Ages ago, there was a young pupil
who wanted to become a mage.
Her name was Kali-Baleen
and she had just come of age.
Her master, the wise old mage,
loved her like a daughter.
Every morning, before work,
magic he taught her.
She was a sharp student
and a promising apprentice.
Though at times,
she could be quite pretentious.
Still, the old mage smiled
and instructed her with pleasure,
For her thurst for knowledge,
it seemed, had no measure.
There was only one thing
the old mage forbid Kali from doing.
His great book of spells,
she was kept from viewing.
She wished she could see
what secrets lay inside.
She swore never to open the book,
but she lied.
When the old mage was away,
she pretended to sleep,
but she got up,
instead of counting sheep.
Kali found the book locked away
in the old mage's study.
She managed to get to it
though the lock was sturdy.
Finally, the book was in her hands
and she would uncover it's mysteries.
She opened the book of spells
and began her inquiries.
Upon the old mage's return,
she had read most of the book.
But the power was too great
and Kali was shook.
The old mage found her at his desk,
in a state of utter shock.
Her hair was a mess
and she was missing a sock.
He quickly brewed her a potion
to save her from insanity.
Though he still loved her,
he cursed her audacity.
After a handful of long days,
she recovered from the trauma.
When she was finally well,
the old mage began the drama.
He scolded her,
yelling that she could have died.
Of her apprenticeship
she would have to be denied.
The book granted not only knowledge,
but great power.
If Kali were to learn any more,
her mind would not last another hour.
And so, with a heavy heart,
the old mage banished Kali.
She went to the port
and got on a ship, lamenting her folly.
She shed many tears,
for the life she was leaving behind.
Her kind master would always be
in her heart and her mind.
Kali had many adventures thereafter,
she made friends and some enemies too.
Everywhere she went,
people thought she was missing a screw.
In taverns across the land,
bards sung of Kali-Baleen's travels.
With each passing year,
her legend further unravels.
Tales arose of her dancing with fates
and fooling death itself.
Truth or myth,
many drunks toasted her health.
It is said she eventually became a master,
with pupils and all.
The irony of that
is by no means small.
Of course, one has to wonder,
if she had a book of spells as well.
And if to temptations
her apprentices also fell.