Interlude ckmage


    It was the silliest of notions. A fanciful request. After all, by his calctions it was probablyte March in this world, early April at the verytest. If the months even lined up the same way as they did back at home. It was far too many months away from October, and there werent even any children around to begin with.


    But to ckmages greatest surprise, it turned out that the Mages of Wistram loved the idea. Within the hour, illusion spells were being cast across Wistram and the banquet hall turned into something right out of his dreams. Sugary treats were heaped up along with the daily banquet of food. No one objected. That was because [Mages] loved dressing up and having fun. If there was anything ckmage had learned so far, it was probably that. Oh, and how to shoot lightning from his fingers. He was particrly pleased about that, too.


    -


    His name was ckmage. Actually, it was Aaron Vanwell, but he hadnt been called by his real name since entering this world. Within the Academys walls he was referred to as ckmage and went by that as his name. But since most of the [Mages] found the name incredibly amusing, they often just said new student, Human, otherworlder, or you.


    However, Aaron would admit that every time Archmage Feor, one of the few most powerful spellcasters in the world called him ckmage, he grew slightly giddy inside. Now he watched as the aged half-Elf sat only a few feet away from him, his silvery-white beard practically glowing as he inspected the hat in front of him.


    It was a wizards hat. That was to say, it looked like what most people would imagine a wizards hat to be, rather than, say, any hat that happened to fall on a wizards head. ckmage had expected glowing stars or maybe a few glowing mystic words, but the [Illusionist] had sneered at such basic spells and enchanted the hat with a nimbus of light that shimmered like the aurora around the hat. To top it off, little flying dragons made out of magefire flew through the colored lights, roaring soundlessly.


    The half-Elf whod presented the Archmage with the hat clearly thought it was an abomination of design that should be burned, but the Archmageughed instead.


    Dressing up as [Witches]. How amusing.


    Archmage Feor chuckled at the quaintness of the idea. He inspected the pointed hat, smiling at the illusion magics. Then he ced it upon his head.


    As for [Wizards]well, I suppose the look suits the asion. Tell me young ckmage, is this custom of dressing up solely reserved for this holiday in your world? Halloween?


    Two pale blue and silver eyes peered at ckmage. The pupils were bright in a way that had nothing to do with the ambient light. ckmage felt a jolt as they met his. That was the real magic. Feors hat shone, but the half-Elf himself was timeless. And when he looked at you, you could feel the power in his nce. The young Human man, barely neen years old, stammered as he replied to the half-Elf who was easily twenty times older than he was.


    Thats uh, right, Archmage Feor. Well, sometimes people dress up for fun for other events. But the holiday onlyes once a year. But I thought it would be appropriate for the new students. Because its a celebration. And its like Hogwarts.


    Ah. The fictional magic school of your world.


    Feors eyebrows rose slightly. He looked down the banquet table at the other mages. The head table in Wistrams grand dining hall was reserved for the highest-level [Mages] in the academy. Well, it wasnt reserved, but any arrogant young [Mage] strolling up to the table probably would be subjected to some kind of hex to put them in their ce. It was rare to see more than ten bodies at the long table except for dinner, so ckmage, Feor, and the third half-Elf had plenty of space to sit.


    Not that ckmage felt quitefortable up here. He was aware of the staring from the other students and mages in the room, but Feors personal invitation meant that he could sit with the other elite mages, none of whom looked younger than forty. He saw half of them were also wearing hats or had spelled their already enchanted robes to look more grandiose for the asion.


    It is incredible to me that a ce of fiction can be known throughout your world. Almost as incredible as the notion that magic does not exist where youe from. I must wonder if our worlds are tied in some way. That both would have a center of magic, an academy where mages gatherif only as an idea in your worldspeaks to me of some kind of resonance. And certainly, this idea has quite enlivened the academy. Still, dressing up as wizards and witches


    Feorughed again. ckmage saw his pointed ears raise a bit and stared. He had to. Even after several months of staying in Wistram, seeing <em>Elves</em> or rather, half-Elves in the flesh was incredible. He shifted in his seat and coughed.


    Archmage Feor. May I ask a question?


    Of course.


    The half-Elf peered at ckmage and again, the young man had to try not to shiver with delight. There was something entirely too Gandalf-ish or perhaps, Dumbledore-esque about Feor. Not that ckmage thought of himself as having entered the world of Harry Potter. It was only his favorite book series and movie of all time. He was aware the world he was in wasnt like that. But still.


    Archmage Feor, I understand that a [Witch] is auh, weaker spellcaster in this world than most [Mage] sses, but what about [Wizard]? Why does Wistram have [Mages] rather than[Wizards]?


    The question made Feor smile, and earned ckmage a silent re from the female half-Elf [Mage] waiting patiently by the table. It was a stupid question he was sure, but Feor only pondered a moment before replying.


    A [Mage] or [Magus] ismonly understood to be a general practitioner of magic. By contrast, Wistram does have a few [Wizards]. They would be considered more schrly and wield magics in the form of prepared spells or items. It would be easiest to understand them as [Mages] who rely on wands, whereas a [Mage] may choose to use an artifact or not as the situation demands. One is a general ss, the other is specific, even cumbersome to obtain. Does that make sense?


    It does. Thank you.


    Very good. It would make sense for an academy of magic to boast a higher percentage of [Wizards]. As for [Witches], well, we have had a number of them in our halls from time to time, but they generally keep to their covens. Their magic is more specializeda blend of alchemy and spellcraft. I do not mean to impugn their abilities, but they are considered weaker in purely magical terms to a [Mage] of the same level. Now, I believe this hat will suffice, and a small demonstration would not go amiss. I shall consider the appropriate spell. The first ships should have already arrived in the harborwhy dont you inspect the new arrivals as they enter the hall? Teura shall escort you.


    Feor nodded to the half-Elf woman and she inclined her head. ckmage stood up hurriedly. Hed hardly eaten his poached egg, but a flick of Feors fingers sent both his te and the Archmages floating over to a cartden with used dishes. It turned out no house elves or disappearing tes in Wistram, much to ckmages disappointment. Not that he wasparing the two ces! Not at all.


    This way, please.


    Teura beckoned and ckmage stood. He followed her away from the table, out of the dining hall, and into one of the many corridors of Wistram. Dark stone and bright windows reced the lit dining hall and ckmage had to hurry to pass before a giant figure carved of stone. The Golem waited as students passed in front of it, its hands gripping one of theden carts. The Golems face was crude and it looked weathered from years, centuries of service. But it moved with a steady, unwavering pace as it followed ckmage and Teura into the academy.


    This was Wistram. ckmages heart beat faster every time he passed by a gossiping group of Lizardgirls holding wands and spellbooks, or saw a ghostly pale Selphid wearing magical robes flicking colored sparks of magic up into the air. Everywhere he walked, every time he turned his head he saw magic.


    To say he was enthralled would be an understatement. Sometimes ckmage wanted to run about screaming. He was here! In a magical world. When hed been ten, hed dreamed of magic, and hed counted the days until his birthday. When hed been eleven hed been crushed. Now, eight yearster it felt like he was a kid again.


    Of course, it wasnt all fun and games. ckmage knew that. In fact, after the jubtion of seeing Archmage Feor wearing a magic hat had faded he stared at the half-Elf he was following with some degree of annoyance and chagrin. She too was a half-Elf and like Feor, she radiated magical power. Unlike Feor, ckmage would have given anything to not be around her.


    His trailing footsteps meant that Teura was moving faster than he was. ckmage hoped she might turn a corridor and lose him, but she seemed to notice and stopped. She turned her head and he instantly quickened his pace.


    Teura was a half-Elf. She had bright red hair, sable eyes, and the kind of effortless grace that made ckmage flush and stumble every time he focused on her. So he stared past her instead. The half-Elf clicked her tongue softly as he caught up.


    Archmage Feor used to teach one of the highest-level magic courses for students in their eighth year. He still has quite a number of apprentices and fellow mages whom he advises. His private instruction is something you should be honored to receive.


    I am, uh, Mage Teura.


    That is most wise. Please try to keep up. And as I have informed you, please do not openly identify any of the new students. Speak to me in private once the banquet has begun.


    I will.


    She nodded and strode off. ckmage stared at her back. Identify them? And how was he supposed to do that? Humans looked the same in both worlds! Okay, the ones here sometimes had identifying elements like actual swords at their waists, but it wasnt as if he could make sure of anything! He stomped after Teura, noting how the students and some of the mages got out of her way.


    She was one of the better mages of Wistram, as ckmage understood it. He didnt know her levelthat was a secret, and the mages of Wistram guarded their secrets as fiercely as a Dragon guarded their treasure. But Teura, like Feor, stood at the higher end of badass. She was senior to many [Mages], having lived in Wistram for over <em>six decades</em>. Too, she was part of Archmage Feors personal faction. As was ckmage himself.


    Factions and power and politics. Again, sort of like Hogwarts. But not. ckmage resolved to stop making theparison soon. The first month hed been here hed annoyed everyone in earshot mentioning Harry Potter references, and they hadnt even understood what hed been talking about.


    How would he exin it to the others? ckmage tried to figure it out as he walked. Wistram waswell, it was an academy located on an isle in the middle of the sea. Literally in the middle of the sea. The bubble surrounding Wistram kept it from being besieged by waves, but sail just a bit away from the academy and you could find yourself in the middle of a storm. But Wistram was a safe haven. The citadel sat on an ind,rge from the outside, but enormous once you passed through the metal doors.


    Because Wistram was magical. Within its halls you could run for hours and still not reach from one side of the academy to the other. If there was even a straight line in Wistram. So many mages had built and added onto the academy over the thousands of years that it had stood that it contained more secrets and hidden spaces than anyone could guess at. And it was knowledge of those secrets that defined Wistram. Mages traded in secrets like coin, and they fought with each other to gain more influence, power, and above all, magical knowledge.


    There were factions in Wistram. Almost any powerful mage would be in one of the major factions that controlled Wistrams Council, or allied to one of the big yers. Feor was part of a faction in Wistram, the Centrists, but he also had his personal group of half-Elf mages whom he trusted implicitly. Teura was one of his best [Mages] so she watched ckmage like a hawk.


    That would be the downside of it all. ckmage stared at another Golem he passed in the hallway. This one was sand. Living sand. Its body shifted constantly as it walked, bearing a load of mana crystals which all shone different colors. ckmage would have loved to follow it and stare, perhaps ask about how it had been made, what it could do. But he had to follow Teura. Because he was a prisoner. Of sorts.


    ckmage wasnt an idiot. Okay, [batman] had called him an idiot, but shed sounded really paranoid when they talked. Even if she was right about some things.


    It had been months since the day when ckmage had appeared out of nowhere in the room with the Golems. He remembered walking to the door of his college dorm to get a pizza and opening it


    <em>Before finding himself standing in a room with three Golems. They rose as Aaron stared. One was a being of fire, a creature of burning magma formed into humanoid form. The second was a giant metal knight, armed with a sword that was twice as tall as he was. It couldnt be real. </em>


    <em>Aarons gaze turned to the third, a tall, thin creation of metal that looked like it had stepped out of some kind of sci-fi movie. It was too thin, insanely </em>tall!<em> Three giant creations stared at him across the room. The fourth bounded towards him, a creature of stitched flesh and shadows. It rotted as it bared its teeth, its jaws opening wide, </em>wide


    Hed screamed then, and fainted. When hed woken up hed found himself staring into a white, porcin face. Shed called herself Cognita. She had demanded to know how hede here. After many exnations shed summoned four people who called themselves Archmages. They had debated, cast magic on ckmage, and then epted his words as truth. Thus, he had entered Wistram. He had not left since.


    A Human from another world. ckmage understood the significance, especially after he had managed to actually tinker with his phone and get it to actually call the other iPhones in this world. Over eighty [Mages] had linked to perform the spell that he and Feor had worked for two weeks on.


    ckmage could still remember the sweat on his hands as he typed responses and the [Mages] of Wistram debated every line that had appeared in the air. He remembered the shock as they read the King of Destructions deration, realized that someone was spying on the chat. Funny, hedughed as he read [twinTrouble_53]s messages. Now he realized the significance.


    He had not left Wistram. For his protection. Teura was there every time ckmage turned his head, or another one of the half-Elves that Feor trusted. Again, for his protection. The mages of Wistram let him take sses, learn magic, and theyd given him his own personal rooms, spellbooks, and a wand! But they were determined not to let go of him.


    One example of the danger he was inmight be inwas ckmages name. He hadnt asked to call himself ckmage. But as soon as it was discovered that someone was scrying others by their real names, Feor had informed Aaron never to use his real name in Wistrams halls. Wistram guarded its own, but an individual could be bought, and a true name could be used for more spells than just scrying.


    Sometimes ckmage stayed up at night thinking about that. But mainly he tried to live in the positive side of things. Magic was incredible. He was learning <em>spells</em>hed already reached Level 18 in [Mage], which was incredibly fast! He would have been content to stay in Wistram his entire life, especially if he could find more people from Earth. Just without Teura ring at him, thanks.


    They were nearly at the entrance hall when ckmage carefully spoke.


    Do you really think there will be any people frommy ce will be with the new students?


    Perhaps. That is what Archmage Feor wishes to know. The first group of students has already disembarked. You will inspect them as they pass. Thesedecorations and the dressing up is meant to aid in that inspection, is it not?


    Teura had a witchs hat on her head and she looked good in it. Also peeved. ckmage nodded quickly.


    Oh, totally. But uh, arent the odds really low of anyoneing to Wistram? I mean, I know were looking for people from Earth


    He broke off as he remembered not to mention Earth in public. Teura frowned at him. ckmage blushed.


    I mean, people I know. But Wistram is hard to get to, right? People have to pay lots of money to get in. Couldnt you waive the fee or something?


    The half-Elf sniffed.


    And let a horde into Wistrams halls? That is a Revivalist notion. I will admit, the Council deliberated on that idea to attract those like you. But the change in policy would have been too drastic. We are simply relying on those you contacted to make their way here.


    Yeah. Okay. I guess that might work.


    Indeed. As for the others scattered across the world, the Council is preparing to send teams of [Mages] to each continent.


    I wish theyd hurry up.


    The Council does not move without due deliberation. Now, we are nearly at the hall. Stay behind me and keep si


    Teura walked forwards and froze. She looked up and nodded slowly.


    Cognita.


    Mage Teura. And student ckmage. Greetings.


    Someone stood in the entrance hall. Not a person. A Golem. A towering woman carved out of stone turned, her dress rippling. She was eight feet tall, a giant. She inclined her head as Teura walked carefully past her.


    Hello, Cognita.


    ckmage grinned up at her. Cognita was a Golem, the leader of the Golems of Wistram, the mages silent, tireless workforce. She alone could think. She was a Truestone Construct, an adjudicator of Wistramsws and beholden to no one. Not even the Archmages. He enjoyed seeing Teura get nervous around Cognita. Then he remembered <em>why </em>she was nervous and got a bit nervous himself.


    Cognita guarded the upper floors. To pass into the higher levels of Wistram, one would have to defeat her and the other four Golem guardians that Archmage Zelkyr had ced there as a test. To ckmages knowledge, no [Mage] had ever attempted the test and survived. Still, Cognita was unfailingly polite and helpful in all other capacities, so ckmage edged over to her as Teura stood several paces away and watched the doors.


    Hey Cognita, everyone in the banquet hall is dressed up. Even Archmage Feor. I was wondering if you would


    No.


    The Golem woman turned her head and stared at ckmage with a neutral expression. She had been carved so perfectly that she looked like she really was a living person, albeit eight foot tall and made of stone. Her mouth moved and her eyes blinked, the stone moving like flesh. ckmage hesitated.


    Please?


    I will not. My role as steward, protector, and guide of Wistram will not bepromised by your desires.


    Oh.


    It was fairly hard to argue with that, so ckmage stood and waited. He did not have to wait long. Within minutes of arriving in the entrance hall, he saw the double doors slowly open. He heard a loud voice.


    New students, wee to Wistram!


    A Lizardman strode through the doors. ckmage recognized him instantly. Cessic, his rainbow scales polished and the red frill at his neck bright, stepped into Wistram. He had a hat on his head and a wand in one of his wed hands. He grinned at ckmage and turned. Behind him streamed in students.


    They hade by ship, through the stormy waters, from every continent. From Rhir, Baleros, Izril, Chandrar, and Terandria, they had paid or been given schrships for outstanding magical ability and been sent here to learn magic. ckmage saw young Human faces, a pale Drake with blue scales staring around wildly, a pair of Selphids wearing the bodies of twinsfresh students.


    Wistram admitted new students at regr times each year and this spring crowd was the first ckmage had ever seen. He grinned in delight as they filed in, eximing at the mage lights hung in the air, the staircases high above where [Mages] walked, the Golem made of rusted iron who passed by


    Pay attention.


    Teuras voice made ckmage stiffen. He realized he had been caught up and guiltily started inspecting all of the Humans by face. They werent a majority in the crowd, but they were thergest minority. Humans were one of the most prolific races on this world, although it looked like this crowd hade mainly from Baleros. Unfortunately, ckmage couldnt tell if they were from Earth. They were all staring around wide-eyed.


    Everyone jumped when Cognita moved. She had been standing so still she had literally been a statue. Now she strode forwards. Cessic gulped and moved out of the way as Cognita stood before the first crowd of arrivals.


    Oh yeah. Um, everyone, this is Cognitashesuh


    He was cut off as the Truestone Construct spoke. Cognitas voice echoed as she spoke loud enough for even the students still climbing Wistrams steps to hear. The new students stared up at her, some afraid, many simply wondering.


    I am Cognita. I am a Carved Golem, or rather, a Truestone Construct designed to oversee Wistram and its mages. I and my kindred maintain and preserve this building and will assist you for the duration of your stay. In a few moments you will be led to your rooms, but before that I must tell you of the rules of Wistram.


    She stared down at each person in turn, her emerald eyes serious.


    Firstly. You must never venture into the high parts of the castle or the lower reaches unapanied and even then, only with great cause. Dangers lurk within Wistram, ancient magics and spells and creatures called here and never destroyed. Too, the very enchantments keeping this citadel intact sometimes fray. Only a mage with true power is allowed into such ces. Second. Some of the Golems here were made as I am, but mostck any form of intelligence and simply obey orders. Do not attack or obstruct them in any way or they may react unpredictably. Third. Anyone attempting to cast area-wide magics must first consult with I or an experienced mage. Unpredictable results may ur if a spell affects a wide area of the academy at once. Is that understood?


    No one spoke. ckmage saw Cognita pause. She stared down at the students and then nodded.


    That is all. Follow me, and I will lead you to your rooms and give you your keys.


    It was the same speech she gave every year. Shed given ckmage the identical speech, word for word. Cognita strode off and Cessic jumped. Remembering his job he called out.


    First years, this way!


    He winked at ckmage and the young man grinned in delight. Hed said the thing. He heard Teura sigh as the students hurried after both Golem and Lizardman.


    Did you sense anything from the Humans present?


    The slight hope in her voice was dashed by ckmages denial. Teura shook her head.


    Very well. You will have ample opportunities to study the other students in time. You will be ced into the first-year sses when they begin.


    What? But Ive been studying from Feor for months!


    Teura looked reproving.


    <em>Archmage</em> Feors instruction has indeed given you far more levels than any typical first-year student should hope for. But the fundamentals of magic theory require years of study. And Archmage Feor does not have the time to personally tutor you.


    But


    Toote. Teura was already striding back to the banquet hall. ckmage stared darkly at her back. So, he was losing his usefulness if they were going to make him a regr student. That was fine. The less attention on him the better. He had a n of his own tonight. After a moment he followed Teura into the hallway.


    -


    The first banquet was wondrous. Archmage Feor was as good as his word and conjured a giant, spectral Dragon to fly across the banquet hall and awe the first-year students. The other mages were dressed up more than usual, and the stunned arrivals found themselves eating and gaping at the magicked banquet at the same time.


    This was a good idea. Dazzling the new students takes little effort and it befits Wistrams reputation. I cannot believe we were so casual in years prior to this. A little custom and ceremony should be part of our traditions.


    Indeed. Appearances must be kept up. To that end, Ive put a motion forwards to tinker with these ah, <em>movies</em> that the academys producing.


    Oh? Do tell.


    I quite insist on adding a mandatory opening to each one. Something that mentions Wistram. This production a courtesy brought to you by Wistram Academy or some such. What do you think?


    I like the notion. Not the wording.


    Well, what would you write? This <em>is</em> only a motion.


    Of course, of course. Pass the buttered bread, will you?


    ckmage saw a basket of bread float past his head. He watched it go to the mages as they talked at the high table. He was sitting a ways down from them, near Archmage Feor and a group of very senior [Mages]. He felt out of ce. But Feor had insisted he be present and with good reason. The talk between Wistrams elite magesthose who sat on the Council or were otherwise in the know enough to know who ckmage wasturned instantly from the first years to the various subjects of debate that they always had when ckmage was present.


    These movies. Agh. What a word. I quite like the idea, though. Weve always had moving images, but mass-producing them and <em>selling</em> the recollections? A splendid notion! If only it were as simple as enchanting a bunch of crystals.


    A Drake sitting across from ckmage spoke, waving a fork filled with some kind of meatball. The Human next to him nodded and floated over a tureen of soup. ckmage wished he could do that.


    Production will be extremely limited. However, disying the siege of Liscor was well worth the effort. Weve already seen interest from countless [Merchants]even some of the nobility who might invest in this venture. I agree with the idea of creating ah, <em>movie</em><em>theatres</em> to view such entertainments in, though. They are apparently quite popr where youe from, young ckmage?


    She smiled at ckmage as a grandmother would to a child. He nodded nervously as every eye turned to him.


    Thats right. Movies are uh, a household staple. Where Ie from. People who make moviesproducers, we call themare very rich. Very rich. They make billions of dgold coins each year.


    Ah.


    The sigh that rippled around the table was long and satisfied. ckmage bit his tongue. It was hard to speak in code with the other mages. They seemed perfectly at ease. Feor smiled at ckmage and he remembered the injunction not to talk about certain things. Even among Wistrams Council, there were things ckmage had only told the Archmages.


    A profitable enterprise indeed. As was the idea of creating an interconnectedmunicationwork across the world. Of course we have Mages Guilds, but they are not affiliated with Wistram by andrge. A centralwork produced by the academy would benefit Wistrams interests greatly.


    A Duhan nodded, adjusting her head as she fed herself some corn.


    As would a number of other innovations. I am still seeking a number of [Alchemists] to procure a supply of ingredients for our workshops. As for electricity, we have any number of mages, but the [Engineers] and [Alchemists] Ive spoken to have no idea how to produce what I seek based on vague descriptions. I wonder, ckmage, if you might have time to do some sketching? Or perhaps some unobtrusive mental divination so we might have a clearer idea of how to produce a few of the moreinteresting concepts you have presented the Council.


    She peered over her te at ckmage and he felt a jolt. Feors smile cut off any response he might have made.


    All in good time, Mage Gelia. Mind magic is by its nature somewhat intrusive. Let us first focus our attention on what is easily producible.


    As you like, Archmage Feor. But I have detected a number of inquiries in the same vein. Those asking about ck powder. A suspicious run on high-quality steel. And I believe my inquiries were also traced back to Wistram.


    All the [Mages] nced at each other. ckmage held still. There were more Humans out there. And someone else might have had the same idea. He had no idea how gunpowder was madeor electricity. He had an [Engineer] ss, but it was only because hed painstakingly taken apart his watch and iPhone, relying on Feors [Repair] spell to put it back together. Actually generating an electrical currenthe wished hed read a textbook.


    Technology was a prized possession in this world, even for the powerful mages of Wistram. True, they could do almost everything he could. Record sounds? They could use a spell. Take a picture? Spell. But the fact that ckmage could do with ease what a [Mage] had to study for years to achieve was telling. ckmage wished he could duplicate his iPhone somehow, but no [cksmith] could replicate the fine metalwork.


    And Feor had told him that the [Repair] spell could mend, but not recreate. Creating new material, new, <em>permanent</em> material like duplicatingponents of ckmages phone or watch? That was high magic even he didnt have ess too.


    Well, we shall just have to take advantage of what we do know. Movies for instance. I would quite like to see one showcasing Wistrams splendors. Perhaps withmentary from a few select [Mages]?


    Like yourself, Foulton? Hah!


    If you have aint


    Forget movies for a moment. Im more intrigued with all of these little cultural advancements. You know, Ive had a craftsman working on a deck of cards. It should arrive with the next shipment from Izril. I would like to invite you all to a small session. Perhaps with wagering?


    ckmage saw a few mages look up at that. He hadnt just told the mages about technology. Things like card games and even chess had been of great interest to them. Especially since chess already existed in this world. Feor had asked <em>many</em> questions about that.


    Gambling already, Wiat? I should have known a Libertarian would throw his money around carelessly. Just so long as your lot doesnt want to waste Wistrams resources, you can enjoy such trivial pursuits.


    One of the Drakes leaned forwards and smirked at the Human [Mage] whod been offering the card game. The mood at the high table soured. ckmage groaned as he anticipated what was going toe.


    Of course a Preservationist would lecture me about coin. Still saving copper coins, Failess? Or are your coffers not deep enough to afford enough spellbooks for your newest members?


    The Drake flushed and made a fist. Sparks spat out of his mouth as the mages sitting between the two leaned back.


    The very notion of spending recklessly is the exact reason why you Libertarians keep trying to drag us into continental affairs! You have to keep running back to those with deeper pockets to finance your spending! Whereas a proper, budgeted system


    Hah! Youd have us cut everything that attracts prospective students to Wistram! Food, suppliesthis is what makes the academy thrive!


    Failess growled.


    And I should blindly vote to take loans to finance projects like these fanciful movies? Ridiculous! Spend what we have, dont overspend!


    A loan pays for itself. Moreover, debt is not something that need concern the academy. Any lender knows that what they give will be repaid with interest. It is not a debt, in fact. It is an <em>investment</em>


    Hah! Dont mince words. How can any nation, any institution survive permanent debt? The very idea of being beholden to a band of [Merchants] is surely ridiculous.


    Not ording to our young guest. ckmage, pray tell us what you spoke about when we talked about ah, the economy of debt.


    ckmage gulped. Wiat of the Libertarian faction gestured at him and again the [Mages] stared. He hated this. The Drake known as Failess looked at him.


    Nations from your homnd truly endure crippling debt, Human?


    Wellyes. Its sort of how we operate. I mean, we try to bnce the budgets, but we always spend more than we have.


    How could that be viable? The instant someone called in their debts


    They dont. They get interest each year. I think. And my nation keeps repaying debt and getting more, I think. They spend more money than they have to thrive.


    Spend to thrive. You see Failess?


    The Human Libertarian grinned at the Drake Preservationist. Failess scowled and replied sharply, but some of the other [Mages] were looking thoughtful. ckmage sat back, sweating, afraid to even touch his food.


    He didnt think hed exined the way America managed its debt well. The problem was that the [Mages] wanted to know <em>everything</em> about his world and that ckmage, in a very real sense, knew very little about the underlying economic, cultural, and other structures of Earth. He told them what they could and they used it in their debates. Archmage Feor smiled at ckmage as the conversation turned into a hot argument about Wistrams spending budget.


    Teura tells me you did not spot any familiar faces in todays arrivals, ckmage. Perhaps tomorrow will be different? It would be reassuring to see morepanions, I am sure.


    Yes, Archmage Feor. I ah, well, Ill do my best to mingle. Actually, Im a bit full, so I might go and talk with the other students.


    Of course. I imagine its hardly entertaining to listen to politics. Please, enjoy yourself.


    Archmage Feor watched as ckmage excused himself. He looked to one side and Teura rose silently. The other [Mages] watched ckmage go. When he was making his way down the dining hall, they spoke amongst themselves.


    I wonder how aware he is of his position.


    The Humans young. Young, even for his age. Nave, I think. Feor has him on a tight leash.


    Let him. The Humans of no interest to us. Whatever Feor learns well learn in turn. The real trick will be if the search teams find anyone else. But filling the roster with our side will be next to impossible.


    Itll have to be a bnced team. Maybe even one [Mage] from each faction. Dead gods, imagine how well have to exin it to the mages not in the know. The point is to get them here. And then


    -


    ckmage wandered down the banquet hall, disconste. [batman] was right. Batman was always right,e to think of it. He was a pawn. There was danger in Wistram. There was danger everywhere, which is why ckmage was still trying to find as many people from Earth as possible and bring them to the academy, but within these walls he had very little power. Feors faction had him and ckmages only bargaining chips, his knowledge of Earth, were mostly exhausted. If he wanted influence, if he wanted <em>freedom</em>


    Secrets ran Wistram. Secrets were a currency here. If you had a big secret, you could trade it. Cash it in with secret brokers, or use it. ckmage knew that some secrets were worth thousands of gold coins. His secret, the secret of why he was at the head table was probably worth that much. He knew the students and mages were burning with curiosity about him, so he fanned the mes as he walked down the banquet hall.


    Mage Rievan, Ill be one of the students in your ss next week. Ill be studying with the first-years. I hear great things about your uh, teaching methods.


    ckmage introduced himself to a group of Humans sitting at one of the tables. The [Mage] hed addressed, a gaunt fellow who was always looking down his nose at people, looked startled.


    You are? That is to say, I look forwards to it. May I ask where youe from?


    Oh, I uh


    ckmage hesitated just long enough for Teura to step in. The half-Elf quickly nudged ckmage backwards and not-so-subtly nodded her head. ckmage moved back, mouthing an apology and Teura turned. The smile she gave Rievan was entirely fake.


    <em>ckmages</em> identity is a somewhat touchy issue, Mage Rievan. Please understand that he is to be treated as any other student.


    ckis that his name? Mage Teura, Ive seen that young man sitting with Archmage Feor. I understand the need for privacy, but I think that if I am to teach him properly, I should


    Rievan stood up somewhat pompously. He and the other Libertarians did not agree with Archmage Feors factionor non-Humans if it came to that. But he paused as Teura stared at him.


    He is a student. His name is ckmage. That is all you need to know, Mage Rievan. I would suggest that a mage of your caliber not ask any more questions. Or he mightnd himself in undue trouble.


    The Human man froze. Teura looked at him, and then at hispanions, all of whom suddenly found themselves ravenously hungry. He turned and he sat. The other Libertarians stared at Teuras back in frustration, but they dared not ask their leaders at the high table for help. They were out of the know. Teura turned, searching for ckmage. By that time of course, it was already toote.


    -


    The instant Teura had been upied with Rievan, ckmage had turned and swiftly walked for another table near the back of the great hall. Unlike the tables with formal seating, there were groups of more casual spots for those students whose body types did not easily squeeze into chairs. A ring of couches and plush stools sat around one table he walked towards.


    Some centaurs were sitting at a table to the left, but the one he was moving towards was upied by a pair of students. A Human woman talking with a Duhan. The Duhan had dark metal armor and her head was sitting on the table, alternately talking and munching on food. Both [Mages] looked up as ckmage approached, a smile on his face.


    Hi there. Mind if I sit?


    Yes.


    Beatrice looked up tly and Montressa du Valeros, also known as Mons to her friends, looked up as the young man approached. Neither one was happy to see him. Interested males of any species were not whom Montressa wanted to share her table with. She saw the young man, younger than she was by a few years, hesitate.


    Uh


    This table is upied. By us. Get lost.


    Beatrice was a Duhan. Her dark, polished metal arms turned her head so she could re at the young [Mage]. She was not hospitable to begin with and especially not at dinner. Montressa saw the young man gulp.


    Its just that I was actually hoping to do <em>business.</em>


    Oh dead gods. Montressa tried not to roll her eyes. He had to be a first-year, fresh off the boats. Only a first year would be so tant about wanting to sell or buy secrets. She was about to advise him to get lost and try Beatrice at another time or get cklisted when she took a second look at his face.


    Wait a second. Beatrice. Thats him.


    Beatrice paused. She looked like shed been about to draw a Rune of Pain on her napkin and throw it at the young mans face. But as she frowned at the young man she recognized him as well. The strange young man whod appeared in Wistram. The one calledMontressa tried not toughckmage.


    Ah.


    The Duhan nced around. So did Montressa. Then they moved over.


    Alright, sit. And keep your head down.


    ckmage sank into one of the padded benches next to Montressa. He seemed nervous as Beatrice put her head on her shoulders and secured it in ce. He didnt look like he was used to seeing Duhans. Montressa filed that information away. She inspected him from head to toe. So this was the strange neer who was attracting so much attention. Rumor had it that he was taking lessons from Archmage Feor. <em>Personally.</em> She didnt see what made him so attractive. Her sense of him as a [Mage] put him at Level 20. At best.


    So what do you wantckmage?


    Beatrice stared at the young man. He jumped.


    You know who I am?


    The Duhan woman rolled her eyes impatiently.


    Im a secret broker. Of course I know. Little rats know who you are. Speak.


    ckmage hesitated.


    Alright. I know you buy and sell secrets. And uh, get things for people. You also do services, is that right?


    I make connections.


    Beatrices eyes narrowed. Montressa winced. Her friends patience was getting dangerously thin. Beatrice had never managed to acquire even a shred of Calvarons easygoing air, for all she had inherited hiswork of connections after he hadpassed. That people still came to her was because she had a lot of influence, not because she was easy to work with.


    Perhaps ckmage realized he was stretching her patience, because he went on quickly. He kept looking around. Montressa rolled her eyes again as she cast several ward spells to hide their conversation.


    The thing is, I have a secret to sell. And I need something done. Theres this half-Elf who follows me around all the time.


    Mage Teura. Part of the Centrist faction. Feors group. Say things outright or you can go.


    Uh.


    Montressa couldnt take it any longer. She leaned forwards and saw the young man lean back. He stared at her. Montressa had grown since the first days shed stepped onto Wistrams shores. She was no longer an apprentice looking around with wide eyes but a full student of Wistram, on the verge of being recognized as a [Mage]. Beatrice had long since passed her final test and was now an official mage of Wistram, a [Runeshaper] and one of the secret brokers of the academy.


    What do you want, kid? You want her to stop following you? An ident? If thats your goal you might as well give up. No secret broker will cross Archmage Feors faction whatever youre offering.


    What if I said I wanted her distracted fortwenty minutes?


    Hmm. That would cost you.


    Beatrices eyes narrowed. She looked around. Now Montressa saw the half-Elf in question. She swore.


    Weve got less than a minute before she spots which ward spell were behind. Make it fast, Beatrice.


    She began muttering more ward spells, although she didnt have high hopes of hiding from a mage as experienced as Teura. Still, Montressa had been helping Beatrice out for years now and she knew her way around disguise and ward spells. ckmage leaned forwards, whispering fast.


    Say thats what I want. Can you do it? Tonight? Give me a window to slip away and prevent anyone else from following?


    The Duhan traced a rune on the desk.


    I can do that. The question is how much you have to offer.


    How about a secret?


    It would have to be a truly massive secret. Doubt you have that. But give it to me and Ill tell you what youve got.


    Montressa saw ckmage hesitate. He reached into a pocket and pulled something out. A piece of paper? She nearlyughed. Any [Mage] could read what was on there! If they wanted to look. But she went still as she saw Beatrice unfold the paper. The Duhan stared at what was written and then blinked. Twice.


    Huh. That would do it.


    Are you serious, Beatrice?


    The Duhan looked up. She immediately set fire to the paper and nodded at Montressa.


    Hes good for it.


    Dead gods.


    Montressa blinked at ckmage who was looking slightly smug. What kind of secret had Beatrice read? The Duhan nced around.


    Teuras on to us. Human, you want this done now?


    As fast as you can. Is it possible?


    Give me five minutes. When Montressa finds you, go.


    Beatrice stood up. Montressa got up casually, dispelling the magics around her. She could see Teura heading towards them. She left ckmage behind, hoping he wouldnt be obvious about what hed been doing. Then again, it didnt matter. They had a contract.


    He really gave you a secret worthy of that, Beatrice?


    And then some. Ill get a distraction ready. Can you help?


    Point to whomever you want. What if hes lying?


    Then hes cklisted. But the secretI dont think so. How could he know?


    Both older Wistram students looked back at ckmage. He was wandering around the banquet hall, doing his very best not to look their way. Montressa grimaced. Teura was following ckmage closely, but she kept ncing suspiciously back at the two of them.


    She knows he talked to us. Bet she knows were secret brokers too. Lets move fast.


    Agreed.


    The two split up. Montressa and Beatrice walked around the great hall. The new students were gossiping at their tables, talking loudly while some of the older students went over to talk or introduce themselves. Montressa slid past a table of wide-eyed Selphids and found a group of older students, all in their seventh years. They looked up as she approached.


    Hey. Beatrice wants a favor.


    Really? Whats she offering?


    Anything you want. The mission is Teura. Distraction. Twenty minutes.


    One of the students, a Duhan, whistled.


    Thats above our grade.


    Youll get help. She doesnt leave the hall. Think you can do it?


    The students looked at each other. Then they nodded.


    Were in. Signal?


    Youll see it.


    Montressa left them. She circted the room, tapping other mages on the shoulders. In the hubbub of thousands of [Mages] and prospective mages eating, it was hard to keep track of her. By the time she strolled over to ckmage, it was ready. She tapped him on the shoulder as Teura got slowed by a gaggle of loudly gossiping Lizardfolk.


    Go. Leave the hall through any entrance and then run for it.


    ckmage nodded. He steeled himself, and then began to walk speedily for one of the exits. Teura followed like a hound on the scent. She passed by a group of two tables of students and saw one of them raise their wand.


    [Force Beam].


    [Sticky Webs]!


    [Stone Barrier].


    A dozen students and [Mages] called out. Teura spun. She raised her wand and was hit by disabling spells from all sides. A shimmering barrier formed around her, blocking the attacks, but more wards and barriers were rising between her and ckmage. He ran as she cursed and spun.


    At the high table Feor looked up. He saw nearly twenty [Mages] casting spells, some dueling Teura as she tore down the barriers. He frowned and pointed.


    It looks like an altercation has broken out.


    His words were pointed. Three more half-Elves rose. They instantly made a beeline for the fighting. Mages attacking other mages wasnt exactly a criminal offense. The offenders would probably be hexed with something nasty or fined so long as they hadnt attacked to truly harm. But there were a lot of mages casting spells and even Feors experienced disciples struggled to overwhelm the quantity of magicing at them. And meanwhile ckmage had vanished.


    Feor hesitated. He half-rose, saw the other [Mages] watching him, calcting, and slowly sat. He waited impatiently as Teura and the others tried to battle through the ambush and find ckmage.


    Politics. And the two instigators, Beatrice and Montressa, were nowhere near the action. Beatrice had relocated to a far end of the room and was casually watching the mage duels while counting down in her head. And Montressa had vanished from the dining hall entirely.


    <strong>-</strong>


    ckmage ran. He wasnt an athlete, but the excitement gave him wings. Atst he was alone! Only, he wouldnt be when Teura caught up. And she would be mad. So he ran faster, down a corridor and then down a long, winding passageway full of steps.


    I shouldve asked forthirty minutes!


    He gasped as he tumbled down a flight of steps, dashed down a side corridor, ran through a room, mmed out the doorway, and found another staircase waiting. Wistram was abyrinth even to [Mages] used to it. The further you went, the more convoluted it got. Even now there were ces that kept getting discovered. So many secret cesbut the spot he was headed to wasnt secret.


    If the upper levels of Wistram were blocked off, the lower ones were less frequently used simply because of expediency. The dining hall was far away from the basement areas and the proximity to areas like the crypts or dangerous zones where magical experiments might eat an unwary mage didnt exactly make for goodpany. ckmage wasnt headed down that far, though. He was running to a section of tunnels without any rooms nearby. Hed memorized the route from the dining hall and had gone here twice as practice. When he finally reached the nk section of wall he was looking for, he was out of breath, but he was still on time.


    <em>Fantstalidephoron! </em>Dammit! <em>Fantstalifepheron!</em> Wait. Fanstali-delif-pheron.


    ckmage recited the word from memory. On the third try it worked. The empty corridor glowed, and suddenly part of the wall rippled and <em>vanished</em>. ckmage cried out in amazement and then rushed into the opening.


    Oh my god! Its here!


    ckmage stared around the room. His first impression was that of dust. And cobwebs. Spiders and dust mites had infested this room, created huge drooping webs. But even the spiders had died fromck of food. Theyers of dust covered the chairs and tables and bookshelves. But even they couldnt disguise the grandeur of the room. Or rather, rooms.


    Expensive couches sat in the first one around tables that were free of mold or rot. Brushing at one, ckmage saw the faint runes carved into the wood that had protected it. He sneezed, wished someone were here to clean all the dust up, and spotted the bookshelves. They sat at the end of the room, next to a firece that still burned with light. Magical fire danced there, providing warmth while the rows of spellbooks and tomes stood in shelf after shelf. Waiting.


    Holy crap. And over here is


    ckmage ran into the second room and gasped as he saw a magesboratory. Summoning circles drawn in melted gemstones on the ground, mana crystals lined up on shelves, glowing potionshe saw a bottle had cracked in one spot. A <em>very</em>rge and <em>very</em> mutated rat was lying in front of it. Dead. ckmage backed away.


    Holy crap. Holyits real! Its <em>real!</em>


    He shouted and threw up his arms, racing back into the library room. Library, mages workshopand there were more rooms yet! Then his eyes travelled to something above the firece.


    The massive magical firece roared with life even after the room itself had been forgotten. But it was magic that had made this ce and the magic remained. And above the firece someone had writtensomething. Glowing runes had been etched in the brickwork. They shone as ckmage stared up at them.


    It was nothing in anynguage. Not in themon tongue. It was the words of magic and ckmages brief study wasnt enough to help him read them. He frowned.


    It saysit says


    The Evermote Study. Thats what it says.


    ckmage spun. Montressa stood in the entryway, staring. The young man looked at her in horror. Montressa looked at him, and then the rows of books, pale with shock.


    You found it. The Evermote Study. Its legendary. It has to be one of the most sought-after ces in Wistram and you foundhow?


    She took a step forwards and ckmage stepped back.


    Oh no. No, no, <em>no!</em> You cant have followed me! This isnt right! Its all ruined!


    Calm down.


    Calm down? The secrets out! You promised meI thought no one would follow.


    Beatrice was curious. Sorry kid, but thats the way it works.


    Montressa shrugged. Shed used an [Invisibility] spell to slip out after ckmage. He hadnt even run that fastnot to someone whod learned [sh Step]. Her stomach clenched as she remembered whod taught her the beginnings of both spells. She suppressed the feeling. Shed put it to rest for good soon enough.


    Look, I didnt hear the passphrase for the room. I wish I had, believe me. It was a passphrase, right?


    ckmage stared at Montressa, lips sealed. He red at her. She sighed.


    Dont be stupid. And dont reach for that wandIll hit you with a [me Arrow] straight between the legs if you so much as try it. Ive studied magic for years here and Ive won more duels than you can count. Be reasonable. Youll never be able to use a tenth of whats in here, so you might as well make a deal now.


    With you?


    Hardly. You think Beatrice and I could shift all this? Wed get so many questionsno. With a haul like this, youd have to talk to a big yer. Someone like Archmage Feor. But why do I think you dont want to let him know about this ce?


    Montressa cocked her head, smiling slightly. ckmage hesitated.


    You want to make another deal?


    Id like a finders fee, yeah. Teuras going to be here any second. She probably can locate you even with the anti-scrying spells we cast on you. Youll need someone to make contact and I bet you she wont let you out of her sight. So why dont we walk out of here, close this ce up


    It closes itself. I dont need to say the password out loud.


    Ill bet it does. Thanks for telling me there is a password.


    ckmage shut his mouth. Montressaughed. She looked around wonderingly.


    Dead gods. One of the legends of Wistram. How did you know? No, first tell me who you want me to contact. Unless your entire n was finding this ce? No, not even a first years that stupid.


    The young man eyed her balefully. But he had no choice, so he nodded.


    I want to talk to someone. Actually, I was going to talk to Beatrice again. Shes a Revivalist, right?


    Thats right. Waitdo you want to talk to Naili?


    Nailithats right.


    Huh. That <em>is</em> good luck. For you.


    Montressa narrowed her eyes. She nodded after a second.


    Works for me. Im a Revivalist too, by the way. Weve never been introduced. Montressa du Valeros.


    Oh. Imckmage.


    Yes, I heard. Afraid of someone learning your true name? Its not <em>that</em> dangerous. Come on, wed better get moving if you want to speak to Naili tonight. Not even Feors people will follow you that deep into Revivalist territory.


    Okay. I shouldnt trust you but


    Youve got no choice. Dont worry. Secret brokers are as honest as theye. If were not we get into more trouble than its worth. Lets run.


    Montressa left the room and saw the door close as soon as ckmage stepped out. She whistled.


    Incredible. How <em>did</em> you know about this room anyways? Its a legend in Wistram. You have to pay for the secret <em>about </em>the secret of the Evermote Study.


    ckmage nced at Montressa. For the first time since hed met her, he smiled. This time in what she thought was genuine relief. He was sweaty, nervous. Just a kid. But not just another first-year.


    Thats a secret too. Wanna pay for it?


    The [Mage] nced at the younger mans smile and shook her head.


    I doubt I could afford it. Come on.


    She led the way at a run. ckmage ran behind her. Montressa had to shake her head as she went. Secrets, new students appearing out of nowhere, and politics. It reminded her of her first years in Wistram. She bit her lip as she remembered. But that had been a long time ago. Everything was different now.


    -


    There was trouble retrieving ckmage. He was gone for over an hour, which was far too long. Feor retired to his rooms before he received a [Message] indicating that ckmage had been returned to his chambers. Feor wondered where the young man had gone.


    It didnt matter. He had made up his mind already. It was too dangerous to have Teura follow the young man around at all hours. A lock spell preventing him from speaking about confidential matters would do the job far more effectively. It would beplex, but Feor had set aside all of tomorrow to cast it with a circle of his trusted allies. They would do the same for the other Humans from Earth, before anyone realized what had been done.


    That was Feors n. He meditated in his rooms on the spell before he slept and rose early to do the same. At breakfast he patiently waited, dining on a light meal in preparation for the exertions toe.


    ckmage was not sitting with him. He had been escorted to the great hall, but allowed to sit wherever he pleased. He was sitting with a Duhan and young Human woman. The same two he had visitedst night. Secret brokers. Feors brow furrowed. If ckmage was giving out secretshe wouldnt be that foolish. But then again, he <em>was</em> Human. And young.


    It was past time to cast the spell. Feor rose and nodded. He had brought six of the experienced [Mages] from his faction, the Centrists, with him. They were all on Wistrams council. They stepped away from the high table and walked across the floor. Feor kept his eyes on ckmage. He saw the young man turn and then someone stepped in front of him.


    Oh my, Feor. I hope Im not in your way.


    The half-Elf looked up. He saw a smiling half-snake, half-humanoid creature slither into his path. She looked like a Naga, but while they were more powerfully built she was slim. Her scales were light white and rose, and across her arms and back ran a pattern of glowing scales which shifted with bright blues and purples and yellows. Themias face resembled that of the Lizardfolk from which she had evolved from. But the brilliant power in her gaze was her own.


    Archmage Nailihuaile. I thought you were secluded in your private chambers, meditating on the theory of using rhinestones to bypass the materialponents of jewel spellcrafting.


    Themia beamed at Feor and he cursed her timing.


    I was! But you know how it is with me and spellcraft. I sometimes want to move about and then I thought that I hadnt eaten in <em>days</em>! So here I am.


    Fascinating. I would love to speak with you, butter. I have business to attend to.


    Stopping to chat with the most talkative of Archmages was not an option. Feor stepped politely around Naili, but she slithered in front of him. This time he stopped and sensed the trap. Naili bared sharp teeth at him in a grin.


    I know youre busy, Archmage Feor. Thats why Im here, actually. I was rather hoping to spoil your day. That little Human you want to take? Hes mine now.


    Feor paused. Behind him, Teura and the other half-Elves and Centrist mages froze. Some of them reached for their wands, others murmured warding spells. Archmage Naili didnt move. Feor felt the magic in his blood <em>hum</em> as he frowned.


    That would be an unwise decision, Archmage Nailihuaile.


    Would it? You know how I am with bad decisions. I keep making them.


    She had a staff in her hands. <em>Her</em> staff, the Serkonian Lance. A treasure of the Lizardfolk. Archmage Feor hadnt prepared for a duel. He eyed her, reciting a list of spells in his head.


    It would be most unwise to engage in conflict now, Archmage Naili. We agreed that the otherworlders were a matter for Wistram as a whole.


    Yes, we did. Only it seems your little faction has been monopolizing him. Hmm?


    She couldnt know their ns. There couldnt be a mole in his faction. Not among his trusted people. Surely this was coincidence. Feors brows snapped together. The white-haired half-Elf reached for his wand.


    Step aside, Archmage.


    Or what?


    She moved, her tail undting as Feor stepped left. He nced at the other Centrist mages. Teura gave him a nod.


    If ites to it, we will use force.


    Again she grinned.


    Oh <em>good</em>. I was hoping youd say that. Because wed be only too happy to oblige.


    She turned her head and <em>hissed</em>. Across the room, over four hundred [Mages] stood up at once.


    Feor froze. His eyes flicked past Naili to the mages whod gotten to their feet. He hadnt checked their faces when hede in for breakfast. If he had, he would have recognized them. Each mage, over two thirds of the mages here for breakfast, was part of the Revivalist faction.


    Every member of the Revivalist faction present had stood up in the banquet hall. Old mages and young, Lizardfolk, Humans, Duhans, even rarer species like Garuda and Selphids, walked forwards. Hundreds of [Mages]. They gathered behind the smiling Archmage Naili, forming a wall between Archmage Feors few followers and ckmage.


    The banquet hall of Wistram was still as they watched the standoff. Still, but not silent. Mages from other factions and independents whispered to each other, some specting, some taking bets on what would happen next. Feor stared at Naili.


    This is a mistake, Archmage Naili. Committing to one Human is foolish. If you intend to monopolize him, the other factions will


    Come at ours? We wee it.


    Themias eyes narrowed. She grinned at Feor and he was reminded of the Lizardfolks ancestry, that of hunters in Baleros swamps. She flicked her tongue.


    Youre outnumbered, Feor. Turn around and go.


    He hesitated, but she was right. Four hundred [Mages] watched as Archmage Feor and his Centrists stepped back. They moved unhurriedly, as if the staring wall of [Mages] were nothing more than an inconvenience. But they did leave. And Wistrams [Mages] saw it.


    When Feor left the grand hall he stopped. The other [Mages] were afraid to look at him. He spoke without turning around.


    The Revivalists have <em>never</em> yed their hand so strongly before. They mean to take the Human into their faction and throw their support behind him, not divide his knowledge as agreed upon. Why? What prompted their change?


    No one answered. Feor stared out a window at the clear skies surrounding Wistram. He turned to Teura. She flinched.


    Find out what they know. And call a meeting. This must be discussed at once.


    He strode off, not waiting for a response. Something had changed in Wistram. But what? Feors mind zed as he connected ckmage to the encounter with Beatrice and Montressa. That missing hourbut ckmage had been watched every time he left his room. What had he found? What had he done? What did Naili know? Secrets ruled Wistram. Archmage Feor was not afraid of the Revivalists. He was afraid that they knew something he didnt.


    -


    After Feor had left, ckmage saw the Revivalists disperse. They went back to their tables,ughing, calling for drinks, in a jubnt mood. Their leader, one of the famed Archmages, was no less ecstatic. Archmage Naili lead the way down the hall as ckmage walked with her. Alone. He tried not to stare at her body, until he remembered Montressa telling him that Lizardfolk liked to be admired. They were also very chatty.


    That was so much fun! I havent tweaked the Centrists noses like that in over a decade! The look on Feors face was magnificent. He and the other factions will be scrambling all night to figure out what we know, which is excellent because most of our lot dont know what we know!


    For an Archmage, Naili had a down-to-earth side of her that none of the other Archmages had. ckmage saw her ncing back at him and grinning, swishing her long tail back and forth. Unlike the Drakes who used their tails as support as they walked, Nailis tail was her entire lower torso and it undted as she slithered across the ground. She was actually shorter than he was, although the long staff she carried made her seem taller.


    So we get to talk atst, young Human! I mean, we talked yesterday, but that was all negotiations and me saying <em>what, you cant be serious!</em> a lot. Its nice to meet you! I see you looking at my scales. Arent they pretty? Im a Star Lamia in case you were wondering. See my scales? The glowing ones store magic. Its very good for spellcasting, although it makes sneaking around very difficult unless I use illusion spells.


    I uh, thats very cool.


    She nodded happily.


    Isnt it? I was so proud when I became a Lamia, and then when I became a Star Lamia! Its such an honor. Most Lizardfolk dont evolve at all which is sad! But the majority of the ones who do evolve be Nagas, Gorgons, or Lamia. From there they can change into other forms. Its veryplex and some people think were all different species but were not. It all depends on what were good at! Gorgons are huge fighters. Nagas are smaller, but very strongits the kind of form Lizardfolk turn into most of the time if they dont have a set path. Whereas Lamia are small, but we haverger brains! Does that make sense? Are you following me?


    UhI think so. Can Lizardfolk be other species? Likesay, a Medusa?


    Oh! You know about our kind! Or is that something from your world? Wait, was I supposed to keep that secret? Yes I was. No one was listening, were they? Good.


    Naili looked around rapidly. No one was there to listen. ckmage wondered if all Lizardfolk were as chatty as she was. Hed met Cessicand so far they were two for two in terms of hyper energy.


    Thanks for agreeing to help me. I dont know what I would have done if youd said no.


    Of course I would have said yes! I cant let old Feor get away with everything. Us Archmages have to counter each other. And Im a good match for Feor, magically or otherwise. He hates when I chatter. Thinks its unbing. Thats half-Elves for you. Snobs.


    Talking to Naili was like watching a stream of thoughts go past. You had to grab for the one you wanted or get lost. ckmage chose one at random.


    Youre a good match for Archmage Feor? How?


    Archmage Feor is a generalist. Quite boring, dont you think? He wants to be like a proper [Archmage] of old, but he doesnt have the ss. Not yet. And I say generalist, but he prefers to use big spells in battle and everywhere else. Big spells. They take too much time. I like spells to be quick! I learned that in Baleros. You cant cast [ckme Fireball]silly spell, by the way, why is that considered an upgrade of [Grand Fireball]?when people are trying to hack your tail off with enchanted swords! Anyways, I specialize in enchantments. I can do artifacts, but Im best at making scales harder than mithril or casting mass-[Invisibility] spells. Actually, Im probably the best in the world at it. Aside from this guy in Pass whos crazy about physical enchantments


    Wow.


    Yes, wow. You Humans say the silliest things. Im an Archmage! One of five in the world! Well, six if you count Amerys. I wonder if shes lost her rank? Oh well, five or six. And all you say is wow. But I dont want to judge! Except that I do.


    ckmage blinked at her. Naili grinned at him, showing entirely too many pointed teeth for him to befortable.


    Dont worry, were on the same side now. We have an agreement, and I cant break my word so easily. Well, I could, but that would be a lot of trouble.


    So ckmage understood. But he was still nervous.


    Do youdo you think you can really protect the others from Earth?


    Absolutely. Thats the deal. We get ess to the Evermote Study, and in return well protect your friends. Archmage Feor and the Centrists can try, but the Revivalists have the numbers to resist any factionespecially with that many magic tomes to offer our people. I dont suppose youd care to sell me the secret of how you knew where to find it?


    I uh, no. Thats a bigger secret.


    Nailiughed.


    A bigger secret than the Evermote Room? I suppose even <em>I </em>might not afford it. But just remember that every secretes with a price. And we all pay that price sooner orter.


    She stopped and looked seriously at ckmage. He paused and his stomach jumped. Then Nailiughed again.


    Hah! Your face is priceless. Im funny. Okay, lets see this study. And well find you some new rooms, Aaron. Oh, dont worry about the name. Youre with us now. Youve got protectors. Allies.


    That was the n.


    Whose?


    Aaron closed his mouth. Naili stared at him and then grinned.


    This is why I love Wistram. Alright then. Lets go.


    -


    That evening, the second boat load of new students entered Wistram. They trudged up the steps, staring up at the magical citadel. Wistram was taller than any castle. It soared up in the bubble of calm, its windows shining with light. One tower was entirely ame, another engulfed by nts. Yet one more was leaking bright blue smoke, the product of a failed experiment. But whaty on the inside only hinted at what was within. The students stumbled up the steps, still on their sea legs.


    A small group of weary Humans perked up when they saw the academy. When they stepped into the entrance hall and saw the waiting [Mages],plete with pointy hats, they couldnt help it. One of them, a young woman, grabbed her friends and shouted.


    <em>Its Hogwarts! </em>I told you! Were in Hogwarts!


    That was a big hint, all things told. ckmage strode through the crowd, staring. He saw a dark face turn, saw eyes widen as they fixed on him. He didnt know what his face showed, but he raised a hand and pointed.


    Earth? Are you guys


    He got no further. One of the humans leapt at him and nearly knocked him to the ground. She hugged him, sobbing, as the other bewildered students turned and saw the Humans from Earth gathering around each other, shouting in surprise and hugging each other.


    It was a pleasant sight. Or it would have been a day ago. Archmage Feor stood on a balcony high above the entrance hall. He was displeased. The Revivalists hade out full-force and they had made their goals clear. They were going to shelter the Humans from Earth, give them autonomy, support. They were willing to fight with every other faction in Wistram to do it. He had no idea what was giving them the confidence.


    He would find out. Wistram always gave up its secrets in time. Feor turned, letting Aaron celebrate his victory for now. Someone had helped him. Not just Naili. That someone would turn up. Or Aaron would make a mistake. And in truth, he mattered less right now. He wasnt the one otherworlder in Wistram now, he was one of many. And there were more out there, waiting to be found.


    Feor flicked his hand and a scroll popped into his hands. He looked at the list of names, nodding perfunctorily as he travelled down the list. The groups were sorted by location, by the routes they would take and the difficulty of their task. He paused as he came down to an entry on the list and turned.


    Teura.


    The half-Elf looked up. Feor pointed to the list of four names on the parchment.


    Have we any more information about Liscor and its environs? Our graduate is located there, is she not?


    Teura nodded.


    Falene Skystrall has indeed been confirmed in Liscor, but obtaining information has been problematic. She has made several requests for information on two of our expelled students. I believe you are familiar?


    Ah yes. Ceria Springwalker andthe [Necromancer]. A pity. Springwalker might have been one of ours. Falene does not wish to aid the academy?


    Not in giving confidential information away, Archmage. She ims it would be a conflict that goes against her teams interests.


    A pity. Our former graduates do not owe the academy as much as one might hope. It is ironic that we obtain more information from independents. Have you confirmed the Gold-rank [Mage] Typhenous report?


    Yes, Archmage. We have assigned the team to the two additional objectives as you requested.


    Good.


    Feor nced back at the parchment. A name stood out to him on the parchment. <em>Montressa du Valeros.</em> He nced at their objectives.


    Investigate the presence of [batman] and L. Investigate possible Earth connection to Erin Solstice. Retrieve magical doorThe Wandering Inn. Investigate expelled student Pisces location and whereaboutsThe Horns of Hammerad. Very good.


    He rolled up the scroll. Feor made it vanish with another gesture and turned.


    Have the teams begin leaving as soon as the first years begin attending ss. We are in a race, Teura. These otherworlders are a resource. And Wistram will collect them.


    He turned his head. First-year students were still celebrating. Cognita strode towards them, and behind her the double doors slowly closed. They mmed shut, keeping the mages, the students, and the secrets within the walls.