Mark Reads “On Ordeal: Roshaun” – Chapter 3, Part II

In the second part of the third chapter of “On Ordeal: Roshaun,” Roshaun realizes what his real Challenge probably is. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to read Young Wizards. 

AHHHHHH, THIS IS SO CREPPY! And I suppose I did want to see more of Avseh and Mevseh, and the universe granted that, BUT NOT IN THE WAY I EXPECTED OR DESIRED. I definitely hope to get some closure for these clone sisters, as I imagine that they might not know that one of them has been Overshadowed. I know it seems obvious that Mevseh is Overshadowed, but I can’t ignore that it was Avseh who first approached Rho—at the perfect time, too, just after he spoke to a star for the first time!!!—to tell them about their home planet. So, my little theory: Avseh is the one who is Overshadowed by the Lost Aethyr, and they set Roshaun on this path. I mean, it makes sense, right? Unfortunately, the theory that Mavseh is Overshadowed ALSO makes a lot of sense. What if Avseh was genuine in her request? It’s not like she would have known that the Lost Aethyr has screwed with her sun. And then Mevseh moved in and…

Okay, I’m getting ahead of myself. I don’t know the logistics of this yet, so I’m gonna focus on Roshaun’s struggle. It’s apparent now that there was a greater reasoning for the opening of this story. I appreciated the glimpse into Rho’s life prior to wizardry because I could relate to it so easily. Plus, I love when backstories can help flesh out a character, and this certainly did that! But Rho’s isolation, loneliness, and boredom was also a chance for Duane to seed this plot twist. His weaknesses were used by the Lost Aethyr to provide him with his choice, the Challenge he so desperately wanted. And y’all, it’s so OBVIOUS in hindsight that this was a set-up. Not only was it all too easy, it was too convenient! I SHOULD HAVE SEEN THE TRUTH.

Still, it was a satisfying experience to read Roshaun determining the truth in real time. What happens here is subtle right up until it’s not. In another context, Mevseh’s encouraging behavior would have been a friendly, considerate thing, the type of positivity that would feel brilliant and caring. Indeed, it does seem like a good thing that Roshaun is suddenly free from the restraints of Wellakhit. Hell, I actually love the idea of being a Paladin, roaming the galaxy and helping stop the Lost Aethyr in countless battles and fights. As someone who was also largely confined to my home growing up, I basically did exactly what Roshaun wanted to. I escaped! Granted, that came at a great personal cost those last two years of high school, but I’m sharing this because I want y’all to know that I get Roshaun. I get why this would be so tempting to him. When you feel trapped, the idea of true freedom seems worth it, no matter the cost. 

For a moment, Roshaun was ready to pay that price:

The hunger for the mere possibility was for some moments nearly unbearable… the thought of a life outside of the trap he had been born into. Ot leave that half-scorched world and never come back! It had never been possible before, and so as a boy he had wasted no time dwelling on the desire to escape, because there was no way. He had been held planetbound by his powerlessness, by his duty to his House, by his love for his royal father and his lady mother. But now… now.

It was so easy… and then it wasn’t. Once the reality of the Lost Aethyr appears in Rho’s mind, he simply cannot discard the thought. IT’S SO FASCINATING TO WATCH HIM QUIETLY REJECT EVERYTHING. And yes, it broke my heart a little! I could deny that it was electrifying for Rho to start subtly plotting against the Lone One, but he was doing so by rejecting his own desire for freedom. I’m comforted by knowing that he’ll eventually get out of Wellakh and go on adventures, but still. I WANT HIM TO BE HAPPY.

So what exactly is he planning? What sort of spell does he want to enact in that weird shell that’ll protect him from having his mind read? Why did he drink that weird liquid that made him hyperaware? I’m guessing he doesn’t want to ever be unaware of interacting with the Lost Aethyr, right? AHHHH, I NEED TO KNOW. 

https://youtu.be/MBNPUecnVEw

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