Chapter 3.2:

In the afternoon, several customers arrived and placed orders. Both Paul and I had a lot of opportunities to improve on our sales -talk. By early evening, however, we were exhausted.

“Good work today, lads.” Abram commended as he closed up the store. “After the ore shipment in two days to the City Engineer, we should have broken even. I think Lord Chase would be happy to know that we’ve exceeded our initial projections. We may not even need a stipend next month.”

“That’s amazing!” I remarked. I shot Paul an excited look and he gave me a thumbs up in response.

“Aye. Now let’s go over some of the negotiating styles I saw earlier from you two.” Abram said as he switched to his instructor tone.

“Paul, good work on closing the deal for those recycled paper materials but next time don’t lead in with the mark down. I know it's been a long day son, but those traders would have probably paid 10% more than what we closed on. Always try to exceed the goals.” Abram chided.

“Sorry, pa. I really rushed to close that deal. The guy I was talking to seemed like he was balking.” Paul said apologetically.

“Aye. You got taken in by that one. He was fidgeting the entire time. Don’t be afraid to push for the higher price to start with. It’s a fairly fast moving product. Recycled paper materials have many uses so even if he balks, we could always still sell them to someone else. Besides, with the volume we trade, 10% is a pretty sizable difference.” Abram explained.

“Right, right. Got it pa.” Paul nodded.

“Adi.” Abram turned to me.

I sat up straight. “Yeah, dad?”

“You’re getting better at talking to the customers. But you have to brush up on the alternatives we can offer if what they’re looking for is out of stock. There are some items we can upsell, especially for herbs. An alchemist would probably need specific items but for regular customers that just need cures for common ailments, it shouldn’t be a problem. Like that man who was asking for a Grade B cure-all pod for his headaches, you could have suggested a jar of our black moss. It would cost him less, and it would be a guaranteed sale for us. A sale today is better than a promise tomorrow.” Abram said as he started doing inventory.

I looked down. “Sorry, dad. I’m still studying the manual you gave me. It’s hard for me to remember all of them. I’ll do better.”

Abram stopped to turn to me. “It’s alright, son. You’re still learning. I know it’s been hard trying to familiarize ourselves with the new products. But expanding from just appraising and selling ore is what allowed us to really get the store going.”

“I’m not complaining, dad. It’s great to know this stuff.” I replied quickly.

“Alright then. I’ll just finish up the inventory and the ledgers. Paul, start appraising the new shipment of ore from the Roost in those crates over there. Adi, go do your project.” Abram instructed.

“Alright, dad.” Paul and I said in unison.

Paul started unboxing the crates while I headed down to the basement.

I opened the lock door with a key and sat in the workbench in the middle of the room where a beautiful sword was resting on the table top.

I sat down and sighed.

Man. I wonder if I’ll get it today.

I raised my right hand and closed my eyes. I took a few slow breaths and then concentrated the flow of mana into my fingertips.

I tried to imagine the sword in my mind’s eye. Then I imagined the sword slowly dissolving into dust. I thought I felt a slight tingle in my finger tips.

I opened my eyes.

No blue light.

I sighed and wrote down the imagery I used in the nearby notebook.

I’ve almost filled this up.

I started flipping through the many pages listing the imagery I’ve tried to replicate the magic I somehow used in the Valera Manor months ago.

Suddenly, I had a stroke of inspiration.

Maybe I just need to imagine the exact same scene?

I closed my eyes again and tried to recall what happened on that fateful day.

I imagined the ornate room. The smell of blood and charred flesh. I imagined myself in the corner holding the beautiful sword instead of the Valera knife. I imagined Lady Vela towering over me preparing to strike me down. I tried to recall the fear I felt. I imagined the blue light enveloping the sword. I opened my eyes.

Nothing.

I pounded the table angrily.

“Still no luck?” A voice called out from the doorway.

I immediately turned in that direction and saw Abram carrying two mugs of hot tea. The smell of the steeping sweet dried leaves seemed to calm me down. He walked in and set down a mug near me.

“No… Sorry, dad. I’m really trying.” I said dejectedly as I grabbed the mug and took a sip.

Abram set down his own mug and picked up my notebook. He started flipping through the pages. “This is quite the effort son.”

I shook my head. “I don’t know how else to make it work. I really wish someone could just teach me about this.”

Abram looked at me sadly. “I know, son. But like I told you before, we have to keep this endeavor absolutely secret for all our sakes. A lot of complications can crop up if people learn about what you can do. In any case, we’ve already made subtle inquiries in the Royal Archives. It does appear that your ability is entirely unique. Or maybe just something that they chose not to record.”

I continued to stare at my tea.

“Don’t be too hard on yourself, son. No one expects you to get it right away. Don’t feel too pressured.” Abram said in a kind tone.

“Yeah but what if Lord Chase asks why it’s taking so long?” I said betraying a hint of the anxiety I felt everyday.

Abram shook his head. “Lord Chase knows better than anyone that this is a herculean task. None of us have ever tried to come up with new magic. All we know has been passed down to us by our own forefathers. You’re essentially doing what the Royal Scholars do. That’s no easy feat. Trust me, he understands. All he asks is that you don’t give up.”

I nodded and continued sipping my tea. “Okay dad.”

Abram tousled my hair. “Alright, I’ll leave you to it. When the hour is up, head on upstairs. I told Paul we’re having dinner at the Wooded Inn tonight.”

I looked at him with excitement. “Really? Can I have the lamb stew?”

Abram chuckled. “Of course, my boy.” He then headed up the stairs.

I turned back to the sword with renewed determination. “I’m going to figure you out.”

I started going over my notes again.

Hmm… the tingle earlier was kind of new. Maybe I’m in the right direction with that one.

I started trying different variations of dissolving imagery.

After the hour was up, I went upstairs and saw that Abram and Paul were also finishing up writing down the certifications for the appraised ore.

“Still haven’t figured it out yet. But I think I made some progress.” I announced. “How was this week’s shipment?”

Paul slapped the side of the crate with the sticker certification that read “Grade A”, and looked at me proudly. “We’re officially carrying Grade A ore.”

“That’s great!” I said excitedly.

“Aye, good work on this son. Your accuracy is definitely getting better. You only missed a few chunks.” Abram said equally proud.

Paul held out his chest. “By the time I graduate from the academy in two years, I think I can get the official appraiser certification, pa.”

Abram chuckled. “Now now, don’t get ahead of yourself. Overconfidence and complacency leads to many men’s downfall.”

Paul grinned. “Well, this is great for business regardless. Adi! Master Leery needs some Grade B ore right? We have two crates of those that have been consigned to us. I’ll help you deliver them tomorrow.”

“Oh, that’s okay! I can just take them with me when I go for my evening lessons later.” I replied.

Abram and Paul exchanged looks.

“What?” I asked curiously.

“Nothing nothing. I’ve drawn up the paperwork for it. Make sure to have Master Leery sign the purchase order form, okay?” Abram reminded.

“Yes, dad. I got it.” I replied.

“Alright! Let’s go and grab some dinner.” Abram remarked as we headed out for dinner.

At the Wooded Inn, Mister Macalaugh greeted us immediately and directed us to a private room.

“We’re not going to our usual table?” I asked.

“Ah, no. We have some guests dining with us this evening.” Abram replied.

We entered the room and my eyes widened. Master Leery and Sister Anna were already seated inside.

“Sister Anna!” I shouted as I ran to hug her.

Sister Anna stood up to receive my hug. “Hello, dear. How are you?”

“I’m doing great! What are you doing here with Master Leery?” I asked.

Master Leery cleared his throat and glared at me.

“I mean, with Guy.” I said in a small voice.

Sister Anna shot him a reproachful look. “Must you insist on being called by your first name? It makes him uncomfortable.”

“Aye, all due respect, madam. I’ll have him call me whatever I want.” Guy said stubbornly.

I looked at the two of them staring daggers at each other and turned to Abram for help.

“Please everyone, let’s not spoil the evening. It’s a very important day after all.” Abram said, trying to calm them down.

Important day?

“What’s happening today?” I asked.

Everyone looked at me with concern.

“Uh... so you weren’t kidding earlier? Bro, it’s your birthday today.” Paul said incredulously.

I was stunned.

“I completely forgot.” I said quietly.

“Ha ha! It’s no wonder you seemed surprised that we were going out tonight.” Abram chuckled.

“So is that why Sister Anna and Guy are here?” I asked.

Abram nodded affectionately.

“That’s really nice of you guys to come here for me.” I said trying to hold back my tears.

Stop! Don’t cry!

“Does that mean we won’t have evening lessons tonight, Guy?” I said unsure.

“Aye. But only tonight. Don’t be expecting that I’m going soft on you.” Guy grunted.

“You make him work this late?” Sister Anna said with a menacing look.

“What’s it to you?” Guy retorted.

“Please, let’s not squabble and just celebrate Adi’s big day.” Abram pleaded.

“That’s right. Here’s a special feast just for you, lad.” Mister Macalaugh entered the room with several dishes including my favorite lamb stew.

“Oh. And here’s something special from Fleur.” Mister Macalaugh added as he went out to grab something from the kitchen.

He came back to bring in a small cake coated in a fluffy cream. “He sends his regards.”

I looked at all the food, the wonderful cake, and all the smiling faces around me. I said a small prayer of gratitude in my heart. “Thank you, everyone, so much!”

“Happy birthday, Adi!” Everyone greeted me in reply.