Chapter 11: Runic Compiler
CH11 Runic Compiler
***
After Alex left, Zora turned to Merlin. "I told you—I've given up on that matter. I don't want you using my problem as a reason to withhold help from Alex like you said you might. If you do, I'll be furious."
"This daughter of mine... how badly do you see me?" Merlin asked with a dry chuckle.
"A rogue dragon," Zora replied without missing a beat.
Merlin's lips twitched.
He shook his head and sighed. "Humans have all kinds of personalities. Some need to be nurtured and gently guided. Others prefer to figure things out themselves, in their own way.
"Alex is clearly the latter. For people like him, the best way to help is to point out a path and then challenge them with an 'impossible' task. That's how they grow."
"I'm starting to understand that," Zora admitted. "But what if he actually fails your impossible task? You'd better not harm him because of it."
"Don't worry," Merlin replied. "Just a little punishment. For better or worse, he's my student. And it reflects badly on me if any of my disciples turn out to be a waste."
Zora gave a reluctant nod and returned to her seat, resuming the work on her desk.