Read The Apprentices (The Crimson Guard Trilogy Book 1) for Free Online Page B

destroy.  You may have not felt it, but the killing energy does not leave you once you regain control.  It lives in your blood for a period of time, the duration it is there differs between each mage.”  This was astonishing I could not believe it.  I was more powerful than the endless flame.  “So you are saying that when we were talking and if I had remained in the flame it could have suddenly consumed me as well.”
    “Yes, that could have happened, that was why I was urging you to come with me.”  He continued with excitement in his voice.  “So what you must learn is how to wield the energy and to shorten the time you spend without control. You are a Berserker and only the greatest can control all their power.  What I hope is that you may be able to end the flame with your power and release us from this prison.”  Prison , I thought . I didn’t think that it was a prison .  That is probably because I could leave when I wanted to.
    “I thought magic came from the Wielder, and was always with me?  You are saying it dissipates after use.”  I said.
    “Ah, that is a good question.  Magic does originate within the caster, but the power you summon forth comes from everywhere.  The magic is around us at all times and only a few have the ability to shape this power into what we call magic.  You must be born with the ability it cannot be taught.”  He said. 
    “So what makes me different then all the other magic users?”  I asked
    “The difference is in most magic users their strength can only summon a finite amount of energy from the outside world.  However, you and the few others like you can open a void within themselves.  This void sucks in an infinite amount of energy until the caster either dies or closes the vacuum.”
    “But, I can’t open or close any ‘void.’ It just happens.”  I said, looking at my hands.
    “Ah, yes, you can open and you do create this void.  Just because you cannot control it does not mean it doesn’t happen.  From my best guess you go into survival mode and you unconsciously summon the power to protect yourself.”  The Keeper shrugged.     
    “That is enough for now, go train, Berserker.”  With that, he turned and fixed his attention back onto the book.
    “One more thing Keeper, what were the voices that I heard while I was in the flame?”
    For a split second I saw a look of terrific fear before composing himself. “I do not know; I have never heard voices while near the flame.” With that, I turned to leave the room.
    The Keeper quickly turned around, “Oh Berserker! Can you find the Librarian, he has something for you.”
    As I walked back to my room, I found the Librarian hidden behind a stack of books.  “Sir, I was told to something from you.”
    The man pointed to three books and signaled for me to read them.  “Thanks,” I said as I walked away. 
    I quickly read through the books.  Within a couple of hours I had finished one and started the next.  They did not have many interesting things, just different places and ancient magic users who had discovered new ways to grow plants.  The third book I found interesting; it was a book on all languages known to man.   I took my time in reading this one, and learning the languages was not that difficult.  I had managed to master them before the day was up.
    “Enlightened One, it is time for bed.”  The Keeper had found me and I complied with his instructions.  As I lay near sleeping, I remembered the Keeper calling me the ‘Enlightened One’, I had heard that somewhere before.  I eventually fell asleep trying to remember where I had heard it.   
    The next couple of days continued in the same manner, I read countless books and learned a great number of things.  I did not understand how reading all of the books about gardening and medicine were going to prepare me for bringing down the flame and I was going to speak with the Keeper when he suggested I start training with