Chapter 3: Awe and Uncertainty

The ship glided into Roma's bustling port, its crew working swiftly to secure the vessel to the docks. Melianna joined her fellow crew members, their collective efforts a well-practiced dance of ropes and knots. With each passing moment, the ship became firmly anchored, ready to unload its valuable cargo and complete the task at hand.

Melianna's hands trembled with a mix of anticipation and sadness as she descended the gangway, her eyes scanning the vibrant port. The sprawling city of Rome stretched out before her, its towering structures and busy streets a stark contrast to the familiar sights of her small hometown. This was the heart of the empire, a place of grandeur and historical significance.

As the final crates were unloaded, the crew gathered near Melianna, their expressions a mixture of pride and camaraderie, and heartfelt farewells. The once derogatory nickname of "Brit Lass" had transformed into a term of endearment and respect.

As the farewells continued, the Roman Patrol, clad in polished armor and standing in disciplined formation, approached the gathering. Melianna recognized them as the soldiers sent from the distant reaches of the empire. It dawned on her that they must have learned about her arrival from the Dock Clerk, with whom she had spent time earlier, assisting the captain in declaring the cargo and paying the necessary taxes.

The leader of the Roman Patrol, a stoic and stern figure, stepped forward. His voice carried an air of authority as he addressed Melianna and the crew members. "We are here to escort Melianna to the Academy," he stated with unwavering firmness. His words hung in the air, signaling the purpose of their presence.

Melianna's heart skipped a beat, her eyes widening with a mixture of surprise and realization. The time had come for her departure, and the Roman Patrol had been sent specifically for her. She took a deep breath, gathering her courage before speaking. "May I have a moment to bid farewell to my shipmates?" she asked, her voice quivering slightly.

The soldiers exchanged glances, their expressions betraying a sense of stoic impatience mixed with acceptance. After a brief pause, the leader of the Roman Patrol nodded. "You have a limited amount of time," he replied, his tone crisp and professional.

Melianna's gratitude surged anew as she turned to face her shipmates. Each crew member, from the seasoned sailors to the ship's cook, approached Melianna with kind words, jokes, and well-wishes. The urgency of their farewell became palpable, each passing second reminding them of the impending separation. Embraces were shared, words of encouragement and well-wishes whispered in hushed tones.

"Good luck, Brit Lass," one crew member said, clapping her on the back. "Make us proud at the Academy!"

"Remember to show those Romans what us Venetes are made of!" another crew member chimed in, eliciting laughter from the group.

With each farewell, Melianna's heart grew heavier, and a pang of sadness tugged at her. She knew that this was the path she had chosen, but the bonds forged on the ship would always hold a special place within her. As the time granted by the Roman Patrol drew to a close, Melianna reluctantly stepped away from her shipmates, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Melianna's heart swelled with gratitude and a sense of belonging. These people had become her family, and the ship had become her home. She embraced each crew member, conveying her appreciation for their support and friendship.

The captain, standing before Melianna, his eyes filled with pride and genuine warmth, spoke with a mix of seriousness and affection. "You've come a long way, Melianna," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "We've seen your growth and your determination. The Academy is lucky to have you."

Melianna felt a swell of emotion rise within her, tears welling in her eyes. She gazed at the captain, her voice trembling with gratitude. "Thank you, Captain Pertinax. You've taught me so much, and I'll carry your lessons with me always."

The soldiers stood in silent vigil, their discipline unyielding. Melianna took one last look at her ship, etching the memories into her mind. With resolve in her gaze, she turned to face the Roman Patrol, ready to embark on the next phase of her journey.

★☆★

The Roman Patrol led Melianna through the labyrinthine streets of Rome. The grand architecture, with its towering columns and intricate carvings, left her in awe. As she gazed upon the magnificent structures, her thoughts drifted to her father, Brendan, and his skilled craftsmanship as a Mason. She could almost hear his voice echoing in her mind, sharing words of advice he often gave her during their work together back in Venetia.

Amidst the awe, a memory of her father surfaced. She could almost hear his voice, as if he were there with her, offering words of advice. "Every stone tells a story, Melianna," her father would say. "Just as we carve intricate patterns into stone, so does life shape us. Embrace the challenges that lie ahead, and like the stone, you will emerge stronger and more beautiful. Remember, each chisel mark carries a piece of our family's legacy. As you go on with your life, carry with you the pride of our trade and the strength of our ancestors."

The memory of her father's guidance mingled with her uncertainty about her decision to become a mage. She wondered if she could carry the weight of her family's expectations and her own desire for adventure without losing herself in the process.

On their way, the patrol passed by a grand temple, repurposed to the glory of God. The structure was an awe-inspiring testament to the grandeur of Roman architecture. Melianna couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and trepidation.

Intricate marble sculptures adorned the temple's facade, and golden light reflected off the polished surfaces. The grandeur of the structure overwhelmed her, and she couldn't help but think of her family's religious devotion.

Melianna's mind drifted to memories of her mother, Naomi, lighting candles at their home's altar in their modest shrine to the Roman gods. She remembered the sense of peace that washed over her family during those moments. In her mother's voice, she recalled the words of prayer, the warmth of her love, and the serenity she felt during those moments. The memory served as a reminder of the importance of faith and the connection to something greater.

In Rome, however, the religious fervor seemed magnified, and the temples towered over the people like divine sentinels. Melianna pondered the stark contrast between the grand religious edifices of Rome and the humble yet heartfelt practices of her family. The presence of Nicene Christianity, with the Emperor as the head of faith, further added to the complexity of her feelings.

As the patrol continued, they arrived at a vibrant marketplace, and Melianna's senses were immediately overwhelmed. The air was filled with the heady scent of spices, the colorful silk of exotic fabrics, and the mingling voices of traders from different corners of the empire.

The sensory overdrive reminded her of her friend Malo's dream job

as an explorer. Malo had always sought to record new discoveries, writing and sketching to preserve the wonders he encountered. Melianna couldn't help but smile at the thought of Malo's adventurous spirit and his determination to leave his mark on the world.

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Her mind teemed with curiosity as she passed stalls filled with exotic goods from distant lands. The marketplace was a microcosm of the world, and she marveled at the diversity of cultures and the exchange of goods. The scene reaffirmed her decision to explore the realm of magic, hoping it would allow her to venture into uncharted territories of knowledge and understanding.

Amidst the bustling marketplace, Melianna's eyes fell upon a peculiar merchant selling ancient scrolls. The merchant beckoned her closer, and as she approached, he spoke with a knowing smile, "Care to see something truly extraordinary, young one? These scrolls hold secrets that will unlock the mysteries of the universe."

Intrigued, Melianna glanced at the scrolls, each one adorned with strange symbols and intricate illustrations. She hesitated, unsure of the merchant's intentions. But as she thought of her friend Malo's adventurous spirit, her curiosity got the better of her. She pointed to one particular scroll, and the merchant unraveled it, revealing ancient writings describing the elements of nature and their interplay with magic.

The merchant went on, "These scrolls were passed down from the time of the old gods, long forgotten by many but kept alive by those who seek the true essence of magic. They tell of a world beyond what the academy teaches—of a magic deeply connected to the very fabric of existence."

Melianna felt a surge of excitement and unease at the same time. The scrolls seemed to promise the kind of knowledge she craved, yet their authenticity was uncertain. She thanked the merchant for the glimpse into the unknown and continued on her way, her heart racing with a newfound thirst for exploration.

As the patrol kept going, the squad leader crossed paths with a high-ranking official, and Melianna observed the subtle exchange of power dynamics between the two. The squad leader's arrogance reminded her of her brother Deniel, who had ventured to Rome to pursue his dream as a Sculptor.

She couldn't help but reflect on Deniel's journey and the initial hesitation he had shown before embracing his passion for sculpting. The memory of Deniel's courage and determination resonated with her own feelings of fear and uncertainty about her new path as a supposed mage.

As the squad moved on, Melianna held onto the memory of her brother's transformation and drew strength from his example as she navigated the challenges before her.

The patrol's route then led them past the entrance to the bustling Roman Baths. Melianna caught glimpses of people coming in and out, their skin glistening with droplets of water. The sound of chatter and laughter echoed from within, creating an atmosphere of relaxation and socializing.

Overhearing chaotic pieces of dialogue from passersby, Melianna was reminded of her friend Rozeen, the performer and motivator of their group. She recalled the vibrant energy Rozeen brought to their lives, much like the liveliness of the Roman Baths.

In Venetia, Melianna and her siblings often visited the local baths with their parents, enjoying moments of bonding and laughter. The memory brought a bittersweet feeling, as she longed for the comfort of her family while also feeling a sense of excitement for the new adventures awaiting her.

Melianna's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a street musician, skillfully playing a haunting melody on a lyre. The haunting notes carried a sense of longing and wanderlust, and she found herself captivated by the music. She approached the musician, dropping a few coins into his collection bowl as a gesture of appreciation.

As they reached a plaza where various streets intersected, Melianna found herself feeling increasingly uncertain about her path in Rome. The overwhelming cityscape seemed to mirror the overwhelming choices she had to make.

In her confusion, she imagined her friend Erwann by her side, offering his calming presence and wisdom. She could almost hear his voice as he gently reminded her, "In times of uncertainty, Melianna, it's better to bend than to break. Embrace the flow of life and let it guide you."

Erwann's peacemaking nature had always helped her make tough decisions, and she wished he were there with her now. Despite her uncertainty, she knew she had little choice but to move forward and adapt to her new reality.

At the crossroads, Melianna spotted a street artist, painting a mural on a nearby wall. The artist's brush danced with purpose, each stroke adding life to the artwork.

The mural—a tale of a young adventurer who embarked on a perilous quest, facing trials and doubts along the way — depicted the adventurer standing at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take. Yet, in the end, they chose the path less traveled, driven by a deep yearning for discovery and growth.

Melianna couldn't help but see herself in the young adventurer. Her heart swelled with both fear and hope, knowing that she too stood at a crossroads, faced with choices that would shape her destiny. She thanked the artist for the inspiring tale and left with a newfound determination to embrace the unknown, just like the courageous figure in the mural.

As they took a different route through the city, the colossal Colosseum came into view, a Gladiator Arena of grand scale and political significance. Melianna's eyes widened at the sight of the iconic structure, and she marveled at its imposing presence.

In her mind's eye, she saw a troop of passing actors, rehearsing for a play she had watched her friend Rozeen perform back in Venetia. The memory of the emotional and captivating performance filled her heart with a mix of admiration and inspiration.

The Colosseum stood as a symbol of strength and resilience, but it also represented the darker aspects of Roman society—the thirst for power and dominance, the brutal games that took lives for entertainment. Melianna couldn't help but feel conflicted as she pondered the complexities of Rome's history.

As the patrol passed by the Colosseum, she overheard a conversation between two Roman soldiers, discussing the upcoming gladiatorial games. One soldier remarked, "There's a new gladiator who's been winning every fight. They say he's as skilled as the gods themselves."

The other soldier chuckled and replied, "Well, it wouldn't be surprising. Rome has always been a breeding ground for greatness, whether on the battlefield or in the arena."

The conversation lingered in Melianna's mind as she reflected on the pursuit of greatness in Rome. She wondered if she could find her own greatness through her journey into the world of magic. The Colosseum's grandeur was a stark reminder that greatness came with its own trials and sacrifices, and she prepared herself for the challenges that lay ahead.

The patrol continued on its path, and Melianna found herself entering a serene garden, a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city. Lush greenery surrounded her, and the sound of leaves crunching under her footsteps added to the peaceful ambiance.

The sight and sensation of nature's beauty reminded her of her family's tradition of playing games in the local public garden back in Venetia. She could almost hear her siblings' laughter and feel the warmth of their love. The memory brought a

sense of comfort and nostalgia, grounding her amidst the chaos of the new city.

As Melianna strolled through the garden, she came across an elderly gardener tending to a bed of vibrant flowers. The gardener greeted the patrol with a warm smile as they passed by. The simple interaction reminded her that Romans too were normal people, with families and an occasional need for fresh air, letting the beauty of nature wash away her doubts and fears.

★☆★

And they finally reached the grand entrance of the Imperial Military Academy. The sight of aspiring mages entering the prestigious institution filled Melianna with a mixture of excitement and self-doubt.

She took a deep breath, remembering her friend Malo. He had always spouted insightful and grandiose ideas, encouraging everyone around him to think beyond the ordinary.

As she stepped closer to the academy, she imagined Malo's encouraging words, reminding her to embrace the mysteries of magic and the potential that lay within her. The prospect of learning about magic and uncovering its secrets sparked a renewed excitement within Melianna, overpowering her self-doubt.

However, the looming reminder of her secret identity as a witch pretending to be a mage lingered in the back of her mind. The patrol's escort and the weight of their presence were stark reminders that discovery could lead to dire, lethal consequences, for herself and her family. Nevertheless, she steeled herself to face the challenges ahead, determined to make the most of the opportunity before her.

On their way to drop Melianna off at her new home, the squad passed by the towering Public Library of the Imperial Military Academy, a symbol of knowledge and learning. The sight of the vast collection of books and scrolls left her in awe, realizing the wealth of knowledge that lay before her.

In this moment, she thought of her brother Judi, the mediator and peacemaker, who had followed in their father's footsteps as a Mason. Despite being skilled in the physical arts, Judi also had a thirst for knowledge and learning. He would spend hours poring over books, eager to understand the complexities of his craft beyond the practical aspects.

As they passed by the library, she envisioned Judi's dedication and wit, his ability to grasp the intricacies of his craft through both books and experience. The memory inspired her to approach her magical studies with the same level of curiosity and determination.

Melianna could easily picture her friend drawn into the world of magical theory and practice, sharing her own experiences and insights, learning from the diverse perspectives of her newfound peers. In that moment, she felt a sense of anticipation as if the grand library held the keys to unlocking her potential as a mage.

Her doubts and fears began to dissipate, replaced by a renewed determination, ready to embrace the challenges and wonders that lay ahead.