Over the next 4 years, Anthony had discovered texts regarding all 5 circles of Earth, Wind and Water magic, hidden away in the shelves of the back storage catacombs. By then he had managed to clean and catalog every text, so well that on the rare occasion that someone did need a book he could find the location by heart. It wasn’t a very exciting life for an archive manager, but it left him plenty of time to read up on the subject of Mage craft. It wasn’t that hard, since he had practically mastered all the knowledge of Fire Magic, he found it easier to absorb the other elements as well.

Many of the elemental practices were similar but differed on key principles and source. More specially, the First Inner Circle which was supposed to be nurtured equally seemed to always differ from the outer circle. That and certain qualities were more exemplified when moving passed the first circle. Fire was in favor of using soul energy, while water favored spirit energy, the same way earth favored body energy, while air favored mind energy. So if all things were supposed to be equal in the beginning why were they so different in the higher circles?

It was an interesting theory to think about, but there was little or no one to discuss it with. His peers at the Archives hardly ever associated with him for his perceived lowly position, and even the higher ups considered him more of custodian than bonafide researcher or scholar. So, for now, all these theories were building up in his own personal journals, a collection of various manuscripts that catalog all the possible connections while arriving at no conclusion. He brought these findings to his family home, hidden away in his room, a collection of handwritten journals he kept in his room.

In the family manor on his personal bookshelf he had just added another tome in his collection, finishing the title page on the front which he saved for when he felt it was complete. In a fine penmanship and the brush of quail and ink by his personal desk he wrote the tile he spoke out-loud.

“Observations of the Incomplete Elemental Circle, Volume Seven.” With the final brush of his pen, he closed the book and placed it on the shelf with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

He found a place for it along with the rest of the other 6 manuscripts side by side. These were what he considered his finest works, of the many of the many other manuscripts he had written over the last few years. Many of them were in notes taken from the library, but studying their similarities he had noticed the circle of magic that was once thought completely understood seemed to be lacking. Thinking that he could find some way for him to comprehend it, he decided it kept his mind. This kept him sane throughout all the isolation, and loneliness of days of his work life. Then there was his mother, whom he had always encouraged him to explore his findings and start collecting these journals for a time when “he would need them.” She never understood the meanings of those words, until the day that his father finally retired.

The whole house was in an uproar, the maids and other servants were getting ready for the grand banquet of many guests. Today was considered a special occasion, not only for the household but for every nobility and statesman in the country. The day of Leon Erebus’s retirement as a General in the Empire, was a day that came with an auspicious tradition. In the Erebus family, the patriarch of the family will nominate his successor in front of all his colleagues making them the official head of the family. Ordinarily this honor would go to the first born son of one who has proven themselves capable in the eyes of their father. Given that he had three older daughters and the only son who was a non-mage, many wondered who would stand at the head of the household when the master returned for his last day of service.

“I hear that Tundra became one of the youngest lieutenants in the National Forces,” Briar whispered to Eau as they tidied up the grand banquet hall. “She’s a shoe in for the head of the family if you ask me.”

“I didn’t.” Eau continued to set the table. “Where exactly did you hear this from?”

“Well I got my ear to the wind, if you know what I mean.” She used her wind magic to open the curtain and let in the cool breeze that was setting in the hall. “Remember when she dropped out of the Academy to enlist, now she’s already in the High Master Mage rank.”

“Still madam Helena achieved High Master status long before she did and it’s only a matter of time until she achieves Grand Master status.” Chloe said entering their conversation while sweeping the floors. “That’s the highest Mage status, in time she might be the youngest Grand Master Mage in the nation’s history since the lady of the house.”

“What about Vera, she’s enrolled as well.” Eau asked.

“I heard she’s barely made it to Master Mage class, she’ll never catch up with the rest of them, let alone the young master.”

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“Does the lady still hold out hope he’ll awaken?”

“Everyday night I see her praying to the Sacred Fires hoping that her son will fulfill his dreams. I only hope that he’s a late bloomer at least.”

“Still young master Anthony is such a kind and generous soul.” Chloe set down her broom and dust pan. “You notice how he helps me with the housework when he gets back from the Archives, doesn’t even hesitate to lift a finger, just grabs a broom and joins in.”

“He’s the same way with washing the dishes.” The water mage abruptly put down her tablecloths and spoons, lost in quiet nostalgia. “Sometimes he even brings me back some information about how to improve my water magic, it’s more helpful than he realizes.”

“Yes, the young master even helps me figure out a few things myself.” Her face turned somber as she leaned against the wall. “Yet, we can’t deny that he’s lacking talents that are outshine by his sister’s accomplishments. I don’t know if his father will even acknowledge...”

Suddenly everyone stopped the moment they felt a fiery start running down all their spines. It was the gaze of Delia with the flames of her heart flare like the hair on her head. She had been listening to their conversation, but felt the need to intrude since they had lost track of their work production.

“Is there a reason you ladies decided to stop your work?” Delia tapped her foot in a heart pounding motion. “Have you all forgotten that the guest will be arriving shortly and I still need help in the kitchen?”

“Sorry, Delia.” Eau quickly began to finish setting the table. “I was just about to head there just now.”

“Me too.” Chloe finished sweeping and picking up her dustpan to walk with Chloe.

When they had left the room, Briar walked over to Delia knowing that she really wanted a word with her from the stare in her eyes.

“You shouldn’t be saying such things in front of the other maids Briar.” She scolded the Wind Mage. “The young master gets enough whispers from these walls when his sisters return from work or study and today they’ll all be here.”

“I’m only saying what I heard.” Briar shrugged. “I don’t even know if the Master will consider breaking tradition, but if a lady does take over this house of Erebus it would be wise to mind the situation.”

“What are you getting at Briar?”

“I heard from the other maids that tradition dictates that the head of the house along with inherit right to properties is also made in charge of the staff. When’s the last time you got a compliment from either Helena or Vera?”

“They have been busy, but I’m sure it just slipped their mind...more than once.”

“Then what are the odds they’ll be compelled to keep us here in their service?” Briar leaned against the curtains almost breaking down into tears.

“What’s really all this about Briar?” Delia said, putting her hand on her shoulder.

“I just got a letter from my brother in Soma, they said it’s getting just as bad in the out-lands as it is in the mainland.” She weeped. “The demon population shows no sign of stopping, he’s saying it may just be a matter of time until they break the line into the Imperial domain.”

“I realize your fears, Briar.” She looked into her eyes to talk with her face to face. “I come from the mainland, same as you. I know what it's like to live in fear of Demon peril everyday, it’s why a lot of people move over to the second continent in the first place.”

“What was the point if the demons will follow us here as well.”

“Would you rather move to the Duchy or Free States?”

“The Duchy is all about titles and birthrights, and the free states are practically a war zone of lawlessness, and we couldn’t get into the Theocracy even if we tried considering they only allow learned or high level statesmen into their community... I just.”

Delia embraced her into her arms, as if holding her would take some of the worries and troublesome feelings she had inside. She had these feelings too, but she held onto them knowing that even in a place where anyone was anything but a fire mage the only demons they faced were more human than animal. At least their prejudice allowed mages to work freely and Lady Orsa was the most generous compared to some, perhaps from her lowly upbringing.

“As much as I would like to have the young master or even lady Vera as the head, whatever happens, you know we’ll survive, sister.”

Although they were not related by blood, working in this household for nearly 20 years had developed a bond between her and all the maids in service. They were sisters in arms and in a bond stronger than mere employment.

“You’re right Delia, we will.” She wiped the tears from her eyes to remember this deep bond they shared.

“Now let’s get to the kitchen, we have a lot of work to do before the party.”

Delia escorted Briar into the kitchen where the other maids were already starting to prepare dinner. Through their services of food prep and presenting the food in an eloquent manner they laughed and cheered and pondered what was to become of this day. Slowly as the guests began to arrive they greeted them pleasantly and lowered their heads. When it came time for the party, practically all the important heads of the Imperial State were in attendance. Although they were honored guests, many were wondering if even the Emperor himself would attend, given his illustrious career and service. All the while, Anthony waited anxiously for the arrival of people who put fear of him more than these illustrious figures of state, his sisters returning home.