Chapter 2

I hurry towards the Hall of Attainment. What are they screaming about this time? I open the door and the shrill whine of Anaril’s voice becomes clear “Why would anyone let a child join the college? She is far too young and shouldn’t be allowed to join until she is older!” That explains a lot. She must have found out Lynn’s age, and jealousy is rearing its ugly head. Anaril has been progressing slowly. It takes more than raw mana to become a mage.

Hodlin says “We have no age requirements. You know that.” I allow a slight smile, as I hear him acting as a peacemaker again. A fine student, he is making steady progress towards becoming a skilled enchanter.

I cross my hands behind my back as I walk into view. Little Lynn has her back pressed into a corner with Anaril glaring at her. Hodlin stands protectively in front of her squared off against Anaril. Baadar’s sullen glower from the foot of the bed, and a small birthday cake laying on the floor next to Lynn provide the rest of the story.

They all jump when the door booms shut behind me. “What is the problem here?”

“How can she be allowed in these prestigious halls?” Anaril demands, “She is only fourteen!”

“Her age doesn’t make a difference. The three rules that we require students to follow were explained to you when you joined. Which one has she broken?”

Catching the tone of my voice, Anaril says “None, Master Wizard Tia’tha.”, then she tries another tactic. “A youngster like her can’t properly understand the dangers. Surely she would be safer if you had her wait until she reaches her majority before allowing her to study magic.”

I reply, “She is in the same danger as the rest of you.”

“Now, let’s see what happened here.” I weave a spell, creating ghostly illusions of everyone, standing as they were half an hour ago. I animate the illusion, watching the events silently replay themselves.

Lynn is sitting on her bed, reading a book. Anaril is sitting on her bed, frustrated, attempting a spell. Baadar leans against the far wall, watching the room. Holdin is examining something, sitting at his desk.

As I watch, several of the illusions look toward the door. Ernand’s ghostly form walks into view carrying the small birthday cake. Lynn smiles at him when he walks up to her and places the cake on her desk. They exchange a few words, and she gives him a quick hug.

Anaril continues trying to cast the spell. Hodlin and Baadar watch the conversation. After a minute Hodlin comes over and gives Lynn a hug with a large grin on his face. Baadar just crosses his arms angrily and stays leaning against the wall.

Ernand waves goodbye and heads to the door, fading from view.

Baadar pushes off the wall, walking over to Anaril’s bed. He talks to her furiously, and her face slowly darkens. After a few more minutes of animated conversation they part, and Baadar walks back to the wall. In the illusion we can all see his smug face as he turns away from her.

As we watch Anaril’s illusion stalk to Lynns room, I turn to her. “You want to be a powerful mage? You want your enemies to fear you? Then learn this lesson well. Today you are simply a tool in someone else’s hand. Enemies do not fear tools, only those wielding it.”

“This was simple crude manipulation by another student with no more experience than you. What do you think will happen when you deal with true masters of the craft?” Anaril shocked face slowly turns into a thoughtful one. She watches the illusion of herself as it starts yelling at Lynn. She blushes as she sees herself knock the cake off the table. Then she turns to Lynn and bows.

“I am a fool, but I do learn. Please, accept my apologies. I’d love to take Hodlin and you to town, I owe both of you a debt. I’ll treat you two to dinner and a cake. We can listen to the bards play, and perhaps, even have a conversation that doesn’t feel like a battle.”

Lynn, shy as always, looks away and nods. Hodlin with his usual big grin grabs both in a bear hug. Amused, I shake my head, I head out looking for Ernand. He promised me updates, and judging by the book Lynn was reading, she has progressed much faster than I expected.