Aldric sat in a vacant seat across from the architect's chair. The room was damp and smelled old. A putrid odor, slightly sour on his nose, filled the room. The sounds of the morning tweets from birds outside rang through the chamber like a masterful symphony.
Felix, the architect's falcon, rested on his perch, plucking at his molting feathers. Aldric waited, hoping the bird would alert his mentor, but he didn't even seem to notice him sitting there. It wasn't long before the moon began falling from the sky, and the sun began its ascension. When the golden rays of the morning sun peeked in through the architect's window, Felix raised his head. The bird made a sound similar to somebody clearing their throat and squawked loudly.
A moment passed, and then another, nothing. Felix's proud look faltered as the bird slightly glanced up at the architect's chamber door. Again, the bird squawked, this time with more energy. Both Aldric and the falcon now sat, watching the chamber door intently. Aldric picked at his fingernails under the table, waiting for something, anything to happen.
Then, with a heavy whoosh and crash, the chamber door swung open. The handle smacked against the railing, and the door bounced back toward its jamb. A pale, thin-skinned hand extended, stopping the door flat before it could close again.
"Yes, yes. Thank you, Felix," the architect said, his voice soft and exhausted. His cane tapped each stair heavily as he slowly headed down.
Thunk…
Thunk…
Thunk…
Time seemed to pause around Aldric as he heard the heavy thuds coming toward him. At that moment, it all became real. He knew that this conversation would be his first step to leaving the veil. He was ready to fight for world peace and prepared to do it in any way necessary. However, not knowing exactly what that would entail made him nervous.
He wasn't scared, but he had a pit in the base of his stomach that, no matter what he did, wouldn't subside. The closer the architect's steps got, the slower time became. He felt stuck, watching from behind the eyes of an empty shell.
"I apologize for keeping you waiting, dear boy," the architect offered his hand to shake. Aldric was ripped from his stasis and shook himself into reality. He quickly reached out and shook the man's hand.
"Not a problem, sir. I wasn't here very long," he lied.
"Ah, Aldric, always so quick to forgive. It's very rare to find someone with a heart as big as yours," the architect smiled at the thoughtful notion.
"Nonetheless, an old fool knows when to take accountability. So please, accept my sincerest apology," he finished, shooting a thankful glance at the boy.
"I forgive you, sir, thank you," Aldric bowed. There was a pause between them. A moment where it felt that Aldric was gazing into the milky abyss that was the architect's eyes, and the architect was gazing right back into his. Aldric didn't feel any new sense of comfort, but his nerves seemed to alleviate slightly before the conversation began.
"The next steps in your training will be more physical this term," the architect began, avoiding an icebreaker.
"W-what does that entail?" Aldric asked, picking at a zit scab behind his ear.
"The last six years have been focused on harnessing your magical aptitude and learning to harness and control your skills. With that, there may come a time when magic isn't enough," the architect continued, never breaking eye contact.
Aldric leaned back slightly and continued to pay attention.
"This term will focus on the physical side of your journey. You will still attend classes, but you will be the only student attending this term. Now, with this being the case, I am willing to offer a second position to a flock member of your choice. Be mindful, these courses aren't for the weak and will require near mastery of the basic runes," the architect finished his statement and paused for a response.
Obviously, Aldric thought of Harden, but he worried his friend's magical ability was still lacking. The idea flopped around his mind for a moment, but he couldn't seem to decide.
"C-can I think about that part?" He muttered. The architect nodded and smiled.
"Now, I'm almost certain you're hung up on what I told you about this meeting. Yes, these are the first steps in leaving the veil. In order to begin your fight for world peace, I must ensure that you're fully trained in every aspect. Can I trust you to fulfill your duties as my right hand? Can I trust that you will focus on your studies, and not on your goal of leaving?" He asked, not waiting for an answer.
Aldric gazed at the man thoughtfully and then down at his hands. His right hand was covered in the ink he'd spilled in the library, leaving a smudged palm print on the table. He understood his assignment, as well as his placement. He was ready to finish his training, and he was preparing to pursue his goal.
"I won't let you down, sir," he insisted, standing and extending his hand to shake again. The air brushed the architect's frayed hair, and the ink invaded his nose. He smirked and stood as well.
"You never have, son," the architect gripped his soiled hand in his and shook it firmly once. Aldric glanced at Felix, who had begun plucking his feathers by the bunch.
"Thank you, architect. I hope that remains a fact," Aldric nodded, and turned to leave the office.
"Before you go," the architect called after him. The door creaked, stopped, and swung open again. The boy's head poked back into the office and gazed back at the man.
"Be sure to take a pouch of raspberries with you on your next trip to the library. Moxxy isn't quick to forgive, but her stomach is," he smiled. Aldric chuckled to himself, and with a soft thud, he was gone.