6 Chapter 06 — Ritual

Master and apprentice, after the farewells, left Winterfell towards White Harbor, looking back, Jon begins to think about the ten years he lived in this place, and how in the course of a mere ten months, his life so improved. Thinking about it, Jon finds himself unable to allow a smile to spread across his face.

Jon and Gandalf traveled slowly as they explored the northern lands for the first time. Also, the trip would take weeks, which would allow Jon to get used to using magic efficiently during daily activities, not just during training.

The days passed slowly, both master and apprentice prepared for another night of rest.

Jon prepared a rabbit stew while Gandalf set up the tents. As the aromatic fumes left the pot, Jon enjoyed the peace and silence, so comforting and ever-present in the northern lands. The silence was broken by Gandalf, who approached after setting up the tents.

''Jon, this stew smells wonderful! While we wait for this stew, come here, today I will teach you a little summoning ritual. (Gandalf)''

His curiosity piqued, Jon approached Gandalf and sat down while he waited for his master to speak.

''The ritual I will teach you is quite simple, as with most magic, it will all depend on your belief. Now for the steps to follow. (Gandalf)"

"First, you will take some stones and create a circle. (Gandalf)"

Handing Jon a small cloth bag containing a type of powder, Gandalf went on to explain.

''Second, in the stone circle, create a second circle with this powder, which you will ignite with your magic. (Gandalf)''

''Now, for the third step, take your little knife and make a hole in one of your fingers and let it drip seven drops into the center of the circle. (Gandalf)''

"Lastly, chant the following words, but remember, willingly and concentrate your magic on doing," Gandalf said with a serious look in his eyes.

'' I… through the old contract, I summon the one who will share the path of magic with me, with my blood as a link come to me.'' (Gandalf)

Gandalf finished his explanation, and watched Jon.

''Will we do this after dinner, master, if it's not a problem? (Jon)''

''No way, we can do this whenever when you feel ready!'' (Gandalf)

After these words, both took pieces of bread that they carried in their pouches of supplies, and thus helping themselves to a delicious rabbit stew, enjoyed once more the silent and cold, but pleasant, northern night.

With the meal finished, Jon proceeded to go through the steps of the ritual calmly and methodically, while Gandalf watched his young apprentice in silence. After igniting the powder given by Gandalf, through a small fire magic, the fire took on a green color with small purple streaks in the center.

Picking up the knife prepared for the ritual, Jon cut his finger and dripped seven drops of blood into the center of the circle, turning the flame a shade of bluish black. Observing such changes with a dose of fascination on his face, Gandalf, he waited to see, after all, which being his young apprentice would summon would depend exclusively on his magical affinity and will.

'' I Jon Snow, through the old contract, summon the one who will share the path of magic with me, with my blood as a link come to me.'' (Jon)

Amidst the circle of black flames, a small crack opened, where a pair of bright green eyes with pupils that resembled the eyes of a cat, stared at Jon, before breaking into a toothy grin and starting to speak.

''I, a Laughing Cat, answer your call, little human!'' (Cat)

''Now tell me, which came first? Day or night. ''(Cat)

And at the end of that question, a gray cat, with dark spots all over its body, materialized in the air as it looked into Jon's eyes and lay down with its front paws supporting its head and a completely human smile.

Looking at this scene, Jon is completely intrigued, besides having a little headache, wondering what problems such a summons could bring him.

Gandalf, who watched everything from the side, could not help having thoughts like his apprentice, while his curiosity was kindled, due to the abilities demonstrated by such a being so far.

Jon, not knowing how to answer such a strange question, decided to ask a question of his own to his strange summons.

''Would you by any chance be crazy, Mr Cat? (Jon)''

Such a question caused the Cat's eyes to open, his pupils to dilate, while a terrifying smile spread across his unnaturally large mouth, such a smile made Jon feel like he was looking at one of the ancient demons he read about in the past.

Little did master and disciple know, that although the cat before them was not exactly a demon, it would make them both hell and make their lives miserable and at times make Jon wish to go back in time and cast a curse on the old man, for teaching him such a ''little ritual''. But that's a story for the future.

Of course, I'm a crazy little human, just like you who happen to be talking to a cat that hangs in the air. And the old man who seems to have forgotten how to shave. Speaking of which, could you tell me what little human madness is? (Cat)