My jaw drops as he mentions his crimes, but I try to quickly regain my composure. "That is fascinatin' sir. I never thought of magic like that..."
I look to Ingjrd to see how she took the man's tale.
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"Why are there magics the school canno' teach... sir? An' if the school didn't teach you, where did you learn death magic? What would the school need assistance with that would require a death magician?" I rattle off questions with a child and gnome's curiosity.
Pivoting, I bow slightly. "... Jackobean van Rijn, sir. And this is my friend Ingjrd. We are new here. ...Are you a professor?" Mumbling, I nervously look to Ingjrd and back to Bravi.
"Oh... um... jus' seeing how your first day was going. I am sorry if I interrupted you. I will just go... see how Guili is doing..." Feeling blush rise to my own cheeks for embarrassing her, I turn around quickly clutching my book to find an empty spot in the room to sit by myself.
I will wave at Guili, whether he notices or not, and make my way towards Ingjrd to see what has her so focused.
Clutching my book to my chest, excitedly I look for Guili and Ingjrd, hoping to spend some time with my new acquaintances. My eyes glance over the dining hall, looking for them, or any new students that might make for good company and conversation.
Grinning, "He seems stern but fair, mum. Do you think it would be alright if I took your class too?"
Syllabus: DORLYN ACADEMY OF HIGHER LEARNING SYLLABUS The student of the Academy, being a learned person in the High Art of Magic, is expected to attend each class on time and apply himself fully to his studies. Each student, regardless of curriculum, must attend a certain number of required courses to graduate an receive certification from the Academy. Courses so required are marked with a star *. 1. Physical Training: Various exercises and activities to improve physical fitness, with an emphasis on dexterity training for manipulation of spell components. 2. Philosophy of Magic*: The study of logical methods of thinking with applications to practical problems of spell use. Exploration of metaphysics, theory of knowledge, and ethics. 3. Basic Astrology: The relationship of the stars, planets, and other heavenly bodies to magical processes. Topics include lunar phases, astral movement, and the influence of deities. 4. Spell Theory*: How spells function; spell interaction with physical laws. 5. Fundamentals of Meditation: Basic techniques for reaching higher levels of intellectual perception. Topics include transcendence, self-actualization, and dream analysis. 6. Language Instruction: Grammar, phonetics, and conversational idioms of human, humanoid, and demihuman languages. 7. History of Magic*: Overview of wizards and magic throughout the ages with an emphasis on historical breakthroughs in spell research. 8. Magic and Society*: The wizard as viewed from a cultural perspective. A survey of societal relationships and cross- cultural comparisons of wizards around the world(s). 9. Power Thinking: Emphasis on increasing the student's understanding of thinking as a process to increase the strength of his cognitive skills. Topics include creativity, memory, concentration, and problem solving. 10. Survey of Literature: An introduction to the study of magic literature, with an emphasis on analysis. A broad range of authors from a variety of cultures and historical periods are examined in detail. 11. Library Instruction: A survey of research techniques, including classification systems, spell indexing, basic reference books, and assembling a personal library. 12. Fundamentals of Spell Transcription: Topics include penmanship techniques, paper and ink selection, proper structure, revision, basic calligraphy, and proofreading. 13. Principles of Casting*: An introduction to basic casting techniques. Includes component theory, spell design, and safety procedures. Instruction for specific schools of magic are available for prospective specialists. 14. Spell Tutorial: An individualized course tailored to meet the needs of individual students. Students can concentrate on improving skills in specific schools of magic or explore techniques from all schools. 15. Spell Seminar: A discussion group addressing topics of special interest to students, with an emphasis on problem areas. Students are expected to conduct demonstrations for the group, with criticism periods to follow. 16. Spell Practicum: Addressing neophyte spells, the practicum provides students with the opportunity to practice their skills in both a laboratory setting and in the field. Emphasis is on creative application. 17. Formula Analysis*: Theory of spell formulas, emphasizing techniques applicable to original research. Topics include elementary spell functions, tabular and graphical presentation, variability, and metaphysical equations. Basic alchemical principles are covered in subsequent sessions of this course. 18. Laboratory Techniques: Practical application of the principles covered in Formula Analysis. Topics include herbalism, alchemical reactions, natural and unnatural metabolism, and basic scientific procedures. 19. Introduction to Magic*: Apprentice-level spell instruction. Includes casting techniques, practical applications, and general theory. Individualized instruction available.
I contemplate what courses to take, hoping I'll get to collaborate with Ingjrd and Guili and take a few of the required courses with them. Wading through the crowd, I make my way to Professor Krinia, beaming and opening my book. "Look, mum. I already 'ave me first spell penned into the book you gave me!"
Chuckling at Guili's display and marveling at the craftsmanship of the explosive, I pause to inquire Ingjrd of her classes before heading up to review mandatory and optional courses, plotting my term and taking Professor Froud's advice to heart. While waiting, I look to see if Headmaster Megestus is present or the divination professor Krinia, to thank her again for the tome.
I nod and smile, wondering what classes I should look into and what possible fantastical creatures and objects could aid in my understanding of magic. Lightheartedly I make my way back to the dining hall.
Prying the ring from my hand I place it back in his. "Thank ya sir." My mind still reeling from casting my first spell, I barely notice the motions of removing the ring and giving it back to its owner. Ensuring the ink is dry, I close my tome, and grinning get ready to make towards the dining hall to tell my friends about my experience. After a moment I pause and turn back towards my instructor, "What other classes should I take, sir?"
"Aye, sir! I'll give it me best shot!" Glancing over my newly scrawled notes, I once more practice the gestures with my hand. Certain that I have the pattern correct, I concentrate on the objects before me. My fingers begin to tingle as green energy takes shape from my thumb and forefingers, coagulating into a small viscous sphere. "Uvelucal!" I shoot forth the orb at one of the objects.
The acid seems to leap from my fingertips eagerly, hissing almost of its own accord.
Enamored by transcribing my spell, I am all but oblivious to the gathering students, eager to pen each stroke perfectly into my tome.
I open my tome to the first crisp blank page and begin to transcribe the sigils and gestures, practicing with my off-hand as I write with the other.
"I know so, sir." Placing the ring on my left index finger, I focus on the arcane sigils before me.
Thumbing through the pages, I inhale deeply, catching a whiff of something unusual besides the comforting aroma of lignin. "Did ya say somethin'?" Glancing up I realize there aren't any students near me. "I guess not." I continue to look over my book, admiring the wear and wondering what story each mark of age has to tell. Eagerly I look about, awaiting my first lessons in the magics of evocation.
As I head to the lawn I take my book from under my arm and run a thumb along its spine and pages, examining my tome.
I smile, determined to make the professor proud. "Yes sir!" With my book tucked under my arm, I make my way through the crowd to find either Guili or Ingrjd. "I've Evocation soon! I hope that you both will have fun in your classes an' we'll have to meet up later. Dinner?" After flagging either of them down, I will quickly make my way towards the eastern lawn.
Trying to stifle a chuckle, "Jackobean van Rijn, Professor. I am told that you will be teaching me what I need to know about forceful magics... an' I'm a boy."
My eyes widen as she hands me the book, feeling its weight in my hands. "It's perfect, mum. Name is Jacobean van Rijn, Miss Krinia, an' I'm leaning towards magics of raw force an' power. If you could help point me in the right direction it'd be much appreciated!" I smile hefting the weathered azure tome, running my thumb along the aged clasp.
I muster a quick "Mmmm-hmmm!" to Guili with a mouth full of food as I quickly jump up and rush to the line with the other anxious students.
I watch the floating crates with an unbridled eagerness, and am stunned by the elegance of Headmaster Megestus. I glance to Guili and Ingjrd to gauge their reactions, as I try to eat quickly, but not quick enough to give myself the hiccups, so I can approach the pulpit and be granted my first official spellbook. Turning to my comrades, my words bounce between Sheax and Gnome in my excitment. "Wasn't that amazing? The way he just Gnome: and the crates?! I wonder how to cast that announced himself Gnome: spell?! Breathtaking!" disc
"I will gladly sit with you. No gnome worth his nose is ignorant of alchemy, though I have not practiced anything other than helping me da stir the kettle a time or two." I try to help Guili fit through the door and make my way into the dining hall.
"Yes I am. I am very excited to see what is in store. Guili, Ingjrd, it is nice to meet you." Leaning closer to Guili and saying in a lowered tone, "Can either of you do any magic yet?"
"Well met, hungry ones! I am Jackobean! Are you both new students, or do you have a few classes under your feet already?" I greet them warmly, smiling and walking briskly to match their longer pace.
"Like a badger's growl." I pat my belly, give my room a once over, and head into the hallway making my way for whatever the Academy offers in ways of cafeteria or mess hall.
As I try to shake the memory from my mind, I speak the phrase in Gnomish as I wave my hand over my person. "Sö," and in doing so cast prestidigitation to clean myself. I dress, and try to overcome my nervousness as I prepare to embark upon my arcane journey.
Between short breaths as we run I try to calm her, "We... will... come back... as soon... as we... can!" Hand in hand I run through the crystal forest and hope the path hasn't changed as we make our way back towards the tunnel in the hedge.
I spare one long glance towards where Wilmus was before the goblin masses started pouring forth, hoping he will be alright, before taking off back towards the tunnel, reaching to grab the halfling's hand and pull her with me.
Glancing at Wilmus, the goblins, and then back up to the shadow, my courage returning. "I crawled through the hedge ta save my friend. Spare him, an' I will accept your offer. If what Mum says is true, you won't get a chance like this for a while." Chilled to the bone through my bedclothes, I stand up fully facing the horned shadow, trying not to show the fear I am feeling.
Frozen in place I look up at the massive shadowy form, knowing that running is not an option. I blink several times, before remembering why I came. "Pl.. please, big shadow. I am here for my friend. He needs me ta help him. The... the goblins took him past the hedges. I have ta take him back home." Weakly I bend down, trying to manage a polite bow.
I stand transfixed for a moment, bordering upon terror and disgust, yet curious that these goblin-imps speak my tongue. I look around trying to see a way to rescue Wilmus before the so-called Big Shadow arrives... if the gyrations of the "dancing" creature are any implication, something bad is about to happen. Also I worry about the talk of eating and other ones.
Stopping short, my breath caught silently in my chest, I gape at the creatures as tall as I am, and wrack my brain for any bedtime stories of these beasts.
While I think I try to steady myself, my head swimming with the bizarre sights and noxious smells bombarding me.
Standing up and dusting myself off, I peer around, and decide to follow the path quietly after the laughter, hoping to find Wilmus before something terrible happens.
I whisper, "Forgive me mum." As I crawl into the tunnel after Wilmus and the golden-orbed assailants.
As I rattle my brain, I bend down and crawl towards the opening in the hedgewall.
Shivering, I scamper off after the sounds of terror.
Slack-jawed, I stare into the night for a moment, trying to see what happened to Wilmus.
Nerve struck for a moment, I look about my room for anything that might aid me, before climbing down the window and scurrying after Wilmus and his captors.
I open the door as quietly as I can,
and whisper in Gnome, "Wilmus! Come inside an' hurry!" I lean out, trying to help the boy into my bedroom.
Lifting my nightcap, I climb down out of bed, my human night shirt almost touching my ankles. Cautiously I approach the window, peering out into the night.
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