Life continued the same for the next several days, while Zepar studied relentlessly under Master Edarin. But while Zepar was not lacking in terms of raw talent and power, not everything came easily to him.
"Boy, you don't even know what you want. Why should I listen to you?" These were the words spoken by the rock golem Zepar had summoned under his master's instruction. The summoning itself went well, but for some reason, the construct refused to obey his will.
"Because I summoned you," Zepar declared angrily. "That makes me your master!"
"Pffft," the golem snorted. "When you've mastered yourself, then you can master me. But until then...farewell." With that, the golem broke apart, returning to the pile of rocks that Zepar had gathered for the casting. Zepar cursed loudly, kicking the pile of rocks.
"I will not be bested by a pile of dumb rocks!" he shouted. He attempted the summoning again, and again the golem refused to obey him. Five more attempts, five more refusals to obey. Eventually, Zepar swallowed his pride and turned to face his master. "What am I doing wrong, Master?" he asked helplessly. "I know I'm not lacking the power. I know the incantations and infusion of mana perfectly," he continued through gritted teeth. "So why won't it obey me?"
Master Edarin, who had watched his disciple's multiple failed attempts, sighed before placing a hand on the young man's shoulder. He knew the answer before Zepar had even started. But he also knew that Zepar was obstinate and confident in his abilities. No matter what he told his disciple, he would refuse to accept it...until he saw the proof for himself.
"Zepar, it's not about power alone, nor is it about technique," Edarin explained slowly. "Magic is all about will, and your intent must be absolutely certain. But you, who live with many uncertainties, will struggle as you attempt more complex spells." His words struck a chord in Zepar. He couldn't deny what his master had said.
"Doesn't everyone live with uncertainty, Master?" Zepar asked softly.
"Well, you're not wrong, but the difference lies in what those uncertainties are," Edarin replied. "I'm uncertain what I want for dinner tonight, or which book I should read next. But you are uncertain about something far more important, aren't you?"
Zepar nodded with a solemn gaze. "Who am I?" he stated in a low voice. "Who do I want to be?"
"And that is your dilemma," Edarin said with a nod of encouragement. "You must know yourself, truly know yourself, if magic is to properly obey your will."
Zepar nodded in understanding. In truth, there were many things he didn't understand about himself. And he had noticed spells resisting him as of late. This was because he had recently begun training to use higher level spells. Magic was separated into thirteen circles. The more powerful and complex the magic, the higher the circle.
Master Edarin was a seventh circle mage, which was considered incredibly impressive by the standards of the region. Zepar, by comparison, had risen to a fourth circle mage without formal training, and had done so before the age of twenty. This had impressed Edarin, which was why he had invited Zepar to become his disciple. After just under two years of Edarin's teachings, Zepar was now attempting to step into the ranks of sixth circle mages.
Though Zepar still wasn't sure what he wanted to actually do with the power he was cultivating, he did have one long-term goal. Most young mages coveted the thirteenth circle, to exist at the pinnacle of known magic. Zepar was different. He wasn't content with the thirteenth circle, he intended to prove that there could be circles beyond that.
An hour later, Zepar walked quietly towards the cabin in the distance. Located at the very edge of town, this was the home of Lady Aya. Some called her a witch, some a wise woman. Regardless, there was one thing everyone agreed on. She was the one to go to if you needed hard-to-find answers. For this reason, Zepar figured it couldn't hurt to pay her a visit.
The cabin itself was well built, sturdy but not elaborate. The plain cabin appeared to be built from simple logs, with mud and clay packed between them to block the elements. The windows were shuttered, but the slow billowing of smoke from the stone chimney served as proof that someone was home.
With a look of determination, Zepar steeled himself for whatever Lady Aya would tell him. He simply hoped whatever it was would be helpful. He approached the door, and was about to knock when he heard a gentle voice call out from inside.
"You may as well come in, let's not waste each other's time, now."
After a brief moment's hesitation, Zepar slowly opened the door with a wry smile. "I wasn't aware that I was expected," he said with a hint of amusement. Upon entering the cabin, Zepar's amusement grew as he spotted a young woman, maybe a year or two older than himself. She had long, fiery red hair and shimmering sapphire eyes. She wore simple brown robes made from what looked like deer hide, with a leather pouch tied to the sash around her waist. What amused him was the bow in her hand, and the arrow aimed directly at his chest. "Look, I'm not here for trouble," Zepar said calmly. "But I know at least three different ways to disarm you before you get a shot off, and each one involves great bodily harm. So lower the weapon while I'm still being polite."
The young woman kept her aim fixed on his chest, refusing to back down. "I'll only ask once," she said firmly, pulling back on the bowstring. "Who are you? And what do you want?"
"My name is Zepar," he answered with a dramatic bow. If he was being honest, he was impressed. Most would have backed down, intimidated by his cold eyes and threatening words. "And I am here seeking your services. They say that you are quite adept at finding answers."
"Zepar," she said thoughtfully. She lowered her bow, relaxing her posture a bit. "I see. I've heard similar rumors regarding you." She smirked before setting the bow aside and gesturing for him to close the door. "They say that you are uniquely gifted in dealing with...problematic individuals."
He did his best to look innocent. Indeed, he had gained a reputation for inconveniencing troublemakers. Usually this would take the form of hexes that would make the malcontents end up as laughing stocks. Although he had been known to employ more...forceful methods whenever necessity—or simple boredom—demanded it.
Zepar closed the door to the cabin, finally taking the time to look around the interior. Just like the outside, the inside of the cabin was very plain and practical, the flickering light of several lanterns illuminated what the fireplace did not. In front of the fireplace sat a simple sofa, clearly constructed from animal bone and hide, with a blanket made from furs. On the other side of the cabin sat a table with two chairs, and at the back was a large cabinet with a lock.
"So then, you are Lady Aya?" Zepar inquired.
"I am," she confirmed. "Please, just Aya will do." She gestured to one of the chairs at the table before taking a seat herself. "Now, how can I help you, Zepar?"
He chuckled as he took a seat at the table. "I need to know more about my origins. I haven't confirmed this yet, but you are a seer, are you not?" Zepar asked calmly.
"I am," Aya said, her gaze wary. "And what do you mean exactly when you say your origins?"
"I know that my father was a necromancer, and my mother was the daughter of one of my village elder's friends," Zepar began. "But that's about all I know. I want to know where I truly come from. I want to know who they really were."