Page 41 of The Sorcerer's Thief
“Pfft. You overestimate my ability with magic.”
“I don’t think I do. Let’s try.” I take Slinger’s lead from his hand and throw it over her back. She’ll follow along withoutbeing led. Mostly because the two of us have a habit of spoiling her with extra treats and scratches at frequent intervals. Turns out that’s all that was needed to win her love and loyalty.
If only people were as simple as horses.
“What will you teach me?”
Ah, he remembers my caveat. I get to choose. Having given it some thought, I decided simply enough. “Protection.”
“Protection.” If his inflection is anything to go by, he’s less than impressed.
“Yes. Protection spells, protection charms, and general magical defenses.”
“And if I’d rather learn something else?”
“What would you choose that’s more important than protection?”
“I was thinking maybe gardening? Growing spells, magic to help plants thrive, increase the harvest, and mitigate the poor soil conditions we have near Irondale.”
Hmm. He has a point. I could see how that would be helpful if he intends to settle down and work the land. However. “I’m not the one to teach you that. My strengths don’t align well with earth magic.”
“Oh.” He huffs. “Well, what have I to protect myself against now that Luminia is safe and just and equal for all?”
Sometimes, when he mentions the recent changes to our society, I get the sense he’d have preferred the status quo. I know it’s not true. No one wishes to be oppressed. Surely, we can all agree that if there’s enough food, wealth, and comforts to go around, all should be fed, wealthy, and comfortable, yes?
But Cricket was a caretaker to his community. A role that’s been made obsolete, setting him adrift, spurring his journey to Lemossin for a last hurrah, if you will. Though it’s difficult to get him to speak on his village life, it’s obvious he fears not being needed.
I would tell him that’s hogwash, but that lesson may be more effective when he learns it for himself. “You strike me as an individual likely to find yourself in trouble more than most. That’s why I’m choosing protection.”
“Aww, shucks. How sweet of you. You must really care. Or is that the coin talking?”
I’m having a hard time interpreting his mood. “We don’t have to practice now. The lesson can wait.”
“No, I want to learn whatever you will teach me.”
“All right then.”
We walk a ways while I organize my thoughts. I’m not often in the role of teacher, though I’m eager to share my magical knowledge with Cricket. Perhaps I’ll ask him. “Protection is a multifaceted discipline, and as such, there’s more than one way to approach the subject. Where would you like to begin?”
“What are my choices?”
“We could start with a simple spell or a charmed object or a defense such as a shield.”
“Ooh, a shield. Can you do that?”
“I can.”
“Show me.”
His enthusiasm almost convinces me to tolerate his rudeness. Almost. “What have I said about ordering me around.”
“Erm, not to…please show me?”
“It would be my pleasure. In most instances, a shield will be most effective when there is nothing to see. Attack me.”
Cricket stares at me with a funny expression, as if he’s tasted something strange and isn’t sure whether he likes it. “Attack you how?”
“However you like.”
