Later, while they were together, Keoran began to explain magic in more detail. Mana is its fuel, he said, which is why it is called the key to omnipotence, even though it is not truly absolute power. To use magic, mana has to be properly shaped to match the effect you want.
Turan asked what the standard for that was.
Keoran explained that the difficulty of magic depends on three main factors: lineage, affinity and causality.
Lineage comes from birth and defines certain natural abilities — as in the case of some southern bloodlines that can heal wounds without any training, simply because they possess that inherited power.
Affinity is linked to familiarity. Mages are better at using what they are already accustomed to. Turan recalled that when he had used fire earlier, he had done it as though he were throwing a weapon, and Keoran confirmed that this was exactly why it had worked. He had adapted the magic to something he already understood.
Finally he spoke about causality, admitting that even he did not fully understand the concept. He asked what would happen if Turan tried to kill someone using mana directly.
The boy replied that he imagined something like a light coming out of his head.
Keoran explained that this is what happens when there is no proper cause for the desired effect. When something is too difficult to happen on its own, it is necessary to create a logical cause for it.
Turan concluded that to kill someone it would not be enough to simply wish it with mana. He would need to create a means — generating fire and launching it, for example, since that is more natural than directly producing the effect.
Keoran confirmed that he had understood it well, and even suggested that he might make a better scholar than a mage.
In the end, Turan commented that he could control ordinary animals with ease, but did not understand why magical beasts required something different, and Keoran explained that this is because such creatures also possess mana within themselves.
After all these explanations, Turan realized that magic was far from simple. Keoran agreed. A truly excellent mage, he said, not only knows how to use mana, but also understands the principles and the circumstances behind it.
Turan then asked what the special magic of the Zahar lineage was, and Keoran replied that it involved stealth and tracking abilities. He suggested that he try to use it.
Turan concentrated, wishing not to be seen by anyone, wishing that no sound and no scent could be detected. A thick mist covered his body, and he asked whether it had worked.
Keoran replied that it had. He could not even see him. He said it was downright terrifying.
Then Turan simply reappeared in midair, and Keoran remarked that it had been a long time since he last saw that ability, and repeated how frightening it was. He explained that during the war this was precisely the power that the knights of Badal Arabian feared the most.
Turan thought it was unfairly powerful, but Keoran warned him that it was not invincible.
After that, he began teaching him some methods of magical training.
Turan questioned whether it was not too much to teach all of that to someone who might belong to an enemy family, and the veteran replied that Turan had saved his life and even taken care of him, and that he trusted the boy's character.
Later, Turan informed the village that he would sell the sheep and leave.
That confused the people, who asked who was going to take care of the flock, and how he could decide such a thing on his own.
Turan replied that they should find another shepherd themselves, and that what he did with what was his was none of their concern. He also made it clear that he expected a fair price for the sheep. Otherwise he would release them all, and they could try to capture them if they wished.
The village chief realized that Turan was someone who followed through on his words, and that it was not worth provoking him. So he decided to pay for the sheep and let him go.
And so Turan set out together with Keoran, asking whether he still owed him any compensation.
Keoran replied that he did not intend to receive anything, since it was Turan who had defeated the monster.
The two of them then acknowledged that they would be following separate paths. Keoran apologized for refusing to travel together, explaining that he felt more comfortable alone, and Turan said he understood, and thanked him for everything.
Keoran told him to take care. Turan replied that he hoped to meet him again someday.
He watched the old knight's figure walk away for a long time.
Only later did he realize why he had not wanted the man to speak to him so formally. Even though he had received affection from his mother, deep down he had always longed for a father figure — someone who could serve as an example of the kind of man he wanted to become.
With that in mind, Turan continued on his journey.