Lessons in self-defense

By: F. Maxwell

"Don't be ridiculous."

"Nothing you can learn from me, you think." Alberich squinted at the dark haired trainee who stood stubbornly in the doorway of the salle.

"What's the point?"

"One day, your magic will fail. What have you to rely on then?"

"Magic is all that I am." Ari's blue eyes challenged him. "When it fails, so do I."

"My job, it is, to see that you do not." The Weaponsmaster crossed his arms. "Learn you must."

Ari crossed her arms. "No."

:Daemon warned us: Kantor mind-called to his Herald :He's coming now.:

Alberich jumped back as Ari went flying into the salle, landing on her backside at his feet. Her companion, a large stallion, now blocked the doorway to the salle.

To her credit she was on her feet in an eyeblink "You evil, wicked, treacherous beast!" She railed at her companion.

Alberich seized the chance and locked her arms behind her back. "What do you now?"

:Not a good idea: Kantor sighed to his chosen :Daemon says she doesn't react well to threats:

Too late, Alberich felt the floor shift. Something snaked around his arm and yanked him backwards to the floor. Ari rolled off of him as the branches sprouting from the wooden floor tangled themselves around his legs.

:What the..:

:It's one of her gifts.: Kantor advised :Daemon says she changes things:

Alberich saw the Companion Daemon standing calmly as branches from the floor of the salle enveloped him. The stallion snorted and shook his head.

:Daemon says let her go.: Kantor advised his chosen :Tell her he'll drop the issue for today.:

Alberich sighed "Stop. Daemon says enough."

Ari turned to eye her companion suspiciously. "Pull that stunt again and I'll make a nice topiary out of you."

Daemon sighed, dropping his head he reached his muzzle out to her. The leaves and branched shrank down back to the floor, releasing both of them.

Alberich got to his feet. He and Daemon watched as Ari stalked out of the salle. He'd rather teach a class full of blues than a single mage. They were all the same.

"Next time, we work on a stone floor." He advised Daemon.

The companion cocked an ear forward before leaving as soundlessly as he had arrived.

:Oh dear: Kantor said

:What?: Alberich inquired

:You don't want to know what she can do with granite.: