Chapter 12

It took Raiel a while to find the building, where he was supposed to meet with his new overseer. He’d gotten up early as always, so he had plenty of time to search. He didn’t know what to expect from the work they expected him to do. As far as he had been told by Hacy, the tasks could consist of anything that needed doing on the vast campus grounds. Anything from menial tasks and physical labor to delivering messages and packages to various locations on campus.

The building had a large backyard with several work projects in different states of completion, and inside was an office with a mess of papers and tools strewn about disorderly. A handful of people were either doing paperwork or drawing plans on a blackboard. They noticed him, but made no move to engage him.

Closest to Raiel, an older, white-haired man in blue overalls sat by a small table, scribbling away furiously in a notebook. He had a full beard, also completely white. In addition to the pencil he was writing with, another pencil rested behind his ear. He was bent over and focused on his work, so he didn’t notice Raiel come in before the boy cleared his throat. He looked up at Raiel with a quick glance, but went back to his work without a word, scribbling away at the same rapid pace as before. A minute later he collected the documents lying around the table into a neat stack, placing his pencil on top of the pile, and went over to a rack, where he picked through a row of black coats. After brief consideration, he chose one that looked like it could fit the now boy.

“I’m Jack, and I’m the foreman here. Let’s go.” the old man said offhandedly, as he threw the coat to Raiel on the way out of the door. Raiel put on the coat, on the back of which the words ‘service and dedication’ were written.

Outside, they made their way around the side of the building, where an entirely wooden, but well-built shed stood against the wall. The white-haired man retrieved a small key from a pouch in his belt, and used it to open a crude and heavy padlock. Hanging the padlock on a thick nail hammered into the wood next to the door, he pulled up the latch on the door with a loud, metallic clack.

Raiel followed him inside, revealing interior walls covered in a myriad of tools. The old man went straight to a large worktable, where he opened one of many drawers, taking out a pouch similar to the one he bore himself. He walked around the shed, picking out various tools, which he arranged neatly in the elastic holders sewn into the pouch along its outer pockets.

He grabbed the waist of Raiel’s pants, checking the fit. He went down on a knee to attach the pouch to the belt loops on Raiel’s hips. He checked it by pulling on it, and concluded that it was fastened securely. “Always keep this pouch on your person during work hours.” he instructed. “Never know when you’ll need ‘em, you see.” Raiel nodded, doubting he would get much use out of those tools before he even knew what they were.

“You won’t get to use them just yet, though. We’ll keep you on delivery duty for the next week or two. After that, I’ll find a guy you can help and learn from.” he said. “I know, you’re only here part time once your classes start, but let’s see if we can’t turn you into a skilled worker, eh?” The old man nodded and went to another drawer and pulled out a large, rolled-up piece of paper, along with a round metal contraption.” He spread it out on the worktable, beckoning Raiel to join him at his side.

“Since you’re new to the place, I’ll give you a map you can consult on your errands.” he explained. “Are you able to use a map?”

When Raiel answered that he wasn’t, the white-haired man proceeded to lecture him on the uses of a map for the following hour, showing him the function of the strange contraption called a compass and teaching him to read and follow a map to reach a desired destination. Raiel was especially fascinated by the apparent detail and accuracy of the depiction of the campus. He imagined how big a map of the entire world must be. If he possessed such an awesome object, could he then go anywhere? It was a captivating thought, to say the least, but it couldn’t be. The world was too big to be contained on rolls of paper.

When people needed their services, they would, through an underground system of conductive metal wires connected to most major buildings in the vibrant college town, send energy impulses to a receiver in the office. An impulse would be sent through, and on the receiving end, a copy of the impulse sent back would signal that someone in the office was ready to index the assignment, and subsequently accept or deny. They had established a set of codes, which determined the nature of the work that needed to be done. Raiel was surprised to discover that, despite the generally low aptitude for controlling this energy, people still found a way to utilize it effectively in their daily lives.

After the instructions, the old man sent Raiel out on errands. Using the map and compass turned out to be doable, and he was able to find his way around town without too many problems. He took wrong turns, or misread it a few times, but otherwise, it was quite straightforward and logical.

He spent the seven hours he was scheduled to work running around with letters and packages, and sometimes there were lists of items he had to gather and deliver. Oftentimes, when he arrived somewhere, there were additional tasks to be done, since people jumped at the chance for his assistance when it was available.

For the first time, he was handling money. He’d been instructed to keep all cash received in his belt pouch and turn it in by the end of his shift. Unlike the other workers from the office, he, unfortunately, would not be paid any wages, since they all went to his tuition. And if Yaeth was correct, the school had already provided a serious discount if the amount he had to work every week covered it. However, sometimes, when they saw how young and energetic he was, the client would ruffle his hair and hand him a few extra coins. ‘for himself’, as they said. And since they were not actually part of the payment, but more of a personal courtesy, it almost felt rude not to spend them on something. Yes, that made sense.

He got directions to the bakery he’d discovered together with Yaeth on his first day, and rushed there, remembering the delicious taste of the cream puffs. The baker recognized him straight away and brought out a plate of freshly baked cream puffs. Raiel bought two, and the baker squeezed out a big wad of chocolate sauce on top of each, before he packed them in a paper bag.

As he ate his pastries with glee, he strolled about, looking for a certain place Yaeth had told him about. The library building. According to Yaeth, it was home to thousands upon thousands of books. Books of all kinds could be found there, whether you sought practical and academic knowledge, or even just a nice fiction.

This would help him to better understand the society he’d landed in, so he could tackle situations correctly. This was where he would start. With access to such an array of books, he could find any information he wished. If he was right, and the power surges and transformations he sometimes experienced in times of stress or danger was indeed infusion, then he would learn what he could about it here, before hopefully finding further help here, at the College.

When he finished both cakes without having found it, he resorted to asking for directions again.

The enormous double doors were flanked by a pair of thick and heavy stone pillars on each side, producing a grand and magnificent sight. The dozen steps up to the doors from street level were also beautiful, polished stone with veins of color running through the material. When he pushed open the doors, he heard himself gasp with wonder, as shelf upon shelf of books, both new and old, filled the huge interior space. People milled about, speaking quietly, creating a cozy atmosphere of calm contentment.

The shelves were so incredibly tall, that some of the books required one to climb ladders to gain access to them. These ladders seemed to be affixed to a metal frame on the upper rim of the shelves, enabling them to slide sideways along the frame.

In the middle, between the shelves, a great circular table stood. On the table were stacks of books, and in the center of the table was a hole in which a librarian sat, sorting the books and checking their condition.

When Raiel approached the bespectacled woman, he was promptly informed, that he would not be allowed to borrow any of the books before he possessed a valid library card. In order to acquire such a card, he would have to provide a signed document of enrollment. He remembered those documents. They were in his room, in a drawer.

First, he sprinted back to the office building, where he deposited the day’s pay and returned his work coat to the rack, taking care to remember which one was his. Then he went to the tool shed and placed tools and pouch in their appropriate places. Jack, who remained buried in paperwork, thanked him for his work and sent him on his way.

In his room, Yaeth hadn’t returned yet, so Raiel just grabbed his papers and ran back to the library. The librarian scrutinized the document for a long moment, before disappearing down behind the counter, rustling through papers in one of many drawers. When she came back up, she held a rectangular shape of smooth, white material, along with an odd implement that resembled the gaping mouth of a wolf and a box of small metal squares with letters on them.

The librarian proceeded to fit one letter square into the socket in the implement and punching a perfect, letter-shaped hole through the rectangle. She exchanged the letter for another one, and soon, she had printed his name expertly into the new library card. She handed it to him and told him he was now free to borrow from the library, albeit with a limit. Additionally, all borrowed books were to be returned within two weeks, unless otherwise specified.

He immediately asked her for books on infusion and the cultivation of such abilities. He also wanted books on woodcraft and history. He wanted to understand how these humans had come to develop so drastically, into a society of technology and innovation. He also wanted to start early on learning more about the forest and living in the wild. He had what one might call a personal interest there, after all.

“I can provide you with books on all those subjects.” she said. “However, the readily available information on infusion is… restricted.” The librarian cleared her throat and adjusted her glasses with two fingers, shooting him a half smile. “You’re not the first boy with dreams of slaying beasts and fighting in wars to come ask for books. Unfortunately, I must tell you, like I tell all of them, that you won’t learn anything worth your time in those texts. Maybe, if you already had some ability, the theory would help you understand it better. But, it is just that – theory.”

“Anyway, I’ll write down the locations of a few titles.” she said as she took a notepad from the desk and scribbled down a few book titles. “I’ll let you take out five of them.” she finished and handed him the piece of paper she had torn off the pad.

Tracking down the eight titles she had written down proved simple, but time-consuming. Each of the large shelves’ sides were numbered and clusters of books were then further sectioned. Raiel couldn’t figure out the system by which they were ordered, but he was sure there was one. He decided to get his hands on all eight and then pick his five from those. He wanted to take home at least one of each of the three topics.

Some of the books he had to climb the ladders to get. The ladders could slide smoothly all the way from one side to the other, and when Raiel pushed it hard into motion and jumped onto it, he flew along the rows of books with exhilarating speed. He took the ride a few times, laughing joyfully, until he was harshly reprimanded by a passing librarian, who froze with a horrified gasp when she saw the way he was treating the delicate structure.

He took a seat at one of the tables placed around the library, spreading all the books out to get a better overview of them. He chose the two titles on infusion right away, as they both were quite thin. Then he chose one of the two on woodcraft and two on general history. As instructed, he brought them to the front desk to check them out, after returning the last three to their respective places.

Raiel, with the precious books securely in the backpack, ventured into the forest behind his dorm again, where he’d start his research. Quickly finding his way back to the old oak where he’d laid yesterday, he slid down into a sitting position with his back against the grey-brown, gnarled trunk. He opened his backpack and took out the two books on infusion theory. He read the titles again. It struck him how inadequate his vocabulary truly was, as even the titles contained words he didn’t understand.

‘Infusion – A study of the observed effects and side effects on the human body’

‘A brief history of the use and acquisition of the natural energies’

The spines and pages crackled as the old books were opened. Raiel read the first few lines of ‘Infusion – A study of the observed effects and side effects on the human body’ and sighed deeply, realizing that he would have to make do with only a general understanding of the advanced and complicated content, either partly or entirely missing details in the text. He considered making a list of the words he didn’t know, so he could consult with Yaeth later, but thought that they would both get tired of that quickly. Well, maybe just the very hardest would be alright. He read on, determined to learn.

‘… By harnessing the peculiar and mysterious substance present in every living thing – a form of vital energy, perhaps – a scarce number of rare individuals may reinforce and strengthen their physical- and mental faculties, as well as alter their body and the way they interact with the world.

The exact source of this energy and the cause of its most remarkable and unusual effects on the body remain undetermined and highly discussed, but can perhaps be properly ascertained by tracing its origins back to the ‘Evocation’, initiated by the Vaalr, some three and a half thousand years ago.

However, it must be said, that not all physical reactions to such truly volatile energies are positive. Rumors suggests, that continued or prolonged imbuement of energy deteriorates tissue and breaks down one’s natural resistance to ailments. In short: we, as humans, are not made to hold such turbulent forces within our bodies.

There are legends of individuals who have managed to transcend such limits. However, this, even among the gifted, is inconceivably rare – as well as unproven, for that matter. Furthermore, if reaching said peaks were indeed a possibility, one would assume, that a life in seclusion would be among the only ways to deepen oneself into the necessary focus for advancements of this caliber.

It can be inferred, that this energetic substance flows through all things, is absorbed by all things, and is produced by all things, even humans. By directing the flow, one can enhance and influence body and mind to perform extraordinary feats. Humans’ natural capacity for storing and utilizing the substance is very limited, as is evident by the abilities of most persons, including myself. The events during the ‘Evocation’ enabled some to forcefully stockpile energy within themselves, thus setting them apart from other humans…’

Raiel struggled to get through the section of text. This was complicated. Very complicated. And he was a slow reader. Neither book was very long, relatively. Certainly no more than forty pages each. Admittedly, that was a fair number higher than either of the two books he had been given by Komren. And there were many times more text on each page.

He was quite certain, that he had managed to grasp the general content, but was also painfully aware of an abundance of things he’d had no clue about. There did seem to be some useful parts in the texts, though.

If this energy, which was described in the texts, truly flowed throughout him naturally, then couldn’t he just seize control of it? It was part of him, after all. Nothing to do but try.

He sat up properly, instead of the half slump he’d laid in while he read. He closed his eyes and focused on his breathing, looking within himself for the presence of the mysterious energy. He tried to visualize the flowing waves and rushing streams. Sure enough, he was able to discern minute activity when he searched for it. It reminded him of what he thought blood must look like, flowing through his limbs. Despite being unsure of how to proceed, he attempted to direct the flow into just his left index finger, doing what the passage in the book had described. It worked.

Although diminutive, like the general flow through his body, there was definitely a direction to it, a slightly denser concentration in his finger. While doing his best to keep his concentration on the continuous flow, he buried his finger in the ground beside him, piercing the ground down to the knuckle. It met remarkably little resistance, or at least it felt like there was hardly any resistance. He pulled it out and looked at it, seeing that there was no visible change to his finger, other than the dirt covering it and under the nails.

Next, he attempted to focus it into the entirety of his arm, up to and including the shoulder. Again, with eyes closed, he let his mind relax as he sensed the energy circulating within. He sat for a long moment, getting used to the feeling and rhythm of the flux, before he grasped it, like he would grasp a hare by the neck. Aiming to force it towards his left arm, he felt it obey his will. Slowly, it concentrated in his muscles, and he noticed a buzzing in his forearm and bicep. It built gradually, but then dissipated just as quickly, scattering into him once more.

Oh well, it was to be expected, that he couldn’t simply do everything on his first conscious try. Perhaps, a period of acclimation to the strange new presence he now was able to perceive inside himself was essential, in order to develop a proficiency in control. Still, the ease with which he had found himself capable of directing the force into his finger seemed almost intuitive, streaming acquiescently to the desired location.

He got an idea, and tried to feel for a flow outside his body, instead projecting his mind outwards, probing for the now recognizable substance. Unexpectedly, he found it present all around him, and unlike his own internal energy, it floated fluidly, almost like a liquid. Upon this discovery, he sought to extend his dominance to his surroundings, but found his will and power lacking. There was a definite response to his attempt, but the reaction was as good as non-existent.

Immediately, he understood that there would be no progress on that front for the time being, and instead went back to practicing imbuing just his fingers with the energy. He made himself comfortable and settled in for an hour or two of training, before he’d go to the dining hall to find something to eat.