Chapter 16: Learning The Art (Part III)
The front door shut as Lucas’s eyes opened. He sat up. It was morning.
“Oh, I apologize if I awoke you,” said Iris. “I’ve just returned from delivering a batch of potions. Did you rest well?”
Lucas stretched. “Yeah... I needed it.”
“I’ve caught up on my work for the time being,” Iris said. “After breakfast, would you possibly be interested in giving conjuring another try?”
Lucas yawned. “Sure.” If I can finally get the hang of this conjuring stuff, I’ll be able to learn one of those healing spells. Then I can work on getting home.
She smiled. “Excellent.”
As Iris walked toward the kitchen, Lucas quickly turned to her. “Iris.”
“Yes?” she replied, stopping and turning back toward him.
“Do you have some parchment and a pen I can use? I want to write a letter to Grandpa, just in case I’m stuck here for a while... so he knows what’s going on. It’ll probably make it home before I do.”
She smiled. “Certainly. One moment please.” She went upstairs, returning moments later with a pen, some ink, an envelope, and a piece of parchment. She placed the items on the coffee table.
“Thanks,” said Lucas. Iris nodded and went into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
While she was gone, Lucas began writing the letter, summarizing all of the events which had occurred since his departure from the house. Given Iris’s reaction to his story, he included that he realized it would be hard to believe but assured that he would be heading homeward as soon as possible to explain in further detail. He told his grandpa not to worry, and that he was currently learning magic techniques which would aid him on his journey back to the Cymbeline area. When he was finished, Lucas folded the parchment and slipped it inside of the envelope. After addressing it to his home, he proceeded into the kitchen to acquire the return address from Iris. She provided him with the requested information and took the letter, informing him that she would deliver it to the post office later that day.
Once they had eaten breakfast and dressed themselves, the pair proceeded to the backyard to begin their practice session. Lucas was wearing in the same clothing he had borrowed the previous day. Iris wore a white cloak, carrying The Basics of Light Magic in her right hand.
“Are you ready to begin?” she asked.
Lucas outstretched his arm and turned his palm upward. He cupped his hand. “Let’s do it.”
Iris smiled. “That’s the attitude!”
Closing his eyes, Lucas focused his mind and envisioned the orb formulating in his hand. Shifting his attention to his palm, his eyes snapped open as he shouted, “Lumen orbis!” There was silence. Nothing happened. “Ugh!” he grunted.
“Try again,” Iris quickly interjected.
Lucas gave a single nod. “Alright, here it goes.” He repeated the process, this time taking several minutes to tune out all of his surroundings, trying with all his might to focus on nothing but the spell. “Lumen orbis!” Again he was met with failure. He quickly turned to Iris. “I’m going to do this today. No matter how long it takes, I will conjure this orb.”
Two hours passed.
“Lumen orbis!!” Silence. “Dammit!!”
“Perhaps you should consider taking a brea–”
“No!!” Lucas forcefully proclaimed. “I’m going to do th–”
“Lucas!” Iris shouted sternly. “You’re currently in no mindset to conjure your first spell! It’s overwhelmingly apparent to me that you’re frustrated. While this emotional response is understandable, I feel that it is distracting you. I highly recommend that you take a break.”
Lucas looked down at his palm, still visibly discontent with his progress. He looked back at Iris. “Alright. But only a short one.”
“Very well,” Iris replied. “Perhaps this would be a suitable opportunity to deliver your letter to the post office. Please follow me.”
After collecting Lucas’s letter, they walked together toward downtown Azure. Iris looked over at Lucas. “I must admit, your determination to learn the art of elemental conjuring is inspiring to say the least. But you must not become so frustrated by failure. Successful conjuring is going to require great focus and a balanced mind.”
“But you make it look so easy,” Lucas disputed. “You didn’t even take time to focus when I saw you conjure yesterday.”
“Yes, because I’m experienced,” she responded. “With practice, you will be able to do the same. Eventually, conjuring orbs and other simple spells will become second nature. However, you’re still in the process of developing your ability. Conjuring your first spell is an arduous routine. You must learn to accept your failed attempts as essential steps toward reaching your potential. Viewing your lack of success as an obstacle will only hamper your progress.”
Lucas took a few moments to allow Iris’s words to sink in. She’s right... I’m getting way too caught up in doing it quickly instead of doing it right. Maybe I won’t be able to conjure today, but that’s okay. Stressing about it isn’t going to help anything... Grandpa will know that I’m okay as soon as he gets the letter. I need to accept that there’s no way I’m getting home unless I’m patient and take the time to do this correctly. Even if Iris decides I’m well enough to travel, I doubt I’ll last the lengthy journey ahead of me without learning a few spells.
The two walked a little while longer and reached downtown Azure. Though it wasn’t nearly as crowded as Cymbeline, the population was much denser than the area around Iris’s house. Lucas observed the frost glazed windows of the dozens of brick buildings. Nearby, several workers hastily shoveled snow out of the road. On the opposite side of the street, Lucas saw a Knowm standing perfectly still in front of a barbershop. That’s when it hit him. For the first time in his life, Lucas was walking through a town without experiencing the crippling spiral of emotional confusion. If anything, I’m glad I learned to control that.
Once they had delivered the letter to the post office, Lucas and Iris returned to the house. They soon found themselves in the backyard, once again.
“Lumen orbis!” Lucas exclaimed. Nothing. This time, however, he did not become frustrated. Taking a few deep breaths, he tried again. “Lumen orbis!” and again, “Lumen orbis!” and again. “Lumen orbis!”
Iris looked up at him, the book open in her hands. “Perhaps you should try a different spell?”
Lucas was puzzled by the suggestion. “Why? Is there an easier one?”
“Not necessarily easier,” she explained, “just different. Orbs are generally the starting point for most new mages. However, it’s not required to cast orbs first. I simply thought you might need a change of pace.”
Lucas shook his head. “No. I’ll just keep trying the orb.”
“Very well,” Iris responded. “Proceed.” Resuming his position, Lucas tried yet again to conjure a light orb.