“I’m surprised you didn’t refuse the pills all together!” said Jon.

“That was an option?!” said Keya.

“Of course, rule 1, Kay: there are always more options. Still, the red pill is a fine choice, more folks than you’d think choose blue.”

“You’ve done this with others?”

“In other worlds, sure. But you are the first in this one, feel special.” Jonathan gave a brief smile.

“I am not certain it is working. I feel nothing different, and you still sound insane.”

“Hmm, wha-? Oh, the pill.” Something distracted him for a second. “Nah, it’s a bit more subtle than that. Just relax, it’ll do its job.”

He was standing by the hearth tentatively perusing Keya’s humble childhood hovel. Turning about the human clapped his hands together. ”Right, it’s time we moved on.”

“Where are we going?” Asked Keya.

“I have no idea. Anywhere away from this village is an improvement and it’s best we got out before dark. While my punishment of those boys will likely keep them in the village; we are far too tempting a target if we stay longer.”

“Surely the beasts of the forest are a greater threat than their measly gang. Why not wait the night and leave in the morning?”

“Because I’m not going another night without a shower, that’s why. And in case you weren’t listening, I don’t want to kill those fuckers if I can help it. Bringing to bear lethal force on beasties is no problemo. Fear not my savvy lass; we have the ultimate fall back position. You’ll understand soon enough.”

A sigh escaped her lips. “Very well, Master, you have aided me thus far. I will trust your judgment a while longer. However, I demand clear answers when we reach this safe haven you speak of.”

“Master?!”

“Why yes, the rite you performed was initiation for apprenticeship, was it not? 'Twas a somewhat strange ritual, but magic masters are known to have their quirks. Am I mistaken?”

Jona-, Master Kelly made to reply and then stopped. “Emm, the analogue’s not bad. But call me ‘Jon’ or ‘Kel’ if you like.”

“Very well, Master Kel.”

“That… feels fucking weird.”

“Stop calling me Kay, and I will call you Kelly.”

Their eyes met uncomfortably, Keya outlasted him.

“‘Master’ it is. On to other matters. Pack your things we gotta go.” Dismissively waving at her abode. “Oh shit,” He looked up and to the side speaking to himself, or the spirits it seemed. “I forgot about the wolves. Aight, imma open a rift round back and pull out two beasties. Hilda will get the heads up when we leave. I’ll keep back one for samples and research. It might also make some good biltong and wors. After it clears the checks, of course. Any questions?”

“A plethora.”

“Any questions about leaving?”

“I will have to leave behind most of my and Grandpa’s belongings. This is quite sudden.”

The smile presently writ upon his visage appeared truly genuine and mischievous. “No you won’t Kay, we’re taking it all, take everything you want around back. Hell, even the chairs and table can come. People pay good money for this authentically rustic stuff, not to mention merchandising.”

Jon walked out of the hut. Keya, quite incredulous at her new Master’s boasted powers, nonetheless did as bade.

When she circled out to the rear of the cabin, Master Kel had already ‘retrieved’ the wolves. They gave off a faint mist as if they were cold. Yet another impossible thing her mind had no means to explain. How? They were in the glade, the wounds all matched, and now they were here. Keya placed down her load and grasped a chilly hind limb; it was no fantasy. Prickly lupine fur rasped at her palm. Relinquishing her grip—along with a foundational grasp of nature—she held further inquiry at bay. If he could transport them, then her goods were a trifle, that was knowledge enough for the interim.

She returned to her most prized possessions. Aside from her bow that was tragically splintered and strewn somewhere in the forest only two eves ago, her books were treasured above all else. Not sure how many she could bring, the entire book self had been dragged outside. If there was anything she wished to save, it was them.

That vexing arcane disk was now pinned to the cabin’s back wall. The orientation of the space beyond was correct this time, Gods be grateful, so it only moderately disconcerted her. The same rows of shelves were beyond with mystical bluish-white lights above. An assortment of colours and oddly gleaming packages assaulted her eyes. They were fabric sacks, had to be, from the way they sagged and creased under the burden of their contents. And yet their lustre, yes lustre like metal, denied they could be any manner of cloth or linen she knew. Perhaps it was well-oiled leather, but who would spare the expense? Though, the colours and gossamer thinness implied vellum. For food? In a larder? Keya shook the absurd deliberations from her mind. Worse still, the cloth was limpid like insect wings in some parts. More damned questions, I feel like I know less and less with each passing breath!

Still, she was handling the sight far better this time around, the work of the ‘pill’ I wonder. All the same, she tore her gaze away; it was best not to strain the modicum of sanity inexplicably imbued upon her.

“Good, that’ll do, just put everything down here, and I will move ‘em through.” She did so and returned to her cabin, repeating the process. Getting the table out required both of them. Keya found herself simultaneously calmed and mystified by the mundane nature of the tasks. Her wares impossibly disappeared from the pile each time she returned with more.

In no time her shack was all but bare. The beds remained, she saw no reason to leave the place unlivable. Let someone, whoever they may be, have shelter if they needed it. And with that, he nodded, and master along with apprentice departed. A lingering gaze, followed by prayer, stilled her heart at forsaking the only home she knew. Everything that might have drawn her back, save the walls themselves, was no longer there. Nay, it was with him. Keya withdrew her gaze, and they tarried no further.

Moving down the hill, Master informed the surly Hilda of the carcasses behind their cabin and their plans to embark.

Their load was light as Jonathan Kelly hoisted on his pack and exited the small village with Keya in tow. She still wore Gavin’s black jacket though it no longer held the same mystique it once had.

From stumbling out of that goblin cave only a day ago to her new apprenticeship, so much had changed. Despite the hardships, she felt an unfamiliar strength had taken root in her being. Maybe things would be all right.