by Janice Ayre
***
As Zebulon travelled towards Kareem's home it felt strange and lonely. He had become used to having Brock at his side. He was uneasy also because he was conscious of an unwelcome presence nearby and was sure it was Mustafa. He did not believe Mustafa would approach him because both knew Zebulon was the stronger wizard, especially now most of his full powers had returned. Still it was wise to be on his guard. What skills Mustafa lacked in magic he made up with cunning.
Eventually he entered a pretty seaside town where Kareem had chosen to spend his quieter years. The inhabitants were mostly human. Kareem had an affection for the human race and felt that his second life's calling was to teach them to be more sensitive to the refined things of life.
When Zebulon rode up to his house he found him seated outside in an exquisite garden, a few children draped on his knees, while others sat around on the grass. His younger brother Morcion sat on a garden seat beside him.
"I did as you suggested!" was Morcion's greeting to Zebulon.
Zebulon gave a smile in response and then centred his attention on Kareem who had gently but firmly disentangled himself from the youngsters who were reluctant to leave their prized position. Kareem came forward, arms extended and a wide smile of delight on his elderly features.
"Zebulon, so long! And you have suffered much."
"All my own doing." Zebulon wrapped his strong arms around the small wizard and was silent some moments.
Sensing that Morcion may feel excluded from the companionship of the wizards, Zebulon asked him about his journey to his brother's place.
Quickly Morcion welcomed the invitation to recount his journey in the finest detail. Zebulon sat back lazily as Morcion's voice almost lulled him to sleep. Only when he heard the description of a person he recognised did he open his eyes and troubled thoughts entered his mind.
"Yes, I was mighty glad to have the company of this young man. Very personable and knowledgeable. He came most of the way with me and we parted company on the outskirts of town. Really sorry to see him go," finished Morcion.
While Morcion's company was enjoyable, for he had an entertaining wit, his presence made it difficult for Zebulon to accomplish that which he had wished. Morcion was a favourite with the children because he played with them and showed them little card tricks and juggling. They were quite sure in their own little minds that he was a great magician. Morcion, well aware that he possessed none of the real magic possessed by Kareem or Zebulon, revelled in his moment of glory with an honest simplicity. After a few weeks he became restless, for he missed his own particular choice of solitude, and bade his brother and Zebulon a fond farewell.
With the departure of Morcion, Zebulon became more frustrated with the children. Kareem, sensing Zebulon's needs, sent the children away kindly but firmly. Some grumbling ensued but one look at the angry face of the big wizard and determination in the clear blue eyes of their favourite, quickly dissipated any resistance.
Left alone with Kareem in the following days, Zebulon was urgent in his need for wise counsel. His longing for Saniyah became more acute with each passing day.
"This must never happen again. Not only have I hurt Saniyah but I could have brought about the ruin of others and the work of others who have gone before." Zebulon was solemn as he considered the extent of his folly.
"No it must never happen again. And for this reason, I regrettably have to reassess if you are worthy of the pendant." Kareem also was deeply earnest and exhibited a gravity not often expressed on his countenance.
"Many times have I relived that day and wished to change it."
"But while doing that you realise that only a fool keeps hoping for the unattainable."
It pained Kareem to deal with Zebulon in a harsh manner but he understood that his student, quite capable of rendering stern discipline to others, expected to be treated in a like manner when deserved. He had no patience for any who would try to soften the discourse with sweet words and unworthy excuses. That had been the greatest contrast between his two students, Kareem reflected, Mustafa could not tolerate having fault found in him. He too could have gone far if he had learned this one valuable lesson.
Long hours Kareem spent listening to Zebulon talk and only when needed would he interrupt with a few words of wise counsel.
"I feel she will never forgive me. Yet I am only half a person while I am absent from her. Still if she will be happy without me then it must be so."
Kareem pondered for a moment before replying. "While berating and judging yourself you must also be reminded that the blame is not yours alone. Saniyah is as fiery as she is beautiful. If what you have related to me is accurate, then she must bear part responsibility."
"But I provoked her!"
"Yes you did. But did she not provoke you too? Each of you could have chosen not to be provoked."
"Is there any hope for two such hotheads? Are we doomed to fire up together and rip our world apart?"
"Only the two of you can answer that question. Have you not mastered your temper more now?"
"I have had some success."
"And do you not think that given time for much reflection that Saniyah would be doing likewise?" She is loving, she is kind. She will be pining for you as much as you are for her."
"I cannot be sure."
"Only a silly lover could be so blind!"
Kareem had the wisdom to know that Zebulon must work through his grief for what had taken place but he also needed to rest at times. Wisely Kareem would carefully guide him into other activities either of solitary reflection or to the reading of inspirational books. Other times they would both lose themselves in music for it was a great love of both. Its healing and enlightening power often was of greater benefit than any wonderful words that could be spoken.
In time Kareem knew that Zebulon had gained greater mastery over his weaknesses and was ready to give him the pendant and to send him on his way to Saniyah. They had discussed their concern over Mustafa and what he might be planning. Zebulon related to Kareem how he had felt Mustafa's presence but had not seen him.
"Morcion also believed he was being followed some of the way but I have not felt him near here," said Kareem.
"I have not either. He would not try to attack us while we are together."
"I hear he is greatly changed."
"Once he realised the pendant was no longer in my possession his former jealously became magnified. He will try to plan something to make it his."
"That will never be!"
"But we must be alert and careful. I am concerned, the young man of whom Morcion spoke in such glowing terms, could be Orville, Mustafa's apprentice."
"Then we will both be careful so that they will not succeed in their plan."
The day came when Zebulon was to leave. Kareem handed the pendant to him.
"Know that I consider you worthy once more. Go with my blessing."
Zebulon rejected the offering and firmly pushed the pendant back into Kareem's hand.
"It means much to me that you consider me worthy. But no, I cannot take it."
"Why?"
"Because I am not yet worthy, though I plan to be soon. And I am concerned for you if Mustafa should approach you. The pendant will protect you until we can defuse this threat."
"I will be fine. I can deal with Mustafa."
"No you cannot. He is much stronger now. It would not be a fair battle."
Finally Kareem was persuaded to keep the pendant. He knew what Zebulon said was true.
"Then I hope to see you soon and give the pendant to you."
"That you will. May goodness watch over you until we meet soon dear friend."
***
The days were full and sped by, but one day a visitor disturbed Brock's contentment. An injured elf from Forest Glen was brought to Karman. Brock recognised him immediately but so greatly changed was Brock and the fact that the elf was in such great pain he did not know Brock. He assisted Karmen in tending to the injury and he
once again admired her skill and compassion.
In itself the visitor was not exceptional but he raised a longing within Brock to see his family. He expressed his desire to Karman who encouraged him to wait a few days and see how he felt.
Karman also urged him to study from her extensive library, for she told him, he could not be great and wise unless he also availed himself of the knowledge and insight within good books.
"Many can be your teachers," she told him.
Brock had still not developed the love of books, preferring much more hands-on activity. He wiled away the next few days trying to appear interested in the books and other tasks but still he had the powerful desire to visit with his family and see some of his friends. The time he could have spent in being instructed was spent in day dreaming.
One night as Karman worked in her office he began to wander in and out, a habit he normally resisted for he knew it did not please her. Her patience was wearing thin and she finally raised her eyes from her work and glared at him.
"Go find some furniture, or maybe a book to annoy!" It was said more in humour than anger and so Brock gave a guilty smile and began to leave.
"Wait," Karman called. "You won't settle until you have gone home, so tomorrow, go"
Brock's heart jumped for joy. "You won't regret this, I'll be extra studious when I return. I'll even read books!"
"Then go and do that now." And she returned to her task.