Going to school
--
At the heart of the Vermillion Kingdom lay a massive plane of carnelian grass. Legend had it that the field was once a lush green farmland. Having traveled through it for two weeks, Tommy couldn't help but calculate how much grain such a farm would produce. A billion quintels? Surely not. Maybe.
He turned his attention back to the envelope in his hand. It had been pristine when he left home. Once again, he opened it and turned his attention back to letter, fully expecting the ink to vanish. Creases had now set into the exquisite paper. 'What a prank it would be, having me leave home and travel halfway across the Empire. Silly has outdone himself. No, really.'
Yet, the words stayed. A blue magical emblem at the top marked it authentic, a matching seal at the bottom, and the embossed wax of the envelop as well.
--
Honorable Etome Miles
Felicitations. The Rived Academy of the Arcane extends an admission to the Class of 210 to you. Kindly report to the Rived wayhub by the end of Septum. You may carry the following items, and nothing else -
Armament of your choice - dagger, swords, wands, staff, bow and arrows.
A small bag of personal affectations.
...
--
"Mr Miles, we've arrived", came a voice from outside the carriage, accompanied by a knock.
As he stepped out, his face got paler. 'Why? Just how? This joke has gone too far...'
Outside, a man clad in white platemail beckoned Tommy. The same blue mark glistened on their chests - Knights of the Rived. The man glanced down at the envelope still in his grip, and extended a hand forward.
Tommy handed it over. 'They will send me back, surely.'
"Mr Etome Miles?"
"Yes, that's me. You can call me Tommy", he replied.
The man chuckled, offering his hand. "Gerald. Pick your luggage. Only you may enter the wayhub. Do your followers have a permit?"
"No, they will be leaving soon."
"Good. Follow."
Numerous caravans surrounded them, their carriages turned into trading booths. As they walked, the porters and goods lessened and more foot traffic appeared among the makeshift stalls that parted into a maze of narrow streets of a sprawling bazaar.
"It is different from what I expected", Tommy said.
"Indeed. Wayhubs are vital to life. This is where the Academy trades everything, and they rarely let anyone build anything permanent. You'll be here often enough."
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
"Umm."
Soon, they happened upon another pair as a large black dome came into view in the distance. The two were clad in white platemail, their stride even. With a slight nod, the three fell in-step, and Tommy followed after them, soon entering the large domed building.
Instead of the large entryway, they headed to a recessed door, and through a narrow hallway into a bright chamber. Ethereal light shone out of an archway. Tommy had only heard of the Gates. Miles family had enough business across the Kingdom to require frequent use of wayhubs, yet the Gates weren't meant for transporting goods. They were for people. Nothing living would survive the Ways, only Gates could transfer people.
Gerald gestured towards the Gate, "Head in. You'll be guided to your living quarters."
So, Tommy did. And so did one of the other guys. The two looked at each other. And waited. In silence.
"Hello, Mr Knight. Can you lead me to the living quarters? Are we waiting for others?"
The guy tilted his head, staring at Tommy. Then, his eyes brightened and he laughed out. That's when a bespectacled man appeared from the Gate.
"Mr Miles? Mr D'vier?"
The two nodded. The attendant handed them each an envelope, and an amulet.
"Your orientation packets, you will be needing these. Kindly, use these tempoarary keys to access your quarters. Head out that door and follow the map. If you have any issues with the roommate arrangement, kindly take it up at the orientation tomorrow."
And the attendant was gone, heading out the door without waiting for them.
The other guy turned and extended his hand.
"Greetings. I am Aldenaat D'vier but my friends call me Aldy. It appears we will be classmates."
Tommy grabbed the extended hand. "Tommy. I could have sworn you were a knight."
"I am. Or I was. Anyway, glad to make your acquaintance."
"My pleasure."
And so the two headed out, making polite small talk while looking around the townhouses, and their own maps. The buildings were low and wide, with sloping roofs. They eventually parted ways, until they found each other standing outside the same building again.
Aldy chuckled, "I guess we are to be housemates."