Marvin climbed up the stairway to the top of the Elysium Spire for the first time in nearly twenty years. Upon reaching the top, he paused, casting a long look at the door to the headmaster’s office. With a heavy sigh, he raised his hand to knock, but just as his knuckles were about to connect with the polished wood, the door swung open.
An elven girl squeaked as she jumped back in surprise. Placing a hand over her heart, she inhaled deeply to steady herself. “Oh! I’m so sorry,” she exclaimed. “I didn’t realize you were there.”
“No worries,” Marvin replied with a hint of a smirk. “Dark mages are accustomed to that sort of reaction.”
“I assure you that my reaction will be much more friendly the next time we meet, sir,” the elf said, bowing her head.
Marvin examined the girl. Her long, snowy white hair fell straight to her shoulders and down her back. As her eyes looked back up at him, he noticed how they glowed an unnatural blue, like sunlight dancing on the surface of a glacial lake.
“I take it you’re from the Heavenfalls Enclave?” Marvin inquired, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
The girl beamed at him. “That’s right! Have you ever visited?”
“Many years ago,” he replied, nostalgia creeping into his tone.
“You don’t have to stand there, Eva,” a voice called from somewhere deeper within the office. “Marvin’s been trying to avoid me, so he’ll happily chat with you for as long as you allow.”
Suppressing a giggle, Eva glided past Marvin and exited the office. The dark mage in turn stepped into the room and closed the door behind him.
The office was spacious, its high ceilings complemented by tall, arched windows that invited in beams of light. Similar to the dark magic teacher’s own office, tall shelves were filled with books and artifacts, though the artifacts in the headmaster's office were less sinister in their appearance. The furniture was completely different from the last time Marvin had visited. Sofas and armchairs in cheerful shades of light blue, sunny yellow, and lively purple brightened the atmosphere, lifting even Marvin’s mood. The large desk that had once dominated the room was also different. The new one was more decorative andless imposing.
“Did you get married?” Marvin asked while glancing around.
The Grand Oracle snorted as he approached his new visitor. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“Please don’t,” Marvin retorted. “Who’s the girl?”
His older colleague analyzed him for a moment. “Eva Moonglade.”
“Moonglade?” the dark mage repeated, raising his eyebrows. “Wow. Is that why she’s getting special treatment from the Grand Oracle?”
The headmaster gestured for Marvin to sit and then took an armchair for himself. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke. “Marvin, can I count on you to be a trusted advisor?”
“Probably not,” the dark mage admitted, though he had a sly smirk on his face.
The headmaster groaned. “You’re as reliable as I expected. Unfortunately, I don’t think I have a choice.”
Marvin frowned and leaned forward. “That sounds serious, Gordon. What is going on?”
Gordon stared at Marvin for a long moment. “A new mind mage has come of age.”
Marvin’s eyes widened. “What?! How do you know?”
“Through divination magic,” the headmaster replied. “I’ve seen an encounter. Eva discovers the mind mage within the walls of Windrake.”
Marvin gulped. “Here?”
“Yes,” Gordon confirmed.
“Do you know who this mind mage is? What they look like?”
The Grand Oracle shook his head. “My visions did not reveal that, but for the past year, I’ve been training Eva. Similar to what I did with you, I’ve been teaching her how to build up her mental defenses. I want her to be fully prepared to face this new mind mage. She’s an impressive water mage and a talented healer, but hasn’t focused on offensive magic. I’ve spoken with Professor Mullens to ensure she starts improving her attack spells. It’s convenient you came to my office, as I have a request for you as well.”
“What is the request?” Marvin asked hesitantly.
“I’m going to assume the mind mage will also have the dark magic affinity,” Gordon said, “so I would like for you to work with her as well. Teach her how to effectively combat a dark mage.”
“You’re turning her into a weapon,” Marvin said with a grimace.
“I suppose I am,” Gordon admitted, “but it must be done. There’s more.”
“Of course there’s more,” the dark mage said, rolling his eyes.
“I have also seen a battle,” the Grand Oracle said. “Here at Windrake.”
“A battle?!” Marvin exclaimed. “How is that possible? We are in the middle of Greshelm. No standing armies remain that could threaten such an attack.”
“The future is still shrouded in mystery, Marvin,” Gordon replied with a shudder. “You know how finicky divination magic can be.”
“I don’t know,” Marvin countered, “but you’ve told me many times.”
“So you’ll tutor Eva?” Gordon asked.
“I suppose,” Marvin said.
The headmaster nodded in gratitude. “In the meantime, evaluate the students in your advanced course. Identify those who could stand their ground in a fight. I want to be prepared.”
“Is this really happening?” Marvin asked.
“Unless we can find a way to change the future,” Gordon responded, “and that always carries its own risks.”
“I still can’t believe there’s someone out there bold enough to attack Windrake,” the dark mage said.
“Have you heard any rumors regarding Grimstone?” the headmaster asked thoughtfully.
“Nothing substantial,” Marvin answered. “I do think he’s still out there.”
“It’s hard to believe he’s evaded detection for so long,” Gordon wondered out loud.
“You’d be the best person to hunt him down,” Marvin pointed out, “but you’re too busy teaching kids.”
“Shaping the next generation of magic users is my top priority,” the headmaster replied defensively.
“I don’t disagree,” the dark mage teacher said, backing off.
“I’m worried, though,” Gordon admitted. “If Grimstone is still out there, maybe Grimmault is too.”
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“No,” Marvin replied. “Not even a chance. Laying low isn’t his style. He’s gone.”
“You say that with such confidence,” the older man said with one eyebrow raised.
“Call me a fool if you wish,” Marvin said. “Grimmault is dead.”
“You’re no fool,” Gordon said. “Just an asshole.”
The recipient of the insult just laughed.
“What brings you to my office today?” Gordon asked, eyeing the grinning professor skeptically. “I know it wasn’t to reminisce.”
“I’m planning a weekend trip to Goltenberg to see some friends,” Marvin stated.
“I already know that’s complete goblin shit,” the headmaster replied. “You don’t have friends.”
“Says the old man who entertains young elf girls in his office,” the dark mage retorted.
Gordon frowned. “Let’s not go there. There are already enough rumors circulating around campus regarding Eva. She is a very sweet and caring person. Maybe she can even teach you a thing or two.”
Marvin only responded by shrugging his shoulders.
“I’ll permit your trip to Goltenberg,” Gordon said, “on the condition that you reveal one of your secrets to me.”
Marvin chuckled. “I don’t have many secrets worth much these days.”
“Yes, I’m completely convinced of that,” Gordon deadpanned. “Who are Skye’s parents?”
The dark mage grunted, his expression shifting. “I didn’t see that one coming.”
The headmaster pressed on. “When I performed her Soul Inquiry, I discovered that one of her goals for attending Windrake Academy was to figure out who her parents were. I was a little taken aback at first, but then I realized she was raised by you. Then it all made sense.”
“Raising kids is hard,” Marvin offered as an excuse.
“Why won’t you tell her who her parents are?”
“I have my reasons,” the dark mage replied.
“Who are they?”
“Wouldn’t you rather know how I managed to grow the biggest zucchini in all of Lovarn?”
Gordon shook his head resolutely. “Skye’s parents.”
Marvin sighed. “Felix Renlio. Her mom’s name is Kara, though I don’t know much about her.” He tried to stop there, but a glare from Gordon prompted him to continue. “Felix was a dark sorcerer – a former student who, like many others, was enticed by Grimmault’s promises. After a couple of years of faithful service to the bastard, Felix… did something that caused him to lose favor. As punishment, they killed his wife right in front of his eyes and took away his newborn daughter. Though obviously distraught, he remained focused on saving the last thing he valued. He found a way to contact me, and we came to an agreement. I rescued Skye, and Felix determined she was safer with me.”
“What happened to Felix?” Gordon asked.
Marvin’s eyes briefly shifted downward. “He didn’t survive long after that.”
His older colleague nodded respectfully. “How did you rescue her?”
“They were keeping her in Linken’s Castle,” the dark mage replied. “I knew some secrets about the place that got me in easily enough.”
The Grand Oracle raised his eyebrows. “That’s why you attacked Linken’s Castle?”
Marvin shrugged. “While I was inside, I decided to take out the trash.”
The headmaster shook his head. “I hate to say it, Marvin, but I think you leaving Windrake was the best thing that could’ve happened to Arestia during the Burning Covenant.”
“You don’t even know the half of it,” the dark mage said with a sly smile.
“And I’m assuming you’re not going to tell me the rest?” Gordon replied.
“You’re the one who just reminded me it’s valuable currency.”
“It was risky to make such an agreement with someone in Grimmault’s camp,” Gordon said with a frown. “Can you imagine if Elena had uncovered your scheme? That could have been the end of the great Marvin Kalo.”
A mysterious smile crossed Marvin’s lips. “It could have.”
“Is she a dark sorceress? Skye?”
“Actually, I believe she does better with water magic.”
“Water magic is very underrated,” Gordon remarked. “What about the boy? What’s his story?”
“Very similar to Skye, honestly,” he responded casually, “but that tale will have to wait until another time. I need to prepare for my trip to Goltenberg.”
“You should tell the girl who her parents are,” the Grand Oracle suggested. “Not that you listen to me anyway.”
“Perhaps you are right,” the dark mage confessed. “She hasn’t been too happy with my reluctance to disclose that information.”
“Marvin…” Gordon’s voice was suddenly leaden with vulnerability. “I know you’re up to something… but I trust you. I’m aware that you have your criticisms of me, but I ask for your patience. I hope I’ve changed over the past two decades.”
Marvin looked over at the Grand Oracle. “I had hoped that you had changed as well.”
Gordon frowned. “What is that supposed to mean?”
The dark magic teacher paused, contemplating his next words. “Gordon, you don’t even know who the new mind mage is, and yet you're already plotting to eliminate them.”
“I… that’s just in case!” the headmaster stammered. “I don’t want to be caught unprepared!”
“I guess time will tell,” Marvin replied.
Gordon opened his mouth, ready to unleash his rebuttal, but he was interrupted by a knock at the door. The headmaster glanced over at the door, suddenly remembering the appointment he had made. “Ah, that should be Professor Mavery. Perhaps it’s best if we end our discussion anyway.”
“I’ll take my leave,” Marvin said, rising from his chair and eagerly walking towards the door.
“Don’t be a stranger,” Gordon called out to the retreating dark mage, “or I’ll have to use my own devices to figure out what you’re up to.”
That threat sent chills down Marvin’s spine as he opened the door.
Professor Mavery’s eyes sparkled as she greeted the dark magic teacher. “Professor Kalo! Fancy seeing you here.”
“Melinda, please,” Marvin said with mock offense. “Are we no longer on a first-name basis?”
“In front of the headmaster?” Melinda shot back.
“Ah!” Marvin grumbled. “He’s too old to hear us anyway.”
“I can hear perfectly,” Gordon called out from behind the dark mage.
“Skye came with you, right?” Melinda inquired.
“That depends on what you say next,” responded Marvin.
“You’re terrible!” Professor Mavery exclaimed, hiding a smile. “Skye is wonderful to have in class.”
“I can’t really take credit for her temperament,” the dark magic instructor replied honestly. “She’s a special girl.” There was a brief pause before Marvin continued with his exit. “I won’t hold you up any longer. I apologize if he’s in a bad mood. That would likely be my fault.”
The Grand Oracle purposefully smiled as he welcomed the female teacher into his office. “Professor Mavery, thank you for agreeing to meet with me at this time. I know you had to leave your class a little bit early. I wanted to speak with you regarding a student of yours. What can tell me about Jeremiah Morrison?”
Marvin slowly made his way out of the office – deliberately so. Gordon, however, put an early end to his eavesdropping. “Close the door on your way out, Professor Kalo.”
***
After wrapping up his final lesson of the week, Marvin hurriedly exited his classroom. His top priority was to locate Trey. He had to warn him about the honeypot trap the Grand Oracle was so graciously setting up for him. Trey needed to avoid Eva like a diseased goblin. He trekked over near Guardian’s Keep looking for the tall boy.
Karl spotted the dark mage approaching and scurried off, suddenly remembering an impending task he had to complete. Behind him, Jeffers was busy fastening a banner to a large pole.
“Jeffers!” he called out. “The best null guardian Windrake has ever seen.”
The head null guardian chuckled. “I take it you need something?”
“Nothing too egregious,” Marvin replied with a wink. “I’m just wondering if you’ve seen Trey recently?”
“I think you just missed him,” Jeffers said. “He came to me for a city pass; he’s headed to Greshelm for the evening.”
The dark magic teacher sighed. “I believe Trey is already aware, but I’ll be gone for the weekend. I’d tell you to remind him to stay out of trouble, but I’m afraid my advice would fall on deaf ears.”
“We do manage to keep a firm grasp on discipline should trouble arise,” Jeffers promised. “I like Trey, though. He’s a solid kid.”
“What’s his roommate like?” Marvin asked the head guardian.
Jeffers raised an eyebrow at the dark mage. “Nora? She’s witty and high-energy. Overall, she’s very friendly. Why do you ask?”
“I’m just trying to understand Trey more,” he answered, though his thoughts were reflecting on the conversation he had shared with the headmaster.
“I still can’t believe I let you talk me into making them roommates,” the null guardian said, shaking his head.
“I can be persuasive when I want to be,” the dark mage said with a grin. “Are you ready for the capture-the-flag kickoff?”
“I’m working on final preparations now,” Jeffers replied.
“I’ll let you get back to that then,” Marvin said. “Don’t enjoy my absence too much.”
“We totally aren’t going into Greshelm and having a staff happy hour tomorrow night,” the guardian joked.
“Watch out for Calvin Leek,” Marvin warned. “He can be a handful when he’s drunk. Although, my experiences are twenty years old. He was just a brand-new artificing teacher back then.”
Jeffers laughed. “Unfortunately, that has not changed. Enjoy your trip!”
Marvin strode to his suite to pick up his belongings and begin his journey. He was slightly bothered that he didn’t catch Trey in time, but he pushed his concerns out of his mind. He felt mildly confident that the young null guardian would be fine while he was gone.
The boy can’t get into too much trouble over the weekend, right?