37: The Apprentice

The next morning, Aditya led Kiran through the winding streets, the boy trailing nervously behind him. The towering workshop came into view, its walls adorned with glowing runes that pulsed faintly in the morning light. Intricate carvings of celestial beasts and talismanic symbols told stories of power and craft.

"This," Aditya said, gesturing grandly, "is Master Fendrel's workshop. The finest talisman artisan in the region. That's what Dhruva mentioned."

Kiran hesitantly asked, "Who is Dhruva?"

Aditya said, "I am an errand boy under him."

Kiran laughingly said, "You also worked under someone?"

Aditya replied, "Yeah, but only for three years. He is also the one who introduced Master Fendrel to me."

Kiran hesitated at the doorway, clutching the strap of his satchel. "Why would someone like him take me in? I'm not... special."

Aditya turned, his expression uncharacteristically firm. "Stop that. You've got grit, and that counts for more than you think. Besides, it's not about being special; it's about proving you're worth the time."

When Kiran still didn't move, Aditya clapped him on the back hard enough to jolt him forward. "Relax. If he yells at you, just blame me."

Inside, the workshop was a maelstrom of activity. Apprentices darted between tables, their arms laden with rolls of enchanted parchment and jars of glimmering ink. The air was alive with the faint hum of magic, the scent of powdered herbs mingling with the metallic tang of burning talismans.

At the center of the chaos sat Master Fendrel. His wiry frame was hunched over a massive desk, spectacles perched on his nose as his gnarled hands moved with precision, inscribing delicate runes onto parchment.

"Master Fendrel!" Aditya called out, his voice cutting through the din like a whip.

"You," Fendrel muttered, thinking for a moment.

"I'm an errand boy of Dhruva," Aditya said.

"Oh? Where is your master? I haven't seen him these days," Fendrel replied.

"Dhruva got busy with something else," Aditya explained. "Once he's done, he'll come and pick me up."

"Busy as always," Fendrel said with a sigh. "So, you want to learn talismans again, like last time?"

Aditya smirked. "Not today, old man. I'm here to introduce you to someone else." He stepped aside, revealing Kiran, who stiffened under Fendrel's piercing gaze.

"This is Kiran," Aditya said. "He's got potential—hardworking, determined, and smart. I think he'd make a great apprentice."

Fendrel leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "You think so, do you? And why, pray tell, should I waste my time on a nobody?"

Kiran flinched at the words, but Aditya stepped forward, his grin unflinching. "Because every master starts as a nobody. And every legacy needs someone to carry it forward. This kid's got the fire for it—you just need to stoke it."

Fendrel snorted, his gaze flitting between Aditya and Kiran. "Fire, huh? I've seen plenty of so-called prodigies burn out the moment the work gets hard. What makes him any different?"

Kiran clenched his fists, his voice trembling but firm. "Because I don't quit. I may not have talent or connections, but I'll outwork anyone. Just give me a chance to prove it."

Fendrel raised an eyebrow, intrigued but unconvinced. "Words are cheap, boy. And desperation doesn't make you special. If you think you can handle my workshop, you'll need to show me."

Fendrel stood abruptly, motioning for Kiran to follow him to a side table littered with talismanic tools. He gestured to a stack of materials—inkstones, herbs, and blank parchment.

"Here's your test," Fendrel said. "Grind the ink to the correct consistency, prepare the parchment properly. Remember, the thinner it becomes, the more effective it is. If you can't manage, make do with this batch of 1,000-year-old parchment."

Kiran swallowed hard, nodding. He set to work immediately, his hands shaking as he ground the herbs into ink. The noise of the workshop faded into the background as he focused, sweat beading on his brow.

Aditya leaned against a nearby wall, watching silently. When an apprentice passed by with a skeptical glance at Kiran, Aditya shot them a glare that sent them scurrying.

The hour dragged on, every mistake weighing heavily on Kiran. His first parchment tore under the blade, and his initial batch of ink was too runny. But he gritted his teeth, starting over without complaint.

Finally, he stepped back, presenting his work to Fendrel.

The talisman was far from perfect—the parchment edges were uneven. But it was complete.

Fendrel inspected it closely, his expression unreadable. He held it up to the light, watching the faint glow of the rune shimmer and fade.

"It's sloppy," Fendrel said curtly, tossing the talisman onto the table. "Unpolished. Amateurish."

Kiran's shoulders sagged, but he held his ground, meeting Fendrel's gaze.

"And yet," Fendrel continued, his tone softening, "you didn't give up. You adjusted. Learned. That's more than I can say for half the brats that come through my door."

Aditya smirked. "Told you he was worth it."

Fendrel shot him a withering look before turning back to Kiran. "I'll take you on, but don't expect me to go easy on you. You'll start at the bottom—cleaning tools, sorting materials, and practicing until your hands cramp. If you can't handle it, don't waste my time."

Kiran's eyes lit up, and he bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master Fendrel. I won't let you down!"

Fendrel grunted. "See that you don't."

As Aditya and Kiran left the workshop later, the boy's face was a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration.

"Thank you," Kiran said quietly. "I don't know why you went out of your way for me, but I'll make sure it's not wasted."

Aditya chuckled, ruffling Kiran's hair. "Don't get all sentimental on me Boy. You earned this yourself."

As they parted ways, Aditya lingered for a moment, watching Kiran disappear back into the workshop.

"Another life set on a new path," he murmured to himself. "Let's see if you've got what it takes, kid."