Moongate City was a cacophony of chaotic colours, sounds and activity. Merchants had propped up their multicoloured canvas tents and tables, spilling out across the cobbled streets. They hollered loudly over the roar of the ocean beating against the rocks of the shore, hoping to gain attention. Waves of people rushed by, dashing in and out of buildings, occasionally stopping to browse the wares or to stand around chatting with one another. The market stands were overflowing with many of the Kingdom’s various offerings of fresh fruits and vegetables, charms and necklaces, glasses and orbs, suits and dresses and numerous other items that any could lose hours perusing to.
It was midmorning as Velaya, her brother and the Prince of Ayradora crawled slowly through the crowded streets. Athone’s parents had arranged for an open, four horse carriage to escort them from the castle. The briney ocean breeze wafted and misted around them, carrying a mix of smells, from fish and freshly baked bread to the pungent scent of earth and livestock, to sweat and perfumes. Each one triggering memories of home.
It took them longer than it should have to reach the docks, as they were often stopped by civilians or city guards who wished to pay their respects to Athone and his companions. He handled each encounter with grace, taking time to address those he knew by name. If Velaya wasn’t teetering on the edge between nauseous nervousness and bubbling excitement she would’ve thought it quite charming.
When they did finally arrive at the base of the ocean’s coast, the coachman steered their carriage to the end of the main road and parked near a long, narrow wooden pier. Unlike the other six piers in the harbour, this one stretched well beyond them out over the water. No ships were permitted to moor here as this was Manatide Gate. Only those wearing the Tides were allowed to travel across it. Up ahead, hundreds of pupils all wearing violet capes were already queued and slowly shuffling forward along the pier towards a grand, ancient looking stone archway that stood perched at the far end.
A crowd of people had gathered around near the base of the pier. Some were there to say their goodbyes to their loved ones while others had come to gawk and gossip about the new recruits. It took Velaya and her brother another few minutes to detangle themselves from the throng, stepping off to the side near the edge of the dock.
“And this is where I leave you,” Doriel said. He stood tall, his head tilted to the side with a smile on his face. A proud gleam in his eye had replaced the sombreness from earlier. When she offered him a meek attempt at a smile, he reached out and wrapped his arms around her. She wound her hands behind his back and buried her face into the luxurious fabrics of his vest. Inhaling deeply, she took a few steady breaths to centre herself. She only had a few more minutes before her world would be turned upside down.
“I know we’ve said goodbye before but this time feels different,” she mumbled quietly.
“That’s because you’re the one leaving me this time.”
“It’s not just that, Dor. We both know that Aesor is changing and while I’m gone, I won’t be able to do anything about it.”
“And that is not your responsibility,” he said, uncharacteristically stern.
Easier for him to say, he was never going to be the leader of a Kingdom.
“At least not yet,” he added quickly after sensing her indignation. “Besides, you’re in the Tides now! How long have you been waiting for this? How many hours have you spent pouring over tomes on Manatide? Do not waste one moment worrying about anything outside of that Tower.” He tilted her chin up so they’re eyes met, “Ever since you were little you’ve been special, Vel. You were born to churn the seas.”
Her chest swelled in one great breath and she smiled at the top of it, “Please take care of yourself and be safe.”
Doriel chuckled, “I think I’m the one who should be saying that to you.”
Velaya stood up on her tiptoes and landed a quick kiss on his cheek, “I love you, Doriel.”
“I love you too,” he said fondly, his voice thicker than before. “Now get out of here before you embarrass me any further.”
Smiling, she turned her back to him and walked with a determined step to where Athone stood waiting for her before the pier.
“Shall we go make history then?” he said, raising his brows, the same eagerness she felt was mirrored in his eyes.
Doriel was right, as much as she knew she was going to miss her family and home, she had been looking forward to this her whole life. She had always been fascinated by magic, often losing herself to the world, hunkering down inside their castle’s library, pouring over tomes. She wanted to understand it better. She wanted to understand herself. She would spend hours after her regular training, working with her hired magical tutors to explore the depths of her mana pool, her well of power and potential. Why was it so vast? If she learned to control it properly, how could she use her gifts for good? How would it help the Kingdom, especially during these turbulent times? What other secrets were there? Due to its inclusivity she could only imagine what she’d discover at Manatide Tower. The thought exhilarated her, drowning out her fears, doubts and heartsickness.
“I’m ready,” she said to Athone, who nodded curtly at Doriel. Taking one last look back at her brother, seeing the pride on his face, she waved farewell, and together her and Athone stepped onto the pier.
The instant their feet hit the wooden planks, the world jolted, sounds grew muffled and a dark flash of deep violet light momentarily blinded them. Velaya gasped in surprise. It felt as though they had been plunged underwater. The sensation passed as quickly as it started. She looked over to Athone. He appeared to be shaking the sudden disorientating effects off.
Velaya could feel her own magic stirring within her, reacting to the ward. It was as though she’d taken a sip of a warm drink after a winter’s day. It soothed her. Comforted her. It always did. Magic was an extension of her - her very soul. It was always there, waiting for her to draw on and she could feel her mana splashing excitedly.
This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
“It appears as though our recruitment was accepted,” Athone said, smiling at her.
They continued down the pier and joined the back of the queue of students lining up before the archway at its end. Despite being tall for her age, she had to stand on her toes in order to see it over them.
“I’ve lived in this city my entire life and this is the closest I’ve ever come to the Gate,” Athone whispered to her.
“Remember that time we tried to make a run for it down the pier?” Velaya asked softly.
“And got thrown backwards twenty yards into a pile of horseshit at the end of the road? How could I forget?”
They both laughed quietly.
“Nora was not happy,” she said, remembering the look on the housekeeper’s face, seeing them covered in manure when they got caught trying to sneak back into the castle.
“Or when your brother tried to sail us around it? I’m convinced I still have water in my ears.”
When they laughed again, a couple of students standing in front of them turned to look at them, their faces transformed from curiosity to awe, evidently recognizing who they were.
“Prince Valreale,” a woman with light brown eyes, warm chestnut skin and long twisting locks of black hair said, “and Princess Rosemore!”
“Please, there’s no need for that anymore. It’s just Athone now”, he said quickly when it appeared as though she was about to bow to them.
She blushed, “Forgive me, milord.”
Apparently some habits were hard to kick and the other student, who had also turned around, laughed. She was very tall with long and straight vivid green hair that radiated in the light. It reminded Velaya of sunlight breaking through leaves in a forest. Her pointed ears parted the canopy of hair and extended well above her head. An elf. And based on the length of her ears, a full blooded one.
“So the rumours were true,” said the elf in a light sing-song voice.
“I’m not sure what you’ve heard but Velaya and I have indeed come to study here,” he said.
The elf and woman with locks exchanged a quick look before the elf extended her hand towards Athone, “My name’s Lymseia Sashandoral, but friends call me Lime.”
“I’m Aila Senania,” said the first woman, as Athone and Velaya shook their hands.
“Is this your first year too?” Velaya asked them.
“For me, yes, but Aila here is an old hat,” Lime teased.
“I’m returning for my third year,” Aila said, rolling her eyes. “Lime’s from Elyzeme and I’m from Trelladain.”
“My family moved to Goldwell City years ago,” Lime said, and Velaya couldn’t help but wonder what ‘years ago’ meant for an elf. “Our parents work for the city’s apothecary and we ran into one another on the charter north.”
“It’s lovely to meet you both,” Athone said, earning another blush from Aila. “Velaya is from Bellaurose and I’m from Ayradora here.”
“We know,” the two said in unison and giggled like young children.
“Come along now,” a voice from ahead called out.
The four of them shuffled forward until they stood before the Gate. The large stone archway was perched at the very end of the pier. Two large pillars made of old, rounded stones rose high into the air before curving in to meet each other at the top. Moss grew within the cracks, snaking all the way up and around the structure. It was well believed that the moss itself was enchanted with Druidaic magic to keep the structure from collapsing into the sea.
An old, withered looking man with a long white beard that tucked into his belt, stood next to the Gate. He of course was wearing the Tides and was looking at a long scroll in his hands, marking off names as the pupils approached.
“Miss Senania, it’s nice to have you back,” he said, addressing Aila, without looking up from his scroll and checking her name off his list, “I trust you had a good summer off?”
“Yes, Magus Allistair. Though I’m glad to be back and look forward to continuing my studies.”
“Very good. Off you go then,” Magus Allistair said. He sounded bored, or maybe he was just tired. He did appear to be quite old.
Aila turned to smile at Athone, Velaya and Lime, “I’ll see you on the other side.” She turned back towards the archway.
Magus Allistar tapped the archway. Where a moment ago it had been empty, framing the ocean backdrop, now a faint blue dot appeared in the middle of it and rapidly began expanding outwards until suddenly the entire arch was glowing, and swirling transparent clouds of blue light danced within. Aila stepped through the archway and was immediately swallowed by the magic. The cloudy blue glow suddenly dissipated and the ocean beyond was visible once more. Aila had vanished.
Velaya, Athone and Lime exchanged excited glances.
“Miss Sashandoral, welcome,” Magus Allistair said to Lime, still not looking up from his scroll. How did he know who she was? “Please approach the Gate and step through the portal.” He tapped the stones again, and the teleportation process repeated until she too vanished.
“Mister Valreale, you’re next,” he said in the same monotone. “Welcome to Manatide Tower. Please step through.” He tapped the stones.
Athone winked at Velaya, took a deep breath and stepped forward through the gate.
Velaya glanced behind her. She was the last one on the pier. In the distance, along the shore, the crowd that had gathered was dissipating and she could just make out Doriel’s figure. He was still standing where they had parted.
“Ah... Miss Velaya Rosemore,” the old Magus said. Velaya turned back around to face him. He was no longer looking at the scroll. His brilliant, icy blue eyes peered into hers and she couldn’t help but shift uncomfortably under the intensity of it. He studied her for a moment before finally saying, “Welcome to Manatide Tower.” He seemed more awake now than he had earlier as he reached out to rap the portal. “Please step through.”
Velaya squared her shoulders and inhaled deeply as the blue clouds began swirling again. As she approached, she could feel her own magic within stirring. It seemed to stretch forward from inside her, eager and hungry to reach out towards the portal. She sensed the old Magus watching her closely. With a final breath, she stepped through Manatide Gate.