Dark clouds gathered on the horizon, with lighter clouds speeding closer. They brought a promise of rain soon to wash over the city. Two guards patrolled the outer walls of Castle Blackhill, facing the oncoming storm. Their section, between the two towers overlooking the side entrance of the castle, was a drawbridge covering a not too deep river, though it would flood during the heavy rain season. The river wound east, around the back of the castle creating a natural barrier between the castle and the city. The river then flowed west through the slums, before getting larger and flowing out towards the sea.
One of the guards stopped in the middle of the walkway and looked out over the castle wall, surveying the surrounding area. The guard then turned as he heard footsteps from inside the courtyard of the castle. Two young boys, both early teens in mock servant clothes, went hurtling towards a pair of rocks that leant out over the river. The guard nudged his mate with the butt of his spear and pointed out the boys. The two guards stood and watched as the two youths reached the rocks, the older teen leaping from the edge, flying into the air as he hurtled across the river, the other stopping just before he reached the bank, slipping on the wet grass and landing halfway down the bank. The youth who had jumped soared over the river, looking to make the other bank. He never made it. Instead, he crunched into the embankment and slipped down the damp grass towards the river, managing to stop himself just before his feet went in.
The guards laughed as both kids struggled up their respective sides of the river. One could be heard complaining that he was going to make it one day, he just needed more speed to carry him. The other claimed it was impossible; the river was just too wide. The guards moved on, into one of the towers as the two teens went back inside the castle. They’d had their fun, now they had to prepare. Tomorrow was Acceptance Day.
The two boys entered a lower level dormitory in one of the east wings of the castle. Part of their conditions of living there was that it must be well kept. They must also aid the servants on the floor, attend classes, and obey all orders of their seniors. There were no classes today, all servants on the floor had finished their rounds and all seniors had their orders to leave them alone.
That left the two teens to do nothing but keep their dormitory well kept. Well, them and the other four wards that lived there. Those children who had lost their parents, or were discovered to have latent magical abilities were taken in as wards of the King. Each year, on Acceptance Day, the wards that had turned thirteen would be brought before the trade masters and those who showed promise would be selected for one of the many trade schools that existed.
The four other teens were talking amongst themselves when the other two entered. “They failed again. I know it,” said Derrik, one of the largest and oldest teens, turning to face the doorway.
“I was closer this time,” said the teen that jumped.
“It is an impossible leap,” said Derrik, standing up from his bed.
“I’ll make it someday, just watch me.”
“You won’t have a chance, you’ll be picked for one of the schools Adrex,” Derrik said, “You won’t be coming back here.”
It was true; the main trade school was for those focussing on mage craft. The magi and magae that graduated tended to stay with their schools and learn new skills.
Adrex decided to change the topic, back to the groups favourite, their hopes for the future. “Have you decided what you would like to do?” He asked Derrik.
Derrik had once said he wanted to be a battle mage, like every kid who grew up listening to the old tales, with dreams of casting powerful spells against demons and rogues. He had been teased by some of the older wards, especially as he got older. He was selected into the ward because he had shown a small bit of magical potential when he was young, but as he grew it had not built with him. Recently he had changed his mind, thinking instead of becoming a battle master or knight, and he had certainly started to look like he could, tall and broad chested, but Adrex had seen him alone trying to practice the basic mage crafts when he thought he was alone.
The five other teens looked at Derrik, his shoulders drooped slightly, before he squared them and dramatically said “I will be a Knight and protect the Kingdom,” gesturing wildly in a heroic pose.
All five of them clapped and cheered. Then, Torrin, the other teen that tried the jump stood, shortest of the group he hated to be reminded about it but it made him useful for sneaking extra food from the kitchens, “I’m going to be a battle mage.” He said posing as if holding power in his hands.
Livia stood next; she was quieter than the rest of the group, however when she started she could talk for ages. Tall, slender framed with long dark raven hair and a kind smile. With a simple graceful motion of her hands she said “Probably a Defensive Magae.”
The others continued dramatically announcing their dream schools before it was Adrex’s turn. He stood and faced the group, crossed his arms, raised his chin looking like a triumphant victor and said, “Battle mage, of course.”
He was immediately thrown backward onto his bed by a pillow seemly flying out of nowhere and into his face. Everyone started laughing, as Adrex got himself back up and glanced around trying to determine who had hurled the pillow at him. He noticed one of the other wards with a mischievous grin, and launched the pillow back. His aim was off and he hit one of the girls standing near his target. Soon, pillows were being tossed all about the room, laughter echoing off the walls.
The merriment continued as they prepared their clothing for tomorrow, finished the last few chores and one by one made their way to bed. Adrex fell asleep dreaming about heroic battles and powerful spells.
