Arcane (The Arinthian Line Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

…”
    “Stop this nonsense at once, child. You cannot snivel your way to success; the arcane path is hewn with diligence and toil. One must build up strength of mind and character, yet you declare defeat without even having begun.” She shook her head. “I expect better; I merely needed to see how developed you are, and my conclusion is we simply have to start from the beginning.”
    He felt his cheeks tingle.
    “Now for your training. The rocks that have built up around the cave—you are to place them twenty paces downhill, and yes, you can use your hands. However, as you move them, notice their natural tendency to want to roll. Feel the attraction between them. Concentrate and build fortitude. Am I being understood?”
    Augum gave a hesitant nod. “Yes, Mrs. Stone.”
    She grunted before disappearing inside.
    He glanced at the countless rocks. Some of them looked very heavy, more like boulders. The task appeared extremely difficult, if not impossible. Sighing, he dragged himself over to the first cluster and picked up a large stone, carrying it twenty paces down the slope before trudging back up for another. It was difficult, even dangerous work, as some of the rocks nearly bowled him over in their eagerness to roll down the mountain.
    He kept repeating this monotonous task until the door swung open. Mrs. Stone emerged carrying a small basket, setting it down by the lip of the cave before examining the slope. She fixed him with a reproachful look.
    “You are struggling. Your attitude is as sour as the look on your face. Fortify your mind, Augum, the work is not physical—it is mental.” She gestured impatiently at the basket. “Breakfast. Eat, work, concentrate.” The door slammed.
    Augum schlepped over to the basket and grabbed two hard-boiled eggs. After devouring them, he pulled out a piece of bread and skin of water. He sat there ripping chunks from the loaf, unable to enjoy the view because he could not make sense of Mrs. Stone’s instructions.
    After breakfast, he stood up and stretched, trying to re-focus. He set sights on a new boulder and began rolling it downhill. He observed how it tumbled a few feet at a time before he had to give it another push. He repeated this with the next bunch of stones, hoping to sense something, anything. After a while, he lost himself in the laborious rhythm of the work.
    At noon, a baking sun shone directly overhead, making him grateful for every cool mountain breeze. Robe itching, he wiped his brow with his sleeve and sat down to admire his work thus far.
    The door swung open and Mrs. Stone appeared, squinting. Augum quickly got up as she examined the area. Into the basket, she deposited dry salted meat, a pair of apples and another skin of water, before shuffling back inside.
    He walked up to the cave, sat on the lip, and ate his lunch in silence, disappointed she was not impressed with his hard-won efforts. When he finished, he turned his attention to the next pile of rocks, vowing to concentrate even harder this time around.
    However, after three more hours of grueling and frustrating toil, he plopped down, panting. What a stupid task …
    He picked up a small stone and flung it at a large boulder. It clunked off. He picked up another one and threw it at the same boulder. This time the smaller rock smashed into smithereens. Finding it satisfying, he reached for a third rock when it slid toward his hand a bit.
    Goosebumps rose on his arms.
    Did that just happen?He reached for it again.
    Nothing.
    He reached and tried concentrating hard, straining from the effort.
    Again, nothing.
    “I order you to come to me, you stupid rock!” but the rock did not move.
    Augum looked around to see if somebody was playing a trick on him.
    Cool mountain winds stirred the shrubs. Probably just his imagination. Time to try something different.
    Breathing deep, he took in the beautiful vista, the sound of the wind, and the trickle of the nearby stream. Relaxed, he calmly extended his