{"id":9979,"date":"2021-01-27T07:38:06","date_gmt":"2021-01-27T07:38:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wandering-inn\/?p=9979"},"modified":"2025-12-24T01:02:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T01:02:11","slug":"8-04-t","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2021\/01\/27\/8-04-t\/","title":{"rendered":"8.04 T"},"content":{"rendered":"

(The author is on their monthly break until February 6th for Patreons, February 9th for Public readers!)<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the cargo ship approached Wistram Academy, it burst into the sun. It had been raining but a moment ago; now, the [Sailors] relaxed and cheered.<\/p>\n

They had arrived. And what a long voyage it had been! Too long. Especially to hear one of the passengers complain. The [Captain] himself was glad to be headed towards the docks. He had erred greatly, making a round trip across Pheislant rather than heading straight<\/em> for the Isle of Mages.<\/p>\n

It was usual for anyone who made the Wistram Detour\u2014because the academy was in the \u2018center\u2019 of most maps, in the middle of the ocean between all the continents\u2014to go along ports and collect people and [Mages] before heading to Wistram Academy. And given the number of people wanting to go right now\u2014and the number of ships already docked and unloading\u2014it had seemed like a profitable run.<\/p>\n

However, the affable Drake [Trading Captain] had nearly yanked out all his neck-spines after nearly a week of being harangued by one of his passengers. The old half-Elf had practically flayed the Drake\u2019s scales off with his tongue alone after hearing he wouldn\u2019t immediately<\/em> be taken to Wistram.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t like he\u2019d paid more than anyone else, as the Drake had patiently pointed out. To which he\u2019d received the astonishing response that a [Mage] paid for service <\/em>and that the [Captain] shouldn\u2019t have even demanded a fee up front from a real [Mage].<\/p>\n

Which was so incomprehensible that the crew had made jokes under their breath the entire cruise about the idea. The [Captain] however, had heard of stuff like that. [Archmages] who\u2019d walk onto a vessel and demand the owner take them somewhere\u2014even if they were [Pirate Lords] or [Storm Captains].<\/p>\n

But that was the stuff of old tales. And again\u2014his passenger was<\/em> a half-Elf who was so old he had white hair, even if he looked imposingly well-preserved.<\/p>\n

So the [Captain] had flattered and apologized, and pointed out he was taking fellow [Mages] to Wistram and that they were also taking new students for this quarter\u2026and kept well out of the old man\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

Now, he was breathing a sigh of relief as he came into dock. The [Harbormaster] was waving him in; a man whose job was normally cushy, but who was right now cursing as dozens<\/em> of ships came in and out. Per day.<\/p>\n

Not that Wistram didn\u2019t have enough places; it was an island so you could theoretically hop out on shore or take a rowboat, which was what some parties were electing to do. There were other docks too, which had actually been raised out of the sea for this occasion. Normally, Wistram didn\u2019t get this much sea traffic.<\/p>\n

But something was up<\/em> with the academy. And that something was a gathering of [Mages] not seen since they had come together to declare the King of Destruction a public threat oh, thirty, forty years ago?<\/p>\n

This was because Wistram had a secret. A big one, that had been circulating the academy since last year.<\/p>\n

The Academy of Secrets, as it was sometimes called, traded such things. So\u2014for a small secret, the lowest denomination of their secondary currency, you could learn this:<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

There were a bunch of strange kids in the academy. All Human.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nothing much. That was a \u2018small secret\u2019, and it wasn\u2019t even worth much. Small secrets were like that. Hints.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If you whistle while walking down a certain corridor, something interesting might happen.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For instance, that was a small secret that hinted at a larger truth. Well\u2014this was a \u2018spent secret\u2019 in that most people knew about it.<\/p>\n

Mage lingo. For instance, the medium-equivalent would be\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Somela Corridor has a secret uncovered by whistling.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Or\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There are a group of Humans who the Archmages and the factions are fighting over. Here are the names of some of them\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

More detail, more value. Now, the Somela corridor\u2019s value stopped there since no one really needed to know more than that you could uncover the dedicated music classrooms and auditoriums by whistling a tune while walking there.<\/p>\n

A decent tune, mind you. Anyone who couldn\u2019t hold a note didn\u2019t get to get in.<\/p>\n

However, the big<\/em> secrets and grand secrets? Those were where detail was everything. A big secret about what was consuming Wistram? It would include a list of every single one of them, confirmed and unconfirmed, what they\u2019d done to be so interesting\u2014if the secret broker was at all good, obviously\u2014and the following:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

These children do not come from any nation that can be pointed to on a map. They come from <\/em>somewhere else, and the Archmages will have anyone\u2019s head who doesn\u2019t have their faction\u2019s backing to tell the secret. And there are more of them being found every week.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not many could afford that secret. Everyone, from the students to the teachers to the [Mages] living in Wistram, knew something about the Earthers. How much? Well\u2026<\/p>\n

And it was rare, but this secret had not left Wistram\u2019s halls. The Archmages and the Council had put a lockdown on [Message] spells\u2014since of course they could detect what was being sent\u2014and had warned people. This was a secret for [Mages]. If you think it\u2019s worth blabbing to someone, you might just find it was the last word you ever said in Wistram Academy.<\/p>\n

Because they\u2019d kick you out. Not because they\u2019d kill you. Ahem.<\/p>\n

It was this secret which was driving everyone to gather here. Because even experienced [Mages] with great friends in the academy received silence when they asked what the hullabaloo was about. Their allies only said one thing: \u2018Come back.<\/em> There\u2019s something important you need to see.\u2019<\/p>\n

Thus, they came. And not just those who knew there was something to learn. [Mages] of every species, color, level, and age were congregating at the Academy, or would be on the way. Not all would arrive at one time; for instance, a certain half-Elf [Battlemage] was dragging her companions to the nearest harbor. It didn\u2019t matter that she wasn\u2019t here now, either.<\/p>\n

This would be a month-long event. A semester of chaos and meetings and of course, banquets.<\/em> That was why some [Mages] who hadn\u2019t even graduated from Wistram were coming. For the event, to learn, and to eat.<\/em> Drakes from Fissival, [Depth Mages] from the Drowned Folk, [Mages] fleeing from Belchan, other academies\u2019 brightest and best to represent them, and so on.<\/p>\n

Thus, as the Splendid Scale <\/em>docked, not only was the [Harbormaster] and his team there to help count cargo, or speed up the unloading of passengers, a number of young [Mages] with diplomatic skills or inclinations were at the docks too.<\/p>\n

Because Wistram had no idea who was coming. Oh, they had called on their Archmages, old Councilmembers, [Mages] in good esteem, and everyone on their list, but their actual message\u2019s content had read somewhat differently from a call-to-arms. It was more like a social cue, and a casual one at that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hey, we\u2019ve got food and drinks and secrets to share. Get over here and bring those braised Phoenix wings you had last time.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So they came. A flood of [Mages]. A herd\u2014a pack\u2014a cabal? A sorcery of [Mages], returning home.<\/p>\n

One of the young [Bards] in the welcoming committee was adjusting her clothing as the morning sun made her sweat a bit. There wasn\u2019t much of a breeze; Wistram was always sunny and calm and she had a Terandrian doublet, adjusted for a [Bard]\u2019s sense of style, on.<\/p>\n

She was one of those rare students whose real class wasn\u2019t exactly<\/em> [Mage]. But [Bards] used magic! Some of them. Barelle the Bard, for instance. So they\u2019d put her in charge of welcoming Terandrians.<\/p>\n

It was her job to sort people coming in. Into the right camps. For instance, there were the Archmages\u2014two<\/em> had already arrived!<\/p>\n

Old Verdan Blackwood, the Dullahan Archmage and one of two from Baleros had actually made the trip, eager to learn what his people were hinting at. He was affiliated with the Iron Vanguard and the Qua-Baleros faction, which was hugely political. Smaller, really; they had more members abroad. They essentially were like the Libertarians with less focus on political reform, but represented their continent of Baleros just as heavily.<\/p>\n

More overtly too; the Libertarians pretended like their mostly-Human, pro-interference party wasn\u2019t<\/em> the party of Terandria. Dullahans didn\u2019t bother. Verdan, by extension, did not either; he was Human, but he was called the Dullahan Archmage because he wore armor like them and was essentially the extension of the Iron Vanguard\u2019s might, for all Archmages were theoretically neutral.<\/p>\n

He would have been a stir in himself. But then had come Archmage Valeterisa of Izril. And Wistram had flipped.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Archmage of Izril had not been seen in a decade! Moreover\u2014the reclusive Archmage had long since left the Academy to pursue her own magic. The fact that she had arrived and immediately demanded to see all the spells that had been invented or discovered was hilarious; she hadn\u2019t even known the full scope of what was happening!<\/p>\n

The young [Bard], Mena Alstren, would have loved to be in the academy trading secrets and maybe even meeting the new and powerful [Mages] coming in. But she had been assigned this job and at least she could maybe earn some points by introducing herself! Not that some of the old Terandrian [Mages] would remember her; she\u2019d met half a dozen crotchety old men and women.<\/p>\n

As the new boat came alongside the docks and the gangplank was lowered, the young woman glanced up and reluctantly got to her feet off the makeshift benches the greeting party had made out of barrels, sacks, and so on. She heard a call\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cSplendid Scale! <\/em>No cargo\u2014passengers only! New students, visitors from Izril and Terandria!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, the new students. Selphid\u2019s tits, I forgot they were coming! Someone greet them. I nominate you, Beme.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe? Oh\u2014fine.<\/em> But you have to tell one of the [Mages] they need settling in!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell Cognita. Find a Golem and do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want<\/em> to, though\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The young Lizardman\u2014really, a Lizardboy\u2014whined. The Centaur was unmoved. He glanced sideways.<\/p>\n

\u201cVisitors from Terandria and Izril? That\u2019s you and Seky, Mena.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t abbreviate my name.\u201d<\/p>\n

An Oldblood Drake grumbled. She nodded at Mena and adjusted her much more open clothing as Mena put a big smile on her face. They began to walk to the gangplank as the students lined up\u2014<\/p>\n

From the railings of the trade ship, a pillar of stone smashed<\/em> the gangplank to bits. The greeting party, [Harbormaster], and other [Captains] and crews recoiled as bits of wood splintered into the water. The pillar of stone caused a huge splash<\/em> of water.<\/p>\n

Some of it got on Mena\u2019s doublet. She stared.<\/p>\n

\u201cA piece of wood? <\/em>Is this what we\u2019ve come to? First you cart me all the way to Pheislant like some piece of merchandise and now\u2014out of the way.<\/em> If no one else will do it, I\u2019ll handle it myself! [Bridge of Light]!\u201d<\/p>\n

A shimmering walkway appeared<\/em> in front of the scared passengers and greeting party. A gently sloping ramp\u2014with stairs on either side, even handrails! Mena gaped.<\/p>\n

That was a Tier 4\u2014maybe a Tier 5 spell! She wasn\u2019t sure, but it was more than just the tier that amazed her. It was beautiful. She had seen light-spells like the [Light Wall] version of the famous wall-defensive spells, but it was just\u2026solid light. This? This was semi-transparent, gently molded colors along the vein of yellow such that they turned to green twining tendrils like vines around the railings, orange where the bridge met stone or wood, blue down the center\u2026<\/p>\n

It was a piece of art. And it had appeared in an instant.<\/p>\n

The new students stared\u2014then flooded down the walkway after testing it gingerly. They were fleeing the irate speaker. Mena looked at Seky and approached nervously. She heard the old half-Elf at the same time as she saw him lecturing the Drake [Trade Captain].<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014one does not make a [Mage]<\/em> walk down pieces of wood. Not for a returning [Grand Mage] of Wistram! At least I see my reception party is down there, but I expected coordination with the docks! A [Light Bridge] is the least I could expect\u2014not to mention the rain!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am terribly sorry, Grand Mage Eldavin. It\u2019s just that\u2014the\u2014the rain?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake had a terribly put-upon look. Reflexively, they all glanced towards the horizon; rain was pounding the bubble of calm air and sunny skies.<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly! I was rained<\/em> upon on our trip here! They couldn\u2019t send a [Weather Mage] to whirl it elsewhere?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014I\u2014I can only apologize again, Grand Magus. But we have arrived! Perhaps you\u2019d care to disembark at this time and put our inferior service behind you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Captain looked like he would like that very much. Eldavin sniffed<\/em>. He rummaged in his bag of holding.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems it is time. I will not say this was a pleasant trip, [Captain]. Bear in mind proper service next time. However\u2014for your trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

He dropped a ruby the size of the Drake\u2019s palm in the [Captain]\u2019s hand. The Drake\u2019s eyes popped<\/em>. The half-Elf turned away. Mena began adjusting her doublet. She wished she had a hair-comb.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The week-long delay had been good for something, at least. After a week, Teriarch had stopped tripping on his toes, and he\u2019d refamiliarized himself with most aspects of having a humanoid body.<\/p>\n

What a ridiculous design. Two legs?<\/em> There was no real support there! He\u2019d fallen too many times, forgetting he had neither tail nor two more legs to keep him stable. Even Drakes had a tail\u2014he should have gone as a Drake.<\/p>\n

But half-Elves got to be old without question, so Eldavin had managed. He\u2019d also gotten back into casting spells as\u2026well, [Mages] did it. Put the magic in the box and it worked. Boring, but there you went and it was bad to do magic any other way here.<\/p>\n

And he\u2019d arrived. The Dragon\u2014no, half-Elf, he had to be in character\u2014inhaled. Ah, what a relief. The Drake was spluttering, no doubt at the shoddy tip. Well, that was what one got. A real [Grand Mage]\u2019s gratitude, now\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2014um\u2014Grand Magus Eldavin? My name is Mena. I and Sekiyas are delighted to welcome you to Wistram Academy!\u201d<\/p>\n

A young, Human woman greeted the Dragon with a bow. The Drake beside her did the same, wide-eyed. Teriarch\u2014no\u2014Eldavin\u2014smiled. Then he stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am delighted to return. And I see my reception is\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

He peered past Mena for the rest of the greeting party. But a Lizardman was taking the new students up and to the Academy and the rest hadn\u2019t bestirred themselves.<\/p>\n

He frowned. The young [Bard]\u2019s smile desperately widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so sorry<\/em>, Grand Magus. But we are having [Mages] arriving each hour and we are a bit\u2014understaffed.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She nudged Seky. The Drake nodded rapidly.<\/p>\n

\u201cExtremely. Too many boats, not enough [Mages]. Er\u2014even Archmage Valeterisa had to wait to come into dock!\u201d<\/p>\n

That was true, if only by virtue of her not having announced herself. Teriarch read it as a mixed truth, but let it slide.<\/p>\n

[Mages] were used to telling truths or not at all, since most learned [Detect Truth] or [Detect Lie] in their first year. Smart ones learned both.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven an Archmage? I see, I see. Wistram must be in the throes of chaos, then. Or maybe it\u2019s improper management. At least they sent someone.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He grumbled. Mena felt sweat running down her back. Oh no. This was a crotchety<\/em> old [Mage], worse even than the old woman who made Mena walk her all the way into the academy and her old rooms! She had to turn up the charm offensive.<\/p>\n

And as it happened\u2014[Charm Smile], a good ear, and a willingness to accommodate went a long way. She made her smile vanish into one of apologetic dismay at once.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am so sorry, Grand Magus. I only knew you were arriving and I\u2019m not in charge of the reception affairs. If you could pardon the lack of decorum\u2014I am sorry again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I suppose it\u2019s not your<\/em> fault. These things happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf harrumphed<\/em>, but he was already looking more mollified. Seky gave Mena a nudge and look of approval. Good job!<\/em> Mena was happy herself; she was training as a [Bard], but that last bit had come from the plays they were putting on. She was a lead actress in one.<\/p>\n

Flattery and respect. That was what Teriarch desired. He could tell the young woman wasn\u2019t being entirely truthful, but he could well understand that she wasn\u2019t in charge.<\/p>\n

He might<\/em> have a temper. The Dragon had to admit that. Millennia had passed and well, he was who he was. Not that he was a brash young Dragon who\u2019d burn a city to ash for being snubbed. No, he was past that<\/em> stage of life\u2026<\/p>\n

And he was Eldavin. Remember that. The Dragon scolded himself as he walked onto the docks. People were admiring the [Light Bridge]; he had copied the design from a quite nice one he\u2019d once seen. But he reminded himself to tone down the overt magic.<\/p>\n

He was not a Dragon here. Eldavin had limits. Actual, physical limits that Teriarch did not. The two legs aside, his mana pool was a lot weaker in the simulacra than a Dragon\u2019s. Still considerable, but Teriarch couldn\u2019t just cast Tier\u2026damn. Those damn Tiers <\/em>were going to be a pain.<\/p>\n

And he had to be more accommodating. He was a [Grand Magus], but not one most people would be familiar with, hence the ruse. Be a bit more diplomatic, T\u2014Eldavin, old chap. Obviously, Eldavin should have a proper respect for himself! But\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you your old rooms for a prolonged stay, Grand Magus, or would you like us to take you to your faction\u2019s headquarters?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy rooms were not assigned to me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEr\u2014I don\u2019t\u2014well, I don\u2019t know if anyone recalls<\/em> your rooms, Grand Magus. I\u2019m terribly sorry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf lifted a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, it has been at least a century since I last visited, hasn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Longer still. <\/em>The two young [Mages] gaped at him and the half-Elf amended his words.<\/p>\n

\u201c<\/em>\u2026Visited more than a week, that is. I suppose I\u2019ll rediscover if my rooms are extant. As for faction? None.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cO-oh? Well, then, Wistram must have changed\u2026a century?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am<\/em> a half-Elf, my dear. Time passes differently for us. I\u2019d imagine some of the better [Mages] would remember me, although I was hardly an active presence. Who are the new Archmages? The ones present.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mena blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cArchmages Feor, Nailihuaile, Viltach, Verdan, and Valeterisa are all present at the moment, Grand Magus. We might get the remaining two\u2026and Archmage Amerys was removed from her position, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026I see. New blood, it seems. Well, I remember Feor\u2026? Do I? [Recall Memory].\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin frowned and tapped his head. He brightened.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh! Yes! I do! He was that scamp who once upended three entire tables with that misfiring spell! Ah, good to see him rising to the class of [Archmage]. I must remark on that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mena\u2019s mouth opened and closed. She looked at Seky. She had definitely heard the [Archmage] class. She wondered if she should say something as they walked onto the docks.<\/p>\n

Eldavin stopped then, and the two [Mages] saw him blink upwards. Because some of the other parts of the welcoming committee had impressed themselves on him.<\/p>\n

Giant metal Golems stood sentry,<\/em> their armor polished and gleaming, their swords and shields reminiscent of [Knights]. But only a half-Giant [Knight] would be twelve feet tall<\/em>. These ones were part of Wistram\u2019s reminder of power for all guests. They just stood there of course; Cognita had been asked to post them.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin gazed up, and Mena decided that the Golems could have been here specifically<\/em> for him. She was about to tell the old half-Elf this when he strode up to the nearest one and halted in front of it.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo personal baggage to unload. However, you may<\/em> escort me to my rooms. Here is my bag of holding.\u201d<\/p>\n

He proffered the object at his side to the giant metal Golem. The [Mages] on the docks stared.<\/p>\n

The huge guardian\u2019s sentry head slowly turned. It stared down at Eldavin. Mena hurried forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus\u2014those aren\u2019t really escorts<\/em> so much as\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot escorting us? Nor to unload? What are they supposed to do, kill intruders?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin was much upset. He put his bag of holding back as the Golem returned to staring ahead. He looked around, then blew out his cheeks.<\/p>\n

\u201cWistram\u2019s sense of decorum really has gone downhill. Is this Zelkyr\u2019s work? No\u2014wait\u2014he\u2019s \u2018gone\u2019, isn\u2019t he? Hah! When Archmage Chandler<\/em> was still present, we would have proper service! Not even skeletons or Wights, but a proper staff. Trust a Drake to be too stingy to pay for help, or even send proper Golems to greet the guests. A real shame about him\u2014but that was before your time, young lady. Now there<\/em> was someone who understood manners.\u201d<\/p>\n

He shook his head. Mena\u2019s jaw dropped open and stayed there. Because it had taken her a second\u2014but then she recalled whom Archmage Chandler<\/em> was.<\/p>\n

Eldavin rapped his knuckles on the Golem\u2019s arm and winced. He\u2019d forgotten how fragile bodies were! Pain, bladder issues\u2014oh, what a mess.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell Zelkyr I\u2019ve seen better, even for reception. Golems of metal? Pah.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Golem stared at him again and then went back to staring ahead. Eldavin shook his head. He noticed the [Bard] staring at him and smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t look so alarmed, my dear. One does rib at the Archmages. It\u2019s traditional, even if they have passed, and I don\u2019t know the new ones. Some can be touchy\u2014ah, well, Zelkyr himself. But he might as well come down and object himself then, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded slowly. Everyone was staring at Eldavin as he sighed. He proceeded up the hill, talking nonstop. Mena slowly and covertly sent Seky to run ahead to tell someone else in charge they were getting a really<\/em> troublesome old man. The kind who they did not want on display tonight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Soner was a Naga and part of the Revivalist faction. Also, in charge of coordinating rooms, seating, and so on. With Cognita. But his job was to do what the Golem would not, which was make sure Wistram looked good.<\/em><\/p>\n

They had given the job of sorting the new arrivals to the dock-group. There were the Archmages, trusted friends of the Academy, and so on. Then there were the guests.<\/em><\/p>\n

The guests who would not know more than what was told. Who would be impressed yet not privy to Wistram\u2019s secrets. Some would mingle with Councilmembers, but there would be rank.<\/p>\n

For instance, Fissival would not sit with the Archmages, for all they had sent a number of their Drakes. Just because it was Fissival.<\/p>\n

Soner was a [High Mage], and whilst not being specialized in this class, was high-level enough to get a good estimate of most people\u2019s levels and he was also a political animal and knew who was noble and who was not.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d only had trouble with the Drowned Folk\u2019s representatives. He couldn\u2019t get a read on the [Depth Mages], and their leader, a very<\/em> old woman with a bunch of daughters all in veils, had apparently come to represent the Undersea Crews.<\/p>\n

Were they [Pirates], then, as the Drowned Folk often were, or esteemed guests? He\u2019d put them at a separate table not too<\/em> far from the high table to offend, but definitely sectioned off as they were.<\/p>\n

Now, he was annoyed as he turned to Seky.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus? We can put him in the third setting. If he\u2019s not of a faction, he\u2019s fine. So what if he cast [Light Bridge]? I can cast that!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a bit\u2026weird, Magus Soner. That\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake couldn\u2019t explain. The [High Mage] sighed, adjusted his suit; not all [Mages] had to wear robes! And found Magus Eldavin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember a time before Zelkyr came to power. We always had Golems<\/em>, but there was an actual cleaning staff you know. Well, in times before that Wistram used automated magics, but they get tangled up. Easier just to pay for it and be done. So no one\u2019s seen<\/em> Zelkyr? No hints he\u2019s alive?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mena looked up with a put-upon look as the Naga slithered over.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot a one, Grand Magus. But\u2014oh, here\u2019s High Magus Soner. Magus Soner, the Grand Magus has just arrived and we\u2019re not sure if his rooms are still, um, unoccupied. It\u2019s been a hundred years<\/em> since he was last here.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stressed that last part. Soner blinked. A hundred\u2026? He hadn\u2019t missed the half-Elf\u2019s ears, but this was something.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus Eldavin. I am honored to meet you. Forgive me for not coming in person\u2014we\u2019re extremely busy at this moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

He bowed gracefully, and Eldavin inclined his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese things happen, Magus Soner. However, I would not mind re-accommodation of my rooms. I was<\/em> on the twelfth floor, but it seems that area is quite out of my reach, wouldn\u2019t you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

He laughed. Soner froze.<\/p>\n

The twelfth floor? <\/em><\/p>\n

In theory, there were more than twelve floors from ground level to the \u2018twelfth\u2019. But Wistram didn\u2019t count the hidden ones, or the ones squished together. The Twelfth Floor\u2014if it was what Soner thought Eldavin meant\u2014would be above<\/em> the testing floor.<\/p>\n

The ones locked by Zelkyr\u2019s final test, and Cognita.<\/p>\n

The death of mages.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were here before Archmage Zelkyr locked the higher floors?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed I was. It must have been\u2026no, I don\u2019t think I actually visited<\/em> since then. More than a week, that is! I should love to see it. But I will take a modest suite below.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for your forbearance, Grand Magus.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mena bowed. She hesitated, then cleared her throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014ah\u2014think Wistram may have changed quite a lot, Grand Magus. Magus Soner, Grand Magus Eldavin was just saying how he recalled Archmage Chandler\u2019s<\/em> superior etiquette.\u201d<\/p>\n

Soner blinked. Then he nearly swallowed his forked tongue. Eldavin was nodding sagely.<\/p>\n

\u201cA different time. I would like to remember it with Archmagus Feor. I understand he\u2019s finally achieved the rank! Will there be a social gathering?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTonight. Er\u2014Magus Eldavin\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand <\/em>Magus, Magus Soner. We must keep to proper decorum\u2014at least before we know each other!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Naga caught himself as Eldavin chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Yes, my apologies Grand Magus. Er, we will certainly have a banquet tonight, and small, unofficial gatherings thereafter. I am certain Archmagus Feor would be delighted to meet you. However\u2014did you say \u2018Archmage Chandler\u2019? You are, of course, aware that the, ah, Necromancer <\/em>has become a touchy subject in the last hundred years?\u201d<\/p>\n

Where had this fellow been, hiding under a rock? Well, half-Elves did have their villages and Valeterisa had been completely out of it for a decade or so they said. The Naga waited, but Eldavin just arched one white eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I recall Peril Chandler\u2019s fall. And the\u2026death of Az\u2019kerash. Yes, of course I know that, young Naga. But he was still<\/em> Archmage Chandler. Archmagus of Death. And let us not forget\u2014he and Archmage Zelkyr were friends! The Archmage of Golems. The Archmage of Death. Izril and Terandria. Should we not remember that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked around pointedly at Golems\u2014virtually identical to a [Maid] or [Butler]\u2014cleaning and polishing, made of ceramics. Soner just blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Yes, certainly, Grand Magus Eldavin. But that was a hundred years ago and memories fade. For the sake of decorum, perhaps do not bring up Az\u2014Archmage Chandler as much?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps, perhaps. I shall take it under advisement. I suppose it would ruffle feathers in Izril and Terandria. Now, about my rooms\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin nodded to Soner. The Naga smiled and quickly found a nice suite for Eldavin. And he made a huge mental note:<\/p>\n

No way in all of Baleros\u2019 jungles was this [Mage] going to be let anywhere near the guests.<\/em><\/p>\n

Whether Eldavin had known it or not, he had just kicked himself so far down the rankings of Wistram\u2019s society that he was already into the catacombs. And for [Necromancers] and those who practiced that magic, there was always further to sink. Some magic should not be practiced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Beatrice Stogrehn stood in the company of an Archmage. One of the two Archmages of Baleros, in fact.<\/p>\n

Archmage Nailihuaile was energetic, friendly, and silly as could be at times. But if you underestimated her, you were a fool. Because she was a Star Lamia, one of the rarest of Lizardfolk evolutions in this world and she was still an Archmage.<\/em><\/p>\n

A master [Enchanter]. Head of a faction and one of the most important people in all of Wistram. Beatrice a few years ago couldn\u2019t have imagined<\/em> being in her company. Not at her age!<\/p>\n

She was barely thirty. A few years ago, she\u2019d still been a student! And she had been in love, she had debated going home<\/em> to work after graduating\u2026she had even wondered if she might marry.<\/p>\n

Now, Beatrice looked at her dark skin, her armored body of metal covered by runework in the blank scrying mirror and recalled that she had once smiled.<\/p>\n

The [Runemistress] remembered Calvaron and it still hurt. It still tore at her insides, the memories of those old days. She still recalled that night of horror, as well as how the cursed study group had formed. Ceria, Calvaron, herself, the traitor, and later, Montressa.<\/p>\n

She never forgot. Some nights the memories filled her head. So\u2014how could Montressa, how could Ceria<\/em> forget? Allow that monster to walk about, even journey and fight beside him as a team?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cMontressa lied. That\u2019s clear in hindsight. Well, it was pretty clear at the time. Clear as my neck-frills, but I thought<\/em> she was still on our side. That\u2019s the problem with traitors. You really like them, right, Beatrice? She was your friend. Any idea why she did this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Naili spoke at last. Beatrice shifted.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was my friend, Archmagus. She and I ran our secret broker business. I stood by her even after all that happened. And now? I do not know her.\u201d<\/p>\n

She held her head in her hands and turned it to face her torso. Naili looked sympathetic.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis has got to be hard for you Beatrice, is it? It looks like it. Listen, if you want, you can do it yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Archmagus. There\u2019s too much to do here. And Montressa\u2014no. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Lamia nodded. She tapped her staff, the relic-class artifact, the Serkonian Lance, to the ground. Not to cast a spell, just to be official.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen, as leader of the Revivalists and Archmagus and all of that, I expel Montressa du Valeross from our faction. I can\u2019t do it from Wistram alone, but I only need one more Archmage\u2019s support. And Feor won\u2019t object. Because of her, someone from Earth was lost. And there are more children there. She isn\u2019t ours. Bezale\u2014I\u2019ll let the Scriptels handle her. But she had no authority, do you understand, High Mage?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Archmagus.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSort it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nailihuaile nodded to the blank scrying orb. There weren\u2019t visuals since they only had a speaking spell on. The other end produced an affirmative sound.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m ending the spell. Let me know what happens.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was done. The Archmage turned away from the mirror and slithered across her personal chambers. Beatrice stayed there for a second, then fastened her head to her body.<\/p>\n

Good riddance. The Horns remained. But at least someone<\/em> would pay. She came to stand behind the Lamia as the Archmage sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t get it. She was right with you, Beatrice. I was going to make her my apprentice\u2014<\/em>or find her a good master for an [Aegiscaster]! What could have happened? She was begging me to go after that Pisces fellow and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Archmagus. May we change the subject?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beatrice looked ahead. Naili nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpeaking of [Mages]\u2014we\u2019ve got some interesting guests. The Drowned Folk have sent some, there\u2019s Drakes from Fissival\u2014I\u2019m really sad. Do you know why I\u2019m sad?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Archmage. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

Part of being Naili\u2019s trusted helper was indulging her. Naili flitted around her room, getting ready for the banquet. Lamias and other snake-body type Lizardfolk didn\u2019t dress like normal. Pants were impossible, and dresses were more for the look rather than a great need for modesty.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted Grimalkin of Pallass to attend. But he\u2019ll only be watching via mirror. Do you know him? Did you hear about his duel with Archmage Feor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Archmage. But I didn\u2019t see it. Was it entertaining?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would have loved<\/em> to see him do it again! He kept trying to punch Feor\u2019s lights out\u2014ah, well. This is our first big banquet. Maybe Grimalkin will arrive later. And speaking of big names\u2014Valeterisa\u2019s back! I wasn\u2019t even an Archmage when she left.\u201d<\/p>\n

Naili added some earrings to her attire and checked them out. Not her ears<\/em> since she had none, but her neck-frills.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s weird. And I know weird. I\u2019ll introduce you, if you want. She\u2019s here, old Verdan is here, probably to get in on the secret\u2014we can\u2019t stop him, but none of the guests should know if possible. Or if they do\u2026they had better be allies.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Allies to Wistram. Beatrice nodded. The Academy was making big moves. Earth was an inevitable idea that would get out, they\u2019d concluded. But they were going to get the head start on using the ideas and technology.<\/p>\n

Thus, the conclaves. Naili led the way down the halls, calling out to people, waving, navigating Wistram\u2019s strange layout by heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we also have a Grand Magus returning! I hear he\u2019s an old half-Elf. No\u2014wait\u2014there\u2019s a retired one from Chandrar too. Old Garuda. They\u2019re all old.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus Eldavin?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beatrice had heard he was very<\/em> old, enough that he claimed to have rooms on the twelfth. She had added it as a small secret to her collection, but she wanted verification before she sold it.<\/p>\n

She was a secret broker and secrets were her income. One of the reasons why Naili liked her; the Archmage got all of Beatrice\u2019s secrets.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that\u2019s the one. If he\u2019s as old as he claims, that could be useful if he was a good [Mage]. We need those old [Mages]. Some have spells we\u2019ve lost since Zelkyr sealed the higher floors. We might be able to persuade them to hand over their knowledge before they croak, for the Earth stuff. Anyways\u2026oh, here she is! Valeterisa! Valeterisa!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

And there was the Archmage of Izril. Valeterisa was an older woman, at least in her mid-sixties, grey of hair, thin, and the most normal-looking of all the Archmages Beatrice had met. She looked like, well, an old widow.<\/p>\n

Except for her aura.<\/em> That was power. Beatrice bowed respectfully, taking her head off as she did. Naili just slithered over. Valeterisa gave the Lamia a long look, and her eyes flickered.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. And you are\u2026Archmage Nailihuaile. Who I met yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was as if memories suddenly became accessible to her\u2014or parts of her mind found the information, like sifting through a cabinet. It was subtle, and very fast, but disconcerting if you didn\u2019t know what was happening. Valeterisa straightened. Naili peered at her.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026What are you doing, Valeterisa? Why are you sitting?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was investigating this bug.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Archmage vaguely pointed to a beetle with a glowing abdomen\u2014yellow\u2014and shell-wings with holes on them. It was crawling around in front of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cOoh! What\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA bug. Mutated by magic. I wondered what it did. It turns out it eats [Light] spells. It is storing light in its abdomen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,<\/em> those little things! Gah! I hate them! They\u2019re the ones that eat our [Light] spells so we have to renew them! Take this! [Stone Fist]\u2014aaah, my eyes!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Naili had squished<\/em> the bug with a little fist made of stone that thwacked<\/em> the insect into paste. But as it squished<\/em>, the abdomen let out a flash<\/em> of light. Beatrice and the others in the hallway cried out.<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. It was storing all the light and converting it to magic or energy.\u201d<\/p>\n

In her blindness, Beatrice heard Valeterisa speaking. Naili was cursing.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you know they did that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but I wish I had a sample to breed and inspect. [Remove Blindness].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? That works? Do me, do me! Fine, I\u2019ll do it. How did it go? This is where I\u2019d like to look at my spellbook\u2026[Remove Blindness]! Aha! Beatrice!\u201d<\/p>\n

A staff touched Beatrice\u2019s shoulder. She blinked, and the afterimages went away. Valeterisa reappeared, taking a sample of the dead beetle. She looked at Naili.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you want something, Archmage Nailihuaile?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just wondering if you cared to join us after the banquet. You have a lot<\/em> to catch up on in Wistram, and I hoped to get to you first.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Star Lamia smiled coyly. Valeterisa just sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cPolitics. I do not care to socialize, Archmage Nailihuaile. And Archmages Feor and Viltach have both approached me already.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey did? Those sneaky\u2026can I persuade you to join me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would prefer to learn what there is to learn outright. Will you tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Valeterisa turned to Naili. The Star Lamia shut her mouth and smiled. Another sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I will attend one party afterwards and join whichever faction seems to be in charge. Now. I would like to find another bug. Goodbye, Archmage Naili.\u201d<\/p>\n

She walked off. The Star Lamia shrugged at Beatrice, who was a bit taken aback at how\u2026non-interested Valeterisa was! She really didn\u2019t care for Wistram\u2019s politics and power. She was only Archmage because her magical abilities were top-notch.<\/p>\n

And then Valeterisa turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cArchmage Naili. Perhaps you will answer me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,<\/em> Valeterisa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Naili brightened up. She looked back. The Archmage of Izril gazed at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is Amerys?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Star Lamia\u2019s eyes narrowed. Beatrice froze. Naili just chuckled, though, and made a beckoning motion with her tail.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe really must talk, Valeterisa. The Archmages will convene after the parties. But we can be on the same page before then. What about it? Party, then my quarters later.\u201d<\/p>\n

The older [Mage] just sighed and walked on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Valeterisa had little power. She was an Archmage, but one without faction or friends\u2014at least, many over the decade she had been away. Power, in Wistram, was more than just magical talent.<\/p>\n

Telim explained this all to Aaron over a private lunch.<\/p>\n

\u201cPower is more than magic, young Vanwell.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young Vanwell, the [Magictech Engineer], nodded, then caught himself and frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Isn\u2019t that wrong, High Mage Telim?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man chortled. Telim was a big-bearded man with red hair, and a big\u2026belly. He was a lifer for Wistram, and was eating a rather large lunch. Aaron was saving himself for the banquet tonight, but Telim clearly thought he\u2019d have room.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot in Wistram, lad. Archmages were always good at politics as much as magic, even before Zelkyr. Valeterisa\u2019s been away for too long. Not that she\u2019s poor<\/em> at politics, mind you. She hates it more than I hate running about\u2014but she\u2019s a cold serpent, even more than Nailihuaile. Although she does love new and fascinating magical things, so she might well like you.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Aaron had not met her. She was not in on the secret. He picked at some deviled eggs, which even had little tiny horns on them made out of some hard corn batter.<\/p>\n

Telim was an odd friend for Aaron to have made, but the young man felt like he was one of the first. Because Telim was not as nakedly ambitious as Naili or some other [Mages]. They had met when the man heard about the therapy sessions for the Earthers who had come here and helped supply them with potions.<\/p>\n

After that? He\u2019d gotten to talking and now he and Aaron and some of the other Earthers and [Mages] were creating the world\u2019s first real-life combat simulations. Their name for it was Magical Reality\u2014a play on Virtual Reality.<\/p>\n

But in their product, you\u2019d step into a room or building and fight monsters, experience dungeon raids\u2014do anything you could envision, perhaps! All without the fear of death.<\/p>\n

Telim was also a good sort. Magnanimous and prone to fits of indulgence. He\u2019d introduced Aaron and some of the other older Earthers who\u2019d been here a while to his friends, like Vhedel, Sa\u2019la, and the others. Who were people to know if you wanted to meet someone who could create potions, or get you Dreamleaf, or\u2026<\/p>\n

Kindly [Mages]. As Elena had described them, \u2018happy to be where they were\u2019. They didn\u2019t dream of using Earth\u2019s tech beyond making fascinating things for themselves. They didn\u2019t want to rule the world; they just wanted better canap\u00e9s. If they were all Wistram was, Aaron would have been more relaxed.<\/p>\n

As it was, Telim was a fine information source. Aaron helped himself to another cookie at the man\u2019s urging.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo they\u2019ll all know after tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWithin the week. Some might pay for secrets, but most will turn to the Archmages. They\u2019ll give something, and be let in on the secret. You see, it really is them coming to Feor, Naili, and Viltach, who have created an alliance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey hate each other\u2019s guts. Naili once said she tried to hex Viltach impotent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Telim nearly sprayed his mouthful out across the table. Sa\u2019la and Elena both started laughing. The Selphid and [Beautician] found it much funnier than Telim and Aaron. The young man turned to Telim.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s impossible, right? You can\u2019t just hex someone from afar?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cM\u2019boy, you\u2019re learning why I don\u2019t make enemies.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man patted at his mouth. He shuddered.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me tell you about the time a particularly vengeful [Swarm Mage] put a talisman in a friend\u2019s laundry pile when it was being washed. Only activated when he put on his underwear, poor fellow. I still think about the bites.\u201d<\/p>\n

Aaron put down his cookie. [Mages] got up to a lot of weird things. And again, if it was just that, he\u2019d love it. But Wistram had a grand scheme. And they intended to use the secrets they had to further their agendas.<\/p>\n

Still, he had secrets of his own now.<\/em><\/p>\n

The young man went back to munching on his food.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, the Earthers don\u2019t get to attend the banquet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do. Just inconspicuously. You see\u2014the banquet hall will have a strict hierarchy. I\u2019ll probably take a mage-picture, just to know how things stand. Where you sit matters, so all the jockeying for position will tell us where the smart [Mages] are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? It\u2019s that easy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Elena put in. She saw Sa\u2019la shrug and toss back her drink.<\/p>\n

\u201cSort of. It\u2019s more like\u2014do you have the clout to sit with an Archmage if you want to? Who\u2019s sitting together. Telim, do an illusion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well.\u201d<\/p>\n

He grumbled; he was good at illusion spells. He flicked his fingers, casting a few spells and muttering while the others ate in silence. After two minutes of his hard work, a bunch of seats and glowing icons appeared.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere. See? This is the high table, where the Archmages sit. And the most important guests. That\u2019s obvious, so it\u2019s not as important\u2026no doubt a [Lord] or one of the nobility will earn a place. Below it? We\u2019ll have tables per faction. So the Revivalists here, Libertarians here\u2014this is just an example, by the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

He made long tables, coloring them by faction. Aaron nodded. It was based around the high table. Power to the front, less important [Mages] to the back. The main factions were in the upper center. Telim pointed to the edges.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd here are independents whom you can\u2019t offend. Other parties too. The Drake contingent from the Walled Cities, for instance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems really isolating. Don\u2019t they mix?\u201d<\/p>\n

Elena put in. Sa\u2019la nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course they can change tables. But this is where they\u2019re seated.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd beyond that? Some organization\u2014students will have tables here, but it\u2019s a free-for-all after that. You\u2019re not assigned a table if you were never important enough to have one. And here<\/em> is where I will be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Telim pointed all the way across the room, away from every faction, towards the furthest end. Elena and Aaron peered at the spot blankly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy there, Telim?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause they have sofas <\/em>and other delightful modalities of sitting there, young Vanwell! Status be damned, I\u2019m stretching out whilst I eat!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [High Mage] chuckled, and Aaron grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess we\u2019ll be split up, Elena. We should try to sit together after the banquet starts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. Yes, you Earth-folk should be given a spot of your own. Maybe the Archmages would allow it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, they\u2019re doing that, Telim. Silenced, protected, so they can talk without eavesdropping.\u201d<\/p>\n

Telim snapped his fingers.<\/p>\n

\u201cMakes sense! There you are then, Aaron. Far to the back and to the sides I\u2019ll wager, but that\u2019s a good thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2014oh. It\u2019s because we\u2019re closer to the buffet tables, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly.<\/em> I knew you were sharp! Now, you\u2019ll want to be on your toes. There are always secrets and money to be made when the banquets take place. If you weren\u2019t\u2026well, from Earth, I\u2019d say you could make a powerful friend. As it is, take a bag of holding for the good foods. They always run out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause of you. You know, he made an entire table disappear one time? I saw it. Took a bag of holding, ran it down the table, and walked off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sa\u2019la gave Telim an affectionate, but exasperated look. The man just winked at Elena and Aaron, who laughed. They liked him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are the new Earthers doing, by the way? I heard we had a real talent in uh\u2014uh\u2014what\u2019s his name? The one with the actual magical ability.\u201d<\/p>\n

Telim snapped his fingers.<\/p>\n

\u201cTroy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s<\/em> the lad. [Sand Mage]. He\u2019s a good student.\u201d<\/p>\n

Aaron nodded. Troy was a bit standoffish, but he\u2019d been warming up. He was still getting his legs in, but he actually went to classes which was why he had less time than the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood foundations, that boy. Someone taught him properly. And I heard that other boy who came with him got in a bit of trouble. For his pet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Right. Someone sat on Prickly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPoor thing. Is it okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sa\u2019la made a sympathetic noise. Which she wouldn\u2019t have if she knew Prickly. Elena shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cPrickly was fine, just startled by the screaming. She\u2019s a Needlehound<\/em> and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Telim and Sa\u2019la winced. Half-porcupine, half-dog, and worse than either if you ran into it and she got nervous.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope it was a Selphid. Imagine\u2026gah! Well, I am glad. And your ah, therapy group, Miss Elena?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot better. Everyone\u2019s sleeping and\u2014a lot better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Elena gave Aaron a tired smile. He felt proud of that. Telim looked around, almost fondly. He\u2019d never had children, but he\u2019d begun remarking that he felt like the \u2018Earth-children\u2019 as he called them were the children he wished he had. Sa\u2019la would then point out that this was because he hadn\u2019t had to raise them from babies and Telim would retort that was the entire point.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, it would be an interesting banquet. Aaron stretched out. He wasn\u2019t the one who this mattered for. He was in Wistram, but apart. The children of Earth had no power. Yet.<\/p>\n

He intended to change that as soon as the opportunity arose. The knowledge from the Summer Solstice burned in Aaron. Even though the Archmages were still in a panic. They\u2019d suspected him, but they couldn\u2019t trace who had sent the mass-text, and given up suspecting him because how would he have done it?<\/p>\n

Elena now\u2026she eyed Aaron as he sat, chatting with Telim about what might be on the menu and the entertainment. She had seen it too.<\/p>\n

The Gods are alive.<\/em><\/p>\n

She desperately wanted to return to Cara and talk. Until then, she looked forwards to the banquet. What else could she do? She was surrounded by [Mages]. Even the kind ones.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Troy Atlas gave up searching for Amerys today. He kept being bothered by, well, friends. Flynn wanted to meet all the new people coming in, Elena wanted him to join the \u2018talk it out\u2019 group after lunch, and even if classes were cancelled, the hallways were packed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe that\u2019s what I\u2019m doing wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey frowned. He looked around and tried to navigate away<\/em> from people. He found empty corridors, and hurried down them.<\/p>\n

However, weeks of searching had availed him little. Was it weeks? At least two, so plural was fine.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I know what the problem is, don\u2019t you, Minizi?\u201d<\/p>\n

He commented. A little head poked out of the pack he was carrying on one shoulder and nodded.<\/p>\n

Minizi, or Mini-Gazi, as he had named her, was the little Lifesand Golem he\u2019d taken to carrying about. To remind him of what he was doing here. Trey had taken to talking to her, although it was nothing like the real Gazi.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe problem is\u2026I think I\u2019m never going to find it this way.<\/em> Right?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Golem nodded again. She understood Trey\u2019s thoughts and even if he thought she was limited in intelligence, it was comforting.<\/p>\n

The problem was, <\/em>Trey continued internally, he doubted Amerys was in any space he could find. Why have a top-secret prisoner where anyone could find her? <\/em><\/p>\n

There was a finite amount of space in Wistram, for all it was vast<\/em>, a city\u2019s size or more compressed by dimensional space. Amerys could<\/em> be deep in the bowels of the academy, but Trey thought he knew where she really was.<\/p>\n

Down a hallway I will never find, because it\u2019s magically sealed or lost or I don\u2019t know the way in.<\/em><\/p>\n

He\u2019d learned some of the secrets, like the whistling music classrooms. And he\u2019d learned Wistram\u2019s ways. You bought and sold secrets, you gave allegiance to certain groups\u2026<\/p>\n

It was like the world, and not. A caricature of the world, maybe. Trey didn\u2019t know if he hated all of it. Some people were quite nice, and meeting other people from Earth?<\/p>\n

\u2026But it wasn\u2019t Chandrar. The [Mages] were removed from war and they had a superior attitude about them. That was why they collected Earthers.<\/p>\n

Well, he had come of his own will. Trey sighed. Still, he was definitely \u2018their Earther\u2019. He had been taken by the Revivalists\u2014Flynn, the Libertarians. Neither young man was treated badly. But Trey felt like he was having his conversations with Flos again. It was not slavery. But it wasn\u2019t bloody well freedom either.<\/p>\n

He needed to learn more magic at this juncture, which was why the King of Destruction had sent him. More than that? Trey needed to make friends. Perhaps the banquet was time for that? He began heading back that way.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d missed lunch, to grab a bite before joining Elena\u2019s therapy group. Which was tough because \u2018Troy\u2019s\u2019 cover story had some danger in it, but he couldn\u2019t very well say he\u2019d killed people<\/em> or visited A\u2019ctelios and saw what they did there.<\/p>\n

Before I go, I need to learn [Fireball]. But how to make one big enough for that place?<\/em><\/p>\n

Thus, he was caught between impatience and knowing he needed to stay. Trey kicked along the corridors, letting Minizi ride on his shoulder; he\u2019d put her away before people asked questions.<\/p>\n

He was just reaching for his shoulder to put Minizi back in the backpack when the Lifesand Golem punched<\/em> him in the ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cArgh! <\/em>What is wrong with you, Minizi?\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey grabbed at it. Was she becoming more Gazi-like just because he\u2019d made her that way? Then\u2014he froze.<\/p>\n

On a hunch, he\u2019d told the little Golem to look with him. Now\u2014the little Golem urgently hit his shoulder with her little fist. Trey blinked. He looked around\u2014<\/p>\n

Empty hallway.<\/em> He exhaled, but Minizi was banging on his skin. And staring\u2026<\/p>\n

The [Sand Mage] looked at a blank patch of air. Slowly, he reached out. Nothing. He took a few more steps and pushed his vacant hand into\u2014<\/p>\n

Archmage Valeterisa\u2019s bespectacled face appeared as she shed the spell. She peered at Trey as he recoiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is a Lifesand Golem. How did you make one? Will you make me one? I will pay you in gold or secrets.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey stared at her. The woman peered<\/em> at him. He threw up his arms, screamed, and ran. He<\/em> knew trouble when he saw it and he wasn\u2019t getting his throat slashed twice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Archmage Valeterisa was terrorizing the hallways. The other [Mages] were gathering, getting settled in, exchanging secrets, giving each other gifts.<\/p>\n

Now was the time of potential. Wistram never changed. Well\u2026it did, actually. Quite a lot. But a clever mind could always adapt.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me see. This should do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin glanced down the hallway to the right and left as he fiddled with the wall. He\u2019d cast an illusion on both ends to make it look like stone, but anyone could walk in. There were tricky [Mages], or at least, there had been when he had last come.<\/p>\n

He had no money\u2014at least, not his vast hoard of wealth\u2014and few secrets he cared to enter into Wistram\u2019s economy. So he\u2019d have to make something from nothing!<\/p>\n

He was a Dragon. It was easy. Eldavin straightened and regarded the handiwork of the spell-letters he\u2019d written onto the wall.<\/p>\n

They were in a form of writing once used by mages. A dead language used in spoken chants. It already cut down the number of people who\u2019d be able to decipher it, but the glowing words were clearly visible to anyone who cast [Detect Magic]. Quite invisible to the naked eye.<\/p>\n

It read, when translated:<\/p>\n

\u2018The key to knowledge lies in the heart of the source of the page. To the one clever enough to descry meaning from this, I am Eldavin who offers you the clue.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

It was a proper riddle\u2014not a hard one! But one that only a perceptful [Mage] would read. Dead language, invisible letters. Oh, and the riddle.<\/p>\n

It referred to a key to a hidden library in Wistram. Eldavin had made it very easy to solve on purpose. \u2018Heart of the source of the page\u2019. Obviously, a tree<\/em>, and there was a forest in Wistram you could visit\u2026<\/p>\n

He rubbed his hands together happily. He had a strong working knowledge of many of Wistram\u2019s hidden areas. People would find the dozen or so clues he\u2019d put around the most-populated hallways in Wistram, come to him, and he\u2019d be in the secrets-game soon enough. Obviously, some people knew<\/em> of the forest library, but the fact that he, Eldavin, was showing people the depth of his knowledge just added to his reputation.<\/p>\n

All he had to do now was wait. The Grand Magus smugly went back to his rather small and cramped rooms to wait. He\u2019d put them up as soon as he\u2019d arrived. If he knew the [Mages], they were already in a furor, translating, speculating who could have put up the spells without being seen in the hallways! Gossip would have them pounding on his door. Any minute now\u2026<\/p>\n

Eldavin waited for three hours until he realized no one was coming. He went to check each hidden message and hit upon a flaw in his plan.<\/p>\n

Yes, they were visible to anyone who cast [Detect Magic]. Yes, the riddles were obvious.<\/p>\n

\u2026But the students and [Mages] had changed. One group was indeed staring at the letters. Eldavin waited, bouncing on the heels of his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you make of it, High Magus?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome sort of code. I can\u2019t tell what it is. Might<\/em> be one of the old written languages. Or someone\u2019s idea of a joke. Anyone know [Translate]? No? Well, let\u2019s erase it, then. Hm\u2026it\u2019s not coming off the walls\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf looked at the group, crestfallen. He waited for a bright mind to suggest looking up the language. The [Mages] glanced at each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe could search up what it is. Maybe some of the translation books?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich library? We have four. <\/em>And they\u2019re not organized.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFourteen.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The two didn\u2019t hear that. One of them shook their heads.<\/p>\n

\u201cToo much for me. Let\u2019s check out the banquet!\u201d<\/p>\n

Crestfallen, Eldavin looked at the group as they dispersed. Even the so-called \u2018High Mage\u2019 just gave it a blank look and grumbled about \u2018getting to it later\u2019.<\/p>\n

Was this Wistram? Eldavin wanted to tear at his beard. He was about to make a sarcastic appendage to the riddle in plain writing when he stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s the spoken language. It looks like it, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

A young Selphid was excitedly talking to a Dwarf. The young Dwarf tugged at a blank space and realized he\u2019d shaved his beard for the umpteenth time. They were both young\u2014although that was a variable age for Dwarves.<\/p>\n

\u201cCould be. You know, I\u2019m studying old languages\u2014goes with runecrafting. Maybe we search this up? We have time before the banquet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah! Let\u2019s do that! Who knows? It just appeared, people said! We could find a big secret! I mean\u2014probably not. The Archmages probably know what it says already. But I want to know, don\u2019t you? We could sell it as like, a secret.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go, then!\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf watched the two young first-years hurry off. He looked at his message on the wall.<\/p>\n

They were not his clientele\u2014he\u2019d hoped to get the best of Wistram. But apparently most had just walked past the wall, or failed to be interested in it.<\/p>\n

He raised a hand to erase it\u2014then lowered it. Well, why not?<\/p>\n

\u201cLet the wise benefit from acts of wisdom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin shook his head. He\u2019d have to re-think his work. That was all. And he had forgotten that Zelkyr had locked the upper floors. Now, why had he done that? He had to be alive, surely? Either way, it was a truly Draconian move, and not even Teriarch would really support it. Not unless the goal was to deprive Wistram of learning\u2026<\/p>\n

The banquet tonight would change things. The lack of interest had put Eldavin in a bad mood, but the two students gave him hope. He switched tacks and decided the best<\/em> thing to do was introduce himself to Feor. Bring out a fine vintage, reminisce about the old days as half-Elves did, and get in with the Centrists.<\/p>\n

He was just walking out to find the Archmage when something caught his ear.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Earthers to the recovery groups\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf stopped in his tracks. He turned. Two [Mages] were walking past and talking. They were under a [Muffle] spell, but Eldavin didn\u2019t allow people to walk around him without him noticing. His<\/em> detection spells were superior and let him hear as clearly as they did.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich ones? Come on, we\u2019ll update the listings.\u201d<\/p>\n

They were a Drake and a Garuda. Wearing robes, clearly full [Mages]. Not strong ones to judge by their auras\u2026then again, they stood out more than most in the hallways.<\/p>\n

Eldavin hesitated. Then he murmured some spells and followed them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was hard to shadow the [Mages]. Teriarch-Eldavin fretted over it as he pursued them down corridor after corridor. First he cast [Greater Invisibility], [Aura Mute], [Complete Silence], and\u2026but that was stupid. Anyone would just cast [Spell Purge] or have the enchantment hit him!<\/p>\n

Thereafter he used [Shadow Walk], while keeping the option of [Telehop] for bypassing checkpoints, but he realized he was vulnerable to aura-based detection. After that, he had to really think.<\/em><\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t a Dragon, so he had to actually be careful! The half-Elf shook his head as he buzzed<\/em> into the Drake\u2019s robes and began to spell-meld himself with the enchanted fabric. He couldn\u2019t cast full [Polymorph], but temporary transformations would get him where he needed to go. He could already run out<\/em> of the checkpoint if\u2026<\/p>\n

If\u2026<\/p>\n

After the two [Mages] got to their destination, Eldavin concluded that there had been no magical checkpoints. No ward spells. They\u2019d just used a secret passage and walked on through with a few sensor spells which he\u2019d obviously been prepared for.<\/p>\n

The half-Elf walked behind them and sighed. Well, he was<\/em> a Dragon of countless years. Even an [Archmage] would have been paranoid if they knew Teriarch was lurking about. He\u2019d done that once; raided Archmage\u2019s homes.<\/p>\n

The trick was that once you ran into a barrier you couldn\u2019t dispel? Dragonbreath.<\/em> Worked every time. He\u2019d stolen a lot of artifacts and spellbooks from angry [Archmages] and then innocently hobnobbed with them afterwards in Wistram. Good times, good times\u2026<\/p>\n

Now he was listening, though.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019re our new Earthers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMainly<\/em> Izril. It\u2019s the unconfirmed. Archmage Naili wants them confirmed and got.<\/em> She\u2019s got a [High Mage] going to Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin froze. The Garuda flapped his wings.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, why do we have to update the lists?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe other one\u2019s tricky is why. Any group in the area should reach out. But\u2014hold on. Excuse me! Can we get a [Scrier] here to send out one of our [Messages]? We need to re-code and have it in the Mage\u2019s Guild in the following locations before the banquet!\u201d<\/p>\n

They were in a room with a lot of scrying mirrors. Teriarch sensed the very spell creating the Wistram News Network being operated here, and\u2026his eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou reversed the scrying spell? Spying on so many? You fools! It\u2019s so obvious!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A young [Scrier] trotted over, sighing.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow many?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEr\u2026forty eight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cForty\u2014<\/em>that\u2019s insane! We\u2019ll be at it hours! We have to code each [Message]!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you send a spell that <\/em>can\u2019t be read by all present?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, too bad. And we need it before the banquet. Don\u2019t bother showing up until it\u2019s done. It\u2019s for a number of teams\u2014it needs to get to them now.<\/em> Archmage\u2019s orders. Standing orders in the Mage\u2019s Guild.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake was unmoved. The [Scrier] looked heartbroken. She took the coded missive. The Drake turned\u2014and went sprawling.<\/p>\n

\u201cAncestors damn it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Garuda checked his friend. The Drake rubbed at his face and looked back at the [Scrier], but she couldn\u2019t have done that. Blushing under his scales, he adjusted his robes and stormed off.<\/p>\n

Eldavin debated tripping him again. No, no. He stayed with the [Scrier] as she groused.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy forty eight?<\/em> It\u2019s normally one or two! Oh. Oh.<\/em> That\u2019s why. Wherever she is? Stupid\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf read over her shoulder as the young Drake turned. His eyes went round as he saw the name and reason for the message.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin. Alias: Wind Runner of Reizmelt. Confirmed\u2014acquire if possible. Caution\u2014House of Veltras is known to be affiliated. Do not offend House of Veltras, contact Archmages for negotiation. Levels unknown, speculated high-level [Runner] with possible [Aeromancer] class.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Acquire if possible?<\/em> The half-Elf looked at the [Scrier] as she began sending the spell. Then he looked around. He walked over to a board across the room, away from the people monitoring the broadcasts.<\/p>\n

It was a map. On it, there were pictures, sketches, pins in glowing light of places. People found and not found. The Dragon looked at it. Around the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is logical.<\/em> It makes sense, to find what is valuable and safeguard them, or understand what you lack. It might even be commendable, to do this rather than kill them, if they are treated well. I will know.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The young Drake sneezed and rubbed at the back of her neck. She looked around, then went back to work. The half-Elf standing there looked down at the page.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will decide. However.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

His hand reached down and gently touched the page.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that Human. You do not chain the wind, any more than you do the fae. And if what I find displeases, soon you will answer to me.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes narrowed. He was gone when the [Scribe] stood to send the first [Message]. And now\u2014time was not on his side. He had already understood that he had missed something. Now\u2014he had two reasons to talk to Ryoka Griffin.<\/p>\n

They were separated by countless miles, and he sat in the heart of the Academy of Magic. The Dragon knew [Message] spells could be easily read by all if not secured.<\/p>\n

So\u2026what? There were easier ways.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin\u2019s head rose as she tried to do a crunch. She was getting out of shape, or so it felt. Days of resting after being shot, plus the wind making her job easier\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA [Message] from a \u2018Grand Magus Eldav\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka was on her feet in an instant. The Street Runner in Riverfarm recoiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take it! Is it secure?\u201d<\/p>\n

Heart pounding, she reached for the slip of paper. She read\u2014then blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was what I was trying to say. We don\u2019t have one, but there are some in nearby Mage\u2019s Guilds. So\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Message] from \u2018Eldavin\u2019 was short. Ryoka had sent word to him begging for him to talk\u2014and to Teriarch himself, with a Scroll of [Message]. Both times she\u2019d gotten no response.<\/p>\n

Until now. But Teriarch\u2019s missive was odd. It read:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miss Ryoka, I, Eldavin, require your services once again. To facilitate this, procure a speaking stone and send the [Message] back.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cA speaking stone?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the tuned ones. Lodestones. You can tune \u2018em to other stones and talk. Like a scrying mirror. Lady Rie says we can give you one as soon as it can be found\u2014or you can run and get one if you want. She\u2019s hunting through her collection.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Street Runner explained helpfully. Ryoka blinked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that\u2019s fine. I think I\u2014if she has one. Otherwise, I know someone who might lend me theirs.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jericha gave her an odd<\/em> look, but gave Ryoka a stone when asked. Of course she had one; it was practically essential for those in the field.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you need to tune it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026don\u2019t know? I was just told to send a [Message] back when I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. Then you need to tune it. Let me send the [Message].\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryoka hesitated, but Jericha was already involved. She nodded and smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you send, \u2018Grand Magus, it\u2019s me, Ryoka. I\u2019m at a Mage\u2019s Guild. What do I do now?\u2019 Thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jericha gave Ryoka a look, but sent the spell. Ryoka hoped Teriarch would know what that meant\u2014why was he going through \u2018Eldavin\u2019? Just to be safe? Then Jericha frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, he is sending me a tuning request.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a frequency of\u2026you set it that you two can comm\u2014hold on.\u201d<\/p>\n

She raised the glowing stone and focused on it. Then her eyes flickered; Ryoka knew that was the telltale of sending a [Message] spell.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis can\u2019t be\u2026you can do\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs something wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jericha ignored her. Ryoka bounced on the balls of her feet. Then she waited.<\/p>\n

And waited.<\/p>\n

And\u2026<\/p>\n

Ryoka was nervously chewing on a snack when Jericha finally lowered the now-glowing lodestone. Her brow was covered in sweat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have never received a request that complex before. Hello? This is Jericha, speaking on behalf of Miss Ryoka Griffin. Riverfarm. Is the spell functioning?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps you have never properly tuned a speaking stone before. I am T\u2014Grand Magus Eldavin. Wistram. Kindly relay this to Miss Griffin.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Jericha blinked. She handed the stone to Ryoka. Then she stared. Ryoka held the stone up.<\/p>\n

\u201cEldavin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes. Please exit the Mage\u2019s Guild, Ryoka, and find yourself a secure space at once. And tell that [Mage] that if she doesn\u2019t bother to <\/em>encrypt her speaking stones, she is providing poor service!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The voice was familiar and not. It didn\u2019t have the bass of the Dragon\u2019s full voice, and yet it was him. Jericha\u2019s jaw opened. Ryoka hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to\u2014sorry, Jericha. Thank you so much, but it\u2019s an important client and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She practically ran out of the room. Jericha half-rose to go after her, but she was sweating. Then the [Mage] looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to write that down! Where\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She scrambled for a quill and paper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Teriarch was rather impatient as he heard Ryoka puffing along. He was pressing her\u2014but waiting until she got to a secure place.<\/p>\n

\u201cCast a [Silence] spell, any anti-scrying spell, hm, and obviously image-deflection spells. An illusion spell will do if you must<\/em>, simply to prevent lip-reading. Oh, and check your location first. A [Rogue] can always hide within your enclosed space.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs\u2026is that you, Eldavin? Really, you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes. Hurry now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to tell you\u2014\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cPrepare the space first<\/em>, Ryoka.\u201d<\/p>\n

He snapped. Ryoka hesitated. She was gulping, huffing, fumbling with a lock\u2014he adjusted the intensity of the stone. The nerve of that little [Mage], asking him why it had to be so complex.<\/em> So he could adjust volume, make sure no one was listening, and so on!<\/p>\n

\u201cI can use some scrolls, and I have a [Silence] scroll, but I don\u2019t know about the rest. Anti-scrying?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYou do not have an anti-scrying spell?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. My name is good enough, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone can [Scry] an area <\/em>even if they fail to scry you! At least check your area! Cast [Aura Detection]!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026I don\u2019t have that.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The Dragon stopped. He was pacing in his room.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026[Spell Purge]. [Contained Room]. [Isolation Bubble]. \u2026[Detect Life]?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do have that one. But uh\u2026no, wait. I must have sold it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

He closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well. Walk around your room and touch every conceivable space where something could be. Ceiling, floor\u2026then shut the window and shut the doors and lock them. We shall speak covertly either way. Is that\u2026mundane<\/em> enough for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m doing it, I\u2019m doing it. Not everyone can cast magic! You are Eldavin, aren\u2019t you? We should confirm it\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did I send you when we first met? Before that, tell me how much my price was in quantifiable units for my first task.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFour hundred gold pieces.<\/em> And the Bloodfields. Okay, we\u2019re secure.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you checked the doors and windows?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re closed. I\u2019m not st\u2014oh, wait.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Creak.<\/em> Someone closed the shutters that had given her trouble before and latched it. Eldavin was pointedly silent. After a few seconds, he spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat occurred on the Summer Solstice? I regret that I missed it, but something clearly did<\/em> occur. On a magnitude I did not expect! Did you truly meet or invoke\u2026him?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He could only think of a few reasons why the entire world had stirred in greeting. Ryoka Griffin\u2019s voice on the other end was\u2026hesitant.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. You didn\u2019t come. I thought you would, and Magnolia.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026forgot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou forgot? I\u2014you <\/em>forgot? And why are you in Wistram?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The Dragon sniffed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes one forgets, Miss Griffin! And I had business to attend to. I am in Wistram and I am Grand Magus Eldavin.<\/em> As you know me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWh\u2014oh. Oh my\u2026really? Why? I thought you said\u2014listen. The Solstice\u2026you don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The half-Elf sighed. This was why he preferred talks face-to-face. He half-debated whether it was worth seeing if his true body could be awoken\u2026but no, he\u2019d done too good a job. Pointedly, he tapped his finger on the side table as he reclined in a chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am calling to enquire upon that very matter. I assume my knowledge was accurate, of course? The fae were invoked?\u201d<\/p>\n

Probably safe to mention them. Ryoka hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2014yes, they were. I was able to go\u2026to their place. But listen, T\u2014Eldavin. Something\u2019s happened\u2014\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

He sat up, blinking.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou went to the land of the\u2014you went there? <\/em>Are you mad? Also, how?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI bargained for it. I met someone who let me in. Eldavin. Something terrible has happened. I went there to find help. And meet Ivolethe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you meet her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. And someone like you. But listen. Erin is\u2014\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone like me? You don\u2019t mean one of my relatives, but like\u2026I knew some went. Where? What were their names?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cErin. Eldavin. Listen to me. Before that, Erin.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman\u2019s voice was changing on the other end. But Eldavin was too excited to notice. He was pacing the rooms now, talking excitedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew something had occurred, but Reinhart entered into her difficulties and I have left to see how Wistram has changed. Listen to me, Ryoka. You are soon to be hunted by the academy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEldavin\u2014\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI uncovered it on my first day here. It wasn\u2019t hard, fortuitous true, but shoddy spell work of these [Mages] made it easy. They are collecting children of Earth. And you will be on their list.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEldavin, that doesn\u2019t matter. I need you to\u2014\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cDoes not matter? This is Wistram<\/em>, Ryoka Griffin. Faded they might be, but a threat they are still! I have told you I do not interfere, hah, well, I would hardly trouble myself to oppose them. However, in light of our relationship and that we are exchanging secrets, I have taken upon myself to inform you, and I will make a few subtle gestures in\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTeri\u2014Eldavin! Erin Solstice is dead. <\/strong>And the gods are back.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ryoka Griffin\u2019s eyes were running. They\u2019d turned on and hadn\u2019t stopped as the Dragon began to chatter, sounding happier\u2014more involved than she had heard him.<\/p>\n

She spoke again.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin\u2019s dead. And not dead. She was hurt. I need your help, Eldavin. The g\u2014they\u2019re back. We saw them there. The fae fled. It\u2019s all ruined. Erin\u2026I need your help. Please. I\u2019ll do anything. Just please help.\u201d<\/p>\n

She waited.<\/p>\n

\u201cT\u2014Eldavin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHello?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

But he didn\u2019t respond. The old half-Elf\u2026the [Grand Mage]\u2026<\/p>\n

Eldavin\u2026<\/p>\n

No, Teriarch, the Dragon, was huddled in a corner of the room, his body contorted, as if it belonged to someone else.<\/p>\n

His head was in his hands. The voice spoke again, asking. Pleading.<\/p>\n

\u2014And there he was again. He had looked away for a second.<\/em><\/p>\n

In his arrogance, in his complacency. Rhir\u2019s beautiful daughter died. Died, to shame them all, as Crelers filled the land, sea, and skies.<\/em><\/p>\n

The last Empress of Harpies, Sheta, fell. And all that she had built fell to ruin.<\/em><\/p>\n

The first and only [Dragonprince] died, he who had charmed them and given even them something to believe in.<\/em><\/p>\n

Gone. <\/em><\/p>\n

The old Dragon had seen it. Heard it all, so many times.<\/p>\n

There they were. Bright stars, beautiful souls, blazing bright. Fading in moments. Gone\u2014gone\u2014<\/em>taken in a moment. An accident. A blade in the dark.<\/p>\n

He thought he had seen it all. And still, they surprised him as they died. Still, it tore a piece of him away, as if there had been barbs.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, all the little joys and petty annoyances were gone. The half-Elf uncurled by fractions.<\/p>\n

\u2026He was Teriarch again. In this moment. And he wanted to be back in his cave. To sleep, and not wake until all that he had known was changed again.<\/p>\n

He listened to a familiar sound. Sobbing.<\/p>\n

The young woman was crying, pleading with him. Begging and offering trinkets from another world. Knowledge.<\/p>\n

She thought he was gone. Slowly, he bent and picked up the little stone.<\/p>\n

\u201cChild. I\u2019m here. Speak to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The old man sat there, on the bed. And he listened. He listened to how the [Innkeeper] had\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCheckmate, I think.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

She smiled at him during the third game. Not a smirk, but a small, pleased smile. She couldn\u2019t help it. Nor was she gloating, not really.<\/em><\/p>\n

It was such a genuine smile, of someone truly pleased with herself, that he couldn\u2019t be mad. Well, for a moment. Then he\u2019d tossed the board.<\/em><\/p>\n

But he\u2019d gone to her later, and looked at her again, even as she made comments about being a bad sport. And she knew more of him then. And he knew her.<\/em><\/p>\n

He remembered her name and face. For here was someone who had bested a Dragon.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

—-<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Erin Solstice. Eldavin\u2019s head rose suddenly.<\/p>\n

\u201cSay that again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s not\u2026dead.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe froze her. Listen, listen, please\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He did, with heart pounding. And it changed again. In his mind, he saw a broken body. A great warrior-queen, laid low. Preserved by a grieving [Archmage] who called for someone to heal her.<\/p>\n

A Dragon who knelt after slaying the greatest filth Crelers had ever wrought. Her kin, who labored to save<\/em> her\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cAlive. No. Neither alive nor dead. You are sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t\u2026haven\u2019t seen her. But I know what they did.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cFreezing. Why ice?<\/em> She\u2019s no [Cryomancer] or Ice Dragon\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Yet there was a kind of logic there. Teriarch listened, mixing analytical disbelief with hope and\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fae think she\u2019s alive. Or she can be healed. Ivolethe was trying to help me, before\u2026and [Detect Death] and [Detect Life] both don\u2019t work!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThat does not mean she is safe. Is she warded? Against ghosts?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026I don\u2019t know? I\u2019ll ask.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Teriarch thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf she lies in the [Garden of Sanctuary], she is. And this news\u2026you met with him.<\/em> You travelled to another world. You met with the King of Chivalry?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have his autograph.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin sprayed<\/em> the mana potion across the room. He stared; he\u2019d been running low on mana and had to sip one of those odious things. He stared, affronted, as mana potion ran from his nose.<\/p>\n

Bodies!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Eldavin. Help her. Help me. I have\u2026other things. Whatever you want.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know what I have said, girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yet\u2026that was just automatic. He was thinking. Ryoka gulped loudly and wetly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do. But please? I can\u2019t\u2026I did my best. And I\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHush. Before I speak on that, say it again. What did you say before that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Another gulp.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re back. I\u2026Laken got a text. He\u2019s like me. Haven\u2019t you seen\u2026?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI am not close to that\u2014device. You saw it? And\u2026describe the meeting with the fae again.\u201d<\/p>\n

She did. And now Teriarch conceived a mortal horror the like of which he had not felt since the Creler wars.<\/p>\n

Oh no. How? Why now?<\/p>\n

But he knew.<\/p>\n

Earth.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Dragon thought. And he feared\u2026more than the worst. This was pretty much it. Yet he sat in the rooms of Wistram and realized\u2014he was where he needed to be.<\/p>\n

Now, the Grand Magus spoke, and he was sincere in his words. His tone was steady, his eyes distant, watching mana potion drip down the far wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cListen to me, Ryoka Griffin. I have business in Wistram. I am Grand Magus Eldavin and I now know I can do more good here than anywhere else. I must.<\/em> But this is no time to be idle. There are\u2026no. Allies?\u201d<\/p>\n

He thought and shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot for you to find. But listen to me. I will see about Wistram hunting you. And I will investigate your claims. I do not disbelieve you. But if what you say is true, this \u2018text\u2019 came from here.<\/em> And I will uncover the truth of it. You may reach out to me as you wish.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Thank you. But Eldavin\u2026Erin\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI cannot help her now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Please. I know you\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The pleading voice was silenced as he adjusted the volume. The Dragon spoke sternly.<\/p>\n

\u201cListen. Be silent, Ryoka Griffin. I said, I cannot help her now. As I am. Do you understand me? I am inconvenienced. Far from my\u2026usual abode. And means. Do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

An indrawn breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Does that mean\u2026?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Again, he wavered. What had he told her? But then, he spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy aid is not so easily bought. But you may have something\u2026I want. I must first conclude my work here. Then return. I cannot so easily make my way back, but there are ways to effect it quicker than by boat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Teleportation. They had to have at least one circle remaining.<\/em> He spoke, sternly, but trying to get every word to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I do, I promise you, I will call you. And I shall uncover the means to help Erin Solstice. If it can be done, I<\/em> can do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He heard his own words and coughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you can pay for it, of c\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you! Thankyouthankyou\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s quite enough. I said, \u2018if\u2019. I have work to do, and I cannot simply\u2026wait. Yes. I promise. Do not make me repeat myself. I promise, and I do not break my word. Stop crying, child\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

And after a long time, he rose. He felt tired, but those painful tears had turned to ones of hope.<\/p>\n

Wait. He could not go now, no matter how much she pleaded. He would\u2014he had sworn it. But a shadow weighed upon his heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cTamaroth\u2019s beard.\u201d<\/p>\n

He shook his head. And that old curse seemed so sinister. The Dragon turned.<\/p>\n

He really didn\u2019t want to go to the banquet now. But it was more important. He shook his head. And hoped Ryoka Griffin would listen.<\/p>\n

Wait.<\/em> It might be painful, but wait. If there was hope at all, even the smallest spark of life, he would find it and bring it back. So wait, and do nothing hasty until then. It would not be long.<\/p>\n

She had a Dragon\u2019s promise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The first of many banquets in Wistram was a grand affair. Not that Wistram didn\u2019t have lavish<\/em> events each night.<\/p>\n

Buffet? That was the staple. Exotic foods from around the world and master-class [Chefs] hired to produce treats at all hours? There would be riots without.<\/p>\n

So when [Mages] threw a ball, they threw<\/em> one.<\/p>\n

Possibly even the now-infamous party in Riverfarm couldn\u2019t compare in sheer expense. Certainly not to [Waiters], the rich and exotic foods like the aforementioned Phoenix wings (a debatable issue since they did<\/em> grow back, but the Phoenixes really didn\u2019t appreciate losing them), and more.<\/p>\n

Each group who knew the score had brought gifts. For instance, there was rich fish roe from the [Depth Mages] sitting veiled and separate from the main tables. As Telim had told Aaron, the hierarchy was in full effect; the main factions sat closer to the head tables, with notable outsiders on the periphery and the general [Mage]-public to the rear of the banquet hall.<\/p>\n

This was actually agreeable for the general public who didn\u2019t care to be waited upon. They swarmed the buffet tables, talking, casting little spells and generally having a great time while politics and dignity engulfed the more important guests. Telim himself repeated his bag of holding trick, much to the umbrage of everyone who was lined up for cream puffs and many of the Earth-style desserts.<\/p>\n

It was debatable whether expense = better, but that was [Mages] for you. Even the food was a kind of code.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what is this?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A Fissival [Mage] pointed at one of the pizzas, now a staple in the diets of [Mages]. He looked at his fellow guests, noticeably shoved off<\/em> the main gathering. They were displeased, but that was rivalry for you. One of the Oldblood Drakes sniffed; she was a [Wardmistress].<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like cheese on bread. The things they come up with. Why\u2026is that pineapple?\u201d<\/p>\n

Some people were depraved. But the symbolism wasn\u2019t missed. A [Combat Mage] folded his arms and exhaled a bit of frost.<\/p>\n

\u201cNew food. Plays. This is an echo of what was going down at Pallass. Your thoughts, Magus Grimalkin?\u201d<\/p>\n

A voice spoke from a scrying orb placed on the table. One of six; other Drakes were observing the banquet, symbolically here.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t eat the pizza. It\u2019s quite unhealthy. Yes, this is exactly like Liscor. They have at least one.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOdds are\u2014dozens. We\u2019ve fallen behind. If the damned secret-thing these idiots have is any indication. I bought a \u2018medium\u2019 secret which\u2026paugh. We have to get one for Fissival. If Pallass won\u2019t share?\u201d<\/p>\n

He raised one brow. Grimalkin exhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am Pallass. The only reason I am communicating is because this is a shared interest, Magus. Now\u2014do you see Grand Magus Eldavin anywhere?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Combat Mage] glanced around the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re still filling up. So\u2014not the pizza? What about the gelato?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other Drakes rolled their eyes. One went up to get a triple scoop. Magus Grimalkin was a graduate of Fissival, but he did preach<\/em> so.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen are we \u2018allowed\u2019 to mingle?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s the fourth course.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Wardmistress] rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWonderful. Where\u2019s our [Waiter]? Excuse me\u2014wine. Lots of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

They were one faction, and outliers at that. Other groups also observed their tenuous position in the pecking order, as set down by High Mage Soner.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve exiled us to this table, mother. What do we do? Are they insulting you? Testing?\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the [Depth Mages] from the sea-faction leaned over. Their leader, veiled in both aura and clothing, sat very still. She occasionally put a fork or bite under her clothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn times past, they knew the worth of our magic. Perhaps since Zelkyr they have forgotten. Either way, the landfolk have what we need. Endure indignity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her daughters nodded. Each one was quite peculiar\u2014but Soner hadn\u2019t noticed and the sea\u2019s representatives were content to observe. For now.<\/p>\n

Other new arrivals were in far better standing. An old Garuda for instance, Grand Magus Erkika, was included right in the circle of tables around the Archmages. He was known to all the [Mages], and they were plying him with wine as his apprentices and the serving staff fetched whatever he desired.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell us about Qualve\u2014Quelvekky\u2014the Shield Kingdom, Erkika. Is it worth not visiting Wistram?\u201d<\/p>\n

The old Garuda was losing some of his plumage, but his eyes were still sharp enough. He drank lightly, as alcohol tended to affect Garuda far more quickly than others. He kept tossing up snacks and snapping<\/em> them out of the air, never mind that it was bad manners.<\/p>\n

\u201cQualvekkaras. And it\u2019s a lovely place. You should all visit. Almost exclusively Garuda, but why mourn Wistram\u2019s halls when I\u2019m a [Prince] among my people?\u201d<\/p>\n

A portly half-Elf chuckled, one of Feor\u2019s Centrists.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue enough. If I could go back to my people as a hero and one of the greatest [Mages]\u2026but we don\u2019t have an empire or nation of our own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnymore. You thinking of starting the half-Elf kingdoms back up, Demerial?\u201d<\/p>\n

A Selphid\u2014Sa\u2019la, mingling before she headed back to Telim\u2014got a kick from the half-Elf and a few snacks levitated at her. Everyone laughed, though.<\/p>\n

They were [Mages] before species, most of them. And the notable ones were those who had left Wistram, to put petty nations or groups before magical solidarity.<\/p>\n

\u201cArchmage Verdan. How is<\/em> the old Iron Vanguard doing? I heard you got put on the back foot by the Forgotten Wing Company. First the games at Daquin, now the loss with Maelstrom\u2019s Howling.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nailihuaile was ribbing the elderly Human, who wore armor like Dullahans. Beatrice listened uncomfortably; she had great respect for the most venerated Human in Dullahan society.<\/p>\n

Verdan Blackwood was unmoved. Like Dullahans, his face was blank as his body slowly turned to face Naili, rather than turn his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have suffered defeats, Archmage Nailihuaile. So does any great organization. Tulm the Mithril is confident we will soon enter a glorious new phase. We regroup and keep vital aspects of our strength. Unlike the lamentable fate of the Lizardfolk\u2019s Great Company.\u201d<\/p>\n

Naili\u2019s eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s very hurtful, Verdan. I thought we were being friendly!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen draw your fangs, Archmage Naili. Are we at odds, or the representatives of Baleros?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man gave her a level look. The Lamia\u2019s eyes flickered\u2014then she smiled and was laughing with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess we are! Baleros should stick together. Speaking of which\u2026are you referring to the rumors about the Titan?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes glimmered with interest. Verdan smiled politely. Those listening leaned in<\/em>, because of course the rumor had begun to circulate already.<\/p>\n

Niers Astoragon was missing. And the fact that he hadn\u2019t been visible up close\u2014just from a distance\u2014only added to that claim. People said\u2026he had suffered an accident.<\/em> There were rumors. But the telling part?<\/p>\n

Peclir Im had vanished.<\/em><\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take a genius [Strategist] to figure out something might be up. And if one of the two pillars of the Forgotten Wing company was gone\u2026<\/p>\n

But that was politics outside of Wistram. Naili leaned over, just as symbolically as Feor and Viltach clearly vying for Valeterisa\u2019s support.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the following discussions, interests should be aligned, should they not, Valeterisa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Feor was calmly indulging in the first course as Valeterisa poked at some veal. Viltach raised one brow.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course they should, Archmage Feor. But perhaps Humans would understand the issue more completely.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes magic distinguish itself by race, Archmage Viltach?\u201d<\/p>\n

Feor gave the Archmage a long look. Viltach shrugged eloquently.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps not, Archmage Feor. But we find ourselves divided too often despite the fact that we are both Archmages of Terandria. <\/em>Archmage Nailihuaile and Verdan are quick to ally. Chandrar\u2019s Archmages\u2014Archmage has yet to appear. But as it stands, there is one alliance.\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf\u2019s finger tapped against his plate slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cInsofar as Terandria\u2019s interests are represented, we find common ground, Viltach. However, Terandrian and Izrilian interests would provide a majority in most discussions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue. What say you to that, Valeterisa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Both looked sideways at her. Valeterisa sighed. She selected Item #4 from the list she\u2019d been composing with her multiple minds.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would depend on the nature of the discussion, Archmages. I have yet to be informed of what is necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cQuite. But in the event that we come to odds?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo doubt Terandria should ally with Izril since we are closer to each other than Baleros.\u201d<\/p>\n

Valeterisa\u2019s face was smooth. Viltach and Feor looked at each other and nodded. They pressed Valeterisa, innocently pretending to argue. She proceeded to ignore them. She was\u2014distracted. She hadn\u2019t made the mistake of getting lost in herself as she had before that fascinating young woman had woken her, but she was still devoting only a third of her mind to the present. And even that was really too much.<\/p>\n

One third was performing analysis on that light beetle, speculating about the political acts she might need to take\u2026and another third was busy deciphering a puzzle. Her eyes flickered across the floor. More guests moved in; it was hardly as if there was a set time for the banquet to occur.<\/p>\n

And that was when Grand Magus Eldavin appeared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was about forty minutes after his discussion with Ryoka Griffin. The Grand Magus had collected himself since then.<\/p>\n

No\u2014what was there to collect? He was perfectly calm. The half-Elf strode into the banquet hall and exhaled.<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice was\u2026not dead. Wounded, yes. And he had learned that Maviola El had also passed. The young [Lady] with fire and an older soul.<\/p>\n

These things happened. He had seen better mortals die. Had he not lived so long as to know the fragility of their lives?<\/p>\n

He was Teriarch, Lord of Flame.<\/p>\n

No, he was Eldavin\u2014<\/p>\n

It mattered not. The half-Elf looked around, waiting to be announced and escorted to his seat. He had promised Ryoka Griffin to help, and he would keep his word. That was all.<\/p>\n

They burn bright, like fireflies. That is why we do not grow attached. I did not even know her.<\/em><\/p>\n

Eldavin remembered a hilltop. A garden he had thought he would never set foot in again. An absurd movie on a screen, inaccurate Elves\u2026popcorn and a Gnoll child with white fur.<\/p>\n

It meant nothing. He looked around then saw the High Mage hurrying over. Eldavin frowned with annoyance. But he controlled himself.<\/p>\n

The young woman was dead. Not dead. Either way, it mattered not.<\/p>\n

He was fine.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Mage Eldavin, apologies. Your seat is just over here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin looked towards the High Table. But the Naga was gesturing to\u2026Eldavin stopped.<\/p>\n

He was placed about midway across the banquet hall, away from the buffet. He eyed the Naga.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is the meaning of this?\u201d<\/p>\n

High Mage Soner winced. But he put a huge smile on his face as he turned, coiling upon himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cRegrettably, the Archmages must entertain some Terandrian nobility\u2014as well as Chandrarian, Grand Magus. We\u2014thought<\/em> that you would appreciate some peace and quiet without disruption in Wistram politics on your first night here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have business with Archmagus Feor. With the Archmages, for that matter. I am a Grand Mage. This seating seems far below my stature.\u201d<\/p>\n

Soner thought quickly. He held up pleading hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you consider it, for the sake of the\u2014the students<\/em>, Grand Magus? Everyone at the table has expressed a keen, keen desire to speak to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026They have? Ah, well, that does change things\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Soner urgently gestured and the mix of students and younger [Mages] he\u2019d bullied into filling this table stood up and all bowed slightly. It was Seky, Mena\u2014and some of the junior representatives of each faction.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would be exceedingly kind of you to share your wisdom, Grand Magus.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014well, hrmpf. This is highly inappropriate, Magus Soner.\u201d<\/p>\n

Teriarch glanced at the high table. The Naga was soothing, though, and the young [Bard] bowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus, I\u2019m terribly sorry for asking Magus Soner to do this. But we hoped you might tell us about Wistram as it was\u2014I should have thought better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can of course prepare another seat, Grand Magus. Ah, but where\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

She and the Naga exchanged glances as Eldavin wavered. At last, the half-Elf sniffed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose this will do. I will prevail upon the Archmagi later in the meal. We must present a unified front, after all. Very well.\u201d<\/p>\n

With ill grace, he seated himself at the table. Soner exhaled and nodded at Mena. She made a face, but he\u2019d promised her personal lessons with one of the older [Mages] for this favor. And she had suggested this, so\u2026<\/p>\n

He slithered off as Eldavin sat down. The half-Elf let the others introduce themselves, smiled, and noted the factions around the room at a glance. He frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Depth Mages] from the seas and<\/em> Fissival\u2019s Drakes? This is indeed a large banquet. I should introduce myself\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He stood up and all of the table urgently talked him back down.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet, Grand Magus! Its customary to do so after the fourth course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFourth course? Who thought that up? Wait\u2026is that one of Zelkyr\u2019s little dinner rules? When I was present, [Mages] went where they pleased. If someone wanted to talk to the Archmages, they got themselves noticed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mena sighed. She looked at her friends whom she\u2019d coerced into doing this. They grimaced. This was not going to be a fun night. The old half-Elf was already upset. Even as the first course was joined by a second, he raised his voice, objecting to the layout of the room\u2014and the placement of all the guests. Himself included of course, but he had salient points on the other seats.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the dignity of the thing. Perhaps there\u2019s a good reason for it. But if I<\/em> were to lay out the room? It would go like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Telim was edging around the tables, trying to avoid the wrath of one of the [Chefs] who\u2019d stormed out of the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho took the entire roast duck?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCover me, lads.\u201d<\/p>\n

He whispered to Troy and Flynn. The young man holding Prickly, the Needlehound dog, was grinning at the prank-theft. Trey was just shaking his head at the mischief, but Telim had promised a share of the duck for Prickly.<\/p>\n

They were moving away from the scene of the crime by heading across the room before cutting back to the rear where Telim had set up a lounging dinner party at the sofas. As they did, they passed by a table with a very angry, very old<\/em> half-Elf.<\/p>\n

Troy paused because why wouldn\u2019t you? Not only was the half-Elf tall, he looked well, a lot more fit than most of the [Mages] here. To Troy, he was like one of Parasol Stroll. There was a confidence about the way he gestured. Also, if Troy knew his species, a half-Elf with white<\/em> hair was super old! Even Feor was only greying!<\/p>\n

\u2026Not to mention he was really loud.<\/p>\n

\u201cRespect, young [Mages]! Respect levels! Put that [Depth Mage] at the high table. The one in the center, right there, you see?\u201d<\/p>\n

He was pointing at the veiled woman surrounded by the other ones. Trey turned his head; she was a subject of high scrutiny of course; each [Depth Mage], and there were eight total, was covered head-to-toe in dark fabric such that you saw only their eyes.<\/p>\n

It was an odd look, especially for Drowned Folk. Trey lingered as Telim looked around and ducked behind the Libertarian\u2019s table. They all laughed at his antics as Mena turned to Eldavin.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you mean, Grand Magus? Because she represents the Undersea fleets?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause of her level<\/em>, young woman. Are you blind?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin picked up a chicken nugget and stared at it for a long moment before savagely biting into it. The others at his table stirred. Telim\u2019s head poked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can see how strong she is?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNaturally. Oh, I suppose for young [Mages] you rely on, what, [Appraisal]? [Aura Reader]? But it takes more than that to suppress your nature. Let\u2019s see. Her, that [Grand Mage] Garuda over there\u2014I see a [Wardmistress] of Fissival\u2014and maybe those two. Who are they?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEr\u2014[High Mage] Teura of the Centrists and [Solar Mage] Vedufien.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Half-Elf and Centaur. Put all of them at the high table. And myself of course. And why at that end of the room? Put them in the center, here. And the hall around<\/em> them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut that\u2019s not as dignified, Grand Magus, surely. People should approach the high-table.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seky protested. The half-Elf waved a finger at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re speaking like a Drake, young woman. Everything has to go in order of superiority, does it? Why an arbitrary direction? The room revolves around you. This is Zelkyr\u2019s style, claw marks all over it. Must we sit on decorum? Why, in times past there was even elevated seating!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean\u2026bleachers?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin gave the offending [Mage] such a long look the man turned red.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean, floating<\/em> tables. Separated levels\u2014artificial light structures. Completely egregious, incidentally. That is what happens when rank<\/em> takes too much precedence. Not that I am saying it shouldn\u2019t factor in! But it was ridiculous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMust have been a sight to see.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the Drakes murmured. Eldavin\u2019s brows rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was. It looked like\u2014well, this.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He snapped his fingers. Telim, head rising like a submarine\u2019s periscope and swiveling to and fro, froze. Trey blinked. Then he stared.<\/em><\/p>\n

Slowly, a shimmering table appeared over the heads of Eldavin\u2019s group. Everyone around looked up and gasped<\/em> as they saw lifelike people\u2014[Mages] of old, wearing shimmering robes and made of light\u2014eating, talking, and waving down at the people below. They sat on a kind of [Light Bridge], like Mena had seen, with a staircase leading down.<\/p>\n

Then it was gone. Eldavin calmly took a sip of wine.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat takes more magic than I remember it doing. But you see? Completely inefficient. Only useful if the banquet hall was filled.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone was staring. He looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was a magnificent<\/em> illusion spell, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

A voice broke the silence. It was Telim. The High Mage had approached the table. He\u2019d brought a chair with him. He placed the stolen duck on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cHigh Magus Telim. And you must be Grand Magus Eldavin. I\u2019m a fan of the Illusion school myself, and I have to say\u2014that was exceptionally crafted!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell met, Magus Telim. And it was hardly exceptional. Just a few memorized replications. You understand how it is. Memory is far easier to replicate than anything else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin nodded calmly. Telim blinked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cStill, extraordinary. Aren\u2019t you from Izril? A little bird told me that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have come from there, it is true. And it has been long since I last attended Wistram\u2019s halls. Much has changed. Lack of decorum, you see\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

His voice rose again. And with it, some more illusions. Other [Mages] were showing off too. One conjured a Wyvern; someone else threw a fake spear through it.<\/p>\n

\u201cBehave yourselves! There will be no large spellworks without permission!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

An irate voice shouted from the front. Some of the [Mages] laughed, others fell silent. Eldavin meanwhile was getting more and more looks from the Libertarians and nearby [Mages].<\/p>\n

\u201cI have half a mind to bring up my complaint with the Archmages at this moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTricky, Grand Magus. They will be swamped with people and it will be hard to get a word in edgewise\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I will insist upon it. Who represents Izril up there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be Valeterisa. But the Archmages to know are Feor, Viltach, Nailihuaile at the moment\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of them, then. Feor perhaps. Really, he should have come to me. We are both half-Elves, aren\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

For a [Grand Mage] no one had heard about, he had an ego as large as well, anyone else\u2019s here, and a voice to match. The mostly-Human group began joking as he continued to rant through the second course. One of them leaned over.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat old hermit-mage seems to think he should be right up next to the Archmages, eh, Charles?\u201d<\/p>\n

Charles de Trevalier gave Eldavin a none-too-friendly look. He nodded at Timor du Havrington; they were both Libertarians under the watchful eye of Mage Rievan. The teacher and senior member of their faction cautioned them.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo nothing that might embarrass Archmage Viltach, you two.\u201d<\/p>\n

They hesitated in front of the warning tone. Charles looked innocently at his mentor.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat old half-Elf is<\/em> rather full of himself, Rievan. Half-Elven superiority right there. Shouldn\u2019t someone take him down a notch?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Mage] pursed his lips. Eldavin\u2019s voice came carrying to where they were seated again.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the reception at the docks was simply shoddy. One impresses<\/em> guests with effort, not with half-hearted groups\u2014no offense to your hard work, Miss Mena. But you should have had ten times your numbers, music, personal touches like that make all the difference\u2026not some ragtag group of metal statues. You might as well drag out some actual statues for all the effect the Golems had! What use is one if they act no different than the furniture?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rievan\u2019s lips pursed. He\u2019d<\/em> suggested the Golems on display! He nodded to Charles and Timor.<\/p>\n

\u201cWords only.\u201d<\/p>\n

They grinned and began composing their work as some more of their fellow students and [Mages] leaned in for the fun. It was clear to them<\/em> that Eldavin was a Centrist in all but name, and would soon be in Feor\u2019s faction. And the enemy deserved to be embarrassed, especially if they were all talk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Trey had abandoned the back table. Telim had made introductions, stayed for a minute to talk illusion with Eldavin, but he had to scamper once the [Chef] honed in on her missing duck. Flynn ran off too, since Prickly was drooling and following the [High Mage].<\/p>\n

But Trey was fascinated. This old [Mage]\u2026Trey had no<\/em> reading on his aura, like some of the better [Mages] here. He seemed like a lot of hot air. And yet\u2014Trey had met the Quarass of Germina. He got the same feeling from this half-Elf as her.<\/p>\n

His instincts told him to stay, so he was the one who retrieved food for Eldavin. The [Grand Mage] gave him an approving nod as Trey sat.<\/p>\n

\u201cRespect, young man. Troy Atlas, is it? It goes a long way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Grand Magus.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey also had a lot of experience handling people with huge egos. Fetohep, Flos, the Quarass again for that matter\u2026Trey inclined his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were saying about the reception, Magus Eldavin?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Bard] sitting next to Trey gave him an exasperated look. She and the others kept trying to get Eldavin to talk about the floors above the Golem\u2019s test. But the half-Elf latched onto Trey\u2019s question.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, young man. I\u2019m simply confused. Perhaps you can illuminate me as to why no [Weather Mage] provided clear skies?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve only been here two weeks or so, Grand Magus.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. Then you, Miss Mena?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Bard] coughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, sir, we don\u2019t want to cause another magical typhoon\u2026and once you arrive to Wistram, everything is peaceful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey could have at least extended the bubble of weather.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Bard]\u2019s fake smile was accompanied by a lot of head nodding. She took another long sip of her cup and a bite, then spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it\u2019s surely something for a guest, to see a sphere of perfection even out of a storm. That\u2019s impressive,<\/em> isn\u2019t it? More impressive than clear skies all the way here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin looked at her as if she was mad.<\/p>\n

\u201cA localized bubble spell is more impressive than perfection and a satisfactory voyage?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2014I just meant\u2014people expect Wistram to be like this, though, so why not let them sail through some bad weather? \u2018It\u2019s always sunny in Wistram\u2019, after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Bard] looked at the others. One did a covert \u2018he\u2019s nuts\u2019 gesture with her claw. Trey winced.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s what people say. It\u2019s always sunny in Wistram, Grand Magus. Because of the calm air? Perfect skies? Didn\u2019t they say that when you were here? A hundred years ago?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake, Seky, gave him a patient smile. Eldavin slowly gulped down another chicken tender.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have never heard that in my life, young Drake. And you will drop the patronizing tone. What do you mean, it\u2019s always sunny<\/em>? When we care for it, we\u2019ll have rain! Tam\u2014dead gods,<\/em> the flora surely enjoys that! And what about when [Aeromancers] practice? Gale winds. Come to that, they should lower the temperature a bit. It was altogether too warm for my tastes.\u201d<\/p>\n

The table blinked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cLower the\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe weather spell.<\/em> Has no one changed it since\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

And then Eldavin stopped. He looked around incredulously.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be joking. Has no one changed the weather<\/em> for the last hundred years?\u201d<\/p>\n

A silence fell on the table. No one quite wanted to reply. Eldavin began tapping the wooden surface rapidly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis\u2014this is incredible! Even if the higher floors are locked, it is not that difficult! Even a junior [Mage] can do it. Do they just not bother to change the setting?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t\u2014I didn\u2019t know\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Mena was flushing, looking around as if Wistram itself were being impugned. Indeed, everyone in earshot was uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

Except for Trey. That was, Troy. He was happily eating the imitation of fast food fried chicken and enjoying this.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo there was different weather when you<\/em> were here last, Grand Magus?\u201d<\/p>\n

The old man looked at Trey approvingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly. Why, we had glorious days where we\u2019d turn the weather to fall and sip drinks in Somela\u2019s Forest. Wonderful trees, blooming in every color; damned petals kept getting in the drinks, but half the academy would be there. Rain for [Hydromancers], baking sun for [Pyromancers] and so on. Weather informs magic. Well, the reverse was also true; you\u2019d get miserable<\/em> [Pyromancers] in torrential downpours who had to cast [Fireball] before their masters let them in to eat! One time a poor [Pyromancer] camped for two weeks in the rain. Had to survive on fish and donations and a quarter of the student body gave him tips until he finally mastered the spell.\u201d<\/p>\n

He laughed heartily at the memory. Trey nodded. He\u2019d had similar training from Gazi and the [Mages] of Parasol Stroll. The students, though, looked appalled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s barbaric!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? He learned the spell. Adversity! Don\u2019t tell me they don\u2019t throw [Aeromancers] off the high balconies anymore? That\u2019s how you learn to fly. <\/em>Or at least, break your fall.\u201d<\/p>\n

At that, Trey shuddered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI learned how to cast [Slow Fall] that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mena gaped at him. Eldavin beamed.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThere you are. The old ways! Not everything old is wrong. Not everything\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He lapsed into silence for a moment. And he looked terribly sad for a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember a time when Archmage Chandler roamed these halls. Is it anathema to speak his name? There was a time when Terandria boasted of their Archmage!\u201d<\/p>\n

Charles de Trevalier\u2019s head slowly turned incredulously. The Libertarians froze up. Mena gulped.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin wasn\u2019t listening. He turned to the [Sand Mage].<\/p>\n

\u201cYou seem to have decent foundations, young man. Who taught you? Er\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He squinted for a second.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrey Atwood, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey began to choke on his food.<\/p>\n

\u201cW-what? No, it\u2019s Troy Atlas.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. My mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin gave Trey a look and casually sipped from his drink. Trey felt a huge pit burning in his stomach, but no one seemed to have noticed. But he had an anti-[Appraisal] ring and everything! They had told him\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Valeterisa was growing increasingly antsy. She did not care for this seating. Moreover, she had just spotted the young man with the Lifesand Golem.<\/em><\/p>\n

He had run away from her. Screaming. It was not a unique experience, but now she saw him sitting at a table with what her internal notes identified as Grand Magus Eldavin, affiliation unknown, level unknown, apparently older than Archmagus Feor.<\/p>\n

That would have already interested her. But in her head, one of her thought-processes attracted the attention of all the others.<\/p>\n

Ding!<\/em> Translation complete. The mysterious note on the wall finally sorted itself through her translation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I am Magus Eldavin and offer you a secret of fire\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Viltach was sighing. Someone had brought up the Necromancer<\/em>, apparently. Magus Rievan was pointing and the Archmage glaring.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf they\u2019re over there, the better for it. Let them talk. No, just let them talk<\/em>, Rievan.\u201d<\/p>\n

He shooed the [Mage] away. Some old [Mage] who had as many memory issues as incontinence ones? It didn\u2019t matter; no wonder Soner had put a [Grand Mage] over there. He turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I was saying, Valeteris\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked around. She had left the table in the third course and wandered off. Viltach cursed and sighed. Lack of decorum everywhere!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI actually think they\u2019re not going to approach us. Which means we have to go begging to them. Ridiculous.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drakes were glowering from their isolation table. The voice from the scrying orb was patient.<\/p>\n

\u201cWistram owes the Walled Cities little. Go to Grand Magus Eldavin. I can vouch for his superior knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m getting up. Fourth course is nearly done; I see Archmage Valeterisa.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drakes stiffened as they saw her picking her way through the crowd. Half glared; she was the Human<\/em> Archmage of Izril as far as they were concerned.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did someone wake her up?<\/em> Better if she stayed silent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grumbling, they watched her move. Then they noticed whom she was moving towards.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s that half-Elf?\u201d<\/p>\n

Galei of Ullsinoi was eating in the company of his faction\u2026or maybe not. Charles de Trevalier was offering Cessic, one of Beatrice\u2019s few remaining friends, a tureen of gravy. In fact\u2014most of the [Mages] here looked like ones from other<\/em> factions. They had doppelgangers\u2014or they were actually here.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo idea. But he had a splendid illusion spell. Looked almost spontaneous. You interested, Galei?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Bear-General of Ailendamus was eating at his table. Yerzhen\u2014or rather, the [Mage] stealing his name and look\u2014glanced around. The others murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs good as I could do it. What was that, light magic?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLovely containment; I barely saw any magical leak. Where\u2019d he come from?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe High Passes.<\/em> And Liscor. And the inn.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Ullsinoi faction stopped. They gave each other significant looks.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. Then we had better say hello. Old man sounds very<\/em> upset. Did you know we could change the weather spell?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bemused, most of the table shook their heads. A few nodded just because. So did Galei. And Taxiela, both of whom might be Palt\u2019s master, or neither. The Centaur bit into the Hawaiian pizza slice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did. I was wondering if anyone would remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

The others laughed. He might have been telling the truth. They all looked over as someone raised their voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, sir. Would you mind sharing your wisdom with us?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Charles de Trevalier glanced over and saw his twin rising from his seat and calling out to Eldavin. The Ullsinoi [Mages] stirred.<\/p>\n

Oho.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eldavin\u2019s head turned. His ire had faded a bit, and he was actually beginning to enjoy himself as he ate; he\u2019d sent Trey to collect a sample of all the dishes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, young man?\u201d<\/p>\n

He called out to Charles de Trevalier. The young man was smiling\u2014but not in a happy way.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2014the Libertarians\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe who?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin blinked at the Humans. They looked at each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Libertarians?<\/em> Who believe Wistram should involve itself in the affairs of nations? One of the largest groups in Wistram?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. You must have called yourself something else the last time I was here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin\u2019s eyebrows politely rose. The young man looked uncertainly around, then flushed.<\/p>\n

Charles de Trevalier. Beatrice glowered from her seat. She knew him. A troublemaker, decidedly pro-Human and anti-most species.<\/p>\n

Once, he had been Ceria and Pisces\u2019 enemy, having come in on the same boat and year as they did. He stepped away from the table and everyone heard the silver chime.<\/em><\/p>\n

A silver bell and a rapier hung by his waist. Proof of mastery, or the first step to such.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t deserve it. But that was long, long ago\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cYou seem to have a number of old memories, sir.<\/em> Such as that of the Necromancer of Terandria.<\/em> Or are you forgetting Wistram exiled that kind of foulness?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin stirred. His eyes locked on Charles\u2019.<\/p>\n

He recognized uppity tones when he heard them. Young Dragons now\u2026<\/p>\n

Ah, once. Once, he had walked among his kind. Endured challenges, their testing<\/em> of him\u2014what a pain.<\/p>\n

What he wouldn\u2019t give for those days once more.<\/p>\n

The young woman who bested a Dragon.<\/em> Shot by crossbows. Lying frozen\u2014<\/p>\n

He blinked. Forget about it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYoung [Mage]. Your tone seems to indicate that you object to me using his name. And title. Archmage Chandler.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Charles flushed. Another young man shot to his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is not an Archmage! He was exiled and his name stricken such that it is never uttered nor remembered in all of Terandria!\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it is never remembered, how do people remember not to utter it? Quite a contradiction in terms\u2026but I digress. He was still an Archmage. Strip him of his titles as the world will\u2014I thought Wistram<\/em>, Academy of [Mages], would at least give history the courtesy of being correct. He was an Archmage, for better or worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Charles ground his teeth. Timor was beet red; the fool had no gift for words. He snapped.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is inconsequential. The point is that\u2014that brand of magic is both repugnant and worthless. Or have you not heard what necromancy<\/em> has wrought since?\u201d<\/p>\n

More people in earshot stopped laughing or talking. Troubled faces among the older [Mages]. And even the younger ones who remembered the events that had led to a [Necromancer] being expelled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have not, young man. Nor do I care to be illuminated at this time. I am here to speak to the Archmages. Necromancy is just a type of magic. That it should have fallen to such a state of neglect here\u2014that is legacy for you. If Az\u2019kerash could have seen it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin sat there. Trey felt himself nodding. He had been to Khelt. The old man\u2019s eyes caught the gesture.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t apologize for invoking the Necromancer\u2019s<\/em> name to sons and daughters of the lands he terrorized?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Grand Magus did not turn around.<\/p>\n

\u201cYoung man, if a name were all it took to terrorize Terandria, your \u2018Necromancer\u2019 would have conquered it long ago. Nor do I require lectures from a lesser [Mage]. I am Grand Magus Eldavin and my understanding of the magical craft is second only<\/em> to the Archmages.\u201d<\/p>\n

The listeners tittered as he calmly speared a baked eel and chewed it happily. Charles was incandescent. Rievan was hurrying back as Viltach rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Feor glanced down the hall.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho is that half-Elf, Teura?\u201d<\/p>\n

He motioned to his second-in-command. She grimaced.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus Eldavin. He wished to see you. He claims to be a contemporary of Archmage Zelkyr.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTruly? Grand Magus\u2026I don\u2019t recall him. But then, the higher [Mages] came and went.\u201d<\/p>\n

Feor looked around. It seemed like he was arguing with a young man\u2014Charles. One of Viltach\u2019s troublemakers. Feor grimaced. Perhaps the half-Elf wanted to reminisce? He did not recall Eldavin, but the argument was getting louder.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, a serving Golem\u2019s eyes lit up. No one noticed. But somewhere in the academy, a Truestone Golem paused. Someone remembered.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eldavin was sitting, chewing the eel and savoring the taste. It all tasted better when you weren\u2019t well, the size of a Dragon.<\/p>\n

However, he was recalling the times of old. He had been here when Zelkyr was made Archmage of Golems. He had talked to the Drake.<\/p>\n

To the Archmage of Death too. Before and after. He knew his story. There was no sympathy from the descendants of his victims. Of course not. They had vilified him.<\/p>\n

But how they forgot.<\/p>\n

They forgot to change the weather. They forgot how they used to sit, even some magics. That [High Mage] didn\u2019t even understand preset illusions you just summon.<\/em><\/p>\n

How things changed. In an instant, so much was lost.<\/p>\n

The [Garden of Sanctuary] will be lost again. Her legacy. The [Innkeeper] is dead.<\/em><\/p>\n

The food turned to paste in his mouth. Then the arrogant young man spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor such a venerable, wise<\/em> senior mage, sir, you don\u2019t seem to be in the right company.\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, Eldavin looked up. Mena hurriedly stood.<\/p>\n

\u201cMage Charles, don\u2019t you have your own faction to attend to?\u201d<\/p>\n

But it was too late. Eldavin had turned in his seat again. He fixed Charles with a look.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, young man? I am in the company of [Mages] seeking my<\/em> knowledge. As befits wisdom, which you appear to lack.\u201d<\/p>\n

The words stung and provoked chuckles, but Charles just sneered at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure that\u2019s the reason you\u2019re sitting here<\/em>, Grand Magus.<\/em> After all, someone else with your class is right over\u2014oh.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded to the old Garuda sitting practically next to the Archmages. Eldavin\u2019s eyes slowly narrowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am tired from my journeys and sit where I choose, boy.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course<\/em>, sir. And I did not hear you object at length to your position? You were certainly<\/em> not placed here because everyone felt it would be an embarrassment to have you utter your ramblings in front of our esteemed guests.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded to a [Mage Lord] of Terandria, some of the Chandrarian nobility and other guests. More laughter, louder, from the Libertarian faction. The half-Elf looked around, and then saw Mena\u2019s abashed expression. The other people sitting around the table save for Trey bit their lips and he read the truth of it on their faces.<\/p>\n

Slowly, the tips of Eldavin\u2019s ears turned red. Then his face. He opened his mouth to respond\u2014and then stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe shall see about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

He began to stride away from the table. Mena rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus\u2014please, it\u2019s not even the fourth course\u2014Grand Magus!\u201d<\/p>\n

High Mage Soner was already moving on an intercept course as Eldavin stormed towards the high table.<\/p>\n

\u201cOut of my way. I have words for the Archmages regarding my<\/em> business\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSir! Grand Magus, Grand Magus, please, there is no need to cause a scene\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

It was hardly the only interesting thing happening in the hall, of course. At this very moment, one of the Earthers at the private table where Aaron was sitting was juggling flaming chicken nuggets to laughter. Another [Mage] was dueling a rival far to the back of the room in a grudge match, and a fiery debate had just ignited between the Libertarians and Centrists about which side was right in the Ailendamus vs Dawn Concordat battle.<\/p>\n

But Eldavin was certainly part of the scene. The Archmages noticed him arguing with Soner and some of their representatives. They affected not to notice, except for Naili, who was watching with amusement.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus, the Archmages are not<\/em> taking unsolicited meetings at this moment!\u201d<\/p>\n

In the end, Soner burst out with the truth. The full truth, the whole truth, and, to Trey, the wrong<\/em> truth. He saw Eldavin stare at the Naga.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I am refused admission?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLater, I am certain<\/em> they will all have time for\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

For you.<\/em> The Libertarians were all chuckling. Eldavin stared at the Archmages\u2014all of whom were looking away. Naili waved apologetically.<\/p>\n

Trey waited for a detonation. But it never came. Never let it be said Dragons didn\u2019t respect rules\u2026except when they didn\u2019t. But Eldavin just adjusted his robes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned, and slowly, with great dignity, went back to his table, ignoring the laughter. The tips of his ears were red, but he was calming down.<\/p>\n

It might have ended there. But then\u2014it could have been a leg, a sneaky spell, a bit of something on the floor. Or his robes.<\/p>\n

He tripped and went sprawling. Charles, Timor, even Rievan, and everyone in sight howled<\/em> with laughter as the half-Elf picked himself up.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus\u2014are you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Mena and Seky went to pick him up. Eldavin brushed off their hands. His face was pale now. He walked over and sat down at the table. Trey Atwood gave him one look. Then he stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to um\u2026it was a pleasure to meet you, Grand Magus.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, young At\u2026las. Your company has been most enjoyable. Where are you sitting?\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey pointed. Eldavin\u2019s head turned as the laughter died out. He nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. Stay there.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He sat still in his seat, not eating, as the other students and mages sat silent around him. For a minute. Valeterisa watched Eldavin\u2019s back and then looked at Troy Atlas. She understood it was probably politically inexpedient to talk to him. Even if she had just agreed with everything he said. She drifted after Troy. She wondered if she could buy that Lifesand Golem.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTroy! There you are! Where\u2019ve you been? Did you see Telim steal that duck?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did. Where\u2019s Prickly?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOver there.\u201d<\/p>\n

George pointed. The Earthers were at their own tables; some were mingling like the group with Telim, but here they were allowed to talk about, well, Earth.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is amazing. It is<\/em> Hogwarts!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you stop saying that? This is reality!\u201d<\/p>\n

Elena rolled her eyes at one of the newcomers. She looked about.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Sidney? Is she okay? She got a scare.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey sat down as the others looked around. He vaguely recalled Sidney, one of the youngest girls. Very timid, part of the therapy sessions in that beach-room.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe saw one of the items they were serving. Roasted rat\u2026<\/em>she freaked out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw. Damn. Is someone\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSaif and Malia went after her. I\u2014oh, there they are. Quick, someone give me a calming tonic. I\u2019m going to put some in her drink.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that drugging\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up, George.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey sat among the Earthers, most of whom were relaxing without restraint. They thought this was<\/em> an adventure story. Some had seen enough to know better, but they were a minority. He saw Aaron glancing at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou doing okay, Troy? You don\u2019t have to study so much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s what I\u2019m good at. Thanks, Aaron. But we want to level up, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue enough. But hey\u2014if you want help, Naili can probably arrange some private tutoring.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be\u2026great, actually, thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should take some more time to hang out. We haven\u2019t properly welcomed you with all this\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He waved his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026But we\u2019re trying to all get together more often. How about tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good. I don\u2019t have more than a morning class\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Trey relaxed. But he noticed some of the new, 1st<\/sup> year students were eying him at his special table. The new group, including the surly young man from Hellios\u2026he wanted to blend in, but he couldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Well. It was his job to find a way, even if he had help\u2026Trey busied himself with his food. He had a feeling he should try to talk to the Grand Magus when he cooled down. Did no one else think someone that old would have the most knowledge to spare?<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no. That poor old guy\u2019s getting embarrassed again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Elena groaned as the fourth course rolled around. Trey\u2019s head rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat old guy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe half-Elf. Look, he\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

As waiter-Golems, the living [Waiters] and [Servers] and the 4th<\/sup> course\u2014Chandrarian themed, rolled about the head tables, Grand Magus Eldavin stood up. Instantly, Mena and the others beseeched him to sit down.<\/p>\n

Now was the time when guests circulated, but it was still on the Archmages to make the first move; one could hardly just run up to their table. They would usually send someone to ask for a chat.<\/p>\n

Moreover, since it was Eldavin,<\/em> the Naga High Mage Soner was already prepared to intercept. He\u2019d already been fending Valeterisa away from Troy Atlas and the Earthers, and he was miserable as he signaled to make Mena keep the old troublemaker there.<\/em><\/p>\n

And in that, he underestimated Eldavin\u2019s wrath. The Grand Magus had been forced to endure the Libertarian\u2019s loud jokes, not to mention the insults and his splendid fall. He had realized he\u2019d been shuffled off to the side.<\/p>\n

A lesser man might have left altogether, or caused a scene before being escorted out. But Eldavin\u2026<\/p>\n

He was a Dragon. And Dragons did not forget so easily.<\/p>\n

\u201cArchmages of Wistram! Esteemed guests! It is my honor to return to the halls of Wistram after a century\u2019s time! I, Grand Mage Eldavin, have elected to perform a magical working in honor of this occasion!<\/em>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The booming voice cut through the air and the entire hall looked up. Soner put his serpentine face in his hands as he slithered forwards. The Archmages looked around. Trey inhaled.<\/p>\n

Eldavin was standing away from his table, arms outstretched, magnifying his voice. Now people looked at him, really\u2014looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHandsome half-Elf.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sa\u2019la whispered to Telim. He pushed her.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t tell me<\/em> that. What am I supposed to do with your input? I hope he doesn\u2019t embarrass himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShould I stop him, Archmage?\u201d<\/p>\n

Feor grimaced.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet another faction\u2014or we shall see what he does.\u201d<\/p>\n

He glanced down the table, but the other guests looked amused. Eldavin went on, casually ignoring Mena and Seky.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has always been custom for [Mages] to attract the attention of Archmages so! And be it so humble, but my magic may speak for itself. Behold!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat custom is he talking about, Feor?\u201d<\/p>\n

Naili leaned over. Feor frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hardly remember anything so elegant. It was all\u2026more chaotic back in my day. With\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He bit back the words. Archmage Chandler and the rest.<\/em> Those had been different times. He watched with resignation as the half-Elf prepared to humiliate himself. Certainly, the Libertarians were jeering.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop him! Would you two do your jobs for\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

High Mage Soner hurried forwards. Then he saw why Mena, Seky, and the other minders couldn\u2019t drag Eldavin to his seat or make him leave the hall. They were pressed<\/em> against something.<\/p>\n

\u201cA barrier spell?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t get through, High Mage\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGah. That old\u2014[Dispel Magic]!\u201d<\/p>\n

Soner pointed a wand at the invisible space. He slithered confidently at Eldavin and went thunk<\/em> into the invisible barrier. Dazed, the Naga recoiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n

He tried again, but to no avail. And Eldavin now was lifting his hands. He had no wand or staff. Like a maestro, he waited as the hall gazed at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a silly old man, mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWatch.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The leader of the [Depth Mages] stirred. Valeterisa had turned to watch. The Drakes from Fissival were gazing at Eldavin and one had lifted Grimalkin\u2019s orb up obligingly so he could watch. Everyone else was gazing out of the corner of their eye, or idly. The smart ones were more intent. Ullsinoi were already taking bets on what it would be.<\/p>\n

Eldavin stood poised, eyes closed. Concentrating. Naili hoped it wouldn\u2019t be some old-style long-form spell chanted with like, a six-minute casting time.<\/p>\n

She watched as Eldavin lowered his open arms. And then he stomped<\/em> his foot.<\/p>\n

Lines of light radiated out across the banquet hall from his foot. Intricate patterns, flashing across the stone, glowing a gentle blue. Forming an elaborate\u2026magical circle<\/em> nearly sixty feet by sixty feet.<\/p>\n

Feor sat up in his seat. Naili started choking on her roasted rat.<\/p>\n

Telim rubbed at his eyes and checked the alcohol content of his glass of rum. He turned to Sa\u2019la.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he just\u2014is that a spell circle?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt can\u2019t be. It looks like one, but\u2014he stomped his foot?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Incredulity. Some of the [Mages] stood up. It was so fast! But it was<\/em> a circle; they sensed the complete power in it. It engulfed the tables around Eldavin\u2014it didn\u2019t seem to be doing much, but it was a beautifully complex pattern!<\/p>\n

\u201cMagnificent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone murmured. Inscribed magics like spell circles weren\u2019t as common as direct-action spells and this one was elegant! Complete, without perceivable gaps or ebbs and flow in the structure of the spell. It was, well, perfect, such that if you were trying to break or interfere with it, there was no good place to start, no weak point.<\/p>\n

Applause. A few [Mages] began applauding Eldavin, standing up to clap. Some of the others hesitated. Eldavin just inhaled.<\/p>\n

The Libertarians were caught in the middle of the spell circle, along with Mena, Seky, Soner, and the others. They were beginning to sense something, but it wasn\u2019t apparent.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is this spell circle, High Mage?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin was murmuring something under his breath. He was drawing magic to him, and now all the Archmages and guests; indeed, the entire hall was staring. The Golems and staff were standing as well\u2014well, that wasn\u2019t accurate. They were in different positions. The staff were frozen uncertainly, but\u2026<\/p>\n

Feor snapped his fingers and laughed. Teura turned to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cArchmage?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I just remembered. There was<\/em> a custom before Archmage Zelkyr became the undisputed master of Wistram. A silly thing. If you wanted the Archmage\u2019s attention, in the old days, you just cast a spell and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes focused on Eldavin and his voice trailed off. Feor began to stand. Then he saw the serving staff. The mortal, living ones were just staring. But the Golems had moved.<\/p>\n

All the Golems were standing against the far walls.<\/em><\/p>\n

The doors blew open. Cognita, Truestone Golem, a giant marble figure, strode into the banquet hall. She turned to Eldavin. The half-Elf\u2019s head turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cRievan. I don\u2019t feel well. My mana feels like it\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Timor plucked at the [Mage]\u2019s sleeve. Rievan stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s draining our mana!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He shouted and pointed at Eldavin. The [Grand Mage] pointed back.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Blooming Fireball].\u201d<\/p>\n

A gigantic orb<\/em> appeared. It struck the table where the Libertarians were sitting and sent them flying. The plates, tables, and people all went soaring<\/em>. Charles de Trevalier crashed<\/em> into a table where the [Depth Mages] were sitting. One of them pushed him off.<\/p>\n

Silence. Then, Eldavin pointed at the head table.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Valmira\u2019s Comet].\u201d<\/p>\n

The second burning spell arced across the floor. The Archmages stared. Viltach raised his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Force Sh\u2014]\u201d<\/p>\n

Naili dove<\/em> out of the way of the table. Feor raised his finger.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Lightning Bolt]! [Barrier of Scintillation]!\u201d<\/p>\n

A shimmering force field appeared around him as the spell hit the comet. It detonated<\/em> and Viltach went crashing back over the edge of the table. Verdan was knocked back, but his anchoring spell protected him.<\/p>\n

Feor stumbled as his shield caught the blast. Eldavin waved his finger around.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Firefly].\u201d<\/p>\n

Glowing sparks of fire appeared in the air. They dove at the Archmage\u2019s table.<\/p>\n

Chaos in the banquet hall! Half the [Mages] were on their feet. The Libertarians not blasted away stared at the [Grand Mage].<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s lost his mind! Defend the Archmages!\u201d<\/p>\n

That was an extraordinarily stupid comment from a lower-level [Mage]. She pointed her wand and Eldavin pointed a finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cProtect yourselves first. Let\u2019s see. [Greater Spellshield]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The jet of lightning streaking towards him vanished before it struck him. The Grand Magus saw the [Mage] check herself.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Arrows of Light]!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c[Ice Spike]!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c[Fireball]!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Mages] not immediately paralyzed and nearest to him with a line of fire shot spells from their wands or fingers. All of them vanished<\/em> before they could touch Eldavin. Even Tier 3 spells! As soon as they crossed the lines of the barrier, they dissipated.<\/p>\n

\u201cI return to the halls of Wistram! Are there no true [Mages] to greet me? Have you forgotten so soon what you used to be?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin thundered. The first barrage of spells ceased. [Mages] lowered their wands. The half-Elf turned.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Lancearrow of Light]!\u201d<\/p>\n

Teura aimed her spell at him. This time, Eldavin moved.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Stone Wall]!\u201d<\/p>\n

A thick wall of stone six feet wide shot up<\/em> and blocked the spell. Teura blinked. That was fast! She saw more [Mages] aiming, but Eldavin was already widening the wall. He created a semi-circle around himself, then spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Ice Wall], [Light Wall], and er\u2026no, that should do it. [Fivefold Arcane Barrier]!\u201d<\/p>\n

Layers of ice, stone, and light sprang up around him, and a central magical barrier appeared. He was lost from vision.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014must be mad\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Viltach was on his feet, fury in his eyes. He spotted the barriers and lifted a finger.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Ray of Shattering]! [Lightning Tempest]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The first pale ray struck the wall of rock and shattered it to pieces. Bolts of lightning followed, drumming beats that blew the wall of ice to bits, then the light barrier. And behind it, the arcane barrier shimmered as Eldavin held up his hands, chanting.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvacuate the hall. Viltach! Don\u2019t kill him! Vilt\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Too late. The lighting burst through<\/em> the barrier. Feor saw Eldavin illuminate as the bolts struck him. There was a flash.<\/em> Feor was blinded for a second and cursed.<\/p>\n

Was he dead? Surely he had\u2014<\/p>\n

Viltach lowered his finger. The bolts of lightning subsided. Everyone saw the broken shell of defensive magics was empty.<\/em> Eldavin? A pillar of rock vaguely<\/em> shaped like him was broken down to the base, molten stone cooling.<\/p>\n

Where\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAaah! Help, h\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Mage Rievan whirled around. He saw Timor and Charles de Trevalier. The two young men were alive and\u2026floating? Behind them, Grand Magus Eldavin pointed a finger.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Stone Fist].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Rievan received a punch<\/em> to his chest from a block of stone. He went over another table and didn\u2019t rise.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou! Put them down!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c[Arrow of Light].\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin flicked a huge bolt<\/em> of glowing magic far larger than Trey could muster under Charles\u2019 body. Viltach flinched and it burst on his personal shields. He raised his finger\u2014hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet them out of the way!\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf calmly adjusted Timor as Libertarians, the nearest group to him, scrambled to spread out. He was flicking more jets of magic out.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Stun Bolt]. [Shock Orb]. Um\u2026[Arrow of Light], again.\u201d<\/p>\n

He tagged a dozen [Mages] who went flopping down, paralyzed, shocked, or just knocked silly. One aimed a wand at him\u2014he put Timor\u2019s flailing behind in the way.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop that! Are you mad?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A [Mage] shrieked at Eldavin. He just turned his head and pointed a finger. She deflected the glowing bolt of magic and aimed a wand at him. He sighed and flicked his finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot many [Battlemages] here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The wand in the woman\u2019s hand flicked<\/em> across the room. She faltered and the spell she had been casting dissipated.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy w\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Flick, flick, flick\u2014<\/em>half the [Mages] with a poor grip on their wands promptly lost theirs. Eldavin regarded them, and then tossed<\/em> them telekinetically across the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told those Bronze-rank adventurers they were poor spellcasters. But at least they<\/em> could grip their wands.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone get Charles and Timor!\u201d<\/p>\n

Then Viltach called out. Naili and Verdan were standing back, but he and Feor were confronting this mad half-Elf! Feor was muttering fast, his fingers working on a complex spell, but Viltach was too irate to cast a large spell. He strode across the ground and jerked<\/em> his wand.<\/p>\n

Charles went soaring left\u2014then screamed as he was moved right in the path of Viltach\u2019s next spell. The man cursed and the orb went sideways. It detonated<\/em>, and some of the students close to the battle too slow to get out of the way screamed as magic peppered their skin.<\/p>\n

Eldavin\u2019s head turned. His eyes widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you mad?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He motioned and Charles and Timor flew at <\/em>Viltach. They hit his barrier, but slowed the Archmage up. Eldavin whirled on the other [Mages].<\/p>\n

\u201cBarrier spells! <\/em>Put them up!\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed at Telim. The [High Mage] had already erected one around his group, but at Eldavin\u2019s furious finger he reflexively began to cast them on the other students in the way. Eldavin scowled. Then\u2014turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, oop\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The next spell from Viltach blew him across the ground.<\/p>\n

Valeterisa watched. The [Greater Spellshield] had dissipated the force of the explosive orb, as had some other barrier spell, but Eldavin still had to pick himself up. The half-Elf looked up and blinked<\/em> out of existence. The second explosion made Viltach\u2019s head swivel.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have the audacity to attack an Archmage?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin reappeared on a table, half of which was burning. His eyes flashed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have the audacity to call yourself an Archmage? <\/em>I knew the Archmage of Golems! How many challenges do you think he endured, boy?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Viltach wavered. Then he aimed\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201c[Blue Lightning Bolt]!\u201d<\/p>\n

Again Eldavin vanished<\/em>. [Lesser Teleport]. He popped back into existence, raised a hand, and blocked the third bolt of lightning.<\/p>\n

Frost and electricity. He grimaced. Half the hall was in the midst of evacuating; the [Mages] more preoccupied with slapping down barrier spells. But this\u2014<\/em>his eyes narrowed as he saw a contingent who hadn\u2019t fled.<\/p>\n

Drakes, standing behind a layered barrier spell.<\/em> That reminded him of something. The half-Elf smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, yes.\u201d<\/p>\n

With one hand he kept up the barrier against Viltach\u2019s furious onslaught. With the second, he began chanting.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Bubble of Air]. [Bound Compression]. <\/em>[Stone Armor]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cViltach! <\/em>You\u2019re blowing half the hall apart! Stop!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Nailihuaile called out. She was watching the half-Elf, edging out for her shot with her Serkonian Lance. She saw the Archmage snarl\u2014then saw the half-Elf move.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201c[Bear\u2019s Strength]. [Haste]. And\u2026[Flash Step].<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He blurred straight at<\/em> Viltach. The Archmage hadn\u2019t expected that. He\u2019d been laying down a volley of spells that an entire squad of [Mages] would have been hard-pressed to match, but Eldavin had been blocking it all.<\/p>\n

Magnificence. Because, Valeterisa, watching, had noticed the barrier the half-Elf was applying was still being reinforced by the mana drain circle. Viltach hadn\u2019t realized. And now, the Archmage saw Eldavin speed at him.<\/em> He tried to dodge, trusting to his personal barrier\u2014<\/p>\n

Magus Grimalkin of Pallass saw Eldavin collide<\/em> with Viltach at top speed. The Drake\u2014who really could have used some popcorn at this moment, despite the health qualms he had with the condiments\u2014saw the half-Elf was covered in the [Stone Armor] spell.<\/p>\n

It was rather like being body-checked by a brick wall at high speed. Viltach was protected, but he went over hard<\/em>. He scrambled up, aiming a finger up at Eldavin\u2014<\/p>\n

The half-Elf grabbed his arm and it went wide. The other [Mages] hesitated, afraid of hitting Viltach. The Archmage was cursing. He hadn\u2019t been in a brawl<\/em> since he was a student. Eldavin on the other hand, swung a fist down.<\/p>\n

He probably hadn\u2019t punched something in\u2026the windup was long, the arc far from compact to Grimalkin. But the tip of his fist still hit Viltach\u2019s chest with commendable force. Then the bound spell detonated.<\/p>\n

Pop.<\/em> The sound was more like a vast pop<\/em> of air suddenly uncompressing at once. It blew Viltach into the air. He landed behind Feor, Nailihuaile, and Verdan.<\/p>\n

\u201cBubble of air? <\/em>He just compressed it and used it like\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Grimalkin of Pallass!<\/em> Eldavin flexed <\/em>one arm, then [Flash Stepped] into<\/em> another [Mage] trying to aim at him. Step, step, step\u2014he bowled into [Mages] like bowling pins.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all insane?<\/em> Clear out of the way and let us deal with him!\u201d<\/p>\n

Teura barked at the lower-level [Mages]. Her eyes narrowed as Eldavin turned. His [Spellshield] was still intercepting all the low-level spells. She raised a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Siege Fireball].\u201d<\/p>\n

A whirling vortex of fire knitted itself out of the air. Eldavin\u2019s eyes locked on it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to use fire on me?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He saw the swirling strands of fire knitting together like a ball of yarn, creating a burning, swirling mass of fire. It took seconds for a [Mage] of Teura\u2019s strength where multiple [Mages] had to create it themselves. Eldavin saw other [Mages] dashing clear as she aimed it at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSurrender or perish!\u201d<\/p>\n

She warned him. The half-Elf just shook his head. He was murmuring. Teura unleashed the spell and it rocketed across the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cWoven-style [Fireball]. Fire. Against me.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He stepped sideways, blinking<\/em> left. Teura swung the fireball around to home after him. Hers was not a simple spell that couldn\u2019t be aimed! <\/em>But the half-Elf simply stepped around it again. And then\u2014<\/p>\n

He reached out and plucked<\/em> a fiery strand out of the [Siege Fireball]. As it shot past him, it suddenly\u2014Teura gasped\u2014<\/p>\n

Unwound.<\/em> Even the Archmages stared as the fiery strands making up the [Fireball] suddenly unraveled. Eldavin held a burning strand of coiling fire\u2014then it compressed into his hand.<\/p>\n

His eyes were glowing. The fire compressed<\/em> into a dot and then burned there.<\/p>\n

\u201cCompression-style [Fireball]. Considered inefficient and outdated compared to modern spell formation\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Valeterisa murmured. Teura was gaping. Eldavin held a mote of light the size of a baseball, blazing white-hot. He flicked it back at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpells cast the same way. Magic recited and memorized by rote. Magic is more<\/em> than a Tier. More than a level!\u201d<\/p>\n

He bellowed. [Mages] running for cover or aiming at him went sprawling<\/em>. Nailihuaile jerked and saw Beatrice fall over as she tried to step forwards and aim at Eldavin. A little snare of green had wrapped itself around her foot without her noticing.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Grow Grass]? Are you kidding me?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The Star Lamia blinked at Eldavin. Then she raised her staff.<\/p>\n

She had been watching him, holding back like Verdan, who had enmeshed himself in barriers and just\u2026walked away. Eldavin was taking on all comers, but only a fraction of the hall of [Mages] was actually taking him on.<\/p>\n

Naili wasn\u2019t so nice. Or timid. She raised the Serkonian Lance overhead.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus! Catch!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A gigantic lance<\/em> of magic appeared. She tossed<\/em> it across the ground. Eldavin whirled. He took one look at the spell and vanished<\/em>.<\/p>\n

[Lesser Teleport]. Naili saw the spell, but couldn\u2019t trace where\u2014her neck rotated. She saw Eldavin pop up behind an overturned table.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot you! Expand, the Field of Serkonis!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Around her a similar field of magic began to expand.<\/em> Feor hissed as his spell and own aura refused to be ensconced by the magic. Naili let him do that, but everything around her began to take on the properties of the relic-class artifact.<\/p>\n

In other words, turning into an area where everything was on her<\/em> terms. Eldavin\u2019s counter-attack fizzled out halfway towards her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, the Serkonian Lance. An [Enchanter] carrying an artifact worthy of an Archmage, at least.\u201d<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t look put out by the field. Naili waved at him\u2014then sent crackling lightning bolts at him. He blocked them and the flashes<\/em> of light blinded the audience.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you come and try tackling me,<\/em> Grand Magus?\u201d<\/p>\n

She was laughing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From their spot in the audience, the students and [Mages] were watching the magic fight take place between the second Archmage and Eldavin. Viltach was either down for the count or had removed himself and Feor was still preoccupied.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has to be an [Elementalist]! High level!\u201d<\/p>\n

Telim was babbling to the other [Mages] watching. They were hardly as good at commentary as Drassi, but they were watching as Eldavin took cover. This time\u2014he raised huge pillars of stone out of the ground around him.<\/p>\n

Like a forest of stone.<\/em> Indeed, \u2018branches\u2019 shot out of the central pillars, decreasing their mass, but blocking the spells Nailihuaile was sending at him. Trey thought it was fascinating. And intelligent.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just [Earthen Spire]! He\u2019s blocking all<\/em> her direct spells with just\u2014one spell!\u201d<\/p>\n

Sa\u2019la was staring. Naili was growing frustrated; she was looping the vast lances she was conjuring, but the expendable pillars of stone kept rising and sacrificing only miniscule bits of themselves to block each spell.<\/p>\n

\u201cElementalist. He has to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut that spell circle\u2014hold on, what\u2019s he doing now?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin was hunting around the ground as the stone pillars\u2014the [Forest of Stone] spell if any of the [Mages] had correctly identified it like Valeterisa\u2014blocked the incoming fire.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Enchanters]. So reliant on artifacts. She\u2019s not even using more than the lance spell.\u201d<\/p>\n

He grumbled. At last, he finished his work. He stepped out of cover as Naili blew apart the last pillar of stone. She raised her staff.<\/p>\n

\u201cDone yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked up at her. He was holding\u2026an orange. He\u2019d hunted around for a proper object and this was the best he\u2019d come up with. She blinked at it as she angled her staff.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are wearing a barrier, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin called out. The Star Lamia\u2019s eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Why\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He tossed<\/em> the orange at her. For a second, the orange just flew with all the throwing power of the half-Elf. Which was decent; far from a fastball since he had terrible<\/em> form.<\/p>\n

Then the first compressed spell fired. And the next\u2014and the next\u2014<\/p>\n

[Directed Compressed Burst of Air]. [Frictionless Surface]. [Flash Move]\u2014and so on. To the audience, the orange appeared to go lazily flying, and then, in an instant, speed\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sonic boom<\/em>, if that was what it was, was deafening. Trey saw the entire glowing field of magic flash<\/em> around Nailihuaile. The Lamia cried out and raised her staff\u2014but the orange never reached her.<\/p>\n

It had probably disintegrated<\/em> halfway to her. But the air, impact\u2014all of it non-magical\u2014not to mention the little seeds flung at insane speed hit her magical field like, well, a supersonic orange.<\/p>\n

It tore into<\/em> the magical field and stopped. Trey actually saw the magic filling the space, ground, and air, tear<\/em> apart.<\/p>\n

Naili\u2019s expanding field was torn open in a wedge. Again, only halfway towards her, but Eldavin had erased<\/em> that section of magical field which had sacrificed itself to stop the attack. The Star Lamia stared at the rupture in the Serkonian Lance\u2019s magic. Then she looked at Eldavin.<\/p>\n

He was reaching for a fallen roast duck, the twin of the one in Telim and Prickly\u2019s stomachs. She stared at her torn magical field, already re-knitting itself and came to a quick decision.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, I\u2019m out.\u201d<\/p>\n

She slithered out of the way fast. <\/em>Eldavin watched her go, smugly. He turned his head across the ruined floor; only a few figures remained. His eyes locked on one across the hall.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now. I believe my kindred is finally ready for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Feor looked up. The half-Elf\u2019s eyes were glowing<\/em> and Eldavin turned to face him. This entire time, Feor had been chanting soundlessly. The two looked at each other. Slowly, Feor lifted his staff.<\/p>\n

\u201cMagus Eldavin. There are some things even a [Grand Mage] should be wary of. We are still [Mages] of Wistram, no matter how much we change. Even in the days when [Mages] challenged Archmages, it was never done lightly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLightly, Archmage Feor? I should repeat the same to you.<\/em> Even Archmages did not lightly tread in other [Mage]\u2019s affairs. You are interfering in my<\/em> business. Stay away from Ryoka Griffin. She is not yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

Feor\u2019s eyes widened. The words the two were exchanging were incomprehensible to anyone not standing close to them. The Archmage raised his staff.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus. Enough.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The glowing orb set into the ancient ironwood sparked.<\/em> Eldavin looked up and saw the air open.<\/em> He saw the spell that Feor had been working on for the last six minutes activate. And his smile flickered.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Valmira\u2019s True Comet Storm].<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Tier 6 spell activated. The first glowing comet burst out of the air. It was not as fast as most spells. But it had a terrible glow about it. Each one the size of the first spell Eldavin had flung at the high table.<\/p>\n

Each one\u2014aimed at Eldavin. The half-Elf blinked across the room. The comets began to follow.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s going to blow the entire banquet hall to smithereens! Sa\u2019la, help me reinforce the barriers!\u201d<\/p>\n

Dozens of the spells were shooting forwards. Individually, they were Tier 5. But Feor was throwing dozens through the air, and dozens more\u2014<\/p>\n

Not even Grand Mage Esiela came close to this. Trey shielded his face as they began to detonate. This was an army-killing spell! He saw the Minotaur\u2019s siege weapons firing in his mind. A reflection of that, if not the same way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eldavin flung himself across the ground, moving to the back of the hall. He threw up barriers and saw them explode<\/em> as a comet hit them. There was no using the same [Forest of Stone] spell\u2014nor evading the hail of meteors.<\/p>\n

He retreated as Feor made comets land around Eldavin, cutting off places to [Flash Step] or teleport to. The half-Elf began throwing up repeating barriers of magic, just\u2014single-hit deflection shields. Layers and layers of them.<\/p>\n

The comet storm converged on him. He could see Feor past the flashes of light, eyes glowing, staff raised. He was simply channeling power into the spell, unleashing the kind of magic that had once made [Archmages] feared.<\/p>\n

Ah.<\/em> He stood, throwing up magical barriers, enduring the onslaught. But at last\u2014at last\u2014<\/p>\n

He was no longer mocking the [Mages].<\/em><\/p>\n

There were spells he could cast. Attack spells, indirect ways of fighting this kind of magic. Evade, attack from far away while staying undetected or ahead of your foe. But he had not come to kill.<\/p>\n

And if he did not run, or turn spells deadly? Eldavin looked across the ground.<\/p>\n

Ah, this reminds me of why we died. This reminds me of why we ruled them. Because we feared them.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Dragon recalled other battlefields. Other places. And he felt his magic burning out in his body.<\/p>\n

The Archmage half-Elf had more mana than he did. A vast supply. Skills<\/em>. Even if his comet storm was far less efficient than Eldavin\u2019s spells\u2014he was winning by sheer, limitless power.<\/em><\/p>\n

The explosions of magical force were slowly pressing in on the half-Elf as the comets hit his barriers faster than he could make them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has to surrender. Feor will blow him to pieces. He can\u2019t even teleport out in that much mana density!\u201d<\/p>\n

Telim breathed. Everyone was watching as Eldavin\u2019s barriers slowly dwindled and he was forced back.<\/p>\n

Teriarch, Eldavin, gritted his teeth as pain<\/em> began to lance through his body.<\/p>\n

If I had my body\u2014<\/em>no, this is my body. This is my limit. There is always that hero and army on the horizon.<\/p>\n

But how frustrating. He made a sound like a roar through a different mouth. Look at me, boy! <\/em>He stared at Feor. You think you know magic?<\/em> Then why have you forgotten who you are?<\/em><\/p>\n

If only there was a way\u2014he saw the comets bursting, each one deadly\u2014his eyes narrowed. His hand began to move.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat old half-Elf is insane!<\/em> Half-Elf versus half-Elf!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s going to lose. That\u2019s what all the [Mages] are saying.\u201d<\/p>\n

Elena was listening to the commentary amid the roar of battle. George looked at her. The young man rubbed at one ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Then why do I hear boss music?\u201d<\/p>\n

Elena opened her mouth. Then she just slapped<\/em> him on the back of the head. But George was right.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is he doing?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Feor was still unloading comets on Eldavin\u2019s position, until the [Grand Mage] gave up. But Eldavin was\u2014moving. He was throwing something, detonating one of the comets before he could hit it.<\/p>\n

Trying to trigger them before they reached him? Valeterisa shook her head. Feor was channeling his mana into an optimized spell! Moreover, you needed an equivalent<\/em> amount of power to stop one of Valmira\u2019s comets. You couldn\u2019t just cast, say, [Light Arrow] and expect it to explode one. They ate<\/em> lesser magics, hence the spell\u2019s power and Feor\u2019s love of it.<\/p>\n

Another comet exploded as the half-Elf began to weave, throwing barriers up, forcing Feor to home in on him. He was clearly running out of power. Valeterisa watched. She did not want him to die. But then\u2014<\/p>\n

Boom, boom, boom.<\/em><\/p>\n

Three of [Valmira\u2019s Comets] exploded<\/em> in the air. Three amongst dozens. But they detonated well<\/em> before reaching their target. Feor noticed and a frown crossed his expression of concentration.<\/p>\n

The [Mages] stirred. Then\u2014Eldavin pointed and half the incoming comets exploded.<\/em> But Valeterisa hadn\u2019t seen a spell!<\/em> The Archmage of Izril drifted into the firefight, staring. Invisible magic? What was\u2014<\/p>\n

She realized what he was doing. Only a handful of [Mages] could even comprehend it. Grimalkin of Pallass\u2019 eyes were wide. He breathed the answer at the same time as the [Wardsmistress] of Fissival.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s\u2026unraveling <\/em>the spells as they come at him!\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin\u2019s eyes were closed as he stood there. What use were eyes to magical sight? His fingers twisted and plucked<\/em>\u2014<\/p>\n

A dozen comets exploded<\/em> seconds after forming. Feor stared up at them and then at Eldavin. His eyes were wide.<\/p>\n

The same spell. The same spell!<\/em> The half-Elf was panting, his robes scorched and damaged. Sweat ran down his brow. But Eldavin was still standing there. As if he had walked other battlefields.<\/p>\n

The comets began to explode in the air. Now, Feor and Eldavin were wrestling with the magic, the half-Elf Archmage trying to reconfigure the comets that Eldavin had figured out how to trigger mid-flight.<\/p>\n

The [Mages] of Wistram watched. Viltach, Verdan, Naili\u2014no longer laughing, or raging, or mocking. The [Grand Mage] raised his hand as Feor\u2019s comet storm winked out. The Archmage whirled his staff down.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Greater Tremor]!\u201d<\/p>\n

The world shook<\/em> past his staff.<\/p>\n

Eldavin\u2019s feet left the ground. He looked down at Feor. Then he raised his hand. The two exchanged spells; a burning lance that cut the air and a flurry of doves made of light that left afterimages like razors. One dodged; the other threw up a shield.<\/p>\n

The [Grand Mage] was panting, an arm cut by the spell that went through his barrier. Still, he raised his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe stood here, in these very halls! The great Archmage of Terandria! The Undying Shield of Calanfer! The Archmage of Death! Remember his name! [Summon Spectral Skeletal Warriors]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

And then the figures broke the stone of the banquet hall. They pulled themselves up<\/em>, lifting blades of energy. Feor\u2019s eyes went wide. He blew three to bits; the others charged.<\/em><\/p>\n

Eldavin whirled as the [Mages] cried out. He lifted a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were both here. Now\u2014[Zelkyr\u2019s Emergency Golem]<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

The splintered wood and broken plates\u2014even bits of food rose in a whirling arc. Cognita, shielding the students, slowly rose. She saw a ten-foot-tall being assemble itself. It began to run at Archmage Feor. A Golem made of bits of wood and detritus.<\/p>\n

The scrap Golem charged<\/em>. Feor was fighting off both the spectral skeletons, which kept trying to reassemble, as well as the Golem who hit a magical wall he created. And now\u2014he was unable to cast another grand spell as Eldavin flicked a [Shatterbolt] at his face.<\/p>\n

The old [Mage] was winning!<\/em> Eldavin looked around like a hunting predator. His eyes alighted on the Drakes. He pointed a finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvasive!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Grimalkin barked. The Fissival Drakes scattered as the [Siege Fireball] burst<\/em> on the [Wardmistress]\u2019 shields.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gone mad!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the Drakes shouted. He lifted a wand and Eldavin flung an orb of light at him. It detonated in the Drake\u2019s face and everyone went blind.<\/p>\n

\u201cComplacency! Is there no one who respects magic?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He roared. The half-Elf turned again\u2014and a shadow wrapped around his leg. He went cross-eyed.<\/p>\n

\u201cDr\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The tendril flicked<\/em> him through the air. The half-Elf got up with a growl, looking at\u2014<\/p>\n

The eight [Depth Mages] were all standing save for one. The veiled woman pointed at him and bolts of anti-light shot across the ground. Pure darkness, eating up<\/em> visibility. They passed straight through<\/em> a table and a broken [Wall of Stone].<\/p>\n

Eldavin just flicked eight [Arrows of Light] up and they burst. The [Depth Mages] wavered.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe knows our magic, mother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSurprising.\u201d<\/p>\n

The eighth, their seated leader, went to grab Eldavin with the tendril again. He saw it coming, somehow, and slashed<\/em> the shadow with a glowing sword of light. He pointed.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Lightning Bolt]!\u201d<\/p>\n

It shot across the ground and vanished.<\/em> The air was dark; a dome around the eight women which had absorbed even one of [Valmira\u2019s Comets]. One of the Drowned Folk\u2019s [Mages] smirked behind her veil.<\/p>\n

[The Midnight Veil]. A spell that belonged to their class and nature. Even an arrogant land-mage wouldn\u2019t understand\u2014<\/p>\n

Eldavin took one look at the dome and sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cDarkness mage. Appropriate for the deeps. Let\u2019s see. [Light Orb] crossed with\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He muttered and then flicked<\/em> a glowing orb into the barrier. The eight saw the light vanish, as all things d\u2014<\/p>\n

Two dozen bursts of light tore<\/em> at the veil. Their leader gasped<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The veil flickers. <\/em>She heard the warning siren in her mind, and how many times had she ever<\/em> heard\u2026?<\/p>\n

Her daughters cried out in dismay. She rose\u2014and a tide of black water shot across the ruined floor. Eldavin levitated over it; it surged upwards and he cut the spell at the base. The water flooded around and then began to vanish.<\/p>\n

\u201cA powerful [Mage] indeed. Daughters\u2014go.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

They hesitated. Then all seven stepped back. The [Depth Mage] stood up\u2014and all eight removed their veils.<\/p>\n

What they presented to the [Mages] of Wistram was the same face. One far older than the rest, who were sequentially younger. The same face.<\/p>\n

Not just\u2014related. But exactly the same.<\/em> Just in different stages of age. Half-Human, exceptionally pale of skin because she crewed vessels that sailed dark currents where the sun\u2019s rays were forgotten. And she had learned a magic fitting to that place, supreme in darkness.<\/p>\n

The other half of her face? A starfish\u2019s rough skin, reddish, hard. Her daughters, clones of one self.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus Eldavin. Do you pick a fight with the representatives of the Drowned Folk?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI pick a fight with anyone and everyone in this moment!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He snapped back. The half-Elf\u2019s blood was burning. He was half-smiling, half-furious. He strode about the destroyed banquet hall; the woman turned to face him, her fingers moving shadows around her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am Grand Magus Eldavin.<\/em> And that seems to mean more than it did when I left. I knew Zelkyr of old and Chandler both! They do not even dare to say his name here. But you will respect my will!\u201d<\/p>\n

Feor had destroyed the summoned things and was watching Eldavin. His staff poised. Viltach was ready to jump back in, having geared up, furious. The [Depth Mage] was drawing from her daughters. Eldavin was panting, reaching for a mana potion. Both his opponents tensed\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

And Eldavin whirled.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Spell Purge]!\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed. Both Feor and the [Depth Mage] raised their guards\u2014but Eldavin wasn\u2019t aiming at them.<\/em> He aimed at a patch of air to his left. It rippled\u2014<\/em>then vanished. The old half-Elf traced it across the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome out before I force you to.\u201d<\/p>\n

He growled. The air seemed to quiver\u2014<\/p>\n

Then a Centaur trotted out of the air. He looked extremely<\/em> put out. Everyone stared.<\/p>\n

None more than the Ullsinoi. For as he had appeared\u2014<\/p>\n

Galei and<\/em> Taxiela had vanished. And this Centaur was far older than Galei. Moreover?<\/p>\n

He had scales amid his fur.<\/em> On his skin, even face and arms. A product of mixed species. Eldavin\u2019s eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCall me\u2026Gaxiela. I was just admiring talent from up close.\u201d<\/p>\n

The strange [Mage] winked. Eldavin aimed a finger at him. Then whirled left.<\/p>\n

Feor, \u2018Gaxiela\u2019, the [Depth Mage] of the seas, and Eldavin saw Valeterisa walk towards Eldavin. The half-Elf opened his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cY\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Valeterisa spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Bound Fireball], [Bound Fireball], [Lightning Bolt], [Gust of Air], [Burst Arrows of Light], [Thunderclap], [Roving Silent Sickle], [Stone Lance], [Stone Lance], [Stone Lance], [Stone Lance], [Tidal Wave], [Spray of Needles], [Darkness Pool], [Burning Floor], [Merda\u2019s Push], [Multiplied Stone Fists], [Enhanced Flame Spray], [Caustic Acid]\u2014\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Her voice was layered<\/em> multiple times, such that she was casting multiple spells\u2014and sped up. Feor saw Eldavin\u2014vanish<\/em> in a spectacle of lights.<\/p>\n

Everyone clapped their hands to their ears, except those smart enough to have used spells already. When Trey could see and hear again, he saw Eldavin, panting, laying sprawled on the ground.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d gotten to safety\u2014just. But his robes were simultaneously on fire, dissolving from acid, steaming wet, and suffering from multiple effects. He\u2019d also taken a number of injuries to his legs and right side.<\/p>\n

In the silence, Valeterisa\u2019s head turned. Her face was composed, even blank. She looked at Eldavin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am Archmage Valeterisa of Izril. The authority of Wistram\u2019s Archmages does not submit to a lone [Grand Mage]. Will you relent?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin stared up at her. His eyes sparked\u2014and then he raised a hand, palm up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do. I throw myself upon the mercy of the Council of [Mages], and apologize for my indiscretions. I will, of course, make amends.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Archmage of Izril gazed at Eldavin as he groaned and reached for a healing potion. Uncertainly, Feor adjusted his staff. After a moment, Valeterisa nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery good.\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned and walked off. The audience stared at Eldavin as he groaned about actual pain<\/em> and fumbled with the cork, then smashed it on the ground and levitated the liquid up to tend to his wounds. They looked at each other.<\/p>\n

So camest Eldavin, [Grand Mage] of Wistram, to the Academy of Mages.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next day, Grand Magus Eldavin woke up sore.<\/p>\n

Where?<\/p>\n

Everywhere.<\/em> And it wasn\u2019t just physical pain. He was suffering from mana burnout. He felt sick, nauseated, and nearly tried to blow up\u2026reality\u2026that he might not suffer this.<\/p>\n

He eventually stumbled to his feet after downing a healing potion and mana potion because he was hungry.<\/p>\n

The injustices of a body that didn\u2019t run on mana or generate it for himself! He was halfway out the door when he realized two things.<\/p>\n

Firstly, that he hadn\u2019t put his robes on, forgetting once again<\/em> that he was supposed to wear clothes almost at all times. He was only in his undergarments, which was well because an entire crowd of people was waiting for him.<\/p>\n

The half-Elf stopped as they all admired his abs.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa. Dude\u2019s ripped.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone muttered in the crowd. Trey thought it was George. Eldavin did not blush\u2014he just tapped his body.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cloth covered him in a second, attiring him like some scholar-adventurer. He still walked back into the room and came out a moment later in his robes. Then he looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems I have guests.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGrand Magus, I come from Archmage\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin raised a hand and the speaker was [Silenced]. He looked around\u2014the hallway was packed<\/em>\u2014and then strode off. The crowd followed.<\/p>\n

Trey knew exactly where Eldavin was going. So he took a shortcut, ran<\/em>, and beat the others to the banquet hall. Eldavin settled himself down at a table.<\/p>\n

The hall was still being fixed, but Golems were remarkably good at fixing up stuff good as new. So too with magic. He investigated the buffet, and food dishes levitated after him.<\/p>\n

Half a dozen people wanted to show him to a seat, or had one waiting for him. Eldavin regarded the crowd, motioned them all aside, and pointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYoung Troy<\/em>. And you. And you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed. Three people, including Troy came to sit at the table. The others found themselves excluded by ten feet or more, unable to hear or see what was being said within.<\/p>\n

Trey found himself sitting with Teura, Archmage Valeterisa, and Eldavin at the same table. He definitely felt like the odd one out. Eldavin politely raised his brow.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo neither of you have the desire to breakfast?\u201d<\/p>\n

Teura hesitated. She rose slowly, but Valeterisa did not. Trey already had his food.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not require food. I wished to talk with you, Grand Magus.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems many do. Quite a difference from yesterday, when I was unknown. But as I believe it was said, \u2018magic walks and talks the halls of Wistram\u2014\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014little else does.\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-Elf stopped. Valeterisa looked at him. She was scooted to the edge of her seat, and, Trey noticed, almost vibrating with excitement.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou recall the same expression. And you knew Archmage Zelkyr and Chandler.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre they speaking his name again already? How does Wistram\u2019s morality change.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin snorted, but he gave Valeterisa a second look. She shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have never stopped. Your spellcasting yesterday is the talk of Wistram.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it now. I will no doubt be fined and censured by the Council. Ah, well\u2026I understand the Academy now. And who to appreciate. Isn\u2019t that so, young man?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at Troy. The [Sand Mage] ducked his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Grand Magus.\u201d<\/p>\n

Valeterisa jumped in as Teura returned through the bubble.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour spellcasting, Grand Magus, was exemplary. No spell you cast or theorem of magic you applied was unknown. Each spell alteration was replicable by some [Mage]\u2014however you combined all elements in ways not thought of. Even emulating the school of physical magic postulated by Magus Grimalkin of Pallass!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had cause to meet him. And he did not postulate it. He rediscovered it, if anything. Contextualize it properly, Archmage.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eldavin waved a fork as he chewed and spoke. He patted his mouth with a napkin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am a highly-trained generalist practitioner, as befits my [Grand Mage] class. I do not consider myself overly<\/em> valued for my class\u2014but few [Grand Mages] exist, and it seems Wistram has\u2026overvalued some forms of magic over the time I have been gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Teura looked uncomfortable. Valeterisa just nodded and pushed up her spectacles.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is what I observed, Grand Magus. I would like to speak with you more on spell theorems and your recollections of lost magics to our current lexicons. I can provide you with compensation. I am also an Archmage and can probably waive the fines. Or pay for them myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

She added the Archmage bit like an afterthought. Eldavin didn\u2019t immediately reply. He just gave a slightly mysterious smile and tapped the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cI certainly have time for an Archmage, Magus Valeterisa. And it seems the other factions may wish to speak with me. Certainly, my request<\/em> to Archmage Feor is not being ignored?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at Teura. She gulped.<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly not, Grand Magus. And Archmage Feor would deeply appreciate a conversation in his personal quarters at your earliest convenience. He apologizes for the delay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNaturally, naturally. I will, of course, meet with him as soon as is germane.\u201d<\/p>\n

Teura\u2019s mouth opened, but Eldavin was enjoying himself. He looked around, and then focused on Troy.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems magic has changed a great deal since I last came to Wistram. And yet\u2014this is still the academy of [Mages]. I see talent, even if it can be honed.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gave Valeterisa, even Teura a slow nod. Then he looked at Trey again.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps\u2014and I do not know the status of the Council or all the new factions in Wistram as of yet\u2014but perhaps there is room for me to give some small lessons on magic. In exchange for appropriate compensation, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at Trey, then Valeterisa, and then Teura. And the Dragon smiled internally.<\/p>\n

This was it.<\/p>\n

Somewhere, the person who had sent the dangerous message was lurking in Wistram, or so he believed. Certainly children of Earth had come here. And the academy had changed. Perhaps it was inevitable.<\/p>\n

But he knew what it had been in glory and decay and corruption and greatness. So, the Dragon put his half-Elven foot upon the rudder and began to move it slightly. He looked up and saw watching [Mages], appraising, fearful, enraptured\u2014<\/p>\n

And the Golem, standing and looking at him. He nodded at her.<\/p>\n

Wait but a while longer, Ryoka Griffin. For I will surely return. But right now\u2026I am a [Mage] of Wistram. And magic needs my help.<\/em><\/p>\n

Only one thing really remained. Eldavin frowned.<\/p>\n

\u2026What was he going to call his faction?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After Chapter Thoughts: <\/strong>This was the first chapter voted for, and the last chapter this month. There\u2019s some kind of symbolism there, I tell you what.<\/p>\n

Obviously it\u2019s not the end. But I will be taking my one-week break after this, since I\u2019ve written a lot! Hope you like the start to Volume 8\u2026<\/p>\n

It was this or Niers, and Teriarch won, and it might be his was the \u2018happier\u2019 chapter. Or more rewarding at this stage. You\u2019ll be able to judge once I write a Niers-themed chapter whether this was the better option.<\/p>\n

For now? I\u2019m tired, I hope you enjoyed, and I\u2019ll put out the side story poll for February soon! But this is all from me for now. Thanks for reading, and I\u2019ll see you next month!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ceria, Pisces, Yvlon, Dark Souls Yvlon, and more by Zelanters!<\/strong><\/p>\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/Zelanters<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/zelanters.tumblr.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Bone <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Ceria <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Yvlon <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Yvlon <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Wandering Inn Logo by Dthorn!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wind Runner and an Erin-mod for Hades (not a real thing, sadly) by Miguel!<\/strong><\/p>\n

https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/cmarguel<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/cmarguel<\/a><\/p>\n

\"WindRunner <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"WindRunnerNewspaper <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"ErinHades <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"ErinHades2 <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"ErinHades3 <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(The author is on their monthly break until February 6th for Patreons, February 9th for Public readers!)   As the cargo ship approached Wistram Academy, it burst into the sun. It had been raining but a moment ago; now, the [Sailors] relaxed and cheered. They had arrived. And what a long voyage it had been! 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