The Jade Mage: The Becoming: Volume 1 Read Online Free Page B

apologize, Tartum. I spoke in jest and went too far. I missed you is all, and I must admit, not having you around for so long has put me in a foul mood.” Isidor said. Upon seeing his apology and explanation hadn’t placated his young friend, he continued; “Your father was a good man, and I swear I’ll never disrespect his memory again. So please, no more death threats, ok?” Isidor said with a smirk.
    “Apology accepted, MASTER .” Tartum responded. He knew Isidor hated to be called that, and only called him that to get under his skin. Judging by the frown on Isidor’s face, the word had the desired effect.
    “Come, I have something for you. A gift, in celebration of your sixteenth birthday.” Isidor said.
    Obediently, Tartum followed him inside.
    ...
    The wagon was as big has it had always been. There had been a change however. The farthest two sections still held the stored props and equipment required for his magic show, and the kitchen with toilet was still where it had always been. The change was in the living area of the wagon. Where there were once plush couches and extravagant tables meant for lounging and relaxation, there was now, nothing more than empty space, and thick red carpeting spread out on the floor. The shelves with the books and components, were pushed back against each other, and the pillows where Isidor slept were stacked up in a far corner of the room. Confused, Tartum turned his attention to his master. He was standing in the middle of the carpeted area, holding an extraodinary staff.
    The staff was six feet tall and three inches in diameter, at its base. The diameter gradually increased to seven inches, towards the top, where it was capped with a mushroom-shaped design. It appeared to be a solid piece of jade, and had six, half inch-wide lines of decorative gold, running down its length. The bottom of the staff was a blunted point, which made it look more like a weapon, rather than just an aid for walking. The gold lines glittered along its base, and gave the staff a very elegant look. The gold spiralled around the mushroom-shaped top, giving the impression of a whirlpool, if you stared at it long enough. Tartum had never seen anything more breathtaking in his life.
    Isidor saw Tartum’s eyes, absorbing the staff and smiled, knowing how excited he would be once he gave it to him.
    “Yes, it’s yours Tartum. Happy belated sixteenth birthday.” Isidor held out the staff for him to take.
    Half numb with shock, Tartum took the staff from him and held it in front of him. It was HEAVY. At least a good forty pounds if it was an ounce. The weight didn’t bother Tartum. In fact, it only made the staff seem more exquisit, more substantial in his hands.
    “Thank you...thank you so much! I...I don’t know what to say. Thank you, Isidor!” Tartum stammered in his delight.
    “Heh, don’t thank me yet, pupil. Every good caster needs a good weapon. Something he can fall back on if the magic fails him, or rather, if HE fails the magic. I’ve noticed you have been failing the magic more than you’ve been succeeding with it, and I decided, now that you’re sixteen, it’s time for you to learn how to fight and defend yourself. The world can be a violent place.” Isidor took on his instructor posture now, and the change in Tartum’s demeanor let him know he was paying attention.
    “Now, as you know, jade and gold aren’t the most suitable of substances to make a weapon with. In fact they’re terrible choices. Therefore, I took the liberty of enchanting your staff with spells of fortification. Your staff is as durable as folded steel and will serve you quite well, once you’ve learned to use it. Also, seeing as the staff is enchanted, do not, I repeat, DO NOT attempt to add further enchantments to it. No material of this world can hold more than one enchantment. To try to add another would only destroy your weapon and possibly burn you out in the process.”
    Tartum nodded his