Idhron’s expression was impassive. He didn’t even glance at Eridan, as if he wasn’t worth his attention. “If it is your wish for me to claim the boy, of course I will, Master,” he said, addressing the Grandmaster. The respectfulness of his tone contradicted the coldness of his gaze.
He’s a two-faced snake, Eridan realized, looking at Idhron with a mix of fascination and disgust. A liar, and an excellent one.
Master Kato smiled at Idhron. “Good, Castien. I had no doubt that you would not let me down. You never have.”
Idhron bowed his head in a manner that was probably supposed to be respectful but looked more like a haughty dismissal.
Eridan watched him curiously. Idhron had changed in the years Eridan hadn’t seen him. Gone were the last traces of the young adult Idhron had been; he was an adult now, a man in every sense of the word. His shoulders were clearly broader under his black robes. If he were a shorter man, Idhron would be called stocky, but his impressive height made his muscles less noticeable. His facial features were much harder now too.
At that moment, Idhron turned his head and looked straight at him. “Very well. I will take the boy on a probationary apprenticeship for a year. If he impresses, I will take him on as my apprentice.”
Eridan was so busy glaring at Idhron—he hated being called “boy” and hated being talked about as if he wasn’t in the room—that it took him a moment to register what Idhron had just said.
Wait, what?
A probationary apprenticeship?
Eridan flushed with utter humiliation. Probationary apprenticeships were considered insulting. They were incredibly rare. Usually the Master either took on an apprentice or didn’t, no probationary period required.
Eridan didn’t think he could hate that prick more, but Idhron was rapidly proving him wrong.
“That is not what I meant,” the female Master said, frowning at Idhron. “Such a powerful boy needs a Master, Castien. If you do not want to be one, let someone else claim him.”
Idhron’s inscrutable expression didn’t change. “If I do not claim him in a year, someone else can, Master Amara.”
The female Master—Amara, apparently—glared at him. “You know as well as I do that no Master will claim someone who has failed as another Master’s apprentice.”
“That is hardly my concern,” Idhron said.
Eridan took in a deep breath. He would not choke Idhron in front of the Chapter. He would not choke Idhron. Maybe if he repeated that often enough in his mind, he would believe it.
He looked at Grandmaster Kato, hoping that he would interfere, that he would forbid Idhron from making him serve a probationary apprenticeship, but the old man was silent. Most of the other Masters had their gazes downcast. It seemed all the rumors of Idhron already having immense influence over the Chapter were true.
“It is decided, then,” Grandmaster Kato said at last. “You are dismissed from today’s session, Castien. I am sure you will have your hands full with your new learner.”
A muscle pulsed in Idhron’s jaw. He gave a jerky nod and strode out of the room.
After a moment, Eridan followed.
Chapter Three: Negotiations
“You could have just refused if you didn’t want me as your apprentice,” Eridan said as he caught up to Idhron.
Idhron continued walking. He didn’t even glance at him.
Eridan gritted his teeth, his temper flaring.
“It has been years,” Idhron said, looking straight ahead. “Have you not learned mental shields yet?”
Eridan glared at him, a hot flush of embarrassment spreading through his face. “I have,” he said, lifting his chin.
“Have you,” Idhron said flatly. “You are projecting your emotions so strongly they are testing even my shields, and my shields are perfect.”
“Of course they are,” Eridan muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes.
They walked in silence for a while.
When they entered the t-chamber, Idhron told the computer their destination and finally said, “I do not remember ever saying that I did not want you as my apprentice.”
Eridan scowled, looking down at his boots. “You didn’t need to say that. Actions speak louder than words. You have ignored me for eleven years.”
He felt a flicker of irritation coming off Idhron as they left the t-chamber. “It has nothing to do with you. I am a busy man. I do not have time for children.”
Eridan flushed. “I’m eighteen. I’m not a child!”
Idhron finally turned to him and gave him a pointed a look.
Eridan glowered at him, his face warming. All right, maybe he wasn’t