‘Why are you so glum?’
Lio looked up to see Rupert standing in the doorway to the courtyard.
‘I’m a truly terrible Magician,’ said Lio. ‘The worst, perhaps.’
Rupert opened his leather bag and trotted down the steps. He pulled out a large, cloth-bound book and handed it to Lio.
‘This will cheer you up,’ said the boy. ‘I found the one you wanted.’
‘Look at that,’ said Lio. ‘Thank you, Rupe. I would offer you something for your service, but I think there are beggars on Grand Boulevard who have more silver pieces than I do.’
Rupert shrugged uncomfortably, as if the last thing he would want was compensation. The boy’s trousers were too short for himand Lio, holding the borrowed book, began to wonder why Rupert didn’t simply purchase new ones. Theodora, for all her exploitation of himself, at least paid Rupert a wage.
Then, there were of course the other clues.
There were bruises that appeared intermittently on the boy’s arms. His skin was often pale and unhealthy. Even now, Rupert’s eyes were red as if he’d not unrecently been crying. As if noticing Lio’s scrutiny, the boy quickly nodded at the book.
‘Why memory charms?’
‘I’m allowed to have interests other than my talent,’ said Lio. He spotted an oil stain on the cover and he took out his chalk. ‘You’re sure Theodora won’t mind you borrowing this for me?’
‘She might,’ said Rupert. ‘But I don’t think it’s fair that she’s locked you out of half the tea shop. She has tonnes of magic books in the basement. She won’t notice this one’s gone.’
Lio nodded and chalked a small rune over the stain. It vanished, leaving behind the lingering scent of woodsmoke, incense, gunpowder and lime, so faint it was almost indiscernible. Lio sighed; if ever there was a sign of a weak Magician, a feeble scent was it.
Rupert cleared his throat, and Lio looked up at him.
‘How did you learn that?’ asked the boy, sheepishly. He nodded at the chalk. ‘Could anyone learn?’
‘Anyone with the proclivity,’ said Lio. ‘Do you have it?’
‘I asked Theodora a long time ago, and she said I did,’ said Rupert, then a little sadly he added, ‘then she told me she would rather drop dead than take on an apprentice.’ Rupert’s eyes darkened.
‘And that is why you dislike Dot?’ asked Lio.
‘I don’t dislike her,’ said Rupert.
‘Have you ever said more than two words to her?’
‘Why should I?’ asked Rupert. ‘She got everythingIwanted. I’m sure she’s plenty happy without my conversation.’
‘Rupert.’
‘I’ve been begging Theodora to teach me since I was ten,’ said the boy, shaking his head. ‘She gave away my room, Lio, and now I barely see her at all. She’s always with Dot,if she’s here at all. I’m not sure what I’ve done so terribly wrong to deserve all of this.’
‘I tell you what,’ said Lio. ‘I’ve spent months in this house, idle, bored. I am out of practice and even when I was practised, I wasn’t particularly talented beyond my portals. However, Rupert, do you want me to teach you?’
‘Truly?’ asked the boy. ‘You’d teach me magic?’
Why had Lio not thought to offer earlier?
‘If you borrow a few more books from Theodora, I would be happy to. First, however, you’ll need to go to the market. Lad, you will need some chalk.’
Rupert was a quick study. Soon, the boy was casting very simple spells. He delighted in badgering Lio with questions.
‘What’s the difference between a Magician and a witch?’
‘Why does everyone’s magic smell different?’
