The paper crinkled in Huo’s hands as they took it off the telephone pole. It was an ad for a traveling circus holding a carnival set to arrive in town in just a few days. Huo felt a grin coming onto their face, one that had been growing ever since their trip to Andromeda, the Northern Witch. Though they were initially terrified, after reading the book given to them for the first time, the fear melted away. The answers appeared like curtains drawn in Huo’s mind, even if the spells were too advanced. But learning this new knowledge was delayed. Fashi kept them busy with magic lessons and errands, and Huo was dying for more chances to practice alone with the book.
The smell of chemicals and onions filled the kitchen when Huo walked inside. Almost gagging, they held their nose and walked towards the hallway. Damn Fashi’s experiments on food, why can’t he do it in another room? Huo tried to sneak away, but someone grabbed their arm. The latter jumped and immediately tried to tear whoever it was off before they heard a familiar voice.
“Easy, easy, it’s just me,” Fashi’s comforting voice said. Huo dropped their hands and breathed a sigh of relief. Can’t believe I’m still not really okay with him holding my hand or even touching me, they thought, feeling guilty. It’s been three months since I moved in with him. To ease the tension, Huo pulled out the circus ad from their pocket. Fashi peered closely, intrigued. He tried to say something, but was cut off promptly.
“Master, I found this on the telephone pole. We’ve been working on these lessons for two weeks now. I want to do something other than work and chores.”
“Now- “Fashi started.
“They’ve got fun carnival rides, a Ferris Wheel, and look, even a Hall of Horrors! Huo said. It sounds like a great opportunity for you to show off some of your skills, and of course, I can go into the Hall of Horrors, go on the Ferris Wheel, and I can- “
“Huo, stop,” Fashi said. “I know you want to go, but you must complete this week of lessons. I know that you have been avoiding doing the homework, so it has accumulated.”
Huo crossed their arms, shaking their head. Not that he’ll stop me from reading the book in my
desk drawer.
“You can’t procrastinate your work, Huo, especially if you want to develop the skills needed to find your father. Mastering your gift isn’t an overnight process, especially not after just reading one book,” Fashi said plaintively.
Huo kept a straight face, but quietly gulped, thinking about the witch’s book hidden inside their dresser drawer. I’ll have to find a way to distract him, I guess.
“Why don’t you go?” Huo asked. “I can stay here; do the list you told me and pass the first test this time. I promise I can do it; I can prove that I did it. Please?”
Fashi pondered a moment, thinking. Huo hoped and prayed he would say yes. Huo did want to learn those lessons to help them understand Andromeda’s book to help further the journey to find their father. On the other hand, the latter wanted alone time to think about their next moves over the year.
“If you can prove tomorrow that you can do all your magic tasks, then I will allow you to go to the carnival, but on one condition,” The mage said.
“Anything,” Huo said.
“I told you when you decided to become my apprentice, and I’ll tell you now. You chose to be here on your own. If you want to leave, I won’t stop you. If you choose to leave for the circus, I will not follow or chase after you.”
Huo nodded.
“I promise I won’t sneak out or do anything like that. I want somewhere where I can have a home and where it’s safe.”
Fashi smiled.
“Good, then. Shall we continue with our lessons?”
As Huo was eating breakfast the next day, across the street, they could barely see the lines of a Ferris Wheel. They arrived earlier than planned. But why?
“Remember, child, lessons first, then we go to the carnival,” Fashi said, interrupting Huo’s thoughts as he poured himself a cup of coffee. Huo shrugged and looked away from the window.
“Yes, master.”
The lessons went by much more smoothly than the young mage thought. Or maybe it was because they weren’t really paying attention to Fashi’s voice.
…. Burn that glass slowly without melting it or shattering it.”
Huo did so whilst thinking about what the carnival might have to offer in terms of magic. There
might be something new there. I’m learning so slowly here, and it’s taking so long.
“Good, good. You know, fire is a delicate element, and one must be cautious to spend time with it to learn every part of it,” Fashi said.
“Yes, master, I understand,” Huo replied. “I just wish I could go faster. It’s been three months, and all I can do is control fire.”
“I know, but there’s so much more that you will learn with time. If you focus on your work, your progression can go much faster,” the mage said.
Huo looked at the clock, just slightly stepping away from the hand offered to them.
“Still skittish, are you?”
Huo turned back around to look at their master and just shrugged.
“You haven’t told me a word of how you came to Mage City, or why you were working in a tavern.” Huo didn’t respond, and Fashi walked a little closer.
“If you’re going to continue to take lessons with me, you’re going to have to trust me eventually. I didn’t even learn your real name until a month after we met.”
Huo was silent and crossed their arms for a few minutes before responding.
“I-I trust that I’ll have a home here if I stay,” they said.
“That’s…that’s the best I can do for now.”
“I see,” Fashi said, curiously. “Well, if magic lessons are all you want, then I can deliver.”
“Speaking of, Huo said, changing the subject. Let’s quickly finish the lessons, so we, or you, can go to that carnival.”
Fashi sighed and pinched his nose.
“All right, child, let’s finish. I must say, your talk of these circus intrigues me as well.”
That same afternoon, the mage and his apprentice walked to the carnival, only a few miles away from where they lived. Whisps of frost curled around them, as their feet crunched the soft snow beneath. The sky above threatened another snowstorm, yet the wind was calm. Walking up to the gate, it was open. Despite the cold, many creatures and people alike were present, and quite a crowd gathered around the attractions. Huo looked around excitedly for the Ferris Wheel, but they didn’t see it. The small enclosed space had a surprising number of activities. A carousel and popcorn machine, yet no Ferris Wheel. The Hall of Horrors looked interesting enough to look at, however. In front of the door was a young woman with a baby in a basket. The baby was wearing a yellow dress, holding a red balloon.
Huo found no satisfaction in the fortune teller’s paper and almost tossed it out. They didn’t believe in fortunes anyway, especially not ones that cost money. Yet it was interesting enough to show it to their master.
“Master, look at this fortune. It’s odd, isn’t it?”
The baby in yellow with the red balloon will be taken. Soon out of this world and into doom.
Helenmollybooks 