Jacob opened the door to his family’s home. The first thing Jacob saw was a simple black envelope sealed with gold wax on the table. Over the fire there was a large pot steaming, Jacob’s favorite chicken stew. Jacob’s mother and father had their backs to the fire, like they were waiting for him to come home. He had been delivering a rocking chair his father had made for the mayor. His mother’s bright blue eyes were beaming and his father was nodding to himself, eyes closed with a big smile.

“You two look happy,” Jacob said, the curiosity plain in his voice.

“It’s a letter from your uncle, from the Capital, Jacob,” his mother’s voice filled with wonder. With that amount of praise in her voice it must mean Uncle Jeryn, the first tier mage with the Lion’s society.

It must have to do with me starting at the mage school in a few weeks, at least if I can just earn a bit more for the entrance fees. Jacob picked up the envelope to get a better look. “It’s got my name on it!”

“If it’s from my brother, I’m sure it’s good news. He must have heard of my boy’s talent. I’ll bet he’s offering a small loan so you can start your studies right away.” While Jacob’s father may be a skilled carpenter, his boundless optimism often gave people the wrong impression of him. “Open it, Jacob. Your mother and I have been waiting for you.”

Father could have been working while he waited, Jacob sighed to himself. The letter was light, but solid. Jacob broke the seal and a there was a small crack, like when some wood his father is working on breaks, and a bright flash of light. I could hear father click his tongue, just like when he breaks something.

Blinking away the spots in his eyes, Jacob found 3 birds staring at him on the table, “Crows?”

“Those are ravens, son, Jeryn has had a soft spot for them since we were kids,” Jacob’s dad answered him. “You can tell because a Raven has a more curved beak.”

“Jacob, and as I am sure, David and his lovely bride Camelia are with you.” With the voice, a tiny image blurred into view on the table. As the blurry image came into focus, a tiny replica of Jacob’s uncle appeared standing on the table, complete with the broad-brimmed hat characteristic of his uncle and a simple high collared, black robe.

“My, magic sure can do some surprising things,” Jacob’s mother had her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide.

The small figure began to speak, “I have sent these three here to you with some scrolled-ink cards to teleport you and three friends to the Capital. I heard…”

“Uncle wait a second,” why the Capital?

“It’s just a recording, it’s not actually my brother,” Jacob’s father was leaning on the table, taking a close look at the image.

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“As I was saying,” the recording started up again.

“It’s not hard for him to put in a few fancy tricks, he likes to show off sometimes,” Jacob’s father was looking at him and the recording alternately. The little image of uncle standing on the table rolled its eyes.

The tiny image cleared its throat with a loud cough, “If I may now, I heard you were planning to attend a mage school out in Cresten. It’s run by the Auger Group, a small time rival of the Lions,” mini-Jeryn made a sour face mentioning the Auger Group.

“Uncle Jeryn,” Jacob’s mother complained, “that’s what we can afford, geez.” Jacob could see his father blushing at his mom’s little complaint. I’m glad they get along like this still, some things never change.

Mini-Uncle Jeryn raised its hand up high, pointing to the ceiling, “So I have prepared a novice’s workshop for you, stocked with more than a novice can need.” The little figure crossed it’s arm, nodding. “I know this seems outrageously generous, but I happened to win the place in a recent royal competition, it’s a bit of a wild card but will do. Conveniently it’s in the Novice district as well.”

“I’ve heard of the Novice district, Jacob,” Jacob’s dad cut in again, he seemed to be looking for a reason to try and get reactions from the image, “You can find all the basics there for most schools of magic.”

“Of course,” The image spoke up over Jacob’s dad, “I will have it stocked with enough basics, like a Replenishing pantry and a bookcase with all the basics. Even a few I wrote myself.” Wow, I should be all set, I might not even need to leave the workshop.

“Don’t turn into a hermit now,” Jacob’s mom was looking a little concerned for him.

“Mom, I’ll be working hard, you don’t need to be worried about me.”

“And there’s the ravens I sent you. They’ll turn into invitation cards when they arrive. Just tell them who to fly to and they’ll be able to teleport straight to the workshop with you. So Flora, no need to worry about Jacob becoming a shut-in,” the image explained, bowing to Jacob’s mom.

Jacob’s mom clasped her hands together, “Isn’t that wonderful, you can invite Lia and Reign. I’m sure their parents also would appreciate an alternative to Periwinkle Academy.”

“I’m sure anyone would,” the image agreed.

“It may not be the best, but it’s still a magic school. We would have managed,” Jacob’s dad added.

“This sounds fun, it’ll be quite the adventure,” Jacob was getting excited.

“It will be an adventure, memories for a lifetime. When you’re ready, whisper to the ravens who they should go to with resolve in your heart. The teleportation spell will activate in one minute.” The image faded quickly after those words.

“Mom, dad, I’ll be off to do my best and learn everything I can,” Jacob’s mind was racing. This was a bit sudden.

“Goodness! Be careful in the city, remember to wash and eat,” Jacob’s mom rushed over to embrace him.

“You will do great, son,” Jacob’s father patted his shoulder, “I trust you will make me proud.”

“Thank you, mom, dad.” Jacob’s eyes stung, his mother’s warmth holding him, his father’s large hand on his shoulder. “Raven, please go to my best friend Reign,” Jacob said pointing at the first Raven on his right. “And you,” he pointed to the middle one, “goto Flora.” Both Ravens hopped off the table, disappearing into the air in front of them. The third raven hopped towards Jacob, fluidly changing into a single feather and sliding into Jacob’s inner coat pocket.

A bright light began to fill Jacob’s vision, framing the smiling faces of his parents. “I’m off to become a mage!”

“Take care,” his parents said before the light filled his vision.