Page 20 of The Prince's Curse

Benjin wasn’t entirely sure what the Grand Magus meant, but he hazarded his best guess. “Well…I enjoyed making objects move.” A faint blush colored his cheeks. “And setting things on fire—safely, of course.”

“Of course,” Dexil replied with the hint of a smile. “Tell me about some of the specific spells you managed to cast.”

It had been years since Benjin had last seen the spellbook, and what he remembered had become innate by now due to frequent use. Still, Dexil listened patiently while Benjin did his best to describe the magic.

When he finished, he felt gratified to see that the Grand Magus appeared mildly impressed. “It sounds like you possessed quite the gift with runeflame, even as an untrained youth. Ilook forward to seeing what you can do now. What additional training have you received since then?”

And just like that, Benjin’s soaring hope crashed and burned. “Um…” He scratched at the back of his neck. “I haven’t really had many opportunities to study since then. Spell tomes aren’t easy to come by in Revesole—not for someone of…limited means.” Dexil frowned, and Benjin hastened to add, “B-but I’ve continued to practice what I know! I’ve even learned how to make some modifications along the way.”

Dexil gestured at the runic circle. A set of seven sigils etched along its exterior began to glow. “Very well. Let us skip ahead to the practical portion. Why don’t you demonstrate the cantrips you learned, and we’ll go from there.”

Eager to please, Benjin nodded and raised his hands. His runeflame didn’t flow as smoothly as some of the other prospectives he’d seen practicing in the corridor outside. Instead of a consistent stream of blue and silver, his magic flickered in fits and starts.

He didn’t miss the Grand Magus’ wince and tried not to let it discourage him. He knew he’d never win Dexil over with his knowledge or technique, but perhaps he could still impress the man enough with his strength that he’d be willing to overlook Benjin’s other obvious flaws.

Benjin started with simple blasts of force, buffeting the air around him as he aimed them harmlessly up into the air. Then, he moved on to creating other blasts, channeling first fire and then water. These, he kept to smaller streams, not wanting to accidentally damage the Grand Magus’ study. They were harder for him to control than pure blasts of force, and relief trickled along his spine when he managed it without any major mishaps.

Each time he cast a spell, he noticed that a particular rune set in the circle glowed a hair brighter. Unsure what to make of it, he focused on his spellwork. He’d spent the better part of thelast month practicing for this moment, ever since the call for an apprentice had gone out.

He moved on from blasts to other basic spells he knew. He summoned a small flame and then doused it with a handful of water. When he tried to create a hovering orb of light, he only barely managed to hold the shaky magic together. He chanced a glance at the runic circle and saw that a second rune had now begun to glow as well, though not as brightly as the first.

All right, time for the grand finale.

Gathering his runeflame about him, Benjin focused on a set of quills on the Grand Magus’ desk. He grinned when they obediently rose, levitating through the air. One by one, he added more objects to the spell until they spiraled about one another in an intricate dance.

Warmth spread through his chest when the Grand Magus burst into applause. “Bravo! You certainly have a gift for Evocation, my boy. And admirable control considering your lack of formal education.”

“Thank you, sir.” As Benjin settled the levitating items back on Dexil’s desk, he noticed that the first rune now blazed almost too blindingly to look at. That seemed like a good sign.

Apparently, Dexil agreed. His posture radiated excitement as he gestured at Benjin. “Well then, I’m impressed with your display of Evocation, and you managed Conjuration well enough. I’d like to see how you perform at the other disciplines now, if you’d please.”

Benjin blinked uncertainly. “Other…disciplines?”

Dexil frowned at him. “The other five disciplines of arcane magic. You’ve demonstrated proficiency in Evocation and Conjuration. Now, I’d like to measure your experience in the others.”

Benjin’s gut twisted itself in knots. “That’s…um…I’m afraid those are all the spells I know, sir.” His voice dropped to an embarrassed whisper.

“I see.”

The Grand Magus’ disappointment sent a ripple of shame curling through Benjin. Dexil waved his hand, canceling out the circle of glowing runes. Benjin braced himself, but even anticipating what the Grand Magus was about to say, his next words still stung.

“I’m sorry, my boy. You show enormous potential, but I require an apprentice better versed in the fundamentals. Perhaps in a few years after some additional training, I could find a spot for you. Until then, however…”

“I understand, sir.” Despite the knot constricting his chest, Benjin forced a respectful bow. “Thank you for your consideration.”

“Of course, my boy. Best of luck to you.”

Benjin tried to draw solace from the regret in the Grand Magus’ voice but found it offered little comfort. Pity wouldn’t help Benjin support his mother.

He’d reached the door and was about to grab its handle when the door suddenly slammed open. Benjin leaped back to avoid a faceful of wood.

A man a couple years older than him swept into the room as if he owned it. His tall, rigid back projected an aura of quiet confidence. He wore his long black hair tied back with a simple band of leather, a silver circlet perched on his brow. His green eyes, full of cool indifference, swept right past Benjin and settled on the Grand Magus.

“Sorry to disturb you, Dexil, but my father wishes for you attend him as soon as you’re free.”

Dexil’s brow pinched into lines of worry. “Is he well?”

Though the stranger’s face didn’t shift, Benjin swore he detected his bearing stiffen still further. Benjin couldn’t help but admire the firm muscles beneath the man’s fine leather tunic.

---