The Departure

As Jason awoke he found himself in his room. How did he get here? Was it all a dream. He remembered the Trial but here he was alone in his home. What had happened…Suddenly Joy burst into the room. “Finally, you are awake. You have been out for days. We were starting to get worried about- “Eòlas pushed past her.

“Enough you silly girl. There are important matters to discuss. Young man do you understand what you have done?”

Jason couldn’t so much as muster a response. The once seemingly tiny elderly Magi now had an aura of authority that was immense and keeping Jason pinned to his bed, silent.

“The Trial is designed to not only recognize the affinity one may have towards the elements but also their potential in developing into a powerful Magi. In history of the council there have only be 2 others who had the ability to attune with all the elements, but none who have been able to activate all 5 seals. At first, we were unsure whether to accept you as you seemed unable to attune to any of the elements. Now we are unsure whether to accept you or destroy you. The amount of power you displayed in your trial if not kept in check could be…devastating.”

Jason grew even more uneasy as she spoke. Destroyed? Did she just say destroyed! He began to scan the room much like a mouse caught in a trap. Frantic and looking to scurry anywhere to escape the danger he now faced.

“As the 5 Magi here are only representatives of each clan of the Magi and not the leaders themselves I have decided that you are to be brought to Neart immediately for consideration or judgement. The Bastion will decide your fate.”

The Bastion was no small name. The Bastion was a collective of the 6 most powerful Magi in the nation. Eledor had been guarded by the Bastion for centuries and few seldom saw the Magi that hold those position for council let alone the entire Bastion. Jason knew this was not a suggestion. Eòlas departed the room and could be heard booming directions to the other Magi in the room adjacent followed by scattered noises of people gathering their affairs. It appears their departure was imminent.

Jason sat on his bed still scatter brained and a little delirious. He looked up to see Joy still standing in the corner with a smirk on her face. “Now you have done it.” She turned and left. Sometimes Jason really hated that girl.

Soon enough the council was packed, and the horses were assembled. Jason had been placed under the care of the Fire Magi, his name was Teine. Teine being from the Fire clan had assumed the role of Warden for the duration of the voyage. The Fire clan was known to be the clan responsible for policing the kingdom and were quite adept at ensuring prisoners in their care did not escape and faced stiff justice. Teine spoke to Jason only once “Get on the horse. Don’t talk. Don’t run. Or else.” And that was that.

Jason resolved to his equine prison took note of his entourage. The 5 Magi were present as well as Joy but leading the expedition was a military escort provided by the village, and with them was Aaron. As soon as Jason made eye contact Aaron turned his horse and approached Jason’s side.

“My father has appealed the decision of the council on my behalf and has requested that I be retested in Neart. Don’t think you are going to get rid of me that easily.” He laughed and returned to his place at the head of the procession. Jason was in no way surprised. Privilege often afforded some luxuries of this kind, but Aaron’s being accepted as Magi held very little bearing on his current crisis. Jason tried to stay focused and calm. The party left with sun setting on the valley. Jason looked back as he saw his farm shrink into the distance. This very well may be the last time he was to ever lay eyes on his simple little village. What he thought would be a joyous escape now had a bitter sting of remorse.

The journey to Neart was about a 3-day ride, made even longer by the silence and strict overwatch Jason had been placed under. He took some comfort as he watched Joy enjoy the company of the Magi and Aaron prancing like a proud little peacock at the head of the line but all the time the fear of the awaiting judgement weighed heavy on him.

Days passed and at long last the party crested the hill that revealed Eledor’s illustrious capital. Neart was a towering sight to behold. The city at first glance seemed almost as 5 massive cities clumped closely together. Each section of the city was occupied and run by a different clan of the council. Each borough had a unique architecture that seemed to flow from their element and standing boldly in the center was the Tower of the Bastion. This massive monolith was not only the place of the Magi Tribunal that the Bastion sat on but also was the home of the Academy. Joy along with the other selected would be living in their respective sector but would all come together and attend classes within the Academy.

As they entered the capital they were witness to hundreds of Magi envoy all returning from the Trials. Some bringing dozens of selected and some parties like our own only a select few. Waves and cheering from the citizens of the capital echoed through the streets as the envoys all made their way to foot of the Tower. As the party came to a stop they saw a massive display of the elements spiraling from the top of the Bastion to the ground. The Bastion now stood on high above the masses.

“Welcome young ones! I am Gliocas, the Archmage of the Bastion. It brings us great joy to see so many of you gathered here. It fills us with hope for the future of Eledor that, so many young ones are gathered here. Your classes in the first year at the Tower have been assigned to you. Each of you will study the History of Eledor, Basic Casting, Battle Magic, and Traveler’s magic as well at the end of the first semester you will be appointed to a specific role within your clan that you will attend classes to fulfill. You will see below me there are 5 distinct entrances to the academy. At this time, we request that you approach your elements entrance and register for your first year here with us. This is an exciting time, prepare yourselves, great trials await.”

No sooner had he finished speaking when the masses began to scatter to and fro making their way to their entrance. Out of the corner of his eye Jason caught Aaron being escorted to the civilian entrance at the back of the Bastion to be retested. He could not see Joy anywhere, she must have already left. Without warning Teine dragged Jason from his horse and started to push him in the same direction Aaron had headed towards only moments ago.

“Remember, don’t speak, don’t run. Your very life is in the hands of the Bastion now.” Teine grunted at Jason.

As they approached the ornate entrance to the Tower, Jason saw dozens of beautiful statues arranged meticulously throughout the lobby as well as walls covered in what Jason could only assume were names.

“The hall of the fallen.” Teine said. “These names are all the Magi who have given their lives in the defense of Eledor. The statues are monuments to the great Archmages of the past. When you walk this hall, you bow your head in respect.”

As Jason continued to move forward he saw a large pad glowing at the end of the corridor. Teine and Jason stood on the pad and as they did Teine began to make sharp swift gestures with his hands. Suddenly, the pad shot up to the to the top of the tower like a firework. Flames forcing the pad to go ever higher until at last they reached the peak. It took everything Jason had not to lose his stomach from the sudden start and stop of the lift. Teine shoved him off the pad and suddenly they were standing face to face with Gliocas and the Bastion. The time of judgement had come.