Ketal tested the beast again and felt it bare its fangs, not at an enemy but at him.0

So the creature hates seeing me on the back foot, he thought. It acted like a surly hound that barked at everything, yet when its master was in danger, it leapt without fear and sank its teeth into the enemy.0

“What a troublesome thing,” he muttered, clicking his tongue.0

He could not use it at will. It only stirred when he faced an opponent that forced him to fight in earnest. That made it a picky beast.0

If that is how you are, why not just cooperate all the time? he grumbled inwardly. Why resist me like your life depends on it?0

Another problem awaited him the moment he tried to move more Myst.0

I’m all out of Myst0

The last swing he had made with the beast had cut the world itself. That severing strike had left a visible wound in space. After that, for a full day, he had been unable to work Myst at all.0

I need more to work with, he decided. Even if I understand how to handle Myst, it’s pointless if I don’t have any reserves.0

He drew a slow breath and examined the flow within. He had learned the basic method to coax the beast, to align his will, and let that will shape the Myst. The knowledge did not solve the shortage. A craftsman with empty hands could not build a house.0

There was at least one good sign. The beast had softened a little. Compared to their first clash of wills, the creature no longer...0