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causing Kaijin’s body to jerk forward.
    “The more he becomes dependent on you, Kaijin, the less he will learn. Do not help him again. Is that understood?”
    Kaijin winced and rubbed the back of his head. Why is Master Jarial being so mean to Rorick? With a frown, Kaijin said, “Yes, Master.”
    Rorick chewed on his bottom lip and returned his attention to the book.
    Jarial suddenly grabbed Kaijin’s hand and examined the burn wounds on his fingers. “How in the hells did this happen?”
    Kaijin whimpered as the mage’s forceful grip applied pressure to the injuries on his hand, causing the pain to return in waves. “I—I accidentally burned myself, Master!”
    Jarial’s eyebrow arched. “Burned yourself?” He pressed his thumbs firmly into one of the larger wounds, further aggravating the pain.
    Kaijin writhed. “Yes, Master! I swear it! I was trying to move the candle off the windowsill last night before I went to sleep and I accidentally burned myself.” Gods, please let him believe me.
    Jarial looked down his nose at him, his expression stony. “Be more careful next time, then. I want no excuses as to why you can’t write with those ... injuries.”
    Kaijin wiped away his tears and shook his head. “Oh, no, Master. I promise. No excuses!”
    “Good. Because you are going to put those hands to work.” Smiling, Jarial set a thicker tome in front of Kaijin, along with a stack of parchment, a quill, and an inkwell. “Seeing as you’ve had an advantage over your brother with your ... independent studies through the years—on which I commend you, by the way—I have an advanced assignment for you. You’ve only begun to scratch the surface. This book details the various forms, classes, and characteristics of magic. You are to read it in its entirety and write a report explaining your views. Describe the strengths, weaknesses, comparisons and contrasting aspects of each class. I expect no less than five pages for this report.”
    Kaijin felt strangely elated to be given such a lengthy, detailed assignment. “Yes, Master!” He promptly opened the book and began reading.
    Jarial nodded and turned to leave. “I expect to see notable progress in your assignments by lunchtime.”
     
    *  *  *
     
    The first hour passed in silence. Kaijin read his book speedily and was already beginning to write his report. Rorick, however, continued struggling with his assignment. The number of unfamiliar words on each page made his eyes blur.
    So many words, Rorick thought. I can’t even see them anymore.
    Only halfway through the second page of his book, Rorick sighed in frustration. He lifted his eyes off the book and scanned the rest of the room. They soon paused at the burning pot in the corner. His mind reminisced about that terrible day when he’d burned himself. The pain had been unbearable, and he’d sworn he’d never try to touch fire again. And now, seeing the state of Kaijin’s scorched fingertips, Rorick was thoroughly convinced of the wisdom of keeping his distance from the element. Rorick swiveled his eyes from the burning pot to Kaijin, sitting across from him.
    The injuries on his hand did little to stop Kaijin, who scribbled away at the parchment. He appeared oblivious to Rorick’s distress as he continued writing page after page.
    Rorick stared back at his book, attempting to refocus on the words. After several attempts, he gave up. “Can you help me, big brother?”
    Kaijin stopped writing and looked up. “You heard Master Jarial. I can’t do that. Do you want me to get in trouble?”
    “No, but—”
    “You have to try and do this yourself, Rorick.”
    Rorick made a sad face.
    Kaijin pursed his lips. Finally, he heaved a heavy sigh, and then leaned in closer. His voice fell to a soft whisper. “All right. Just this once, but you have to promise not to ask again. And by the gods, don’t you dare tell Master Jarial!”
    Rorick perked up. “Oh no, big brother! I promise I won’t say nothing!