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Dalos let out a short sigh. “Your magic cannot be allowed to fester among the general populace. Someone had to teach you not to kill yourself or other people.”
“Why didn’t you leave me to one of the lesser masters?”
Dalos looked over his shoulder at Eudias. “Apprenticeship is a pragmatic institution designed to furnish me with a useful subordinate to perform menial tasks. Unlike Honored Master Chrysanthos, I do not entertain emotional notions of trust, camaraderie, and mentorship. Those tend to backfire later. You are suitably unambitious not to cause trouble for me in future. I simply require you to do as I command when I command it, stay out of my way the rest of the time, and not ask too many questions. You’re very good at the first two.”
Dalos slammed the door on his way out.
The Collector remained. “What a hypocrite. He was not so high and mighty when he lay dead beside you.”
Eudias hugged himself. “I don’t want to remember that night.”
“Everyone has always underestimated you. Except me. I alone recognize your true potential and can help you fulfill it. That is why I chose you after Dalos failed me.”
“In the moment when your magics destroyed him, I was the only option you had if you wanted to remain at Solorum. You accepted me because you had to, just like the Aithourian Circle.”
“Dalos was weak. He could not withstand the fullness of my power. But look what great things you and I are already doing together. You are a very powerful young mage. With me, you can be even more powerful.”
“I don’t want to be powerful,” Eudias whispered, as if it were the most shameful of confessions.
“Imagine if you could strike Tychon to the ground with your own advanced spells. You know them all, Eudias. You have the power to perform them. You only need the confidence I can give you. Imagine the look on his face when you turn the tables on him.”
“I just want it to stop,” Eudias said to himself.
“Coward,” the Collector accused. “Be a man. Be a master mage. The mage you always dreamed of being. A man others will fear.”
“WhatIwanted was…” Eudias looked at his hands. “…a dream all along. Nothing more.” He looked down at his feet still dangling in the water.
Lio heard the words go through Eudias’s mind again.Don’t try any lightning now, Eudias. That wouldn’t go very well for you, would it?
“Eudias.” Lio knelt beside him. “Everything you want is still possible. Don’t give up.”
The chaos in Eudias’s mind collected into resolve. All the Will that had deserted him when he tried to harm others now came to him when the enemy was himself.
“Eudias,” Lio pleaded. “‘Every mage who draws breath within its sacred walls is necessary to keep a Great Temple alive.’”
For the first time, Eudias looked right at him.“Ambassador?”
“I’m here to help,” Lio said.
“You’re surrounded by enemies,” the Collector declared. “Here is another taunting you, making demands. Do not give in.”
“I know it’s hard for you to believe anyone,” Lio said, “but I want you to know I am your ally. How can I prove my worth to you?”
“I recognize your voice.” Eudias leaned closer. “You were the one saying theMeditationswith me. You tried to make it easier.”
“I am so sorry for what you’ve endured.”
“He pities you,” the Collector scoffed, “just like everyone else. Do not tolerate his condescension.”
“I don’t pity you, I—”
“You feel for me.” Eudias’s voice was full of astonishment.
“And I know you have the Will to drive him out of your mind.”
“You would never give me up,” the Collector said. “All this power, right at your fingertips. Men have killed to become what you are.”
“I’ve been trying to banish him for months,” Eudias lamented. “Everyone’s right about me. I’m too weak.”
