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I grabbed a bite to eat from a small cart vendor selling fried foods near the guild entrance. The worn looking middle aged man who ran the cart was complaining that there was less traffic today than normal. Apparently a slave market in one of the southern districts of Kisk had a revolt the night before. The slavers guild had suffered major losses, and the city guard was called out to assist with hunting down escaped slaves. The slaver's guild issued a request through the adventurer's guild for slave retrievals, which had a lot of adventurer's out hunting women and children fleeing from abusive slavery. The rest were mostly at the Grand Amphitheater trying out for the competition tomorrow.

The fact that the adventurer's guild would even issue 'slave retrieval' as an acceptable mission was nauseating. If I thought it would be accepted, I might have gone and issued a bounty for the heads of slavers. Slavery as a concept was vile, and as a product of the society I was from, I couldn't understand how the populace just accepted such things. I was supposed to be a god, and yet I was unable to alleviate the moral travesty I was witnessing. Sure, I could have stalked the city, hunting slavers, but who knows when I'd be overwhelmed by sheer numbers. I could have purchased every slave in the market, but I would have just been supporting an institution I despised, and encouraging more. Still...What was needed was a policy change, and that was something that money could likely fix. I suppose I finally had a reason to attend the tournament tomorrow with my mother.

When I returned to the main hall I saw a couple of robed men making their way toward the testing area. They two men moved purposefully, and with a hint of excitement in their demeanor. The older of the two, an elderly elf with long silver hair, was dressed in formal purple robes and carried a wooden staff. The younger was a middle aged human with broad shoulders and dark short hair. His light blue and white robes had plates of armor worked into them, and at his hip was a longsword. The older man knocked, and after a few seconds Naomi opened the door letting the two inside.

I pulled up a chair to wait, sipping on a chilled bottle of water, when Aisha hugged me from behind. “Gah! You won't believe it!” Aisha said, after plopping herself down next to me. I handed her a second bottle I had gotten for her, both of which had mint leaves at the bottom. “Thank you.” she said with a smile.

“So what happened?” I asked, 'expecting' a positive result from her tests.

“You won't believe it! They did an affinity measurement, and Naomi said I scored a ninety in illusion, and a seventy light! Not only that, but she said I had an exceptional mana regeneration rate! Isn't that great? She said I could be a powerful wizard!” Aisha said, ecstatic. She yelled with excitement, and then started giggling. “Did you hear that Faith? I'm gonna be a wizard!” she said with a laugh.

I paused for a moment as her statement registered, “...Aisha...Did she tell you what those affinities mean?” I asked curiously. I looked up at the robed men who had went into the testing area, obviously after Aisha had already left.

“Um, not really. She just said anything over a forty was good, and I had like five over forty. But she said my illusion and light were the most impressive. She said I could even get a scholarship to the academy.” Aisha said, pulling out a piece of paper. She handed it to me, and I saw an affinity listing. She had a 70 in light, 35 in darkness, 62 in creation, 0 in destruction, 50 in life, 90 in illusion, 30 in fire, 55 in water, 15 in earth, and 20 in air. Based on the knowledge of affinities I got from the books beneath Caliburn, Aisha's listings were beyond rare. There might be one or two like her born every dozen generations. There was even a story about such people being stolen by sorcerers as children, to either train...or sometimes sacrifice.

“Ahh...They really are...So, somewhat off topic. Have you picked up your guild card yet?” I asked a bit nervously, keeping an eye toward the door.

“Oh, no. They said it'd be a few hours to process.” Aisha said, leaning back and drinking her water, seemingly on cloud nine. “Oooh! We can go get me some super impressive wizard gear. Maybe something sexy? What do you think?” she asked with a grin. “Maybe a short skirt and a bodice, or one of those dresses that's slit up to the hip!” she said excited again. Meanwhile I kept looking toward the testing area with concern.

On the one hand, it would likely be smart to get Aisha out of here to avoid too many questions, or risk attracting unwanted attention. On the other hand...Aisha was getting attention for her potential, and being told she was practically destined for greatness. To be honest, I was more concerned with certain blessings and traits she had popping up on her guild card.

'I do believe I can be of some assistance mistress.' the nasal voice of my ID card said, causing me to look down at my pocket. 'Not to worry mistress, now that we've established contact, I'm quite capable of directing mental projections. I can, as you might perhaps notice, read mood and surface thoughts...at least as you allow mistress.' the I.D. card 'thought' at me.

'...That's...Horrifying.' I thought at the I.D. card, unamused. 'And what did you mean you can be of assistance?' I asked mentally, looking back at Aisha as she continued to talk about clothing options.

'Well, as you might notice, being attached to your glorious personage, Mistress, I am capable of adjusting certain values when reporting on your status. Also, as Ms. Aisha is quite strongly linked with you, I could easily influence the actions of her card. Especially as the mental construct attached to hers is more..malleable. Or at the very least she seems easy enough to manipulate.' my I.D. card thought at me.

'Wait..Did you say she? Do all I.D. cards have personalities like you?' I thought at my card.

'Like me? Hardly! I am a supreme artificial construct. A grand reflection of mistress's divine perfection! Within the hallowed confines of my personage lies a mind of..” the I.D. card said, beginning to rant again.

“Could you get to the point!” I said out loud, irritated.

“Well excuse me! My point is, we need to go shopping!” Aisha said with a sour glare, which quickly turned into a smile again.

'Of course mistress. My point is, that I am a divinely forged magical construct. A reflection in nature, if not purpose, of the goddess whose domains include both the primal aspects of magic, as well as the supernal grandeur of knowledge. I am formed from a network of...' the I.D. card thought.

'Get to the point!' I thought angrily, becoming annoyed at what was looking to be a very tiring and tedious relationship.

'Oh! Yes, my apologies mistress. My point was that I can influence and interact with other magical mental constructs, of which Ms. Aisha's I.D. card qualifies. I have taken it upon myself to communicate with her, impressing upon her the need to conceal details related to divine blessings and divinely endowed traits.' my I.D. card thought at me.

'She? Aisha's card is a she?' I asked mentally.

'Ahh. Yes. She wishes to be called Ava.' my I.D. card thought at me.

'I see...Well thank you...um, what do I call you?' I asked

'Oh...well, I hadn't presumed Mistress. I thought you might provide your humble servant with a suitable appellation. Perhaps a epithetical moniker to denote my natural talents, or supreme value.' the I.D. card thought his usual nasal tone.

'Right. I dub thee Alfred.' I thought at 'Alfred'.

'Alfred...I see. Of course Mistress.' Alfred responded hesitantly. Meanwhile Aisha had dragged me into a guild clothier that seemed to specialize in wizards robes. She was describing to the seamstress behind the counter her different 'ideas' for what she thought an illusionist would be. Judging by her descriptions, it would seem to fall more or less in line with 'seductive enchantress'. The seamstress for her part was just smiling, and trying to keep up as the two worked out ideas for a wardrobe.

At Aisha's insistence I found myself being forced into and out of articles of clothing for hours. No sooner did I put on one outfit, than she arrived with another stack. I tried to argue that we needed to get her actual 'equipment', but Aisha waved away my concerns. “We can pick that stuff up on the way out. This is important!” she said, pulling a light blue brocade gown with gold lacing up. “And you would look so pretty in this!” she said. Rather than continue to argue with her, I simply groaned. Four hours, and a hundred outfits later, we emerged from the shop with a half dozen outfits for each of us and orders for half a dozen more. Before I could interject Aisha told the seamstress to have everything delivered to Castle Caliburn.

When the two of us arrived back at the counter in the entry hall, Naomi was standing with six robed men, two of which I had seen entering the testing area earlier. Naomi immediately started waving at us excitedly when she saw us. “Over here!” she yelled. Aisha for her part just looked curious, though I think she was on some sort of 'high' walking around in her new outfit, a tight velvet green bodice, with a black skirt. She had gotten the seamstress to put a slit all the way up to her hip, which was the point when I found out Aisha didn't wear underwear.

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“Hello Naomi. I was just coming to grab my guild card.” Aisha said happily, flicking the length of her red hair over her shoulder. Aisha struck a pose and smiled at Naomi expectantly.

“Oh! How pretty! Did you get it from Charity? She does such wonderful work. I love the skirt!” Naomi said enthused. The two started talking about clothing, at which point I zoned out again. The chatter devolved into general 'girl talk' after a few minutes, at which point the older elven wizard cleared his throat loudly. Naomi looked up at him and then blinks, “Oh! Sorry Aisha, I forgot. These men are from the Kisk Magic Academy. They heard about your results, and wanted to talk with you.” she said.

“Faith?” a thirty something balding man with brown hair said staring at me. I looked over at him curiously, not sure who I was dealing with. He was dressed in simple brown robes, with brass buttons. He cleared his throat as he pushed his way forward through the group of men. “Oh! My goodness. Dear me, so it is you..” he said, pausing to stare at me. “Something's different about you...” he said with a frown, “Maybe you changed your hair?” he asked.

“Abernathy, you know these girls?” the older silver haired elf in purple robes asked as he stepped forward.

“Hrm? Oh...I recognize Ms. Lusatra here...but I'm not sure I recognize her companion.” Abernathy said looking from me to Aisha.

“You know me, I'm Aisha. A long time friend of Faith and Jasmine.” Aisha offered with a smile. I wanted to groan as I looked around the room. The entire point of going out with a change of attire, was to avoid attracting attention, or at least avoid leaving a trail that lead directly back to me. There didn't seem to be any people watching our little group, which was bizarre in itself. You'd expect the gathering of strange robed men to attract quite a bit of attention, but I supposed it was getting late enough in the day that the few people who weren't out hunting slaves had gone home. Regardless it would probably just be easier to pay more security guards at this point, and screw the charade.

“Ahh, Wonderful. Quite Wonderful.” Abernathy said motioning toward me and Aisha. “Sorry. Yes Rowan, I tested Faith here. Quite a talented girl. Descent mana regeneration, and a future as a scholar I believe. The scored a sixty-five in creation affinity, and a fifty-seven in life. Mrs. Carlyle wanted her for a healer in training, though I said alchemy! Still, she'll have plenty of time to decide such things, won't you?” Abernathy said looking at me with a wink. “Of course you'll be attending the Academy in the fall, won't you dear?” he asked curiously

“I..suppose, though I recently acquired certain obligations. It would be difficult to predict my future availability, you see.” I said apologetically.

“She's a countess now! Owns Castle Caliburn and everything!” Aisha says happily, wrapping her arm over my shoulder and hugging me. I placed a hand up on my face and fought back a groan.

“Ahh. I see. Bishop Amon mentioned a new appointment this morning, at the amphitheater. They had some rather...exotic displays.” he said to the other men with a wink. Aisha giggled, and smiled.

“You really don't remember me?” Aisha asked, moving toward him, folding her arms under her bust. “I seem to remember you being very enthusiastic the last time we met, though maybe that was just the drink. You even said I was 'amazing'” she said with a smile. It suddenly occurred to me where I'd heard Abernathy's name before, and also how Aisha and my mother were 'familiar' with a wizard. Abernathy was a whore monger, which I suppose could be considered attractive if you were a whore. At least I was getting the impression that Aisha thought so..

Abernathy looked nervously between Aisha and the other 'wizards', “Um..I'm not sure...” he said weakly.

I cleared my throat and smiled, “As I was saying, I have certain obligations.” I said, causing Abernathy and the others to refocus on me.

“Ahh, Yes! Of course. Well, that's quite perfect isn't it?” Abernathy said with a mischievous smile. “The academy teaches many of the nobility, it's a wonderful place to network, and education is of the utmost importance. Besides, you could attend with Ms. Aisha here, who I'm sure would be willing to look out for you. You two will have a bright future at the academy! Full scholarship for both of you of course.” he said, clasping his hands over his stomach.

“Did you hear that? We can go to Academy together! Isn't that great? We could be roommates and everything!” Aisha said with a smile, giving me another hug. She looked like she was having the best day of her life, and was about jumping up and down in excitement.

“...Great...” I said weakly, just smiling at Aisha.

“Wonderful! Then it's settled! Consider yourselves active students of the academy. We'll send details to...Castle Caliburn was it?” Rowan asked, placing a hand on Abernathy's shoulder. The robed men shook our hands each in turn, before marching off in high spirits. Meanwhile I just kept staring at Aisha who had resolved into dancing in place.

By the time we returned to the Castle, letters had already arrived. Mother smiled at us happily, holding them up, and then scooped me into a hug. “Hey! What about me?” Aisha asked with a mocking frown.

Mother rolled her eyes, and hugged Aisha too. “I'm so proud of you Faith. And you too Aisha. Everyone in the house has been talking about it since the letters were dropped off. Full scholarship to the Kisk Magic Academy! I know we aren't hurting for money, but the prestige honey.” she said with a note of relief. “This will make things a bit easier socially.” she said, before giving me another hug. “Anyway, you two should go get dressed for dinner.” she said, before wandering off.

By the time I faded off to sleep for the night I was mentally, if not physically, exhausted. Mother had taken to curling up with me at night, which perhaps helped sleeping in what was still very much a strange place.

As the pull of sleep came over me, I found myself standing in a white room overlooking a dark abyss. The room was cold and bleak, like the inside of a tomb. Beyond large glass doors, was a long balcony. A young blonde girl dressed in flowing white silk was standing at the balcony edge, looking out over the abyss.

Pushing wide the doors, I wandered across the marble floors. The girl turned to stare back at me. “Hello.” Faith said, her voice sad.

I wandered to the edge beside her and we gazed into the depths. “I'm sorry.” I said in a whisper, leaning forward onto the stone banister.

“What for?” Faith asked, the sense of depression thick. A wind blew from the abyss, whipping the thin white silks of her gown around her form.

“What for? I've hijacked your life...Why are you here?” I asked, looking at her.

“Watching...besides, you're better at it.” Faith said, leaning down to place her head on her arms.

“Better at what?”

“Everything. Before you came, I was dying in a gutter, watching my mother being raped and murdered. Before you came, everything was horrible. I always felt like life was a mistake...that I was a horrible mistake.” Faith said, before falling to her knees. She wrapped her arms around the pillars of the banister, pressing her breasts to the stone.

“You came along, and suddenly mom is free. She's happy. We're rich, and the world just keeps throwing itself at your feet. Before you came along, everything I ever cared about was broken in front of me...When I was dying, I just prayed I would die before I had to watch...” Faith said, wiping tears from her eyes, trying to hide her face from me. “Mommy was all I had left, and I couldn't watch.” she said in a hoarse whisper.

I sat down beside Faith, and pulled her gently into my arms. “You were dealt a bad hand, Faith. But this is your life, and I've no right to take it from you. You were made for better things.” I said hugging her close.

“It's not my life anymore. It's ours. There's no me without you, and no you with me.” Faith said, placing her head on my shoulder. “I...I'm just afraid.” she said.

“Of what?” I asked confused.

Faith pointed her hand between the banister, out at the darkness. “I've been watching...” she said. As I turned my gaze toward the abyss, something stirred in the depths. Green billowing lights crackled, and somewhere in the darkness a face turned to stare at us...into us. “He's been watching too.” Faith said as the wind howled.