The Mirror Dimension ranked among the hardest spells Ryan had learned.
Controlling the matter within it as effortlessly as The Ancient One had in the original story would take even more study and practice.
Several more days passed without word of Kaecilius.
Kamar-Taj seemed to have returned to its usual calm.
On the Training Ground, ordinary sorcerers practiced. In the Spell House, Ryan chatted with the guard for a while.
"The Sorcerer Supreme is back," the guard said.
In one of Kamar-Taj's buildings, The Ancient One received Wong's report as soon as she returned.
He reported Kaecilius's betrayal. The Ancient One calmly expressed her regret. "He could have become a better sorcerer."
A strange look stirred in Wong's eyes. Seeing her unruffled expression, he began to suspect something.
Perhaps The Ancient One had known Kaecilius would betray them all along. Perhaps she had her own reasons.
But no one in Kamar-Taj knew what she was thinking, and Wong had no intention of asking. Besides reporting recent events, he had come to recommend Ryan.
Wong had always believed Ryan's talent deserved the Sorcerer Supreme's guidance.
The Ancient One had lived and practiced sorcery at Kamar-Taj for ages. Wong felt that if she was willing, Ryan could grow far stronger than he was now.
In the old-fashioned room, The Ancient One looked at Wong, then at the sorcerers who had come with him.
Her gaze passed over Hachir and Mordo. "Have you all come to ask me to teach Ryan?"
"Yes. Ryan needs the Sorcerer Supreme's guidance." Wong spoke for the sorcerers gathered there.
The Ancient One sighed. "No."
Wong was startled. He asked why she refused, when Ryan's talent was plain to see.
"I've already taught one Kaecilius," The Ancient One explained. "I don't want to teach another."
"Ryan isn't Kaecilius!"