would return the mage knew, but for now there was no reason not to answer Callum’s questions.

What would you like to know?

What will I be able to do? Callum started. Is it hard to be a mage? What will I have to learn? Will it take a lot of time?

Rhys was certain there were more questions, but he held up his hand to forestall them. Now that he’d indicated willingness to discuss this topic, the floodgates of curiosity were obviously open. He suppressed another chuckle.

Most of those answers are entwined with one another, the mage answered. I can assure you that it is very hard to become a mage, and it is dangerous. Right now, you are nothing but untapped potential, and we can leave it that way if you want.

No! Callum was quick to interrupt, and he blushed at his brashness.

Don’t be so quick to answer, boy, Rhys reprimanded him, though gently. "Wait until you hear what I have to say before you make your decision. And it will be your decision. As my slave you have to do what I tell you, but I won’t force you into something like this."

Rhys walked on in silence for a few steps, and then took a deep breath.

"Training to become a mage can take as long as ten years, depending on your talent, your strength and your courage. Once we summon your eesprid, you’ll be officially an apprentice, and there’s a chance that is all you will ever be.

"To move from apprentice to journeyman takes five years of hard work, learning to sense and manipulate the magical energy in the world, shaping it to do your bidding. At the end of five years, if you make that far, you must pass a test before being promoted. And don’t bother asking me about the test, because it’s different for everyone.

Then, to become a master mage, there’s another five years of study and yet another test. During this set of five years, you learn how to combine your gifts, if you have more than one, and you learn the more powerful spells.

Callum walked silently for a time, processing what his master had said. Finally, he looked over at the cougar and then met Rhys’ gaze once more.

So I get to have a magical creature like Caris, and then I study for ten years and pass a couple of tests? That doesn’t sound too bad.

"Well, you hopefully get an eesprid. It’s not a guarantee, and the success of that spell is actually the final test to become an apprentice. You passed the first test when Caris picked you out of that pen, his magic finding your potential.

After that...well it really depends on you. I’ve heard of some mage apprentices who never advanced beyond the most basic of spells, no matter how hard they tried. They had the potential, but they didn’t really have the gift, if that makes any sense.

Not really, the boy muttered under his breath.

And the tests aren’t tests the way you may know them. As I said, they’re dangerous. You can have your magic burned out of you, and in some cases I’ve heard of apprentices dying during their test. Some apprentices choose never to take the chance of losing their magic, preferring to stick with the weaker spells than risk living without the power. And if the time comes that you’re ready to take the test, then that choice will be yours too.

Again Callum thought quietly about what Rhys had told him. If he survived it, he’d certainly be powerful. Powerful enough to defeat his master and win his freedom? He didn’t know, but it certainly wouldn’t cost him anything to find out. As long as he was a slave, his life wasn’t really his own anyway.

I still want to do it, he informed the man walking beside him, his voice firm and resolute. Will I be able to turn invisible like you did?

That will depend on your gift or gifts, Rhys answered. I don’t have what I need to test you right now, but once we’re settled I can figure it out.

Once we’re settled where?

A wicked grin spread across his master’s face. You’ll see.

Chapter 4

Eventually, after another few days of travelling ever northward they reached an isolated manor house, the home of a Madelian Lord. It was mid-afternoon, but Callum was relieved when Rhys made for the gate instead of continuing their journey. The idea of sleeping on a nice pile of hay instead of the hard ground played through the boy’s mind. Maybe he’d even get a bed!

I’m going to secure us lodgings, Rhys confirmed. He put his hand on the small gate set into a tall, thick stone wall that encircled the manor and the grounds. There was a larger gate meant for a carriage or wagon a few feet farther along the wall.

You wait here while I take care of things. And remember that Caris runs faster than you do.

With those parting words, his master pushed open the gate and walked onto the manor grounds. A few steps along the path and both he and the cougar disappeared from sight as Rhys used his powers to make them both invisible. It occurred to Callum that that wasn’t a good sign, but he settled himself against the wall to wait anyway. He was in the middle of nowhere, literally, so where would he possibly go?

Callum heard scuttling in the tree branches above his head and glanced up to see a pair of squirrels chasing each other from tree to tree. He smiled watching their antics