[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
noises as Doorkeeper wolfed down his fare; the three Adepts picked at theirs
like birds. The mage released a mighty eructation, scratched his armpits and
leant back for a moment in his chair.
"Ah well, brothers, I regret that I have a lot to do for this evening. I must
be word-perfect with my speech for the gala tonight, and I haven't finished it
yet. So much to do for a busy mage, so much work..."
Doorkeeper carried on for a while about his vital and onerous duties, but,
eventually, even he wound down. I'm sure that you'll look after Grimm, eh,
gentlemen? The prune and the skeleton gave swift, nervous nods, further
enhancing the impression Grimm had of them as exotic birds.
Doorkeeper levered himself to his feet with his old staff and walked away.
Grimm liked Doorkeeper a lot, but he felt a general release of tension as the
old man left the Refectory, flinging his arms wide in a theatrical gesture to
open the doors and letting them slam with a boom behind him.
Chapter 9: Strange Characters
« ^ »
After a long pause, the pale Necromancer, Numal, winked at Grimm, causing the
boy to give an involuntary start.
"Suddenly quiet, isn't it, Grimm? he said in a pleasant voice at odds with
his fearsome appearance. We all love Doorkeeper, but he can be a bit too much
sometimes."
The Necromancer might have an austere aspect, but Grimm sensed the genuine
warmth and humour in his words. Smiling, he replied, Well, maybe sometimes
Doorkeeper does talk rather a lot."
Numal moved close to the boy. You're scared of me because of my calling, eh,
boy? Grimm, stammering, tried to deny this, but he dissembled poorly. Well,
don't worry, Grimm; I am still a human being, for all that. I do spend my days
in the dark, reading signs from rabbits entrails and bleached bones, but only
because I have to. Necromancy may be my vocation, but it is not one that I
ever sought."
Numal's voice became wistful and dreamy as he continued. Once, I had dreams
of being a bold Questor, making my own way in the world, or a mighty
Weatherworker, who could make the sky tremble my passing, but it was never to
be so. Such, I suppose, is life. I did not ask to become a Necromancer; the
calling was decreed for me by the Magemasters. Nonetheless, their wisdom is
evident. 'The road was not chosen for me; it has chosen me'; that, by the way,
is just one of the many sayings that the Magemasters will throw at you over
the years.
"Some of the mysteries of the craft are now becoming clear to me and, although
the subject is distasteful to many, I now see that, if I am to be a Mage at
all, it is to be as a Necromancer. The Magemasters are quick to assay a
Student's worth and capabilities, and they are fine judges indeed. For too
long, I thought myself worthless and without vocation, but now I may find my
true potential in the calling chosen for me."
The mottled, multicoloured Malwarth leaned close, wafting strange, yet not
unpleasant chemical odours in Grimm's direction. For me, the years in the
Scholasticate have flown past like dreams.
"It has been hard work, but when I strike my Staff, crafted by my own hands,
Page 33
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
on the Breaking Stone and it rebounds, I will know that it was all worthwhile.
Every day I spend with my books, my potions and my carving brings that day
closer."
The brown-skinned Herbalist, Funval, grimaced, looking at the other Adepts
with an expression of doubt at their fine words. As far as my parents were
concerned, it was either to be magic or the navy for me. They tossed a coin,
one of the few they had, and decided on this place. An uncle of mine used to
be a Second Rank Reader here, and so I was in.
"I would far rather have spent my days in the sun and the wind as a sailor,
seeing the world and its wonders, but I ended up as a Student for seven years
and a Neophyte Herbalist for seventeen more. I've been slogging away as an
Adept for five years now, and all I can say is that at least the food and the
beds are better. What do you think of the Scholasticate, then, youngster?"
Grimm thought for a while; the Adepts flowery speech had rather taken him
aback. It's bigger than I thought, sir, he hazarded. I just thought there
would be more people here."
Enthused by Funval's openness, Malwarth, the Alchemist nodded. Neophytes and
Adepts, unlike Students, do not always have to eat at fixed times, to avoid
distraction, he said, and the average Adept spends every waking moment
polishing up his spells or working on his Staff. I only came here because I'm
getting sick of having my best conversations with a lump of wood. I live with
it, I sleep with it, and I dream of the bloody thing."
This meant nothing to the boy, but he remained silent.
"I meant what I said about how it will all be worth it on the day of my
Acclamation, but dedicated as I am, even I need a break now and again, the
Alchemist declared.
Numal sighed. Well, now that you come to mention it, Malwarth, it does get
tedious at times. I always wanted to be a singer, a dancer or some other kind
of entertainer. In my youth, I was told that my imitation of Daffo the Clown
was highly amusing."
Grimm's mind performed acrobatics, much in the manner of the famous Daffo, as
he was assailed by the ludicrous image of the stern, pale Necromancer as a
clown with brightly-coloured motley, a green wig and a painted smile. He
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]