Chad looked skeptical. "So, what am I supposed to do? Analyze the future? Write an essay about impending doom?"
Bas chuckled, a sound that seemed to surprise him. "Not quite, Professor Patterson. Your role is more hands-on than that."
Just then, the doors to the dining room swung open, and the witches entered, carrying trays laden with steaming dishes. The aroma of herbs and spices filled the air, making Brianna’s mouth water.
As the food was laid out before them, Chad's eyes widened. "This looks amazing," he said, momentarily distracted from the weighty conversation.
Bas smiled. "Please, eat. We find that difficult conversations are often easier on full stomachs."
“We’ve also learned not to put off a meal since they often get interrupted,” said the little friendly one. Lioness, he thought, was her name. Some of the others chuckled at the inside joke.
As they began to eat, Chad visibly relaxed. Whether it was the delicious food or the calming spell Brianna suspected Bas had woven into it, she wasn't sure. But she was grateful for the respite.
"So," Chad said between bites of roasted vegetables, "you mentioned my role is 'hands-on'. What exactly does that mean?"
Bas set down her fork, her expression turning serious. "Professor Patterson, we believe that in the coming months, you will be faced with a series of choices. Choices that may seem small or insignificant at the time but will have far-reaching consequences."
Chad frowned. "What kind of choices?"
"We can't tell you specifics," Brianna interjected gently. "Partly because we don't know all the details ourselves, andpartly because foreknowledge can sometimes alter the course of events in unpredictable ways."
Chad looked frustrated. "So, what am I supposed to do? Just blindly make decisions and hope for the best?"
Bas shook her head. "Not blindly, no. We're here to guide you, to help you understand the larger context of the choices you'll face. And more importantly, we're here to train you."
"Train me?" Chad echoed, his fork pausing halfway to his mouth. "Train me for what?"
Brianna exchanged a glance with Bas before answering. "To recognize and navigate the supernatural world that exists alongside our own. To understand the forces at play, both magical and mundane. And to hone your natural intuition and analytical skills to make decisions that could have far-reaching consequences."
Chad set down his fork, his expression a mix of disbelief and intrigue. "So, you're saying I need to become some kind of... supernatural detective?"
Bas smiled, a sight that softened her stern features. "In a manner of speaking, yes. Your ability to see patterns, to connect seemingly unrelated events, are skills that will be crucial in the coming months."
"But how?" Chad asked, leaning forward. "How can I possibly prepare for something when I don't even know what it is?"
Brianna reached out and placed her hand on his arm. "That's where we come in, Chad. The League has resources… books, artifacts, and knowledge passed down through generations of witches. We can teach you to see the world differently, to recognize the signs of supernatural influence."
Bas nodded in agreement. "And of course, you'll have Professor Emerson's guidance as well. His mentorship will be crucial in preparing you for what's to come."
Chad sat back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. "This is a lot to take in. I'm still not sure I understand why it has to be me. Surely there are more qualified people, more... I don't know, magical?"
Brianna shook her head. "Chad, you're underestimating yourself again. It's not about being magical. It's about your unique perception, your ability to see influences that others miss. And..." she hesitated, glancing at Bas before continuing, "there's something else. Something about you that makes you particularly suited for this role."
Chad's eyebrows raised. "What do you mean?"
Bas leaned forward, her green eyes intense. "Professor Patterson, have you ever experienced moments of intuition? Times when you just knew something without being able to explain how?"
Chad furrowed his brow, thinking. "I mean, I suppose so. Doesn't everyone have hunches sometimes?"
Brianna shook her head. "Not like this, Chad. We're talking about moments of clarity that go beyond normal intuition. Times when you've known things you shouldn't have been able to know."
Chad was quiet for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "There was this one time," he said slowly. "I was grading papers late one night, and I suddenly had this overwhelming feeling that I needed to call my sister. When I did, it turned out she had just been in a car accident. She was okay… just shaken, but I had no way of knowing that had happened."
Bas nodded, a satisfied smile on her face. "Exactly. What you experienced was a latent form of precognition and sensitivity. It's rare in non-magical individuals, but not unheard of. And it's one of the reasons Professor Emerson chose you."
Chad sat back, looking stunned. "So, you're saying I'm psychic?"
"Not exactly,” Bas said. “It's more like a heightened intuition. A sensitivity to the unseen currents that flow through the world. With training, you could learn to hone this ability, to use it more consciously. You’ll have influence."
