The Young Apprentice

Details found here: [link]

The Young Apprentice

Tanius (Is my son’s name “Austin” mixed up to form a different name.)

Tanius was apprentice to Mordo a respected and slightly feared wizard of the kingdom of Edern. How Tanius came to be in the house of his mentor is a mystery that Mordo had no intention of sharing. Tanius had many questions about his mother and father, But was only ever given the answer of “When the time is right”.

Tanius was 15 years old and only knew the patient, slightly rough but loving Mordo as a parental figure. He wanted more than anything to be like his mentor and make him proud. But no matter how hard he tried he always seemed to come up short. He had a problem with getting into trouble without meaning to. His spells never produced the desired effects and in most cases caused a need to rebuild or put out fires. He was an incurable tinkerer, a genius in engineering that was able to invent sophisticated mechanical gadgets from nothing more than spare parts. He loved to read the many books of magic that he hoped to use someday without mishap. They were the only things outside of his dragon that held any part of his attention for more than five minutes.

His dragon Ysilonna was an orphan like himself. He found her abandoned by dragon hunters in the woods after they had killed her mother. The unbreakable bond was made the minute they touched in what is called “Sál tengingu”. (Soul connection) She was his constant companion and although still small his fierce protector. The strength in their bond was surprising to any that witnessed it.

Mordo knew his ward was smart, sensitive and fearless. But he was also clumsy, awkward and had the attention of a flea. He talked too much and ate enough to feed ten people. His feet were far too big causing him to stumble and trip instead of walk. But he kept his patience hoping that someday the calming effect of age would take care of many of his faults. He knew Tanius had a future that would write history for their people because it was his destiny to do so. Heaven help them but he was the magic they had been waiting hundreds of years for. This gangly teenage boy was their promise for freedom and peace. Someday……..
****************************************************

Many of the objects in my painting are things I've painted in my spare time over the years but put aside for future use. It made painting time quicker but making them mesh took time. I had to make up a story to tie them together to make sense because when I promised to paint this for Austin (To make up for making him look like a girl in the last painting of him. Now he says I made him look goofy, I give up!) he had wanted them added. He did think I could have left out the bottle of "Yack spit" and the book titled "Potions for Dummies", but I guess it was my little brand of payback for saying I painted him goofy! The mechanical bug and dragon in one painting needed to have an explanation. I hope my story sort of helped it to make sense. If not then lets say it was my son's fault mkay?
_____________________________________________________
Reference stock used...
Wall behind Austin
Book of magic in front of Austin