And what is probably my shortest chapter yet, it pains me to post it but here it is. Oh and finally some fighting next chapter, just FINALLY is all I can say.

Thanks again anyone who's reading.

Chapter 10

After having lunch we are left with a couple hours before the final exam. Tyrell, Zan and I leave the crowded reception to rest on the field.

“Talon!” Tyrell calls out to the thin sullen boy, who instead of wearing his dark robes has adopted more common clothes. Wearing a plain jerkin over a shirt and trousers, his dark expression stands out despite this.

“Your highness.” Talon responds joining our group. Calling Tyrell by his title seems to irk him slightly but he brushes it off. “Think you did well Talon?” The thin boy shrugs his narrow shoulders and they both look to me. I can only answer, “Ok I guess, any idea why they asked the last question?” Talon shakes his head but Tyrell stops to think a second. “I don't think they care what we answered, only if we do”

Tyrell's answer shocks me a little, yet it makes sense. It might be to see if you are confident or stupid enough to answer… a test of character? Kind of brilliant, maybe.

Around this time the actual students of the academy are walking around and some come to gawk at the prince. Others come to gawk at the little dragon. It doesn't take long for someone familiar to come by.

Familiar, yes. I could already see the aura of dread from the coming of the Edelban siblings, dressed in identical outfits as well. Two maroon blazer-like jackets, with elbow length arms. As well as identical black trousers. Luckily for the rest of us the two look quite different. The two older nobles join us on the ground and an awkward silence ensues.

“Hector.” Talon mumbles, the meek boy uncharacteristically being the one to break the silence. Hector can only smile weakly as Karina's rage builds. “So Tyrell, did you not talk to your-” She doesn't even finish talking before punching Tyrell in the face. “He said no?!” Tyrell doesn't risk opening his mouth and nods all the while letting out a low whine.

“That old…” She grits her teeth for a moment before breathing in a timed fashion. “I'll deal with it myself.” With the appearance of calm over her. “Now are you four ready?” She says even including the technically mute Zan.

“So I heard your last exam will be combat based.” Only Talon exclaims at this revelation, causing Karina's mood to sour again. “They told me in advance.” The prince says while I just answer, “Dragon priest.”

“This is bad…” Talon frets over the news, “My magic is related to dreams, in a fight it's useless.” While he panics I reflect on that, dreams? That's not too bad, maybe used for stealing secrets or locating people? Even so it sounds like his skills are support based. This is going to be one on one, I'm almost sure of it. Castor only wants one apprentice, at least as far as I know.

“I can just fight with fire.” Tyrell says with a neutral tone, then looks at Zan musing. “And I don't think any of us could hurt Zan even if we dared, dragons and all.” Talon agrees and I add, “Yeah even small he should be fine. I figured out lightning magic, just a little bit though. So I shouldn't fail.” Our group eagerly discusses our plans for the next round as well as what Karina and Hector did when they first attended.

Karina used a mystery related to stone, although she and Hector only had to exhibit their skills. She used it to give paper the properties of stone, part of the class of magic called thaumaturgy.

“And I just melted things…” Hector blurts out all of a sudden. Before melting a coin causing molten copper to drip to the ground. Causing gasps of admiration from us all. “So after you three make it in, what do you plan to study?” Karina asks trying to regain our attention.

Magic… I almost respond, but I'm not so dense as to court death around Karina. I don't really know, I want to learn to fight. And how to avert all the things I saw. But that might require more than just brute strength.

“Spatial magic, since I have to as prince. Then primer on fire magic and combat theory, since that's required too.” Tyrell says, to my surprise on the part about spatial magic. Is it a family speciality? “No idea for next year.”

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Talon sits tapping his knee for a few seconds before he answers, “Primer on nature magic, primer on death magic and combat theory.” He says it rather quickly but I catch it all. Karina nods, “As expected, Miss Arncourt said you would little tally.” The mention of 'tally’ causes Talon to cringe and look away from Karina as she gives a muffled laugh.

When everyone turns to me I give a shrug, “I haven't picked yet.” Causing Talon to have an expression of shock and Hector to look away. “Cut the drama, it's perfectly normal to have not decided. He probably doesn't even have the classlist.” Karina says to the two, then turning to talk to me. “You have a week until term starts, plenty of time.” She says as if it's certain that I'll pass.

Karina then picks up Zan and starts poking the blue lizard, leaving him again to his fate I look away and ponder the last test. I see Talon quietly brood while muttering, I guess he's trying to plan ahead. Meanwhile the carefree prince rests on the grass.

Our peaceful state persists for some time until a shadow looms over us.

Silhouetted by the sun is the frame of the dragon priest. “Lord priest.” Tyrell says as he rises and the others all respectfully greet him. “Would you unhand Zan, little miss? He keeps screaming the words, 'ugly witch' and ‘molester’.” With wide eyes Karina looks at Zan and throws his small body on the ground, cursing in silence.

“And now, I need to talk to my charges. If you would excuse us.” He turns to leave and naturally I and Zan follow while the rest say their goodbyes. Walking through the busy reception we walk up several flights of stairs until one floor exits out onto an open balcony. Empty besides us there is only a wooden table and a few chairs.

“Please sit, you know the final test is coming in little over an hour?” I take my seat while Zan effortlessly jumps onto the table to sit. “Yeah, you said we'd be fighting.” The priest answers, “Yes I've confirmed it and even had a peek at the matches.” Zan who before lazed uninterested sits up to attention.

“From what I can tell Zan has the easier match, his opponent is a merchant's daughter from Saurin. No special background and only one greater attribute, should be one-sided.” Zan let's out a small whine of disappointment, “Pft' you should be happy to get the easy fight, little Kad has it worse.”

“Heltor Aris, scion of minor nobility. The Aris clan are rather interesting, Aritana is ruled by them despite being the seat of Helkan rule. The city lord of a capital is typically the duke. But Aritana is not, making them as close to high nobility as possible without being a dukedom.” The priest sighs, “But that's not important, any noble from Aritana is dangerous. Martial tradition is strong there and rule of law has long been second to power.”

So I'd be against someone born to fight? The new information bothers me but it's not like I can do anything about it now. “Do you know what kind of magic he has?” I ask Raul. He pauses a second and then answers, “I've heard his family are mostly warriors, not magicians. But metal element skills are their forte, his attributes are greater metal, greater earth and greater fire.”

Raul begins to expound on his findings and theories. “The Aris family sword arts focus on using thin disposable blades with extremely sharp edges. Not even lasting a few cuts before they bring out the next blade. Their skills would increase durability and sharpness. But I'm unsure myself what kind of mystery that would originate from.”

So manipulates metal, can make fine edges and make metal tougher. After mulling over the options from what I know I can imagine two magics that could come from this. Using metal to restrict me, not like chains because he'd fear lightning. More like bindings. The other option would be to shoot the metal at me, after increasing sharpness to the peak. I would see if

Hellllllo! A familiar voice invades my mind. Maru? I 'think’ causing the voice to respond in the affirmative.

Great, I'm hearing voices now.

Annnd now for the final chapter of this 'arc'.