Inching closer, he can hear that Eric is talking about Uncle Corwin.
Gerrik wants to see who Eric is talking to and listen to more of the conversation, so he steps forward. There is a loud snap. Gerrik cringes, knowing that he just stepped on a twig.
Eric turns quickly.
"Who's there?"
The unknown figure disappears around a dark alley.
"Come out, whoever you are!" Eric bellows as he draws his sword.
Gerrik knew he was in trouble. He would rather be in trouble than be dead.
Gerrik releases the Veil. Eric is taken aback when seeing Gerrik.
"What are you doing?" Eric grabs Gerrik with one hand and slams him against a wall.
"Why are you sneaking up on me?" Eric fumes.
Gerrik swallows hard. He can tell his uncle is extremely upset.
"I'm sorry Uncle, I was out here practicing a new trick that Uncle Brand taught me. I was going to show you, but I saw you were busy so I was waiting until you were done. I'm sorry."
Eric lets him down, but grabs Gerrik's face.
"Tricks can lead to the death of you. I do not think you should be meddling in magic Runt. You will get yourself killed." Eric lets go of Gerrik's face roughly.
Gerrik squints in pain but only apologizes again. Eric turns and leaves.
"Remember what I said runt."
Gerrik is terrified. He runs back to castle and goes to his favorite place to think. He had to think things over. Should he really be delving in magic? What of Eric's statements? Would it really get him killed? When he finally reaches his thinking place he looks around to see if anyone is there.
When satisfied, Gerrik sits down in front of the glowing pattern and starts to contemplate. He sits there pondering for nearly an hour without being any closer on deciding if to give up magic.
"Magic is a part of you son, if you abandon it, you will never be whole as a person."
"DAMMIT!" Gerrik yells and lays down in anguish.
Gerrik jumps up in fright and looks for the owner of the voice. He turns to see a tiny old man with a scraggly beard.
"Who are you? I thought I was alone?" He stares at the old man trying to figure out where he came from.
"Ha! You're not alone now!" He scratches his beard and eyes Gerrik.
"You are a very gifted boy Gerrik, the magic that runs through you can be dangerous as Eric told you, but it also can be a very rewarding and an invaluable part of your life. The choice is yours on how to use it." Gerrik eyes the old man.
"Soon the pattern will call on you to walk it's path and your gift will be even more powerful." The old man reaches into his pocket, searching for something. He pulls out a silver looking ring and hands it to Gerrik.
"What's this?"
The little man laughs. "When you are able to focus your talent, you will discover what that ring does. It is a gift."
The old man turns and starts to walk away. Gerrik looks at the ring, he feels a certain warmness coming from it. He slides it on his finger. The ring feels like it always sat around his finger.
"Why, ahh, thank you ... I didn't catch your name sir?"
The old man cackles as he walks into the darkness.
"Ha! You can call me Gramps!"
| Tuesday, September 30, 1997 |
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