The Mage's Cipher - 6 & 7
[Updated: Occasionally!]
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6
Father was always so insistent on the chronicling of our craft.
“The pursuit of knowledge is a wasted effort if inadequate measures are taken to preserve it.”
Even in my own writing, his condescending tone rings through. And of course, there is a vexatious truth in his words. The memory is a flawed thing, but such a reason was always secondary to Father.
Many say the study of magical theory is a life’s work, but this rationale is that of a second-rate mage. True mastery, should such a thing exist, is a process spanning generations, the subject a being of countless ever-changing facets.
Few mage families exist beyond antiquity, and fewer still find common ground in the use of their talents, but that research uncatalogued is naught but dust before the eye of history is likely the sole perception shared by those whom see the true value of the craft.
7
How angry Father would be, knowing it has been years since I have practiced to any degree worth recording. And yet, now in his study and having been living years without the dedication he stressed so, I cannot help but reflect upon the earliest lessons of my apprenticeship.
“Theory and fact plainly transcribed is ill suited for little more than the common book merchant.”
From here, my work will be written in using Father’s various ciphers. Research is a thing to be preserved, but the effort is meaningless if my business is so readily discerned.
~En
