《Maestro Therapy》


 Prologue: Would You Do It?

    <u>Prologue:</u>


    Monica watched as her last client walked out the door. The door¡¯s old latch bolt got caught again and refused to release its newest victim. The client tried to close the door again, but to no avail.


    ¡°Pull harder,¡± Monica said, trying to disguise the tiredness in her voice.


    The old man fiddled with the knob a few more times before finally giving up and listening to his therapist, and with all his remaining strength he slammed the door shut. Finally, the door closed in the o-so-terribly-familiar short forceful *thunk*. Monica sighed, at last, in blissful solitude. It had been a long and busy year, what with the economy and hardships of the city, and the war, of course, making everyone¡¯s life far more difficult if not ending it all together. And now with rumors of strange monsters lurking in the borderlands, it was no wonder why her list of patients only continued to grow. Monica was glad to listen to and advise the nobility and other wealthy patrons on their dilemmas of life. But their problems seemed to be less and less about who wore the better dress at the ball, or if their spouse or spouses were cheating on them. No, no the problems Monica began to hear where closer to the lines of there weren¡¯t sufficient mages at the front lines, supplies were running low at the eastern border, or that the king¡¯s health was worsening. Things Monica wasn¡¯t sure she was qualified to deal with. But she was a professional, and so she listened, questioned, and advised her clients, all the while gladly accepting their gold.


    Monica looked at the newest installment to her office, a mechanical contraption that sat on her desk. The artificers called it a clock, it showed the time, similar to an hourglass, but far more accurate. It was truly a remarkable device and very expensive. It was a profitable year, even if busier. The clock showed that it was already six o¡¯clock. She was done with her patients for the day and simply had to do some paperwork, before heading home to her apartments. A knock on the door caused Monica to look up.


    ¡°Dr. Medens, I brought you your coffee.¡± Monica¡¯s secretary, Elaine, spoke. She was holding a tray with an elegantly designed coffee cup, filled with Monica¡¯s greatest addiction.


    As Elaine placed the tray on Monica¡¯s desk, the therapist smiled happily for the first time today, ¡°Thank you, Elaine. You really are a lifesaver. I thought I was going to trudge through this paperwork on my waning energy.¡±


    Elaine smiled and nodded, ¡°I¡¯m always glad to help. Call me if you need anything else, Dr. Medens.¡± Elaine left, deftly closing the old door with only two tries, and the familiar *thunk*.


    ¡°I really need to get that door replaced.¡± Monica said to herself. But she had been so occupied recently with her work that she hadn¡¯t had the time. Normally she¡¯d even be home by now, but there was too much paperwork to get through these days. Maybe she could ask Elaine to arrange for a carpenter to come and replace the door. But then Monica would have to find another room to work with her clients, or she could postpone her appointments for a day. No, that wouldn¡¯t do, her clients would be angry, and it would not do well to anger people in power. Monica sighed. As she was deliberating with her dilemma the door opened. Two cloaked figures walked into the office.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, did my secretary not speak with you? I¡¯m not seeing any clients at this moment. You can see my secretary and make an appointment at a later date.¡± Monica stood from her desk and raised her hand, as a gesture of showing the two strangers out.


    Monica was rarely surprised and even more rarely caught off guard. And yet within the next few moments she was both. The strangers lowered their hoods. The taller one by far, standing at about six feet and a half, was a woman, with soft yellow eyes, and golden locks of hair, her skin was the color of burnished bronze, and her face was that of an exotic beauty, the likes of which Monica had never seen. The shorter figure was a man. He was of average height, but standing next to the beautiful woman made him seem short, yet by no means small. If the woman¡¯s appearance was startling, then the man¡¯s was doubly so. He had a boyish handsomeness, with olive skin and a youthful face, and yet his hair was as white as snow. But his eyes were his most striking feature, one of his irises was a bright silver, while the other was colored a dark amethyst. The woman stood a foot in front of him as if trying to protect him from the unarmed therapist, but the man carried himself with a confidence not born of bolstering pride, as seen in many of the rich, but one of knowing things few did.


    The exotic woman stared at Monica. The strange man glanced around the room as he addressed the therapist, ¡°Dr. Monica Medens, I presume? I¡¯ve heard you¡¯re one of the best counselors in all of July. And looking around your office, it seems as if you profited quite nicely, no?¡±


    The woman closed the office door in one quick snap. She turned and took off the young man¡¯s cloak, all the while staring at Monica. Monica swallowed, this doesn¡¯t bode well. She wondered how fast she could grab the dagger that was in her desk. She tried not to look at the desk and took a deep breath, ¡°I am Dr. Medens, and I have been graced with a prosperous year. The city of July and her people have been very kind to me.¡± Monica casted a glance at her desk¡¯s drawer, dammit.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The man turned his attention towards the desk and nonchalantly walked over. He looked at Monica and smiled. He grabbed her cup of coffee and took a sip, ¡°I like your taste in drinks, Dr. Monica.¡± He turned his back, cup still in hand, and sat on a nearby chair, normally meant for the client.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Monica said, relieved.


    ¡°Oh, and I suggest you don¡¯t grab the little pin you somehow deem to call a weapon. Really, you could have gotten something better, an axe perhaps? No matter, Stella, here, will decapitate you before your hand reaches the handle of that drawer.¡± The man took a sip of coffee, ¡°And I wouldn¡¯t consider shouting either, I dislike needless shouting. Normally I do things differently, albeit more violently. But today is a day of change.¡±


    ¡°Thank you?¡±


    Stella¡¯s stare quickly became a glare.


    Monica understood the message, ¡°I mean thank you very much, my lord. Lord?¡±


    ¡°My name is Elric. Elric Insomnium. You may call me what you wish,¡± the man said, taking another sip. ¡°Your secretary really does make a good brew of coffee.¡± Elric glanced at Monica¡¯s worried face. ¡°Not to worry she is fine, Luna has taken care of her.¡±


    ¡°Luna?¡±


    ¡°Yes, my familiar. Or as she¡¯d prefer to be called, my sword. Although, I think scythe would be more befitting.¡±


    Monica quickly tried to gather what information she could, while trying to keep her beating heart from coming out of her chest. ¡°So, you¡¯re a mage. From another city, looking for a therapist to listen to your problems?¡±


    Elric leaned back on his chair and stared at Monica for a few painful moments of silence, ¡°No. On all accounts.¡±


    Monica struggled with his words.


    ¡°I came here for an answer to a question. I was advised by a friend that a doctor of philosophical troubles such as yourself, might be able to help. Besides, I was nearby, and you are one of the best or so I¡¯ve heard.¡±


    Monica was trying to connect the pieces, ¡°Nearby? B-but you have a familiar.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Elric said, cocking his head slightly to the side, and looked directly at Monica. As if studying an animal, wondering if it understood what one was saying.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a mage, but you have a familiar, that¡¯s impossible unless-¡± Monica stared at Elric as the blood drained from her face. ¡°You¡¯re a maestro,¡± she whispered in terror. This was him, this was the maestro of dusk, bane of the West, wyrm slayer, master of the Gemini.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Monica looked at Stella, whose eyes had still not left her, ¡°Then she is-¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Monica slowly sunk into her chair. Her short black hair covered her face and the terrified look that was etched in her eyes. This was bad. Forget about fixing her door, her small adorned dagger, or her expensive clock. This was really bad. She could actually die here. Or worse.


    Elric looked at young woman hunched over her desk. ¡°Dr. Monica, I¡¯ve heard great things about you. Were they false?¡±


    Monica¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She couldn¡¯t die here. She had way too much to do. Too much to live for. She was a professional. She could do this. Monica took a deep breath, pushed her hair back, and looked at the maestro of myth. ¡°You said you had a question?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Although that is for me to contemplate.¡±


    Monica wanted to say so many things right now. Of why someone like him even wanted a therapy session. Was it even a therapy session? Or that sessions were supposed to be between a therapist and her client, not with a yellow eyed warrior staring her down, waiting for the chance Monica might make a mistake and take her head off. Or if Elaine was actually alright, let alone the guards posted outside the building. She wanted to complain about the loss of her stolen coffee, the abrupt intrusion; oh, there were so many things to say. But she kept her tongue, she was a professional. She would survive this night even if took all her focus, training, and luck.


    And so, she simply asked, ¡°Give me a hint?¡±


    Elric smirked, ¡°Tell me. Everyone has wishes, dreams. Some people wish for wealth, others for titles, lands, beauty, love, martial strength, magical strength, there is so much we wish for. But what if you had the ability to actually obtain those dreams. What if you had it in your power to achieve your dream, but to do so would be at the cost of others. Would you do it?¡±


    ¡°Are those others innocent?¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    Monica pondered over it for a moment, ¡°Then no. I have several reasons why I wouldn¡¯t.¡±


    Elric leaned over, ¡°Is that so? Tell me one.¡±


    Monica had to choose her next words very carefully. Did this being care about ethics? About right or wrong? She honestly wasn¡¯t sure. She had to appeal to what little she did know about him, ¡°How much would achieving my dreams cost me? What would I be losing?¡±


    Elric, leaned back and simply looked at Monica. Studied her. She tried look him in the eyes, but every time she saw the dissonance between his irises she found herself looking away.


    Finally, Elric spoke, ¡°A lot. It¡¯d cost you more than most. Dr. Monica, you will clear your appointments for the next few days.¡±


    Monica quietly sighed in relief. Her clients might grow angry at her, but she didn¡¯t care, she was alive. ¡°I understand.¡±


    Elric nodded, ¡°I suppose to find an answer to my question I should start at the beginning. Let¡¯s see, where did it start? Ah, yes, I suppose it began when everyone I knew died.¡±


    Monica swallowed and shakily picked up her quill and a clean sheet of paper, after all she was a professional.

 Session 1: A Dream of Life

    <u>Session One: A Dream of Life</u>


    ¡°Elric, honey, be careful with the straps or you¡¯ll tear it.¡±


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m trying, but the leather doesn¡¯t want to stay put. It keeps unraveling.¡± Elric tried to keep the thin pieces of leather intertwined, but it was useless. I took him fifteen minutes to get the leather around the stone, but only five seconds for it to unravel. He sighed in frustration.


    Rose laughed. It sounded light, it reminded Elric of the breeze sweeping through the pond out behind the house. Elric turned to his mother, her hazelnut eyes seemed to sparkle with laughter. She reached her hands behind her son and grabbed the pieces of leather and the small jade stone. With deft hands, she quickly wrapped the leather around the stone and tied it.


    ¡°There, now we just have to make the strap and you will have your very own good luck charm.¡±


    Elric smiled as he held up the soon-to-be necklace, ¡°Thanks mom.¡±


    ¡°Rose, Elric, I¡¯m home.¡± A voice called.


    Rose kissed her son on the forehead, ¡°Your welcome, and it looks like your father is back.¡±


    *******


    ¡°Sam, get over here, it looks like he is waking up.¡± An unknown voice shouted.


    Elric slowly opened his, brown tired eyes. He was greeted with an unfamiliar ceiling, and an overweight woman peering at him through large rimmed glasses. Her blonde messy hair obscured her ears but highlighted her rosy pudgy cheeks. Elric realized he was in a bed and tried to get up, but the woman gently pushed him back down.


    ¡°Try not to get up too fast, you¡¯re still recovering.¡± The woman said.


    ¡°W-who are you? Are you a doctor? Where am I? What happened?¡± Elric shot the questions as fast he could come up with them. His throat felt raw and it hurt to speak.


    ¡°Calm down, kid. You¡¯re alright. What¡¯s your name?¡± A skinny tall man said as he entered the room.


    Like the woman, he also wore robes, though his were crimson red, while hers was a sunflower yellow. The man stood next to the bed and looked down at the boy. His short auburn hair did little to cover the bandages wrapped around his head. And his eyes darted back and forth trying to gauge the situation.


    ¡°My name is Elric. Elric Insomnium.¡± The boy said tentatively.


    The man smiled widely, ¡°My name is Sam, a mage from the city of August. This is Chloe, my colleague and partner. We found you lying on the side of the road, bleeding from several small wounds and a concussion. We brought you to the inn at the neighboring village. Chloe here patched you up. Can you tell us what happened?¡±


    Elric looked at the strangers, unsure what to make it of it all. He tried to remember what he had been doing last, but with an unnerving realization, couldn¡¯t recall. ¡°I-I don¡¯t remember.¡±


    ¡°Can you remember anything, anything at all? Even smallest detail would help us,¡± Chloe said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. The last thing I remember was getting ready for the spring festival. Then¡­ nothing.¡± Elric¡¯s voice shook, ¡°What happened?¡±


    Chloe and Sam looked at each other.


    ¡°Memory loss, it seems,¡± said Chloe.


    ¡°What happened, why am I here?¡± Elric shouted, ignoring the pain in his throat.


    Sam turned towards the young teenager, ¡°Elric, the spring festival was two weeks ago. Your village, Greenstead, was,¡± Sam sighed. ¡°We found your village in ruins. You were at the side of the road, unconscious and bleeding. So, we brought you here.¡±


    ¡°But, my family. Where is my family?¡± Elric¡¯s whole body shook.


    Chloe placed her hand on his shoulder, ¡°Judging from the tracks, a couple of magical beasts attacked your village about two days ago. You were the only survivor.¡±


    ¡°T-that¡¯s not possible.¡± Elric laughed, but there was no emotion in his voice. ¡°Monsters can¡¯t get across the wall.¡±


    ¡°Sometimes, very rarely, a gap opens up in the Barrier, and things can slip through, including magical beasts.¡± Sam added.


    Elric¡¯s eyes grew hazy, ¡°That¡¯s not true. The kings and queens made the wall. Things can¡¯t just slip through. My family is safe, they have to be. It can¡¯t be true.¡± Elric pushed himself up, ¡°I have to go see them.¡±


    ¡°No, you have to stay in bed. You¡¯re still weak,¡± Chloe said.


    ¡°Let him go Chloe. The boy deserves to know the truth.¡±


    Chloe shot an angry glance at Sam, but he pretended to not see it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get the horses ready. Can you ride?¡± Sam asked.


    Elric shook his head, ¡°No, I¡¯ll walk. Just let me go already. My family must be worried sick about me.¡±


    Elrick uneasily stood up and almost made it to the door before falling. Sam caught him up. ¡°You¡¯ll ride with me. Chloe, are you coming?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not ready Sam,¡± but she still followed him out through the door.


    *******


    They rode through the evening, just as the sun had begun to set. Elric sat in front of Sam, trying not to fall off the horse. He rarely got the chance to ride a horse, only in the seasonal festival did the farmers bring out the horses so the people could be taken on rides. But this wasn¡¯t a time of festival¡¯s or celebrations. This was a dream, a terrible dream. Elric swore to himself that it couldn¡¯t be real. His family had to be alright.


    Winter had just ended, the flowers were just blooming, his mother had gone out to pick some flowers to make a garland for Lili. Elric looked around now and noticed through the dim light, how the flowers were already in full bloom. Had to be a dream.


    After over an hour of riding they finally arrived at Greenstead. A large patch of the road had been blackened and scorched, houses all around had been torn apart. Elric tried to get off the horse quickly and fell. Sam shouted after him, but he just ran towards his house. It couldn¡¯t be real. The houses in the town square had claw marks all over them. Blood stains covered the street. Elric ignored it all until he got to his home. The door had been ripped open.


    ¡°N-no,¡± He slowly walked into the home. There was blood on the kitchen table. He systematically went through every room, making sure they were all empty. Eventually, he walked to the back of the house to the small pond. The flower bushes near the pond had all wilted, stone bench near the pond was still there. It was all the same and yet different, he was alone. Elric slowly sunk to the ground. He stood there in silence as the sun¡¯s light began to disappear and eventually the moon¡¯s light bathed him. It was as if his life was fading with the sun along with everything he knew.


    ¡°There you are, we¡¯ve been looking for you. We we¡¯re worr-¡± Chloe said from the edge of the house. She waited mutely.


    ¡°They¡¯re gone, aren¡¯t they?¡± Elric he asked softly.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°The nearby village helped us bury the bodies. Sam found your village¡¯s ledger. Excluding you, the body count matched the number of people who lived in Greenstead.¡±


    ¡°I-i didn¡¯t. I didn¡¯t-¡± Elric couldn¡¯t finish the sentence.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, you don¡¯t have to say anything.¡± Chloe sat next to Elric and wrapped her arms around him.


    They sat there for a long time. Sam eventually found them and the three of them slowly made their way to the horses. Elric ignored his surroundings and simply looked at the ground, his hand clutched a small jade necklace. They got back on the horses and rode for only a few minutes, just far enough to be away from the village¡¯s sight.


    ¡°This¡¯ll be fine. We can rest here for now,¡± Chloe said, dismounting her horse.


    Sam made a small groan, ¡°Do we have to stop right here? Can¡¯t we just go back to the inn. I rather have a warm bed instead of the hard ground as my companion tonight.¡±


    ¡°We will stay here tonight, besides Elric¡¯s wounds have opened up from all the riding,¡± Chloe looked at the blood soaking Elric¡¯s shirt. Elric looked at his shirt in mild surprise.


    They dismounted. Sam grabbed a few logs from his horse¡¯s pack.


    ¡°Now sit down and take your shirt off, let me see how bad it is.¡± Chloe ordered the young man.


    Elric gingerly took off his shirt, only now realizing how much pain he was in. He winced as Chloe unwrapped the bandages.


    ¡°Not as bad as I thought,¡± Chloe smiled, ¡°not as great as I hoped either.¡±


    She raised her hand and whispered. Her hand glowed a soft yellow. Elric gasped in surprise.


    Chloe laughed, ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯m a mage remember? A life mage to be precise.¡±


    He had actually forgotten. ¡°S-so you¡¯re actually mages. The real thing.¡±


    ¡°Well, of course.¡± Sam smirked. He spoke a few words but Elric didn¡¯t hear anything. Suddenly a small flame appeared over Sam¡¯s hand, he threw the flame over the logs. ¡°Voila, the campfire is complete, now Chloe, you can cook.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s your turn to cook,¡± Chloe placed her hand on Elric¡¯s ribs.


    ¡°Ah, I forgot.¡±


    Elric¡¯s eyes widened as he felt the pain from his chest begin to disappear, the three claw mark wounds were actually closing up.


    ¡°This should do for now, although make sure to not move too much, lest you open your wounds again.¡± Chloe said as the light around her hand faded away.


    Elric stared at the both of them. He had of course heard the stories of the mages and their amazing powers. But he had never met any, he hadn¡¯t gone to any of the great cities, nor had a mage been in his village for two decades. Elric wasn¡¯t even that old.


    He laughed sadly, ¡°I can¡¯t believe it. Two real life mages right in front of me. And we¡¯re camping under the stars. As if I¡¯m in one of those magical tales of Primus, going off to save the land.¡± He laughed again.


    Both Sam and Chloe stared silently.


    ¡°But it¡¯s not, is it? My village is gone,¡± Elric couldn¡¯t stop laughing. ¡°It¡¯s like it¡¯s all a dream, but I can¡¯t wake up. My family is gone. And I didn¡¯t.¡± His laugh slowly turned into a cry, ¡°I didn¡¯t get to say goodbye.¡±


    Suddenly it all felt so real, his family was gone and there was no getting them back. Despite the magical healing his chest hurt more than ever. Tears burned down his cheeks and he screamed in agony. There were no words, just primal guttural noise. Chloe held him tightly. Sam turned in surprise as the campfire burst into nothingness. The horses neighed in panic. Flowers began to sprout around Chloe and Elric. Roots sprung forth from the ground and began to wrap around the both of them, as if mother nature was responding to his suffering.


    ¡°Chloe!¡± Sam whispered.


    She looked at Sam but shook her head in silence.


    Sam stood uncertainly but eventually sat back down, keeping an eye on the ground. The roots eventually wrapped all around Chloe and Elric, and began to sprout flowers of their own. Elric cried unaware of his surroundings. He cried until the tears stopped coming forth, then he simply whimpered in pain. Chloe stroked his back while making soothing noises. They stayed there until dawn broke through the sky.


    Elric sat there quietly, wrapped in his web of roots, all his energy drained. Chloe turned her head towards Sam.


    ¡°Cut us out of here.¡±


    *******


    Sam yawned, as they entered the inn. A waitress spotted the three and quickly came over.


    ¡°M¡¯lord magus, we are so glad you have returned.¡± She smiled towards Elric, ¡°and I am glad you have woken up. Everyone in town is very sorry for your loss.¡±


    Elric didn¡¯t respond. The waitress stood there unsure of what to do.


    ¡°*cough, cough* I was wondering if we could get something to eat.¡± Sam interrupted.


    ¡°Of course, right this way.¡± She led them to a nearby table. ¡°Please, take a seat. I¡¯ll be right back with your food.¡±


    As she left Sam began to rub his eyes, ¡°Not one wink of sleep, but at least I¡¯ll get some warm food.¡±


    Chloe ignored him and looked at Elric, ¡°We have to discuss what happened this morning.¡±


    Elric was slow to respond, ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°The roots and the flowers, that was you.¡±


    ¡°M-me? That¡¯s impossible. I¡¯m not a mage,¡± Elric said confused.


    ¡°Not yet at least,¡± Sam pitched in.


    ¡°What¡¯s certain is that neither Sam or I created those roots to move, or those petals to grow. We think you awakened last night.¡±


    ¡°Awakened?¡±


    ¡°It happens to all with the gift of magic. Our magic lies dormant until we turn fifteen and then some event, usually a very stressful one, causes our magic to awaken. There usually is a burst of magic accompanying the awakening.¡± Chloe explained.


    ¡°Like last night,¡± Elric was beginning to understand.


    Sam laughed, ¡°Not even close. Normally a glass of water freezes, or your clothes might start smoking. You sir, are rare.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Elric was feeling confused again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to Sam. It just means that you have great potential, more than most. The next semester for August¡¯s royal academy is starting soon. I could help you enroll if you¡¯d like,¡± Chloe offered.


    Elric smiled sadly. Life was so ironic. First, he lost everything he ever had and now he found out that he had the potential to be a mage like the fairy tales and forget those he left behind. Life could go screw itself.


    ¡°Thank you, for the opportunity, but I have to decline.¡±


    ¡°What, but why?¡± Chloe asked, genuinely surprised. Her glasses making her wide eyes seem larger.


    ¡°An oddity I tell you,¡± Sam restated.


    ¡°Sam, shut up. Elric, why don¡¯t you want to join the academy? This is an amazing opportunity; many people dream of studying there.¡±


    Elric tried to put his sentiments into words, ¡°It¡¯s just that I feel like it¡¯s wrong. Everyone I know lost everything they had. And now I¡¯m supposed to just go to fairyland school and live happily ever after?¡±


    Chloe shook her head, ¡°Elric the royal academy isn¡¯t some fairy tale. It is a rigorous school where the wealthy, nobility, and magically talented attend. You¡¯d be a great addition to the school body and in turn to our city-state of August.¡±


    ¡°Is that what I am to you? Just some addition to your perfect city? And what has August and the King ever done for me? Certainly, not protect my people, which is their only job.¡± Elric lashed.


    Chloe closed her eyes and took a deep breath, ¡°Just this once, on behalf of your loss, I will ignore your disrespect for the king and our city, which you are a citizen of despite living near the borderlands. I have been trying to be understanding and help you throughout this difficulty time. But this is the real world, bad things happen to everyone. It doesn¡¯t give you the right to do whatever you want. So, let me make this clear,¡± Chloe leaned over, ¡°Insult our king again, and I will personally beat you senseless and put you in the stocks. The king has done more for this kingdom than any of us combined, I won¡¯t have anyone go around disrespecting him. Do I make myself clear?¡±


    Elric looked at the woman standing just inches from his face. He swallowed and looked away, ¡°Yes,¡± he whispered grudingly.


    ¡°Good,¡± Chloe leaned back and smiled. Suddenly she was back to the kind middle aged woman he had met. ¡°Now about the academy.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go,¡± Elric said immediately. ¡°I rather be a village clerk, like my father.¡±


    ¡°Anyone can be a clerk, but only a few can be mages.¡±


    ¡°Give me one good reason I should go.¡±


    Chloe sighed in exasperation, ¡°Elric-¡±


    ¡°Kid,¡± Sam interrupted. ¡°You want a reason. I¡¯ll give you one. The monster that destroyed your village is still out there.¡±


    ¡°Sam, we weren¡¯t supposed to tell him!¡±


    ¡°What? What do you mean it¡¯s still out there?¡± Elric felt his body shiver.


    Sam continued, ¡°Despite our best efforts the beast eludes us. It most likely crawled back to where it came from and therefore outside the city¡¯s Great Barrier. And do you know who is qualified to go through the Barrier? Caravans. But do you know who is qualified to hunt down a beast? Knights, which require you to be nobility, which you¡¯re not. Or mages, and that my peculiar friend, you can be.¡±


    Elric stood still in thought, slowly his eyes turned to the necklace lying on his neck. ¡°I¡¯ll do it. I¡¯ll go to your academy. I¡¯ll become a mage,¡± he spoke with determination.


    ¡°Elric, becoming a mage isn¡¯t so you can use your power for exacting vengeance,¡± Chloe said.


    ¡°You wanted me to go, right? I¡¯ll do it.¡± Elric said adamantly.


    Chloe sighed, ¡°Elric, we can work on your goals later. The academy¡¯s enrollment begins in about two weeks. You can stay at my home in the city, until then. For now, let¡¯s eat.¡±


    The waitress had returned and began to serve them their meals.


    Chloe turned towards Sam with an angry stare, ¡°Revenge, really?¡±


    ¡°Hey, he wanted a reason to go.¡±


    ¡°Saaam.¡± Chloe said in anger.


    ¡°It seems as if you might be a tad livid, no worries, we can talk about this later. For now, let¡¯s eat.¡± Sam raised his hands in a parody of a plea.


    ¡°Forgive us m¡¯lord and m¡¯lady magus, we are fresh out of soup,¡± the waitress bowed, ¡°But we still have bread from last night. It¡¯s cold but still fresh.¡±


    Sam stared back and forth between the bread and glass of water in front of him, and the waitress. ¡°Seriously?¡±


    Chloe laughed.

 Session 2: A Word of Advice

    <u>Session 2: A Word of Advice</u>


    Elric woke to the sound of a knock on his bedroom door.


    ¡°Elric, you gotta get up early, today is the big day,¡± Chloe said through the door.


    She went to finish preparing breakfast which consisted of a sandwich of cheese and slices of turkey, served with a glass of water. She wasn¡¯t much of a cook, so it¡¯d have to do, with the simple exception of a frosted pastry from down a few blocks. Chloe smiled as she pulled out a plate of her favorite dessert. Elric walked in, with fresh clean clothes, his eyes were wide awake and yet they showed very little life.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± Chloe greeted.


    ¡°Morning,¡± Elric replied shortly, sat down, and began to eat.


    Chloe sighed inwardly. She had thought they would have grown closer in the time they lived together, but on the contrary Elric had closed himself off more and more. He rarely spoke, only to ask questions on magic, and the magical beast which had attacked his village. Chloe was reluctant to answer but nonetheless quelled his curiosity if it served to help him open up. Had she been like this when she was Elric¡¯s age?


    ¡°Once we finish eating we will head over to the royal academy. There we¡¯ll get you signed up for the exam.¡± Chloe explained.


    ¡°Exam?¡±


    ¡°Yes, everyone who is entering the magic division of the academy has to take it. The exam is to gauge if someone has magical potential.¡±


    ¡°But, I thought I already did that when I awoke?¡±


    ¡°You did, but now you have to prove it to the academy. Don¡¯t worry about it, you¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°...I see.¡± Elric spoke slowly.


    The rest of the meal was mostly silent, it consisted of Chloe asking questions and Elric answering with one or two syllables. When they finished eating they began their journey to the academy. They could have ridden on Chloe¡¯s horse, but Elric preferred to walk. It was the only time he came alive. Chloe supposed there was one other time Elric spoke, when they went out for walks around the city. Elric had questions about every single building, what they were for, who had built them, and who lived in them.


    Chloe smiled, he really was a country bumpkin. Elric really reminded Chloe of her younger days. As she looked around and gazed at the tall marble buildings she supposed it really was a sight to behold, whether one was seeing it for the first time or the hundredth. When had she lost the amazement of such a wonderful city, the greatest of the twelve, in her opinion.


    ¡°And what¡¯s that?¡± Elric pointed to a large building, with several smaller buildings attached. Dozens of chimneys rose from the roofs.


    ¡°That¡¯s the artificer¡¯s guild. It¡¯s where mages and skilled craftsmen work together to create incredible tools and mechanical objects.¡±


    ¡°Are they magical?¡±


    ¡°The artificers¡¯ would say all of their work is magical. Although they argue that engineering is magic.¡±


    ¡°So, they¡¯re not magic?¡±


    ¡°Some of it is I suppose. Although, most if not all are very useful to the continuation for the city of August.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the glass building over there?¡± Elric stared at the three-story building, that ran across the entire block. Glass stained windows covered the front.


    ¡°That is the military wing. One of the five wings of the academy in fact. I reckon you¡¯ll have to take a class or two there. Every student is required to take basic combat no matter which division they study in.¡±


    Elric turned towards Chloe, ¡°That¡¯s the royal academy?¡±


    ¡°Nope,¡± she steered Elric further until they passed the block and pointed down the street, ¡°That¡¯s the royal academy.¡±


    An enormous marble building sprawled over their view. It spanned at least fifteen floors, but it was the width of the building that was amazing. It had to span at least two blocks. Five large structures stood next to main building, connected by several corridors. A courtyard laid in front of the academy, but it was blocked by a high stone wall.


    ¡°It¡¯s so big, I¡¯ve never seen a building so large, not even in the city.¡± Elric gazed in wonderment.


    ¡°It looks more amazing from the inside, come on.¡± Chloe pulled a wide eyed Elric towards the entrance.


    Two guards stood at the front gate. They wore bright metal armor with the image of a sword lily, the city¡¯s crest, engraved in the chest plate. Only knights were allowed to bear the crest of August on their armor. These were knights, the most courageous and skilled warriors in all the land.


    Elric straightened his back and tried to look brave as he walked towards the warriors.


    ¡°What is the purpose of your visit lady magus,¡± the guard spoke as he noticed the yellow robes Chloe wore.


    The other knight peered through his visor at Elric, ¡°And you are?¡±


    ¡°Um, hi?¡± Elric asked.


    ¡°I am magus Chloe and this is my ward Elric. We are here for the entrance exam. I wish to enroll Elric into the academy. Now if you¡¯d be so kind as to open the gates before I file a complaint to captain Clifton.¡± Chloe said with a smile.


    ¡°Yes, of course lady magus. No need for any complaints.¡± The knights quickly moved aside and opened the gates.


    Elric looked at Chloe in surprise, normally she was so nice, but now and again she¡¯d reveal a more serious if not slightly dangerous side. She had just commanded knights as if it were the same as ordering a meal at a restaurant.


    Elric¡¯s attention was quickly drawn to the fountain that stood in the middle of the courtyard. Or more precisely the statue on the fountain. The sculpture depicted an armored warrior his sword held in mid swing, facing off against a crouched creature. It seemed like a human but its facial features were disfigured, it had sunken eyes, sharpened teeth, and an elongated jaw line. It seemed to be laughing menacingly. The creature¡¯s hand was raised towards the armored warrior, a bolt of lightning wrapping around the monster ready to strike at the knight. The whole sculpture was finished by stone flames wrapping around the two.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Elric gazed at the beautiful yet terrifying piece of art, it¡¯s beautiful.


    ¡°There are several statues like this all around the campus grounds. You can see them later. Let¡¯s go before we get late to the exam.¡± Chloe pulled Elric along.


    ¡°Who are they?¡± Elric looked back at the statue as they walked.


    ¡°The man with the sword is Primus. The statue is a depiction of the legendary battle between Primus and the maestro Nex. Walk faster we¡¯re almost there.¡±


    They entered through a side door of the main building. A long-decorated hallway greeted them, a stylish desk and clerk sat at the end, with two doors behind him. The clerk looked up from his paperwork as the two walked in.


    Elric looked around, I was expecting a bit more. He looked at the clerk, this could have been my job. Was this the kind of place you worked, father?


    The clerk smiled, ¡°Good morning, lady magus, what may I help you with today?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here to apply my ward, Elric Insomnium, to the magic division.¡± Chloe presented Elric.


    The clerk nodded, ¡°I see, you¡¯re early. Most potentials don¡¯t come for at least an hour more.¡±


    Elric glanced at Chloe in slight irritation, she didn¡¯t even bother to look back.


    ¡°Well, no matter,¡± the clerk continued, ¡°there is some paperwork that needs to be filled out and of course the matter of tuition but we can talk about that once he passes the exam.¡±


    ¡°I can fill out the paperwork. Can Elric take the exam meanwhile?¡± Chloe asked.


    The clerk glanced at the both of them, ¡°If that is your wish lady magus.¡±


    ¡°It is.¡±


    The clerk pointed to the left door behind him, ¡°Go through there and then through the blue door.¡±


    Elric went to the door and looked back uncertainly. Chloe caught his glance and smiled encouragingly. Elric took a deep breath and opened the door. In front of him were three doors. A blue, red, and yellow. He opened the blue door and was greeted with a small room. An old woman wearing green robes, sat next to a simple wooden table.


    ¡°Take a seat,¡± The woman gestured.


    Elric took the seat across from her.


    ¡°Name.¡± Woman didn¡¯t ask but stated.


    He cleared his throat, ¡°Elric Insomnium.¡±


    The woman weighed Elric in her eyes, by the look of disinterest it seemed as if she had deemed him not worthy of her attention. Even so she looked him straight in the eyes and spoke with a strict tone. ¡°I am the test administrator for the admissions exam at the royal academy of August. You may call me, lady magus. You are expected to stay silent unless asked. Nod if you understand.¡±


    Elric, was already disliking the woman, but he wasn¡¯t about to be disrespectful now. Not when he was about to enter the academy. He wouldn¡¯t fail, not now, nor ever again. He nodded.


    ¡°Good. There are two exams, an oral and a practical. We will begin with the oral, but first a few basic questions. How old are you?¡±


    ¡°I am fifteen this year.¡±


    ¡°But you still look like a child, where are you from?¡±


    ¡°The borderlands.¡±


    ¡°Not surprising. Why are you here?¡±


    Something was wrong, Elric felt it.


    ¡°To learn how to become a mage.¡±


    ¡°Really? I wouldn¡¯t have guessed. What¡¯s your real reason? Do you even have one?¡±


    Elric stopped himself from lashing back, he was angry, but he tried to ignore her jabs and think of an appropriate response. ¡°I wish to keep the borderlands safe from harm.¡±


    ¡°Heard of the Greenstead massacre, like everyone else eh? Fancy you can become a hero, protect the lands, the shiny white knight? Oh, wait no, this isn¡¯t the knight entrance exam, is it? Or are you here because your scared of the massacre, hoping to get away from the borderlands. Are you a coward Elric Insomnium?¡± The woman asked with a smirk.


    Elric paled at the mention of his village¡¯s name. People had been talking about it? He hadn¡¯t known. But, of course it made sense. Elric felt a shiver down his spine. But the words that the woman had spoken after, brought an anger simmering just under the surface.


    ¡°A coward? The only coward I see is you. Where were you or all the other mages when Greenstead was attacked!? Two! Two mages came by happenstance upon Greenstead after it was destroyed. It was by chance. You people didn¡¯t send any. And where were the oh-so-shiny white knights? Not a single damn knight came to help. It was nearby village folk that helped clean up the bodies and wreckage. The count and his knights didn¡¯t go check on his own damn village until a week later! Where were you?¡±


    ¡°This test is about you, Elric, not me.¡± The magus said calmly.


    Elric ignored her, ¡°Where were you when Greenstead was destroyed and its people torn apart by a monster. Nowhere. So, yeah, I did come here to become a mage. So I can do what none of you could, I¡¯ll kill whatever monsters lie past the wall, and if it keeps the borderlands safe, all the better!¡±


    The magus raised an eyebrow, ¡°So your reason for coming here is revenge?¡±


    Something was off. Her reaction was wrong. The instantaneous hostility towards him, and now her cool behavior. But it was her words that got him. Elric¡¯s anger quelled, as the sickening realization dawned on him. Elric sunk into his chair, ¡°This is a test.¡±


    The old woman smiled mischievously, ¡°You¡¯re quick.¡±


    ¡°And I just failed.¡± Elric said in horror.


    ¡°You did lash out quicker than most, you really are quick,¡± she laughed. ¡°But I wouldn¡¯t call it a failure yet. You have an anger based on actual reasons, not petty motives, like most.¡±


    Elric was stunned, he didn¡¯t know what to say.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know there were any survivors.¡± The magus said quietly.


    ¡°How did you know?¡± Elric asked before he could stop himself.


    The woman smirked, ¡°Come now, what teenager would know the exact details of the massacre. The event may be a hot topic, but it is hardly a well-known one. Not to mention very few people, if any, are so passionate about that village as you.¡± She looked pointedly at his necklace.


    Elric was gripping it, he hadn¡¯t noticed. He slowly let go. ¡°It¡¯s a luck charm,¡± he mumbled.


    ¡°I know what it is boy,¡± she snapped, ¡°I¡¯m not an idiot. Though anyone who believes in luck certainly is.¡±


    Elric looked questioningly at the woman, ¡°Is this still part of the test?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡± The magus pulled out a small glass orb the size of a fist, it was filled with some clear liquid. She placed it on the table. ¡°Pick it up and don¡¯t drop it.¡±


    Elric looked at the strange woman questioningly but eventually leaned over and picked up the ball. He studied it, small flakes of metal floated within the sphere. After a few seconds, the flakes began to glow brighter and brighter, until the glass orb shined brightly. It felt warm to hold. It was incredible, Elric smiled in amazement, he was holding magic in his hands.


    ¡°Life magic, and a strong one at that, how poetic. A mageling chasing revenge and gifted with the least offensive magic.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re done here,¡± The woman plucked the orb from Elric¡¯s hands. ¡°You pass. You may leave through the door behind me.¡±


    ¡°Ah, uh, thank you,¡± Elric sighed in relief.


    ¡°Now.¡±


    Elric quickly got up and went to the door.


    ¡°A word of advice, Elric Insomnium,¡± the woman stood up. ¡°The want for revenge can take you far if you know how to focus it. Lose control and you risk destroying yourself. No matter what happens to you at this academy remember your focus, always.¡±


    Elric nodded, ¡°Thank you ver-¡±


    The woman slammed the door shut. She heard a small shout of pain and a curse. She smiled and prepared for the next potential.


    Elric rubbed his head as he walked away from the strange encounter. ¡°Damn crone,¡± he muttered.


    ¡°How did it go?¡± Chloe asked, she had been waiting.


    ¡°I passed.¡± Elric said. He glanced at his necklace. She had been right, he needed to remember his goal and focus no matter what came ahead. Focus, huh?

 Session 3: A Toddlers Intelligence

    <u>A Toddler¡¯s Intelligence</u>


    ¡°So, who was your exam administrator?¡± Chloe asked.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t catch her name¡­ But, she was an old woman wearing green robes,¡± Elric responded.


    ¡°Was she wearing a gold pendant necklace,¡± Chloe pointed to her own, ¡°or was it platinum?¡±


    Elric tried to remember, ¡°I don¡¯t know. Does it make a difference?¡±


    ¡°Well, yes. The necklace signifies a rank. If I knew what metal hers was I¡¯d be able to narrow down who was your teacher. The test administrators change every year and there are several who oversee the exam each time as well.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°But, despite the variances they all one way or another try to see your motivation and purpose for coming here. No matter which division you¡¯re going into. So how did it go for you. Did she try to butter you up or what?¡± Chloe was genuinely worried for Elric, she hoped it hadn¡¯t been too rough.


    ¡°Nope. She was just very cruel.¡±


    ¡°Huh? What do you mean she was very cruel?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about it.¡±


    ¡°Wait, did she hurt you physically? Tell me now and I¡¯ll make sure that hag is expelled. Test administrators are not allowed to harm the potentials.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t like that. I said I don¡¯t want to talk about it.¡±


    Chloe sighed, ¡°Alright, if you say so.¡± ¡°Oh and by the way I made sure to omit you were from Greenstead on your paperwork. Don¡¯t want you getting that kind of negative attention and all,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Elric felt like an idiot, he had already someone know on accident. He had to be more careful.


    ¡°Anyway, you should start heading to the opening ceremony.¡± Chloe patted his back and smiled sadly as Elric walked away. The entrance exam might not be physically painful, but the opening ceremony most definitely was.


    ********


    Sektus, king of the city-state August, heir of Primus, defender of the people, was falling asleep to the monotonous music, which were his advisors. He shouldn¡¯t be awake this early. Honestly, he¡¯d rather be back in bed with his wives. But thanks to tragedy at Greenstead there was much repair that needed to be done in the border lands. Many of the nobility were worried, wondering if more monsters would enter through the Great Barrier and attack their own lands. As the king, Sektus had to reassure not just the nobility but the common folk as well. Today was also the new year for the royal academy and he was expected to give a speech to the new students, his son was also entering this year. Accompanied with a myriad of smaller tasks meant a lot of paperwork, which meant working with his advisors around the clock, ergo his current position. Sektus began to doze off on his golden throne, his had begun to bob, which his advisors took as a nod and indication to continue.


    ¡°Your majesty, open your eyes. I¡¯ve brought news,¡± a strong clear voice broke through the king¡¯s drowsiness.


    The pair of eyes shot open, the white pupils quickly adjusting to the light, ¡°Ah, my old friend. I was just resting my eyes.¡± The king smiled tiredly.


    ¡°Yes, of course your majesty.¡± Ithor, royal court mage, and right hand of the king bowed. The diamond pendant hanging from the iron necklace denoted him as an arch mage. ¡°I have sensitive news to speak to you with.¡± He eyed the advisors.


    Sektus understood, he waived away the advisors. They bowed and quickly left through the large ornate doors that served as the entrance to throne room.


    ¡°So Ithor, what have you brought at this early hour?¡± Sektus yawned.


    ¡°It concerns Greenstead. We have reviewed the report of the two magi who were at the initial event. Also, my squad and I have just returned from the village ourselves.¡±


    That caught Sektus¡¯s attention, ¡°And your conclusion of the attack?¡±


    ¡°The good news is that it wasn¡¯t an attack made by the kingdom of December as we feared. The bad news is that it indeed was a large magical beast that slipped through the Barrier and attacked the village. The claw marks spread throughout the village are proof enough of that. But,¡± Ithor hesitated. It was out of his character to hesitate, and Sektus caught it immediately.


    ¡°What is it? What happened?¡±


    ¡°We found a few faint tracks of where the beast entered the borderlands. We weren¡¯t able to identify the particular species due to the old age of the footprints, but we deduced it to be reptilian. At first, we thought it to possibly be a variant of the spine back raptors. But¡­ that all changed when we found a particular patch of ground at the village. It was a small crater, the earth itself had been charred black. That crater wasn¡¯t simply made by powerful flames, it was made with incredibly potent magic.¡±


    ¡°What are you getting at?¡± The king had a bad feeling about this.


    ¡°Your majesty, the enormous claw marks and footprints were one thing, several magical beasts could fit in that criteria. But the only magical beast in the continent capable of such tremendous fire power and magical power, is¡± Ithor took a deep breath, ¡°a dragon.¡±


    Sektus felt cold sweat run down his back. A dragon was a terrible beast of legend, very rarely seen, spoken about only in horror stories, it belonged with the maestros and all the other terrifying monsters that lurked before the Uprising. The dragon was a magical beast born between the powers of the mortal realm and the high realms. Not even Ithor, the greatest mage in all of August, could single handedly take down a dragon, in fact, Sektus doubted the mage could even harm it.


    ¡°Ithor, are you telling me that an actual dragon walked into my kingdom, destroyed one of my villages, and then just left?¡±


    ¡°It would match with the original report, concerning the bodies found at the village. Not all the corpses were mangled, hinting at the use of magic. Dragons are intelligent beasts they would have eaten the cattle before trying to eat ¡°skinny humans¡±. Which would explain why the bodies are all accounted for, save the lone survivor. But, no, your majesty, that is not what I am saying. Dragons have wings, we never found footprints of the beast leaving the Barrier. What I am telling you is that the dragon could still be in our lands.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sweet Composers.¡± Sektus was a pious man, but if there ever was a time to curse it was now. If a dragon was actually in his kingdom, then everyone could be in danger. And if the monster attacked city, or worse the core. No, he couldn¡¯t think like that. He had to deal with this swiftly, before it ever came to that.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°Do you have any idea where it could be, Ithor?¡±


    ¡°The books in the royal library don¡¯t offer much on the lore of dragons, but what I do know is that they tend to sleep for long periods of time after having their fill. I wouldn¡¯t know where it would go though.¡±


    ¡°At least the beast most likely is asleep. I¡¯ll begin sending out search parties all over the kingdom. Do you know when it¡¯ll wake up?¡±


    ¡°It could be years, or tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Dammit, alright, we¡¯ll deal with this. Ithor, gather the earth mages with the best location abilities, and put them on a sweep of the land, starting with the area around Greenstead. If the creature is found don¡¯t engage, report to me first. Until then the identity of the beast stays between us.¡±


    ¡°As you wish your majesty.¡± Ithor bowed.


    The front doors opened, ushering in the 2<sup>nd</sup> prince. The boy was only beginning to show the features of a man. His shoulders were starting to broaden, his shirt showed the outline of a toned body underneath, the product of a life of sword practice. He had pitch black hair like his father, his eyes also bore the foreign white pupils, evidence of being of mixed descent. He had thick eyebrows and a long rigid nose with thin lips. His skin was pale with a thin shade of grey.


    ¡°Good morning father, are you ready to go?¡± Marcus smiled happily, he had just turned fifteen and was eager to join the magical division of the royal academy, like his family before him.


    Sektus smiled at his son, ¡°Hello Marcus. Yes, I¡¯m ready just give me a moment. Ithor please, walk with us, we¡¯ll continue our discussion at a later time.¡±


    ¡°Of course, your majesty,¡± Ithor gave a slight nod.


    Marcus turned to the arch mage, ¡°Good morning Ithor.¡±


    ¡°Morning, young prince. Are you ready for today¡¯s exam?¡±


    ¡°Are you kidding me? I¡¯ve been waiting for this moment my entire life!¡± Marcus, was truly in a bright mood. He had always wanted to be a mage.


    ¡°I can already sense your magical potential beginning to awaken, I¡¯m curious as to which of the six elements you will awaken to.¡± Ithor stated.


    Marcus turned his head in thought, ¡°I¡¯d prefer not to have earth or water. Air would be cool, it¡¯d be fun to fly. Death is out of the question of course. I definitely wouldn¡¯t life either. So, I guess I¡¯d want fire, like you.¡±


    Ithor smiled, ¡°Good choice.¡±


    Sektus glanced suspiciously at Ithor, ¡°So you don¡¯t want to be an earth mage like your father? I wonder who changed your mind?¡±


    ¡°Now we should get going young prince, best not to take test when the other potentials are there.¡± Ithor didn¡¯t glance at the king and instead escorted the young prince out. The king begrudgingly followed.


    ********


    Milandra, the earth mage, sat musing about her previous potential. The boy Elric was interesting. It had been a long time since someone had actually reacted so violently during the exam. The boy even had the guts to insult all the mages and knights of the kingdom. Not even the nobility would dare. Well she supposed an idiot might, but Elric wasn¡¯t stupid. Well, maybe a little, but he did figure out the purpose of her questions very quickly. Most didn¡¯t even realize how they were being tested. But, that child did. What¡¯s more he was talented, very. An untrained mage didn¡¯t know how to control one¡¯s own aura and as such it¡¯d leek. But when Elric had gotten angry his aura flared far larger than most, what¡¯s more it had actually coalesced around rather than spreading out into the air. He was naturally controlling his aura, in a limited extent, but nonetheless it was impressive. He¡¯d probably be placed in the top three of his class. Well, that¡¯s if he didn¡¯t botch up his training by being an idiot, which was entirely possible.


    A knock on the door broke her away from her thoughts. A young handsome man walked in. The idiot was actually smiling.


    ¡°Ah, your highness, welcome. Please take a seat.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, lady magus.¡± Marcus sat in the chair and looked around, ¡°Pretty small room, must get boring.¡±


    ¡°Only when dealing with nitwits,¡± Milandra tilted her head slightly towards the prince.


    ¡°I¡¯m not surprised,¡± he said without the least hint of understanding.


    The boy was an idiot. Milandra ignored the comment and began her usual speech. ¡°Name.¡±


    ¡°Marcus August, 2<sup>nd</sup> prince of the kingdom of August.¡±


    ¡°I said name, not your damn title.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t they one in the same? You¡¯ll be called by both anyway.¡±


    Milandra once again ignored his comment, though in a way he had a point. ¡°I am the test administrator for the admissions exam at the royal academy of August. You may call me, lady magus.¡±


    ¡°Already did,¡± he cut in.


    Milandra pointedly looked at him and waited to see if he¡¯d say something else. He didn¡¯t. ¡°You are expected to stay silent unless asked. Nod if you understand.¡±


    ¡°Noted.¡± Marcus nodded solemnly.


    Milandra¡¯s eye twitched. Oh, how she hated royal brats. She cleared her throat, ¡°There are two exams, an oral and a practical. We will begin with the oral, but first a few basic questions. How old are you?¡±


    ¡°Fifteen, like most who apply, obviously.¡±


    ¡°Really, your strange eyes made it hard to tell. You seem like a beast a bit honestly.¡±


    Marcus looked offended, he placed his hand on his chest. ¡°I am the descendant of Primus himself. My eyes are a sign of my royal heritage.¡±


    ¡°Whatever you say half breed.¡± Milandra muttered.


    ¡°I prefer hybrid, sounds cooler,¡± Marcus smiled.


    Milandra simply stared, this boy was an imbecile. Could he not tell that she was insulting him? Or was he so arrogant by his royal position that he couldn¡¯t conceive that someone would actually purposely insult him?


    ¡°Where are you from?¡±


    The prince looked at her as if she were a child, ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Just answer the damn question Marcus.¡±


    He sighed dramatically, ¡°Alright, well. I was born and raised in the kingdom of August, in the city-state of the same namesake,¡± he looked at Milandra as if she might not understand, ¡°August is the name of the city. It¡¯s the one we¡¯re in right now.¡±


    ¡°Congratulations on being able to tell me where you are, you at least have the intelligence of a toddler. Now do you have the intelligence of a teenager, what street are we in?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t see how that¡¯s relevant.¡±


    ¡°Name.¡±


    ¡°Jade street?¡±


    ¡°A toddler¡¯s intelligence then.¡±


    Marcus frowned at that.


    ¡°So, young prince, why are you here?¡±


    ¡°Because you made me sit in this chair.¡± Marcus shot back. She wanted to be specific, so could he.


    Milandra gave the young man a pan face, her wrinkles accentuating the look, ¡°See me laughing?


    ¡°W-well, not really.¡±


    ¡°Why are you here? Is it so you can become a mage like most of the royal family. But, that wouldn¡¯t make sense. Though it may be true that the August royalty tend to be mages they do not enroll in the mage division. They are treated as an exception, they take magic classes while being enrolled in the scholar division.¡±


    Marcus smiled widely, ¡°What can I say, I like magic.¡±


    Milandra laughed, ¡°Yes, well, don¡¯t we all. Ah,¡± Milandra pretended as if she had an epiphany, ¡°Or maybe you are here because you¡¯re the fourth child?¡±


    Marcus¡¯ smile cracked.


    Milandra continued happily, ¡°Though you may be the 2<sup>nd</sup> prince you have two sisters between you and your eldest brother, the crown prince. Not even the third child of the king. I wonder what kind of position there is in the kingdom for someone like you if any. It¡¯s as if you were born from a lesser wife.¡±


    ¡°Are you done with your test?¡± Marcus asked calmly, though anger could be seen behind his white pupil eyes.


    Milandra slowly leaned back, so not a complete imbecile after all. ¡°Just because it¡¯s a test doesn¡¯t make it less real. Why are you here Marcus August¡±?¡±


    Marcus returned to his happy confident smile, ¡°To achieve my potential.¡±


    Milandra decided to leave it there, she didn¡¯t wish to push too hard, he was a prince after all, it wouldn¡¯t do good to have the king on her bad side. She pulled out the elemental identification orb from her pocket. She placed it on the table, ¡°Pick it up and don¡¯t drop it.¡±


    Marcus looked at the clear glass orb, tiny silver flakes danced within. He grabbed it and peered at the tiny intricate flakes. The pieces of metal slowly but surely began to move and eventually gathered at the center of the orb.


    Milandra cackled happily, ¡°Oh young prince, it seems you won¡¯t be achieving your potential here. You are not a mage.¡±


    Marcus dropped the ball.