Four of the girls were nude as was their preference while the other two wore simple white shifts, which they discarded when they reached the shore. The six of them slipped effortlessly into the water, as Tad said, All right, then. Stay here if you want, but Im going swimming!
Zane was on his feet saying, Maybe youre right. Maybe its time to learn. He hurried after his foster brother and splashed into the water.
Nakor and Caleb watched them from a short distance away. Caleb asked, How are they doing?
Nakor shrugged. Theyre good lads, but if it hadnt been for your unfortunate accident with the bandits, they never would have come here. They possess no special abilities, gifts, or talents that we can see.
Except they are good lads, said Caleb.
We have good lads in abundance, said Nakor. What we need are some ruthless bastards who will happily cut the heart out of their own mothers if need be. He started walking away from the lake shore as the boys splashed and were splashed in return by the Pithirendari girls. Caleb fell into step beside him. They began the long trek from the lakeshore to the villa.
Calebs wounds had almost healed completely and he was now moving around with the only the minimum of discomfort. You know, if my father wasnt who he is, I would also be merely a good lad.
You have a great deal of special ability, said Nakor.
Such as?
Youre a remarkable hunter, have uncommon tracking and woodcraft abilities, close to those of the elves.
As would any youngster with a little talent who had been sent to live with the elves, Nakor. He looked around the island and said, Do you see many skilled hunters here?
Nakor remained silent.
We both know that one of the reasons I was sent to stay with Tomas in Elvandar was my unhappiness here. Father thought a change would do me good, and he was right. Theres a difference between being the only human boy among elves and being treated with respect, to being the only youngster without magical abilities among magic users and being treated with contempt.
Contempt is too harsh a word, Caleb.
Caleb looked at Nakor. You werent always there, nor was Father. Mother saw, and she tried to shield me, as did Magnus, but children can be cruel, Nakor. You want your heartless bastards, get them when they are children and dont let them learn compassion.
You sound bitter, said Nakor as they approached the cookhouse.
Do I? Caleb shrugged. I dont feel bitter, but I guess some wounds, even childish wounds, never heal. They just grow faint.
What is truly troubling you, Caleb?
They passed the cookhouse and continued on to the main building of Villa Beata. I feel useless, and in the wrong place. Caleb stopped as they reached the open doorway into the connecting hall. Im a messenger for the most part, carrying missives that arent important enough for Magnus or yourself or any magic-user transport.
I know that I can blend in where Magnus cant, but other than that, what use am I?
Nakor began to say something, but Caleb held up his hand. His brown eyes were set in a serious expression and his voice held a tinge of anger. Do you think if Tal Hawkins or Kaspar of Olasko had been in that wagon theyd have borne a scratch after dispatching those bandits?
Nakor remained silent.
Im an adequate swordsman, Nakor. Better than average, but not remarkable. I am a good hunter perhaps even a great one but how useful is that in dealing with our enemies? So, I can scout. So can a lot of other men.
My point is, there is nothing special for me to do, nothing that lets me pull my own weight.
Nakor shook his head and put his hand on Calebs shoulder My young friend, how wrong you are. The day will come when you will understand your true potential, Caleb, and finally realize just how special you are. Until then, if you want to feel sorry for yourself, feel free. I just dont have time to stand around and listen. With that, he turned and walked off.
Caleb stood for a minute locked in inner conflict. Then, he started to chuckle, and that became a full-blown laugh. Talking to Nakor always lifted his dark moods. Caleb decided to return to his quarters to rest and give some thought to what he was going to do with Tad and Zane.
Zane lay on the shore, coughing and trying hard not to look ridiculous. Tad helped him to sit up and said, If youre going to wade out over your head, you should at least learn how to paddle.
Zane spat water and coughed some more. Then he said, I got distracted.
He is all right? asked one of the sisters from behind Tad. The six of them were gathered as were other students, all looking on with a mixture of concern and amusement.
Hell live, said Tad, pulling his friend to his feet. The sisters whispered and giggled, then fled back to the water. What were you trying to do? asked Tad.
Zane spoke while his eyes followed the retreating backs of the sisters. One of them Zadrina, I think, pulled me out and kissed me.
I cant tell them apart, said Tad. And theyll all kiss you if you let them.
But this was a kiss! She really kissed me.
And then you opened your eyes and discovered you were under water?
Nodding his head, Zane echoed, I opened my eyes and discovered I was under water.
Which is when the drowning started.
Which is when the drowning started, agreed Zane.
I am going to have to teach you to swim.
Soon, said Zane, watching the girls splashing with some of the other boys. But not today. I drank enough of the lake so I may never be thirsty again.
Well, lets head back. Tad looked in the direction of the villa. Caleb and Nakor were talking just before we went swimming. I wonder if theyve decided what to do with us?
Well, said Zane. Whatever they decide I hope they wait until tomorrow, because Im supposed to meet Zadrina after evening meal in the pool garden.
Slapping his foster brother on the shoulder, he said, Just dont drown yourself.
I wont. As they walked towards the villa, Zane said, Do you know they come from a world thats mostly water? Thats why theyre in it most of the day.
Im still having trouble imagining another world, conceded Tad.
Worlds, said Zane. I would too, but everyone here takes it as a matter of course, so Im getting used to the idea. He looked around as they walked. When we were boys, it was easy to think of Kesh and the Kingdom, because people from both nations passed through the town all the time, but other nations were hard for me to imagine. This is like that, I think, only more so. He glanced at Tad. If that makes sense?
Tad nodded he understood.
They hadnt quite reached the main building when a slender man wearing a pair of tights and a billowing shirt appeared from out of a doorway and said, Ah! There you are. You are the two boys from Stardock? He didnt wait for an answer but motioned them to follow. He moved like a dancer or acrobat, fluidly and with an economy of motion, and on his feet were ankle-high boots of odd design, cross-gartered at the top and tied above the anklebone, but with soft soles of what looked to be doubly reinforced leather. His hair was the palest blond, and flowed to his shoulders.
They went to the side of the village opposite the small lake, and he looked over his shoulder, once, regarded them for a moment with pale blue eyes, then said, Dont fall behind.
The boys found themselves climbing a path up a ridge, and by the time they reached the crest, they were almost breathless. The man who led them didnt pause, simply saying, No time to rest now, boys.
Tad and Zane as one took a deep breath and followed after, heading down a steep path that led to the seashore. Off to the left they could see a black edifice rising from a promontory. Whats that? wondered Zane.
The castle of the Black Sorcerer, answered the man.
Whos the Black Sorcerer? asked Tad.
The man looked over his shoulder, grinning. His face looked young, perhaps only a few years older than the boys, but his blond hair was shot through with grey. Pugs the Black Sorcerer when hes here. If hes not, then sometimes Nakor, or Magnus, or Miranda, or someone else. Its whoevers handy.
Tad said, I dont understand, and he stopped, to catch his breath. Can you wait a minute?
The man stopped and said, Winded? At your age?
Zane also stopped. That was a long climb.
That was nothing, said the man. Wait until I get done with you; youll be running up and down those paths without thought.
The Black Sorcerer, said Tad between breaths, pointing at the castle.
Well, you boys know about the Black Sorcerer, of course
No, interrupted Zane. We dont. Thats why were asking.
I thought everyone on the Bitter Sea knew about the Black Sorcerer, said the man.
Were not from the Bitter Sea, said Tad. Were from Stardock.
Ah, said the man, nodding as if he understood. Stardock. He turned. Come along; rest is over.
The boys took deep breaths and hurried after the rapidly walking man. There used to be a man who lived up there, he said, by name Macros. He started the legend of the Black Sorcerer so people would leave him alone. He left this island to Pug, who continues the legend, so that ships are not likely to put in here. It keeps things relatively quiet.
As they headed down towards the beach, they came to a path leading from the castle that intercepted their own. If you go that way, said the man, youll go straight to the castle. Its empty. Its a pretty drab and uninviting place, though we brighten up the windows with some interesting lights if we think someones spying on us. He looked back grinning. Good show. Turning his attention downhill, he said, Now, heres what I want you two to do, as they reached the sand. He pointed to a distant point on the beach where large rocks hid the curving shoreline. Run that way, very fast. Go to that rock. Then run back here.
Tad could barely stand. Who are you?
The man put his hands on his hips. Tilenbrook, Farsez Tilenbrook. I am to be your tutor in all things physical for a while. You two have grown lazy and are unfit for the rigours you may face as Calebs apprentices.
The boys exchanged glances. Were to be his apprentices? asked Zane.
Perhaps you are. Now run!
The boys set off at a slow run, still fatigued by the hike over the ridge. Farsez stood patiently waiting as they half-ran, half-stumbled down to the distant rock, then turned and started running back. When they reached his position, both boys fell to their knees on the sand, Zane then half-rolling, falling onto his back as they panted for breath. My, said Tilenbrook, you two are in the most deplorable condition for boys. Comes from lazing about all day with nothing to do, I wager.
Now, get up!
The boys staggered to their feet. A quick march back to the villa!
He set off at a brisk pace, not looking backward, and the boys groaned as they moved after him.
Nearly an hour later two very tired boys, drenched with perspiration, stumbled down the hill to the village, where sat Tilenbrook waiting on the low stone garden wall, a large mug of something in his hand. He sipped at it as they came to stand before him. He glanced at the angle of the sun and said, Very well. We are done for today. We shall do this again tomorrow, and every day after until I think youve achieved a speed to and from the rock that I deem appropriate.
Tad and Zane looked at one another, then Zane closed his eyes as he leaned forward, hands above his knees. Tad tried to ease his aching body by just walking in circles.
As Tilenbrook dismounted the wall, he said, I will see you two as soon as youve finished your morning meal, right here. He then left without another word.
Zane looked over at Tad and said, I think Ill just kill myself now.
Tad nodded and started slowly walking back towards their room. When they reached their room, Tad made a show of sniffing and said, If youre meeting one of the sisters after the meal, I suggest you bathe.
Zane groaned. I forgot. He stood while Tad threw himself across his bed. Lets go to the lake, now.
What about supper?
Are you hungry?
Not really, said Tad.
Good. Then teach me to swim and let me wash the stink off.
With an audible protest, Tad forced himself upwards and said, Get clean clothes, at least.
Both boys did and headed out the door of the room, Tad saying, Grab a bar of soap at the bathhouse.
They reached the bathhouse and found it empty as they expected this close to the evening meal. It was a three-chambered structure with a room of very hot, warm, and cold water. There was some ritual of bathing Nakor had explained to them, but both boys just washed off in a bucket and then soaked in the hot tub when they cleaned themselves off.
Looking at one another, Zane said, The lake can wait until tomorrow.
They quickly stripped off their clothing, filled buckets with warm water, and washed off the grime of the day. When done, they both stepped into the hot water and with audible sighs of relief let the heat sink into their tired muscles. The water was kept hot, as the centre room the tepidarium was kept warm by running water pipes through the kitchen, where fires burned day and night as cooking was a constant undertaking for the population of Sorcerers Isle.
Within minutes both boys dozed off.
Abruptly Zane came awake to see a beautiful face inches from his own. Eyes that looked white in the distance, but this close revealed pale green flecks, set in a darker green face lit up with delight as an exotic voice whispered, There you are. I was looking for you.
Zane ran his hand over his face and said, I must have fallen asleep. His eyes widened as the girls hand ran down his chest and stomach and she leaned in to kiss him.
Over her shoulder he could see one of her sisters he had no idea which one and saw she was likewise giving Tad what could only be called loving attention. Closing his eyes as he started enjoying sensations that were new and wonderful to him, he silently thought, I hope this is Zadrina and not one of her sisters.
For weeks their training followed no pattern that was clear to them, save it often seemed arbitrary, pointless, and exhausting. After two weeks of making the daily run to the rock and finally doing it without slowing the entire way, Tilenbrook sent them back a second time, and then demanded they run up the ridge and back to the villa.