Magnus soon realized he was becoming the center of attention.

“Is that so lad..." the wizard replied, an amused smile appearing on his face.

“Yes. I believe I have magical ability, however it is called, and I would like you to teach me to use it, to control it."

“I see. You are obviously prepared to pay for this, lad? The apprenticeship for a skilled wizard is no small thing."

“Eh, of course, I am prepared to pay, to work for it..." Magnus replied, insecurity seeping into his voice. He noticed the inn has gone mostly quiet, and so many eyes observed the scene, obviously expecting entertainment.

“Really? So you can afford to pay me five hundred gold pieces for two years apprenticeship?" The wizard asked raising an eyebrow.

“Five hund-! Eh, no I don't have such money..." Magnus replied, his shoulders slumping down in defeat.

“How much do you have Lad?”

“Seven coppers..." Magnus replied in a quiet voice.

“How much?"

“Seven coppers" Magnus replied with more force this time. He realized he was being the butt of a joke.

Laughter erupted all over the inn. The wizard just chuckled good naturedly.

“So I am supposed to just give up on 499 gold, 99 silver and 93 copper pieces?" the wizard replied when the Laughter settled down a bit.

“Well I can work..." Magnus replied, prompting another bout of laughter.

“Well, that is most commendable, lad," wizard replied when he found his breath.

“Tell you what, why don't you find work and start saving, and we can meet again in this inn in say... a thousand years?" wizard said with a chuckle and provoking a third eruption of laughter.

Magnus felt ashamed and defeated, but angry as well. There was no need to laugh at his misfortune. He threw a few angry looks around himself.

“I am sorry lad, really. But being an apprentice to a skilled wizard is very expensive business. The knowledge is rare and tough to master, it takes so much time to teach it, and much more to learn it. You should probably turn to something else. You look Like a strong and able lad, after all," the wizard said with a hint of remorse. He had a good laugh, but he didn't want to rub the lad's wound.

Magnus just walked away, flustered and defeated. He went to the bar and ordered a beer from the innkeeper. He took a swig of the drink and held his head in his hands.

“The lady over there would Like you to join her table," the waitress said, poking Magnus on the shoulder. Magnus turned his head to look at the pretty waitress. She must have witnessed the scene. Her eyes were full of laughter, even if she was trying to be nice.