“Oh!” Victor says as he puts his fork and knife down. “She’s nice, but a little interesting. I think she likes me. And she does love her tobacco.”
“That’s her artifact to help with her seer ability,” Karl comments.
Victor looks over at Karl and blinks a couple of times in confusion.
Leo notices and responds. “Jeanette uses the tobacco smoke to help with her premonitions. She’s very good at it. Seers generally use an object to aid their premonitions, such as a crystal ball. Some of the best seers are traditional and use crystal balls as their artifacts. On the other hand, Jeanette figured out that the smoke from her tobacco pipe works for her.
“The pipe used to be her father’s, who gave it to her before he passed. At her father’s funeral, she took a hit from the pipe and noticed something in the smoke she puffed out. She believes her father fabricated his pipe to help her become a better seer.”
Karl turns and looks at Victor. “And as an empath, you will figure out something similar. You might wear a piece of jewelry, like the ring you have on that’s helping you with Air Magic. Which was a good idea, Leo.”
“Thank you, Karl,” Leo says with a smile.
Karl continues, “You might find a trinket, a coin, maybe even a pin that will help you amplify your empathic ability. Or it might be so natural for you that you might not need anything at all. You’ve probably already been told that empaths are rare. Not many people know what empaths need except for them. Most artifacts you will discover were created by empaths years ago, before the civil war between witches.”
Victor ponders before he speaks. “You two say empaths are rare, but there was one in the restaurant the other night. And she didn’t seem to know what to do.”
Karl and Leo look at each other before Leo speaks. “She is an empath. However, she’s older, like a lot older. Her abilities are starting to fade. She can still do smaller things like read auras orhelp with an investigation, but as for fighting, she’s not someone you want to bring into battle.”
“Abilities are very mental,” Karl adds. “I once knew a telepath. But sadly, he took his own life when he reached 180 years old. He couldn’t control his telepathic ability anymore. And since no one knew how to correct it or what artifact could help him, he descended into madness. Some superiors tried to contain him so as not to hurt himself or others, but he killed himself as they tried to bind him.”
Karl becomes silent for a moment, lost in deep thought. He shakes his head and looks back at Victor. “I think you’ll know how to help yourself and other empaths. You’re younger than any of us here. Hell, I’m older than Leo by fifteen years and look like I’m in my early 40s. I’m still discovering new artifacts that aid me with my Water and Air Magic. Some work and some don’t. And you’ll do the same.”
“You both have mentioned superiors. What are you talking about?” Victor asks
“A Superior is the head of a coven,” Leo explains. “They are chosen by the elders and other high-ranking officers of the coven. My superior has been in his position since before I joined. You will meet him soon.”
Karl and Leo wipe their mouths while Victor takes the last bite off his plate. As Victor puts down his utensils, Karl gestures to his staff to take the cart away.
Karl puts a hand on Victor’s shoulder, “Okay, let’s go back to practicing.”
An hour has passed, and Victor finally makes an air bubble between his hands. He is pleased to maintain one longer than the others. “Damn, finally. I think I’m getting this.”
Karl pats Victor on the back, “That’s good. Now, concentrate on pulling the air out of the bubble, but don’t pop it.”
Victor complies with Karl’s instructions. He can feel his hands growing cold as the pores in his skin inhale the air. The bubble starts to look cloudier than before.
Karl’s smile grows bigger, and then he looks over at Leo. “Leo, toss over a small fireball.”
“You sure he’s ready?” Leo asks, uncertain about the request.
Karl nods and steps to the side. “Now, Victor, Leo will toss over a small fireball. I want you to catch it in the bubble.”
Victor nods in response, trying to keep his focus on the bubble.
Leo stands up and flicks his wrist as he walks over to stand across from Victor. A small blue ball of fire appears in his palm. He underhand tosses the fireball over to Victor. Victor eyes the fireball and moves his hands and arms, catching it on his first try.
Karl crosses his arms and smiles proudly. “Nice job! Now, concentrate on the air that’s inside the fireball. You want to pull the air out of the fireball just like you did with the bubble.”
Victor looks at the fire inside the bubble. He doesn’t notice that his breathing has slowed, and his heartbeat begins to slow down. All he can hear is the breeze blowing around his ears.
As Victor focuses on the fireball, Leo looks over and notices something. He’s unsure as to what is happening.
Karl notices Leo’s confused expression. “What’s up?”
“I’m not sure,” Leo answers as he slowly walks over to Victor.
As Karl makes his way around Victor, he jumps back. “What . . . what is this?” He twists his neck as Leo approaches. “Leo, what’s going on?”
