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Bauden
“Master Deriam!” he cried as he threw open the door and strode in. He frowned as he looked around the empty office. Where was Master Deriam? Bauden cursed himself for a fool. Why would Master Deriam be in his office when there were runners due to foal any day now? Bauden took off for the stables but again was disappointed. The only people in the stables were a few other apprentices and Journeymen. He frowned again and asked one of the Journeymen if they’d seen Master Deriam anywhere. “I saw him this morning,” replied the girl with a shrug. “He got a message delivered to him by dragonback and ran inside. Haven’t seen him since.” “Thanks,” replied Bauden with a frown. He decided to try the Master’s quarters, though Deriam usually didn’t like to be disturbed when he was in his rooms. His office was always open, but his rooms were always closed. Nevertheless Bauden headed for the young man’s quarters. Determined to find out if he’s discovered the anomaly that gave the runner that confounding white spot. Deriam was indeed in his rooms, opening the door to Bauden’s polite knock. Expecting a scolding, Bauden winced as the door was opened and his eyebrows rose in surprise when Deriam grinned happily and practically knocked the young man into the room with his enthusiastic back thumping. “Bauden!” he grinned. “What can I do for you?” “I think I’ve figured it out, Sir,” said Bauden cautiously, holding out the book he’d been carrying with him. “Hmm? Figured what out?” “Why that foal has a white spot on his fetlock,” replied Bauden, surprised the Master had forgotten. “Ah, yes, of course. What did you find?” “Well, sir, this is very interesting, I’m shocked we managed to overlook it before,” said Bauden, eagerness in his voice as he opened the book to the appropriate page and laid it out on a nearby table. “If you follow the sire’s genetic line back a few generations you come to this stallion here. He seems to have been born a healthy bay, but at the time of his first mating here...he’s listed as a gray!” “Indeed,” said Master Deriam, a bemused smile on his face as Bauden pointed out the appropriate records. “It seems sometime between birth and adulthood the stallion’s fur started growing white. I’d be willing to bet that our jet black runner will also be gray by the time he’s reached full adulthood.” “Good job, Bauden!” said Deriam and turned away, heading deeper into his chambers where Bauden could here him opening and closing drawers and cabinets. “Sir?” called Bauden, a bit nervously. “I got it right, didn’t I?” “Of course you did,” Deriam said, poking his head out the door to his bedchamber, a stack of clothing in his hands. He then disappeared behind the door again. Bauden frowned, “Well then, Master Deriam...I, well, that is, I was wondering. I’m up for Journeyman soon, and I wondered. Since I did figure it out...” Deriam poked his head out the door again with a quirky smile on his lips. “You want me to recommend you, eh, Bauden?” “I had hoped...” Bauden trailed off, embarrassed that he’d asked. “Don’t worry, my friend,” said Deriam as he yet again walked back into the bedchamber, “it’s already taken care of. I recommended you on a provisional basis, and an explanation of the foal’s imperfection was to be the test. You’ll make Journeyman as soon as I inform the Masterbeastcrafter that you passed the test I set for you.” “Thank you, Master Deriam!” gasped Bauden, unable to believe he’d be making Journeyman that soon. “Just think of all the experiments we’ll be able to try when I become Journeyman!” “All the experiments YOU’LL be able to try,” corrected Deriam from his bedchamber. “But with your guidance of course,” replied Bauden, grinning now. “I’m afraid you’ll have to find a new advisor, Bauden,” said Deriam, reemerging from his bedchamber. “I’ve finally been given the job I’ve always wanted. I’m going to be involved in a special breeding program where they need my genetic expertise.” “Where will you be going, Sir?” asked Bauden, his smile fading, being replaced by a frown. “That’s not important, in fact it’s a bit of a secret. The important thing is I’ll be doing what I’ve always wanted to do and I’ll be the one in charge...for the most part.” “Congratulations, Master, I wish you luck in your new venture,” said Bauden, nodding his head and turning to leave. Not understanding the feeling of betrayal in the pit of his stomach, he only knew he didn’t want to lay eyes on Deriam anymore that day and he left ignoring Deriam calling after him. “Here now, Bauden, what’s wrong? There are plenty of other Masters here that you can work with. Bauden?” Bauden started running, afraid that Deriam would chase him and see the tears in his eyes. He didn’t understand why he was so upset about all this. He should be happy for his friend and Master, but he couldn’t, he felt like he was being abandoned, again. Continue... |