“In a world where war is the official language, peace was never a coined word. Only power speaks up here.” Velnum Cattersync

I stood there perfectly still. My body pressed so tightly to a tree I believed I might become one with it. I can feel the bark stabbing into my back from the pressure, but right now my adrenaline is pumping so vigorously, I barely felt a thing as this is the least of my worries. My breath was hard to stifle from the nerves. Night had veiled the world in pitch blackness and the rain fell in buckets, soaking me to the bone and making the entire forest into a swamp. I was beginning to get disoriented as I have grown up in this forest but when your mind is at its wits end and the place you once knew was a maze shrouded in water and darkness, it meddles with your thoughts. I could not ascertain who was chasing after me, but my parents thought it best to distract them and send me on my own way. I could only pray they are safe and obey their last wishes at this time. This was happening all too quickly. I simply hoped my parents got a head start from the illusion I attempted to create by the house or the small light I left in the house. An insanely basic ruse, but one I needed to buy them any time I could muster.

The world could be cruel, or what I am told by my mother and father as I have been secluded from society for my entire life, only learning from stories they tell me or by the books I read while they are away. I can believe what has brought suffering to our family is the fact that I am a magic user, a caster, or mage as referenced from books I have read. There exists a power inside of me that I know is the reason behind this sudden intrusion. No doubt whoever is after me wants my power or wants me dead because of it.  Recently I began practicing more and it absolutely caught the attention of someone. Right now my logical thinking and any sort of peace of mind has long gone, so I simply race around like a blind man. Instinct is what I must rely on now. There can be no solace and if I must, I will fight. 

Until the end.

I can’t seem to see the glowing lanterns any longer as I peer about, so I press forward once more and run as low and as fast as my feet will possibly take me. Hiding behind tree to tree or in thick brushes. While I am not able to see light I can hear barking and it is apparent I am far from safe as my curiosity has me turning back to suddenly see a line of lights once more. There is no way they have my scent again! I begin to double my pace, going on a full on sprint until I trip over a log and tumble about. My already soaked and sore body is now covered in a mixture of mud and leaves. My mind is causing me to panic, dampening my senses and the rain and darkness are just making this all the more impossible to navigate. You would think I know the forest I grew up in, but things get hazy fast in a life or death situation.

There is no time to be getting stuck or stopping, so I simply get myself back up and continue once more. The trees seem to come out of nowhere as I am running and I bump my arms, sides, legs, or feet into them on many occasions. This nonstop sprinting has begun to take its toll on me and I am forced to surrender to my exhaustion for a brief moment. I slunk down against another tree and curled myself as tightly as I could to try and just not exist. If this magick worked, why in the hell can’t I just turn invisible or have protected my parents?! I am running out of options as my breathing is sporadic and I hear voices and more barking as they inevitably move closer and closer to me. I need to do something, and I have to do it now.

With what little concentration my mind is able to, I try to make a distant sound with my magic. I am extremely novice at the craft regardless of my attempts to master it but it pays off as a loud echoing crack sounds in the distance and all attention immediately goes to it as the lights flashing in my general direction turn. I let out a small sigh of relief hoping that takes them away from me and gives me a moment of respite. For a moment I thought I saw a very thin piece of white string, but I passed it off as an illusion of my exhaustion. Just as I let out a sigh and stand up I am grasped and a hand covers my mouth. I shout in absolute shock but I can’t even hear a peep. Is this it?!

“Listen, you have two options, kid,” a gravelly, annoyed voice says. “Three actually.” I see a clenched fist appear in front of my face covered in a white glove, leaving my body untouched but my mouth still covered. Even with one arm this figure is able to restrain me. “One is your best option, you listen to me and everything works out for the best,” the voice says, a finger springing up. “Two is basically one with an extra step of you resisting, me having to waste energy on stopping a toddler thinking he can use magick and blah blah…” the voice continues, as another finger pops up. “Three is actually the simplest now that I think about it. I kill you,” the voice says without hesitation and a sinister tone to it. The moment the third finger comes up, all three go down. I start to panic and try to resist and break free from my mystery figure. They resumed holding me with both arms tightly. Who is this madman?! If he found me so easily and so quietly… is he the assassin after me? Has he killed my parents?! What is going on?!

“I don’t like seeing talent wasted, kid. For the love of it all…” he grunts as I try and squirm away, not even able to budge him as he grabs me again. I feel his fist hit me in my gut. “I am not a patient man. Option three is seeming rightly promising, kid. Easiest to default too. How would mom and dad like it to find the corpse of their beloved child in the middle of nowhere? Rotting and given to the wolves, no future, only a nighttime meal. A cadaver forgotten in this unforgiving world. All because he was too stubborn to submit and become something greater. Fear will do nothing but hold you back. Worrying will simply make you vulnerable.” A hard punch to my gut sets me to seeing stars. My body is starting to give out from my exhaustion and this man’s beatings. What do they want?!

There is absolutely no way I can trust this man, but as he starts to talk about my parents, I know there is more to this than he has even begun to show. This is clearly checkmate. Do I truly have to go along? I go ballistic and try my very damndest to break free. I can hear the man’s frustration quite clearly even through all the bog in my mind and rain. Both of us have our ideals to fight for, but unfortunately whether right or wrong, this man is clearly stronger and for most intents and purposes… the one who is in the ‘right’.

“One more goddamn chance, kid. Make the right choice,” the figure says, letting me go and stepping around and in front of me. He is in a damp blue robe, covered by a gray uniform jacket complete with a few trinkets, leather pouches, and gold emblems. He has a hood and all I can see is a few white strands of hair coming from underneath. Was that string his hair? It doesn’t seem that long though. I am stunned for a moment taking in the look of the man who is about to kill me. My flight or fight response kicks in and I get ready to move but see his hand come from behind him, showing an ornate porcelain looking pistol pointed directly at my face. There is a weird sort of beauty in a weapon that in a mere second could end my existence. The sleek design and etchings making this murder weapon have an angelic quality. It glows a deep blue and pulses as if it has a heartbeat. “Make. The. Right. Choice.” I see him clear as day, placing his finger from the side of the gun to the trigger. “You aren’t even worth expending an ounce more of my mana or time on, this bullet will do the job just fine.” Wait, mana? Is he actually a caster? That sort of explains it. But what would another caster want with some nobody like me? Is the empire beginning to hunt casters? Can I even attempt to reason with him? Then I really have no chance at this point though as he has weapons and a clear magical power I haven’t even begun to witness. Many people have strength, but a caster's power is potentially infinite.

“What will happen to me?” I finally gave up and resorted to negotiations. He claps still holding the gun at me. The man seems oddly satisfied to hear this. 

“How about we do introductions? Break some of this ice forming, yes?” he said, but kept the gun directed at me.

“It's a bit hard when I am staring down the barrel of that gun,” I retorted. He makes no effort to do anything. He just calmly holds the pistol so still the image before me almost feels like a painting. A picture of beauty and death. The rain continued to hound us and I could feel my mind unable to concentrate.

“Only if you keep making things complicated. Why the hell do you all do this? I gave up willingly and accepted a new home and look at me now,” the white-haired man says, pointing out his emblems with his free hand and then removing his hood. Two red eyes stare into me as his white hair cleanly falls over his shoulders, slowly getting drenched. His face is pale and slim but it has an air of honor. “Guess your executioner can do you the courtesy of informing you who will be your end as you put it, a name to haunt from the spirit realm and what not. I am Velnum Cattersync of Endelgrad, Heart of the Valceen Empire. For my title I am a Grand Royal Scholar, a Magister of the Empire, and a researcher for the Valceen Royal Family and not to mention the Magick Instructor of Vault University. I was in your exact shoes once, kid. Nothing, an outcast, a nobody, a fiend. But I became something, and so can you.” Those words had a haunting presence to it. “But my friends refer to me lovingly as Catt. You can choose to learn from me or die by me,” he says. “You have two seconds to choose,” he continues with a single spin of his gun that comes right back to pointing at my skull. I sink to the floor.

“Do what you will,” I begin to cry. Knowing nothing of what is to happen and the sudden realization that I don’t know where or how my parents are,, if our home is still standing, or of my immediate future, what this lunatic wants… I just let loose. My entire world is falling apart. Am I truly to be executed like this? This is happening too quickly. There is no way this man is speaking an ounce of truth. Why would Endelgrad, one of the largest empires in this world, send one of their best, if not the best, after a nobody like me? One moment I am happily eating with my parents like any other day, now I am a blink of an eye from dying. The day has not even cycled. What have I done wrong? Who has my family hurt to get such treatment? I put my hands to my face and my emotions get the better of me and I start to sob uncontrollably. Whether it is the situation at hand or my pent up frustration, I completely lose it. “Why us?!” I cursed with such vigor. It echoes through the rainfall for a few long seconds until the silence is drowned out again by the rain. I suddenly feel a hand on my shoulder. I keep my eyes in my hands. “We have done nothing! My parents slave away at their jobs to provide for me and themselves! They travel miles for work and come home exhausted but they do it because they love me and they smile no matter what! They don’t care that I am a caster, why should the world?! We are living a simple, harmless life! Who are you, the Empire, to stop that!?” I roared without a care.

“What is with the waterworks? You have been given a choice. I have been beyond patient with you because I KNOW you have potential, you can and will become something great. You show promise, a restraint no other casters have shown. Let this talent fully unlock under my tutelage. Do you believe and realize that this is an opportunity of a lifetime?” I look up at him through my tear and rain soaked eyes. He got closer and knelt nearly against me. He is so close. Rain continues to soak both of us and his hair is sticking to him but he keeps his piercing red eyes on me. A flame inside of them seems to burn even brighter. “Kid, there are a few million people in this world, about a quarter million in the city I am from, Endelgrad. And you know how many casters are in our city, let alone this world? Five here. A mere five! Our power would grow exponentially with your might! That doesn’t even account for our true strength in military might. We are only rivaled by the eastern kingdom of Seltesh.”

“Why can’t we just continue to remain in peace at our home? Who were we hurting by staying alone? My parents suffered having to travel far for work and coin and did everything with pride knowing I was growing up happy and healthy!” I exclaimed.

“To keep it simple for now, the government wants power, but I personally don’t like the idea of rogue casters. While I said there are about our numbers, it pales in comparison to casters worldwide, I am sure it is in the hundreds, but people are like you and hide away. Miscasts are a danger to everyone, including the caster. Magick isn’t something to play with and try to learn from a book. You will garner experience and continue to master your craft with me. It is simply safer, that is all. There is a lot books can’t teach you.”

Velnum stood up and put both hands out. One is empty and the other has the gun. He just stands there without moving, like a statue. His gaze continues to make me feel uneasy. The way his eyes just pierce you is so unsettling. What he has truly been through up to this point I can only speculate but I can sense a true genuine care from him regardless of his motives and glare.

“Life is nothing but choices and yours can begin or end here, kid. This is my final chance at giving you a second chance to become something. I…” he trails off.”  I can’t handle… no… not again.” His glare becomes demonic as a strand of white string once again passes but between us. He does not seem to notice “Choose.” 

His look quickly becomes so genuine I reluctantly take his empty hand and he cracks a small smile, that evil look changing immediately. His hand is warm to the touch and strong as it hoists me up. He gave me a hard pat on the back and then put his hand around my shoulder and we began to walk.

“Smart choice, kid.”

“Zocar.”

“Pardon?” Velnum replies not probably expecting me to talk.

“My name is Zocar Quewlas.”

“Delighted,” Velnum laughs. “Let’s make a future.”

***

We spent a long time simply walking in silence through the rain until we reached a vehicle. It is gray with dark windows and bright lights at its front and rear. I recognize its base design with what my parents talk about when they get a taxi to the empire and from a few peeks I have seen previously on my travels through the woods. A man in a fancy military uniform, with a few similarities to Velnum’s, stands holding a door open in the back. I get in after a brief moment and am soon to be taken to the empire, I presume. I can only hope that I made the right decision. I am going to be a puppet to some sort of master and I don’t think it will be pleasant. All I can do at this point is trust in Velnum and his command. How am I going to be treated in this larger than life nation? Do they want my power as in draining it from me… is that even possible? There are too many questions and I get the feeling Velnum is not one to disclose anything now that he has what he came for. This pit in my stomach is only growing now that I am unable to foresee my new future. 

What have I done?

“A lot to think about, huh?” Velnum states, crossing his legs and leaning back. The seats were a bit hard but I feel relieved to be sitting and out of the rain. It is also nice to feel a bit calmer now that the current situation is stable, even though I am off to wherever this car is dragging us too. Can I really say this situation is stable? There are still way too many unknowns.

“What is going to happen to my parents?” I ask.

“How thoughtful, worrying about your parents' well-being as you are being dragged off,” he laughs, crossing his arms. “Once you are registered at Vault University they will be given funded stay and be able to live a leisure life. As I said, we are most rare, a commodity the Empire has no qualms with paying out for. The Empire will pay handsomely to have you under their control and spend as much as they need to keep you alive and your folks happy,” he claims but raises a brow. “It is impossible for you to believe me, and I get that. Just know you made the right choice and things are only going to look up from here, kid. While things might not fall into place now, the threads are beginning to right themselves.”

“How can I even trust you? You were seconds from killing me,” I complain.

“Sometimes blind trust can lead to great things, risks must be taken to earn a future. Besides there are fates much worse than death,” he starts reaching into his pocket. I can feel my heart sink again. This man does not seem to be very sane nor have any caution to his actions. He pulls out a small cloth that he then begins to use to try and dry his hair and face. “And to tell you the truth, kid,” he began and immediately directed his eyes to me. “If I wanted you dead, you would have been the moment you tried to run. I just let you go and tried to see what you could do, but I knew you were good from the moment you didn’t try to use magick without proper training. That sort of restraint will do you good and is not common in novices,” he chuckles. “I might have taken longer to find you though but you quickly gave away your location and direction with your home distractions and that little sound trick. Little crumbs for this hound to sniff out.” He smiles and I hear the same noise I made right next to my ear at the slightest little movement of his fingers. He really is a caster.

“What do you mean? Is this something to do with miscasting or whatever you started to mention?” I inquire. Velnum continues to dry his hair and takes his gaze away from me, yet I can see a little bit of a smirk.

“I’m impressed you actually listened. I suppose a little lesson wouldn’t hurt, could pass the time,” he says with a cold voice. “So, like most everybody in the world, blood flows through the heart and more or less powers the body, yes?”

“Umm, yes?” I answer, not exactly sure what he is getting at. I assume it has something to do with mana and his previous statements. There must be a connection to blood and how our bodies as casters work.

“We casters, mages as most coin us, have a second heart that pushes mana through a special set of veins that cycle our body just as blood does. Our heart grows with use and most don't develop. This is a catalyst that allows us to be able cast magicks, spells, whatever you feel like referring to them as. Now it is simply a beginning for being able to render nothing into something, but it is incredibly dangerous because of its raw power and when by a chance disaster known as a miscast. The sheer trauma on the world and on yourself when trying to do anything against natural law… is well… dangerous. You need to understand we are not just using mana to cast things. It is a reaction of the way we manipulate mana and the energy and chemical make-up of the natural world. Our power is akin to changing the order of the universe. Simply put, it is powerful and dangerous, to you and anyone nearby…” he looks out the window, stopping his movements. “Or anyone… anywhere.”

“Can you not train hard enough to not miscast?” I respond, seeming to get an annoyed glance from Velnum, as he reverts his glare to me.

“Mind not interrupting? You will learn more if you keep your mouth shut,” he snaps at me. “Think of it like working your muscles. No matter how much you train, you can still sprain or injure yourself, yes?” A moment of silence goes before I nodded and he gave a light sigh. “Miscast is simply an inevitability of using mana and casting magick. Nothing ever goes as planned. We simply train to master our own internal flow and likewise that of the world around us but we can still overexert ourselves. You will have to be able to feel what is right and when it is. Certainly the more you train and can control your power, the less of a chance it will happen, but it is not nil and it never will be. Miscasting is more terrifying than any ability or spell a caster can create. The unknown power within us is unleashed in proper and without limit. A frightening thought, yes?”

“I assume miscast is just the magick not working as intended?” I question with a more than likely obvious answer. Velnum chuckles for a moment. The car hits a small bump, which seems to upset him briefly but he quickly switches focus. I notice another white string but he didn’t seem to see or care so I kept quiet as to not continue to upset him. Strangely, I did not see it touch the floor… it is as if it simply disappeared.

“If only. No, it is absolutely far worse. Consider it like amplifying the spell, bending it out of proportion, and not being able to control it. We are lucky our magick is much like our own body, we can’t be harmed by it as badly as compared to others, BUT a miscast is its own animal and can and will absolutely kill you and many others if the conditions are right. In best case scenarios it will be minor but in catastrophic circumstances… you will level mountains and cities alike. It is this law of magick that keeps us ‘trained’ casters from constantly just throwing spells around all about and I am happy to see you kind of inherently knew this as you didn’t try to attack the hunters coming after you. While many things in the world have been learned by casters, miscasting has no rhyme or reason to why it occurs. It is difficult to study something seemingly random.”

“Is that why you didn’t capture me with magick?” I begin. “I would think it could have been over in a moment if you did.”

“Be lucky I didn’t, kid,” Velnum says darkly. “If I had to, it would have been done. The Magehunters with me as well would have resorted to some awfully violent methods should they have found you.”

“Well, all of that aside. What can you tell me about where we are going and what is to happen to me?” I inquire, hoping to at least know where this prison is going to be or what I should expect before just being thrust into a strange place.

“Sunwell Academy, it is the branch campus of Vault University, it is a military school. You will study mostly under me to control and hone your abilities as a caster and should things go well enough, you will be promoted and allowed to graduate and move onto a career,” he pauses leaning forward. “And of course normal lessons on top of it all. As a part of the greatest empire in the world, you will be expected to act like it. Being well-versed in academics, military strategy, and your own abilities will keep you extremely busy,” he states with a cruel grimace. 

“But I am sure I will still be a pawn of the government,” I reply, not caring about my blatant disregard for the royals I swear no allegiance to, at least not yet.

“I understand where you are coming from, trust me. I have been under their service for too long… and I still am. They are just damn lucky I enjoy my research and freedom and haven’t found anything about… well nevermind about all that,” he says, trailing off.

“Hrm?” I try to press it further as he certainly is versed and biased.

“Your biggest worries will be your academics, military training, and following very strict rules on campus. You will need to quickly realize people hate our kind and will be quick to press that hatred on you. Being ‘gifted’ is not a boon. You will be paramount to a doll the Empire plays with. Pray you will entertain them,” he says through gritted teeth. “Also keeping up on your studies and magical training is going to be a priority. You’re going to be a busy little mage, kid,” he jests. “But make the best of it because your schooling will be the safest and probably the happiest you’ll ever be. Time has a fantastic way of ruining things. And then you will get inevitably transferred to the Empire proper and be worked to the bone. So yeah… enjoy your studies.”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

I decided it best to leave the conversation to dry up. The occasional bump in the road or turn of the vehicle adds any substance to the journey at this point as Velnum seems to be lost in a coverless book he is peering into and making unseen notes. I clutch my soaked cloak to my body as I begin to feel the cold setting in since my adrenaline is wearing off and my body is returning to normal. My mind was still racing with the possibilities of what is bound to happen to me when this car stops. I figured it best to just try and rest up. If I am going to die, I might as well be in the blissful trance of slumber when it comes. The sounds of the rain on the car’s roof slowly drifts my exhausted mind to dreams.

***

I am awoken as the car comes to a swift halt and I feel a hit on my shoulder. Did I actually manage to fall asleep? I stir awake quickly and see Velnum just leaving the vehicle. I am quick to follow him out and before me is a bright sun, blinding me. How long was that trip? I squint and noticed not only the large iron gate and stone walls but between the bars of the gate, of what I presume is where the academy stands. 

The gate is massive and the top is engraved with the academy’s name. The car leaves the moment I get off, shutting the door behind me and Velnum rolls his shoulder, cracks his neck, and walks up, pushing the gate open. The walls must be nearly ten feet tall and about a foot and a half or two feet thick. It is astonishing how open the courtyard is and the aged look of the place. An incredible fountain stands at the center of the entire area, taking me a few moments to just ponder its beauty. Only three buildings stick out and a large tower surrounded by hedges.

“This place isn’t too complex, so don’t let it intimidate you…” Velnum starts, as he gets close to me. “That is my job,” he grunts. “Now!” he exclaims suddenly, with a quick clap of his hands. “The grand tour! It really is quite simple, kid. Three buildings.” He points to the one in the center. “That is the academics hall, where you will go to take exams, study, and basically do anything that isn’t involved in your dorm, which by the way is to your left. The top floor is for men and the bottom is for women. Lastly is the leisure and mess hall, to the right,” he states gesturing about. He then takes my shoulder and points me toward the tower. “You will get well acquainted with that, for that is my… well our domain henceforth. For now though, we must digress to formalities, come, kid.”

Velnum began walking down the marble pathway leading directly toward the academics hall. He had his hands in his jacket pockets and I noticed how he is completely dry but I am still damp. Did he dry himself off with magick while I was asleep or did he have a spare? I suppose it doesn’t really matter, but it still weirds me out. He doesn’t seem stable.

“Mind if I ask a question?” I asked out of nowhere.

“And that would be…?” he replied, cocking his head slightly toward me.

“What is up with the white string?”

“The what?” he angrily responded. “What stupid white string? My goddamned hair?!” he shouted getting in my face.

“N-no! I saw a piece of it in the woods and in the carriage,” I responded.

“I don’t have any strings, so just don’t worry about it. Probably a loose hair or something of mine.”

He seemed really upset all of a sudden as he muttered ‘stupid’ so I just let it be and didn’t push it any further. That is too strange of a coincidence to not be something vital. Again though, with everything I have been through in just the last few hours, hallucinating isn’t out of the realm of possibilities. 

The courtyard is massive and over half of the volume of what's inside the walls. The dorms are the next biggest and the mess hall isn’t much smaller than it but for being a military academy I suppose the training grounds would be the biggest section, but I can’t really see any. It must be somewhere else. The grounds seemed well kept and it isn’t too bad to look at. I am actually impressed as I was expecting a much more gloomy place I would be spending my days at but the lush greenery and flowers lining the sides of the pathway makes it much less intimidating.

“The process is going to be simple,” Velnum says as we begin to near the academics hall. The building is quite large now that we approach it. I can tell the design is dated but rather aesthetically pleasing. A few stone arches come off the sides and the doorway is covered by a large cloth banner with the academies emblem. I realize from a glance at the other facilities how similar they all are in looks. The dorm is the most different as it a bit of a generic looking two story building with numerous wooden pillars holding up the wooden platform leading to the upper dorm.

“Pay attention!” I heard Velnum call out and a hit on my shoulder. I turned in shock seeing him holding the door. “Get in!”

“Apologies, s-sir!” I stutter out. Velnum rubbed his eyes in frustration.

“Don’t ever ‘sir’ me…” he sighs.

The inside is rather quiet and I now just realized I didn’t see a single soul walking about or anyone at all for that matter. The entrance has a large gray carpet with the emblem again on it and two desks against the walls, only the one on the right having someone behind it. She is a short brown haired, skinny woman. She has a similar gray vest like Velnum and I assumed she is faculty here.

“Marianne!” Velnum shouts as I close the door carefully behind me.

“Oh!” the secretary tosses a scroll in shock, quickly looking our way as she fumbles to snatch it back. “Magister Cattersync!” she respectfully said.

“Marianne, no need for that. Just Catt is fine, same goes for you, kid.” 

“You go by Catt instead of Vel?” I said without thinking. Velnum seemed to seethe at the mention and Marianne visibly shook.

“Don’t you EVER call me that again,” his voice was so rigid and tense I could feel the words. I felt a chill go down my spine and my body freeze at the look he gave me.

“Is this him?” Marianne asked, trying to change the subject while organizing the mess she has on her desk as we approached the desk. Velnum leans against the desk and I just stand a few feet from him and out of the way from the door since the entrance is not very large. 

“Yeah this is him,” Velnum began to say. He gestured for me to come to the desk. “Come on then, let’s make this painless. I am sure you are ready to get out of that damp cloth and some food in you. Just listen to Marianne, I am going to get a drink.” With that, he left and Marianne just clutched her hands against her chest, seeming equally nervous.

“Y-your a c-caster… y-yes?” she nervously says, making me anxious. How could Velnum just leave like that? Would five minutes be too much to ask? He is the reason I am here, I am not here by choice! This tension could be cut with a knife…

“Yes, ma’am,” I replied as respectfully as I could.

“What is your name?” she asks, beginning to ink things onto a scroll.

“Zocar Quewlas,” I said and by her face, I spell it out for her. She gives a slightly relieved look as she carefully signs it. This paper is… rather lengthy.

“Do you have prior education?”

“I… umm…” I stutter and drift off.

“Have you been to a school before?” she questions, parting a bang from her face as she looks at me. She seems a bit more relaxed but I am getting more nervous by the second. What are these questions even for?

“N-no… ma’am.”

With that said, Marianne goes about writing things down in record speed as Velnum appears with a drink in his hand, sipping it as he takes his spot once again, leaning on the desk. It smells strong, like coffee, which I assume it is to give him some pep.

“All good?” Velnum inquired.

“Yes, I can sort the rest out and get him a room and a stock of clothes and the essentials,” Marianne said, rolling the scroll up and binding it with twine. She sets it on a small pile of similar scrolls by the edge of the desk.

“Perfect. Come, kid,” he gestured for me to follow him. “Talk to you later, Marianne.”

“R-right, sir!” she stutters, organizing things once more on her messy desk. Velnum visibly cringes hearing ‘sir’ again. Wonder why it bothers him. Isn’t it an honorable thing?

Velnum took me through a series of white stone hallways lined with small banners, a few benches and numerous wooden doors I assume lead to classrooms. The middle of the flooring has a long, finely decorated carpet running the expanse of the halls. There is a level of elegance that makes me truly realize where I am. Fancy paintings of scenery or what I assume are instructors or royal family line the walls, white iron chandeliers illuminate what the stained glass windows do not. I really feel instantly regal being here.  It is rather quiet as we stroll through the hall.

“Going to take you to my office, which I don’t understand why I have. You will pretty much always find me in the Arcane Tower. Keep that in mind, and if you really need to find me for anything, instructors house on the easternmost side of the dormitories. Mine is the easternmost on the top floor.”

Everything is so white as the polished marble walls and stone flooring makes it bright and cheery, which is not how I envisioned a military academy. Velnum walked a bit faster now and we entered one of the many doors. This one has a small inscription ‘Magister Velnum Cattersync E.R.S’ etched into a fancy plaque.

“What is that?” I asked, pointing toward the plaque. “E.R.S.?”

“Think about it, what am I?” Velnum sarcastically replied. “I don’t want to be your babysitter, so you need to figure things out for yourself, kid. Won’t hold your hand forever… or at all for a matter of fact.”

“If I was to assume it is… your actual title?”

“Good enough. If you recall, I am the Endelgrad Royal Scholar, hence the abbreviation. It is an honorific that the public adore, same with the royal family. I am nothing more than an inquisitive mind. Now in, kid,” Velnum commanded as we entered the room, with him pushing me. It is an absolute mess. There are scrolls, books, papers, and other scholarly belongings everywhere. I nearly stumbled each step trying not to trip or damage anything. The smell of dust, paper, and something else, mixed with the just stagnant nature isn’t too alluring. Velnum had no care and kicked the odd book or scroll out of his way. The walls are lined with bookshelves, but not a single one is in any order and of the hundred books, I would say only about ten are placed neatly.

While I looked in amazement that such an intelligent seeming man, has such a pigsty he resides in, is quite baffling. He opens one of the windows and pushes the curtains aside, illuminating even more of the mess. There is even more than I originally saw?! Did something move or am I just seeing dust floating? This is concerning.

“Bit stuffy. Also don’t you dare judge this place. It is a storage facility for all I care. My actual office in the Arcane Tower is MUCH cleaner,” he goffs. “Trust me.”

“Okay,” I stated plainly, simply going along with the probably obvious lie.

He began gathering things and putting them into a leather satchel that was hanging over the chair, which is full of books. I just go about trying to tidy up anything as I feel compelled too.

It felt like it had been over an hour as we both moved about cleaning and gathering things, yet the room is nearly still as big of a mess as it originally was. Velnum smacks the back of my head and I turn, books still in hand and see him holding the satchel toward me.

“Drop those books, no need for them. And take this,” he commands, smashing the satchel into my chest while simultaneously hitting the books down to the floor. 

I don’t even really have a chance to do anything else as he kicks the pile out of the way. From how leisurely he held it out, I was shocked at the weight though. I put it over my shoulder and as quickly as we entered, we exited after Velnum closed the window and shut the curtains.

“Come come, it is time to get a small meal,” he groggily stated, pushing me out of the room and trying to lock it up, as he kicked a few books back that were in the way, before slamming the door completely closed.

It was a quiet walk out into the courtyard. I still haven’t seen anyone which is extremely fascinating to me. How have I not heard a peep or seen a single person this entire time? Velnum has his hands in his pockets but seems distraught at my gaze turning to him.

“What?” he barks.

“Where is everyone?”

“Marianne is still doing work in the lobby. Who else matters? I am here aren’t I?” he said, pushing his hair back and gave a pouty look that was unlike him. “Unless I am getting old and stale for you already and you want to make friends with your peers, am I right, kid?” he joked. “Lonely outsider now wants to make peace with the empire he scorned. Well don’t count on it. We are feared, only friends we get are our own and you’re looking at one of the three.”

“I find it peculiar that not a single soul has been seen or heard this entire time,” I retort, ignoring his obnoxious slander.

“Simple, it is the middle of an off time for everyone. You and maybe ten or so students are even on campus, same with faculty. There are scheduled rest weeks and such to give everyone needed breaks, except the required faculty, such as maintenance workers, myself, and the secretary of Sunwell, Marianne. Now enough of that nonsense, think about what you want to eat.”

“I don’t even know what they serve!” I responded.

“Food,” Velnum said sarcastically.

“I would hope so…” I stated, a little frustrated. He is a rather difficult character to judge. I am about to spend a majority of my life training with this man?

Before I knew it, we were at the mess hall, considering the small distance from the main hall, this isn’t surprising. I am hit by the door as in my absent mindedness, Velnum let the door hit me. Guess he wasn’t waiting twice. The inside seemed even larger than the outside. It is completely open with long tables stretching across the entire area, besides the counter and kitchen where two people seem to be working. Only a single other person who isn’t faculty, I assume by the different uniform, is here. Velnum just takes a seat and deftly takes a book from my satchel and begins scribbling again. I can see an upper balcony but just follow Velnum like a child.

“Go get something, I will be here,” he said. I left the satchel on the table by him and began walking over toward the counter. I am starting to smell some seared meat and spices, but can’t quite pinpoint them. One of the workers notices me. He gives me a confused glance, readjusting his gray hat and apron.

“New here?” he asked.

“Yes, sir.”

“Not much choice right now due to the vacation week, so we will just fix you something, is that alright?” he questioned, turning slightly and taking a plate. The counter is full of empty plates and mugs and I see a long grill and chopping table behind them as long as the counter. The woman by him seems to be grilling some beef while a few pots of vegetables boil. That seems excessive for just a few dozen people. I can’t imagine the amount during peak hours.

“That is fine, thank you so much,” I replied.

“Good,” the man responded, turning around and mumbling with his co-worker. She helps him load a plate with some grilled beef, vegetables, and a large mug of a light red drink. “Enjoy.” He strokes his beard watching me still eyeing the area.

“I will, thank you again,” I said, smiling.

“My pleasure.”

I turn as does the man as he goes back to work stirring the pots and mumbling to his coworker. I began making my way back toward Velnum who was holding the book over his head and laying against the table. I decided to not wake him and turn my attention to the other student who has a book and scroll by them as they take a sip of their drink and scribble.

“Mind if I take a seat here?” I asked politely.

The student has short black hair and his face has some mild stubble. He seemed to take a moment to realize that the voice was calling to him. His attitude changes from seeming angry and confused to excited,

“Feel free! I’d love some company,” he exclaimed. He glances at me and instantly looks confused. I take a seat across from him. The chairs are not cushioned but aren’t too uncomfortable. “No uniform? New or something? Oh, probably a visitor! Welcome!” he laughs. “And looking a little damp, everything okay?”

“Oh, yes,” I said, trying not to seem defeated by my previous actions a few hours ago.

“Name’s Aeron Truhart, people tend to call me the True of Heart!” he chuckles. “Yeah they don’t…Stupid nickname…” he mumured.

“Zocar Quewlas, a pleasure to meet you,” I said, and couldn't contain myself from beginning to nibble on the beef as my hunger got the better of me. It is a bit dry and overcooked but the spices on the crust gives it a good flavor.

“So, Zocar, where did you transfer in from? It's not usual to see new faces this time of year.”

“Oh, well…”

“He is backed by my scholarship,” I heard Velnum say, and turned to see him sitting next to me. “What the hell are you still doing here?”

“Sorry, instructor! I just wanted to get extra study time in and I didn’t have plans for the vacation and all…” Aeron cried out, seeming intimidated by the magister, who I can’t fault him for.

“A nice quiet dinner would do us all some good, yes? You need to study,” he started and I feel an agonizing slap on my back. “And the kid here needs to eat.” 

With that terrifying little moment gone, Velnum got up and headed to the counter and he and the man I spoke to began to talk. I turned back to Aeron who is nearly in his book his face is so close to it. I can’t really make out what it is about and choose to just eat. 

***

Aeron ended up excusing himself not long after and Velnum sat next to me sipping his coffee, which I somehow realized he still had. I just finished up eating and am sipping on the last bit of my own drink. It is rather fruity and seems to give me some pep. I realized how hungry I was and just how nice this little session was needed. Velnum stands up and begins his way toward the exit. I take my dish back to the counter and leave it where the man gestures along with my mug and quickly gather my satchel and run to Velnum.

We exited and made our way to the dorms as the afternoon was breaking to night. Velnum doesn’t really say anything and we head towards the dorms. The numerous light posts are lit and groundskeepers go about different tasks, and I finally see a handful of others. Not sure if they are all employees or other students. My clothes are still a bit damp and the cool evening breeze is really hitting me.

“I will escort you back to Marianne and then to your dorm, then we part for the evening. I will get you in the morning for your first day of training,” Velnum said, diverting his path from the dorm and toward the main hall.

“How long will I train with you?” I asked while we walked.

“Could be a day, or it could be years. Depends when the royal family wants you in the city,” he shrugged. “You are going to be more of a prized possession than a person, mind you. It is sickening.”

“Okay,” I calmly responded, not exactly sure how to take that. For being so high up on the leadership scale, Velnum seemed so angry at the royal family.

The walk to the main hall remained quiet and when we entered, I quickly stepped foot inside and saw Marianne at her desk, a large wooden chest on the ground by her. She doesn’t notice us at first and before I have a chance to politely alert her, Velnum shouted instead.

“Marianne!” 

She looked absolutely startled and fell back into her chair, screeching it across the floor. Velnum chuckled to himself as we both neared the desk. Marianne took a deep breath and steadied herself.

“Magister Cattersync and Mage Quewlas, I have everything in order,” she stated, gesturing at the chest. “It is a little heavy, but it has all your essentials. These include-”

“Good work,” Velnum said, interrupting her as he slammed the desk, startling poor Marianne again. “Grab it and let’s be off. See you, Marianne.”

Marianne just waved shyly as I picked up the hefty chest. Velnum doesn’t even look at me or of course offer help carrying it. It is fine I guess, he has done a good bit for me thus far.

“Wait a second,” I said out of the blue as we near the dorms. “How did you know my name?”

“You gave it to me you dolt,” Velnum sighs. “Not too bright are you?”

“No, no! I gave it to you BEFORE we got here. Just how did you know who I was? We are not aligned with Endelgrad, there is no way you found it in some archive or something,” I said.

“Observant, but don’t sweat the details,” Velnum responded calmly. “Nothing escapes Endelgrad’s gaze.” This gave me a chill, that the weather wasn’t. I do not like the sounds of that. How long have they waited to come in on me? Were they specifically waiting for a particular moment or something? Just why was I targeted and why now? Too many questions again, but maybe Velnum will answer some tomorrow. I assume he is as tired as I am as his usual chipper and stride are lost.

“You will be actually only two doors from my room. How conveinvent.”

“Yes, how very…” I replied, struggling to get up the stairs with this chest. We pause at the first door.

“Assuming you can read like you did back at my office, this is my room. And by previous information…” Velnum trailed off.

“Mine is two down,” I answered.

“Good little mage,” Velnum sternly responded and without missing a beat he opens his room and is gone in the blink of an eye. The door cracks open “Get some sleep, we start early.” And then the door slams. What a strange man.

I finally resorted to just dragging the chest, hoping no one was asleep, to my room. I notice a small mailbox by the door already engraved with my name on it. I stopped in front of it and opened the door, shocked that it wasn't locked. I heard keys dangle from inside and found them on the inner knob. Interesting. I pull the chest in and realize the room is already lit. What a massive load of coincidences. Is this truly how catered I will be? Someone had to be here recently.

The room is quite small. There is a small well made bed with a thick gray blanket with the school's emblem, and a nightstand next to it. Across from the bed is a desk and chair, and by the door to the right is a wardrobe and dresser. I push the chest against the front of the bed and open it. On top is a small folder, which quickly skimming it is just formal documents and a little bit about the campus. There are several uniforms under that, which I neatly hang after checking one out. It is similar to Velnum’s. It has long tail coats, a really intricate embroidery around the wrists and elbows, and there seem to be some long sleeve, cotton uniforms, and shorter sleeved silk ones. There also is a few basic sleepwear, much like the uniforms, in both wool and silk. After neatly hanging all of them, the last things inside the chest are a tome holder and blank tome, I would assume are for notes, and another satchel. I stack the books and my new tome on the desk and hang both satchels on the hooks on the door. I then notice another door to the left of the room, right in front of where I left the chest. Opening it, I am greeted with a small bathroom. A toilet, sink, and tub, with a handful of towels hanging near the tub. A small basket as well by the door looks just large enough to hold a few pairs of clothes too.

I take this chance to just soak in a hot bath for a rather prolonged period to just soothe my body and mind. I simply needed a little time to adjust and get my thoughts together. It feels so good to get those damp clothes off and be in something warm. The tub is perfectly sized for me and I sink in it to my chin and just close my eyes. Also just not worrying about anything for this little bit of time kind of eased my troubled mind. I perked myself up quickly as I found myself falling asleep as the events of the day really were kicking in. I slowly got out of the tub, dried myself, and quickly put on my sleepwear.

It was as if I teleported into the bed with how quickly I put my clothes in the small basket, turned off the lights in the rooms, got under the covers, and nearly instantly fell asleep. This really is going to be the start of a new life I am not sure I really have grasped yet. Here I am in a military academy for the largest empire in the world. Will I really have an influence like Velnum thinks? Guess there is no reason to stress over it. I really need to sleep. And so I do. Quite easily.