Chapter 5

Serali's education now began in earnest. Long hours were spent with Janus discussing theory and learning how to apply it. Serali studied hard, but was often impatient as long lesson followed long lesson with only a few simple practice exercises. Still, she was enjoying herself and finding that the thick theory book she had been left was more interesting reading than she would have thought. Her other great frustration was with the morning chores. The tower had been scrubbed spotless but Janus insisted that Serali keep working. She complained that she was going to wear the tower stones down with all the scrubbing. Finally, Janus agreed that as of the next week, she would be freed from cleaning. He accompanied this respite with a mysterious pronouncement.

"If you're so eager to quit scrubbing, I'll let you move on, but you may wish that you were back washing the floors after you see what I have in mind."

"Right now I don't care if you plan on having me go out and wrestle trolls for you, nothing could be worse than scrub, scrub, scrub all the time."

"We'll see about that."

Serali was not surprised to find a stranger sitting in Janus' reception room when she came from breakfast a few days later. What surprised her was the nature of the visitor, for she was obviously a highborn lady. Dressed in a dress so covered in ruffles, frills, and lace that you could hardly see the material it was made from, she sat up primly in her chair, though it was doubtful if the dress would let her slouch. Her hair, which was dark brown, almost black, was curled in an elaborate style and piled up on her head. Her skin was very fair and touched with color on her cheeks and around her eyes. All in all, she looked like she was ready to go to a high ball. Janus was sitting behind the desk he kept there for formal occasions. He too was well dressed, wearing a fashionable outfit in dark green, though compared to the Lady, his ensemble was the epitome of simplicity. Serali blushed as the lady swept her up and down with a cool, assessing gaze. She was suddenly conscious of the rather ragged boy's clothes that she wore for everyday. Even in her best dress though, she would have looked incredibly scruffy next to the finery sported by the lady.

"So this is your protégé? I must say I understand why my services are needed." She shook her head. "She looks like you just picked her up off the street."

"We tend to be somewhat informal here, Valerie, Serali is wearing her work clothes. You know that wizardry can be rather hard on clothing, so I prefer to avoid wear and tear on my better clothes. My apprentice does likewise."

"I suppose. But if she is going to be taking part in society, she definitely needs more polish than she has now. Quite a bit more, I suspect."

"Of course. That is why I've asked you here. I know that you, of all people, will know what is needed. Your skill is justly famed here in Barona."

Valerie tilted her head prettily to one side. "Why thank you Janus. I do confess that I have had some successes in the past."

She looked Serali over again. "And I must admit, the girl does have potential. Does she own any gowns at all?"

Janus looked quizzically at Serali

Serali shook her head. "I have a dress, but it's not like that," she said, gesturing to Valerie's gown.

"Well then, my dear, the first order of business seems to be a shopping trip. You must have a suitable wardrobe." Rising to her feet, Valerie gave Janus a little curtsy and a smile. "I shall return on the morrow, I trust that you will be ready at an early hour."

Janus too rose, going over to the door to hold it open for Valerie to depart. "Of course. I look forward to seeing you again, and to going to all your delightful social occasions."

Valerie inclined her head politely to him and swept regally out the door.

Searli watched her go in amazement. "This is what you want me to do? You're right, I almost would rather scrub."

"You wanted something else," he said with a twinkle in his eye. "And even if you had never complained, I would have invited Valerie over eventually. As a magician, you're going to have to deal with high society. Valerie will see that you know what you need to know. She has trained girls from all the important highborn families, so she knows what she's doing."

"I suppose so, but somehow I think that high society and I are not going to get along very well."

Janus laughed. "I don't know about that. I think you will do quite well."

She sobered and looked at him. "Seriously Janus, do you think I'll do all right? I don't want to make a fool of myself."

"Serali, you have the makings of a true lady, not to mention the sort of natural beauty that is often quite rare among the overly-painted, fashionable society girls."

Serali blushed. "You're just saying that. I'm not beautiful, I'm a big cow."

Janus shook his head. "You're too tall for all the boys back home, but that doesn't make you ugly. You are beautiful Serali, and I think that you may break hearts left and right before you're done. Now, we have work to do, so let's get going."