“That’s most of growing up, kid,” Aahz sighed. “Facing up to reality whether we like it or not. You’ve been doing it, and I figure it’s about time I did the same. That’s why I’m going to stick around.”
“But you don’t have to … what?”
My mentor’s face split in one of his expansive grins.
“In this case, the reality that I’m facing is that whether you need me or not, I’ve had more fun since I took you on as an apprentice than I’ve had in centuries. I’m not sure exactly what’s going to happen to you next, but I wouldn’t miss it for all the gold on Deva.”
“That’s great!”
“… Of course, there’s still a lot I can teach you, just like there’s a lot I have to learn from you.”
“From me? “I blinked.
“Uh huh. I’ve been learning from you for some time now, kid. I was just never up to admitting it before. You’ve got a way of dealing with people that gets you respect, even from the ones who don’t like you. I haven’t always been able to get that. Lots of folks are afraid of me, but not that many respect me. That’s why I’ve been studying your methods, and have every intention of continuing.”
“That’s . . . umm . . . interesting, Aahz. But how come you’re telling me this now?”
“Because if I stay around, it’ll be on one condition: that you wake up and accept the fact that you’re a full partner in our relationship. No more of this ‘apprentice’ crud. It’s getting too rough on my nerves.”
“Gee, Aahz… I…”
“Deal?”
“Deal.”
We shook hands solemnly, and I remembered he had refused this simple act when he first accepted me as an apprentice. A full partner. Wow!
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