“Ink Magic”

Photo prompt by Meghan Schiereck on Unsplash

Author’s Note: This is a Take Ten to Write story and has not been proofread for errors. If I feel inspired or if there’s interest in the story, I’ll post a revised, edited, and extended version at a later date. Happy reading!

I watch as the ink spreads across the page, merging with the other colours to create a beautiful swirl of blues and purples.

“You did it wrong,” Master Yeldin mutters from the corner of the room.

I scowl. “You can’t even see what I’m doing.”

“I don’t have to see to tell that your energy is all wrong,” Master Yeldin says sharply, standing up. “Now, my apprentice, it is not the time for games. Wipe the board and draw the symbol again.”

I stifle a sigh; even though these repetitive exercises aren’t exactly the real-world experience that I was hoping to get by coming to study with Master Yeldin, at least I’ll be really good when I leave.

I grab the bottle of ink remover and place a single drop in the middle of the page. I watch as all the ink is sucked into the droplet, turning it a dark shade of purple. I take the corner of the cleaning cloth and dab it on the ink remover, leaving behind a blank slate.

“Hurry up,” Master Yeldin snaps. “At this rate, my bones will be on their way to Curblem by the time you’ve finished.”

I snort. “Yeah, right. Just admit it, old man, you’re never going to die.”

He doesn’t respond to my remark, but continues reading his book in his corner. I let out a sigh and dip my brush into the dark blue ink.

I haven’t even made my first stroke yet when Master Yeldin barks, “Stop.”

I immediately freeze in place, a drop of ink balancing precariously on the tip of my brush.

Master Yeldin finally turns his attention from his book to me. “You are not understanding the purpose of this lesson.”

“I would understand better if you actually told me what this lesson is about,” I retort, rolling my eyes.

He stands and fixates on me with narrowed eyes.

“When you move to place your brush on the board, you intend to make your symbol as beautiful as possible. Magic cannot be beautiful. Magic is dangerous. Never forget that.”

Final Comments: This one ended abruptly because I wasn’t really keeping an eye on the time… I think I spent most of the writing time for this one dreaming up a magic system, and I’ll admit: I don’t regret it.

Overall Rating: 🤔