The Magicians' Guild Read Online Free PDF Page A

expression was grave. “It appears that our assumption that a magician’s power can only be released by another magician is wrong.
    “It has been recorded that in the early centuries of the Guild’s existence, some of the individuals who sought training were using magic already. Their powers had developed naturally as they physically matured. Since we accept and initiate novices at a young age, natural development of power no longer occurs.” Lorlen gestured to the seats at one side of the hall. “I have asked Lord Solend to gather what he knows of this phenomenon and now call him before us to relate what he has learned.”
    An aged figure rose from the rows of robed men and women and started down the stairs. All waited in silence as the old historian reached the floor and shuffled to Rothen’s side. Solend nodded stiffly to the Higher Magicians.
    “Until five hundred years ago,” the old man began in a querulous voice, “a man or woman seeking to learn magic would approach individual magicians for apprenticeship. They were tested and chosen according to their strength, and how much they could pay. Because of this tradition, some apprentices were quite mature by the time they began their training, as it could take many years of work, or a generous inheritance, before they were able to pay for the training.
    “Sometimes, however, a young man or woman would appear whose powers were already ‘loosed,’ as they termed it in those times. Those people, known as ‘naturals,’ were never turned away. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, their powers were always very strong. Secondly, they had to be taught Control.” The old man paused, and his voice rose in pitch. “We already know what happens when novices are unable to master Control. If this young woman is a natural, we should expect her to be more powerful than our average novice, possibly even more powerful than the average magician. If she is not found and taught Control, she will be a considerable danger to the city.”
    A short silence followed, then a buzz of alarm spread through the hall.
    “
If her
powers have, indeed, surfaced on their own,” Balkan added.
    The old man nodded. “There is a possibility, of course, that she has been trained by someone.”
    “Then we must find her—
and
those who have taught her,” a voice declared.
    The Hall filled with discussion again, but Lorlen’s voice rose above it. “If she is a rogue, we are bound by law to bring her and her teachers to the King. If she is a natural we must teach her Control. Either way, we must find her.”
    “How?” a voice called.
    Lorlen looked down. “Lord Balkan?”
    “A systematic search of the slums,” the Warrior replied. He turned to look up at the King’s Advisers. “We’ll need help.”
    Lorlen’s brows rose and he followed the Warrior’s gaze. “The Guild formally requests the assistance of the City Guard.”
    The Advisers exchanged glances and nodded.
    “Granted,” one replied.
    “We should begin as soon as possible,” Balkan said. “Tonight, preferably.”
    “If we want the Guard’s assistance, it will take time to organize. I suggest we start tomorrow morning,” Lorlen replied.
    “What of classes?” a voice called.
    Lorlen looked at the magician seated beside him. “I think an extra day of private study will not affect the novices’ progress.”
    “A day won’t make much difference.” The sour University Director, Jerrik, shrugged. “But will we find her in a day?”
    Lorlen pursed his lips. “We will meet here again tomorrow night if we have not found her, to discuss who shall continue the search.”
    “If I might make a suggestion, Administrator Lorlen?”
    Rothen started in surprise at the voice. He turned to see Danny standing amongst the watching magicians.
    “Yes, Lord Dannyl?” Lorlen replied.
    “The slum dwellers are sure to hamper our search, and the girl will probably hide from us. We may have a better chance of success if we enter