Apprentice Shepard is inching ever-closer to his graduation. He’s an impressive trainee with a clear understanding of his mission. He’s handsome, intelligent, confident, compliant and always remarkably well-turned-out. In short, he’s everything we look for in an apprentice and, as a result, is very well-regarded by the masters.I’ve watched his progress from a distance. I’ve enjoyed observing his transformation from the somewhat shy boy who arrived here to an impressive young man who exudes sex appeal. When I was selected to oversee his Second Anointing, I felt a rush of great excitement. A first-time interaction with an apprentice who’s in the latter stages of his training can be incredibly rewarding. Those, like Apprentice Shepard, who’ve already been through a number of rituals take things in their stride. They understand the dynamic.I beckoned …More
