Read Online Catalyst (Book 1) by Marc Johnson - Free Book Online Page B

stared at the wizard, seeing him in a new light. No wonder my mother had mistaken him for an angel. According to the stories, the power at his command was incalculable.
    The wizard leaned closer. “I can see in your eyes that you understand.”
    I nodded and whispered, “You want me to be a wizard.”
    “Yes.”
    I looked away from him. Out of all the things I had expected to learn or to happen, this wasn't one of them. I thought about all the stories I had heard while growing up. There were a few stories of wizards being heroes, like Shala. He had been mainly responsible for defeating the evil wizard, Renak, during the War of the Wizards—a war that had devastated and divided the land. But most stories weren't like that. Most stories I’d heard had to do with the dangers of a wizard’s powers. The dangers I knew all too well. I didn't want to hurt those I cared about, and I didn't want to be another Renak.
    “Can you teach me to control this power?” I asked, staring at my bruised hands.
    “I can. I must warn you, though, that being a wizard is far more than learning to control your powers. It's a serious undertaking, Hellsfire.”
    I didn't want to be a wizard. All I wanted was to not hurt anyone with my power. “What if I say I don't want to be a wizard?”
    “You don’t have a choice.”
    I opened my mouth. Was he going to trap me? Was this his goal all along? What did he want me for? I couldn’t escape from a wizard. I was a prisoner here. Tears crept into my eyes.
    “What’s wrong, Hellsfire?”
    “I’m stuck here.”
    “No. You’re here for a reason. You’ve a destiny to fulfill. You’re the One who was prophesied long ago. I’m here to guide you.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “I’m sorry. I can’t say any more.”
    I grimaced, angry that he would tell me that much, but not completely explain himself. I didn’t feel special. I was just me. I could do things with fire, but that was more of a burden and a problem than a gift. I couldn’t see myself doing anything great, nor did I want to. I considered pressing the wizard for information, but, judging from his stern gaze and hunched shoulders, he wasn’t going to tell me any more right now. If I stayed with him, I was sure I could get those answers. But his so-called prophecy wasn’t my concern at this moment. I had more immediate questions to attend to.
    “How do I know I can trust you?” I asked. “I don't want to be like those wizards in the war.”
    He seemed a bit taken aback by that. “I can assure you I will do everything in my power to make sure that won't happen.”
    I ran my fingers through my hair, trying to decide what to do. I sat there in silence for many minutes. He didn’t interrupt me or say a word. He knew there was only one decision I could make.
    I nodded. With a somber face I said, “All right. I'll do it.”
    The old man’s grin was as wide as the horizon. “Excellent. Now come and get some rest. You look like you need it.”
    I rubbed my bruises and moaned. He was right, but more important matters had to be settled. I had come to the White Mountain in hopes of finding answers. Now that I could get them, I was going to. I needed to. ”What about—”
    “There'll be plenty of time for questions later, my boy.”
    “But—”
    “Hellsfire, please,” he said, putting a hand up, but barely raising his voice. “You'll have to trust me.”
    I stared at him, not truly believing that, but not in a position to do otherwise. I could use some rest. “All right.”
    The wizard smiled. “I’m glad you have patience. It's one of the essential components to being a wizard.”
    “Master.” The dragon’s big head appeared near the entrance to the room. I jumped at the sight of him.
    “Yes, Cynder?”
    “I'm sorry. I’ve failed.” The dragon didn’t seem as scary as he had before. He looked sad, his scaly face dragging on the floor. I relaxed a little.
    “Failed? I don't believe you've failed in your duty. This is