Dear mother,

I will not be coming home this summer, nor the subsequent years. I have robbed a nobleman’s son in the name of uncovering history, which caused me to write this letter from a damp prison cell. Tomorrow I will be dragged before the judges, and probably be shipped towards the Burrows. Fret not, this was my goal in the first place, and I’m delighted at the prospect. By the time you receive this letter, I will be long gone and there’s nothing you can do about it. So please stop sending me potential brides, history has conquered my heart long ago, and I will stop at nothing to preserve it!

Your dearest son,

Jullianus Retan

- Jullianus Retan lousy farewell letter.

Gob was tied and gagged when we left the room, his form slumped over the shoulder of a drenched guard, the stench of urine wafting through the wind.

Ignore it, there are bigger problems. I quickened my pace, guards trailing behind as I caught up with a snickering Blackwall. A full-scale attack, just one year from now. The man seemed serious when he said that, especially when he began mentioning the specifics. Cedia’s full might battering down our gates. Twenty-thousand fucking Warlocks. Let alone all the Shapers under their command! My stomach churned just thinking about these disclosed numbers. The Burrows finished.

“I was ordered to,” Blackwall said. I looked beside me, gone was the chuckling visage, a stern gaze was all that greeted me. “You’re probably wondering why I told you all this.” I nodded. “Adeline’s orders.” I raised an eyebrow. “Don’t know what she’s planning now, but it can’t be good for you.” He slowed his pace a bit, taking his time to admire the paintings in the hallway. “Be very careful, Marcus. She may give of a playful vibe, but beneath that facade hides a dangerous feline.” His brown eyes settled on me. “One that tends to break her new toys.” I made an audible swallow. He smiled, tussling my hair with his single arm. “Don’t worry, pup. I’ll talk to Ely, see if I can convince her to back off a bit.”

“It’s Lady Adeline,” one of the guards interjected.

“And it’s Ely for me,” Blackwall retorted. A sigh escaped his lips as he shifted his attention back to me. “Don’t mind them, boy. Ely’s troops are obsessed with hierarchy.” He mumbled on as we descended the stairs. “The most rigid bunch of shape-shifters I’ve ever met.” He chuckled. “Until they change into someone else, that is.” They can fully shape-shift!? “You should…” I looked over my shoulder, the urine soaked guard’s expression unreadable through the black smoke. Don’t be mad, please don’t be mad. I don’t want to be on a Envy Warlock’s shit list. I continued to sporadically glance over my shoulder, my back feeling vulnerable and exposed to the potential grudge behind me. “…but that’s not important right now,” Blackwall said as we finally reached the bottom floor. “We’ll see about that after your first fight.”

“Fight?” I asked. They can’t mean…

“Yes, a fight in the arena,” Blackwall said. Breathe Marcus, remain calm. “Don’t look so alarmed, boy.” He slapped me on the back. “You’ll do fine, trust me.” Easy for you to say. I could feel my heart start beating faster as we made our way through the Academy’s hallways, each room feeling more dreadful than the other. There was only one proper arena in the Burrows, but most fights were settled in the numerous fighting rings. I just hope that they have an actual arena, instead of some enclosed fighting hall. I was going to need every advantage I could get, getting stuck in some sunless, windless room would severely limit my options.

We ended up in the deserted courtyard, heading towards a deep archway on the opposite end. So they have some open fields to fight in. Good. I slowly exhaled. At least I’ll feel grass one more time... “Is the entire Academy watching the fights?” I asked, looking through the empty rooms as we passed them by.

“Just the administration staff, and some teachers,” Blackwall said. “They’re ranking the last passing batch from yesterday’s entrance test.” He fumbled for something in his pockets. “Those that scored high enough are staying in the dorms right now.” It was a golden pocket watch. “Second year and up will start flooding in after the weekend, at least those that stayed home during the break.” He pressed the top, popping the lid, revealing a simple clock face. “They should be finishing up with the Shaper rankings, you’re turn will come after.”

“Rankings?”

Blackwall creased his forehead. “You don’t know?” I shook my head. “Only the top ten percent can stay and study at the Royal Academy.” He closed the pocket watch. “The rest are shipped off to a school that suits their ranking.” Killing for the top spot, no wonder Cedia’s nobility is so ruthless. “Not that you should worry, standard rules don’t apply to you.” He must have seen my surprise, as his lips moved to form a big grin, the shadow of the archway blocking his facial features. “That Contract of yours, is all the validation we need,” his voice echoed. “This fight is nothing more than a formality, you’ll be admitted anyway. Just a way to stop people from complaining when yo…”

We exited the archway, and onto a stone paved road that stretched into the distance. It was flanked by great lumbering towers of wood, their small limbs bending and swaying in the soft morning breeze. Their leaves softly rustled in the wind, producing sounds I never though I hear again. And the ground. Oh, the ground! Carpeted in sweet fragrant green, that soft feeling as it brushed against my fingertips, the smell of grass filling my nose as it tickled my toes. The rough texture of the tree roots at my back, as my head rested on the sturdy trunk, fractured beams of sunlight warming my face in the shade. Birds sang, and wind blew, a clock softly ticking as distant voices slowly grew louder. My sisters ran off a nearby hill, arms frantically waving. I waved back, the warm feeling of happiness turning icy cold as flaming horsemen appeared on the horizon, their fiery hooves galloping towards my family. The voices were now screaming in pain and agony, as a blackened hand gripped my shoulder, forcing me to watch the inevitable tragedy. “…” “... y.” “…oy.” “Boy!”

Blackwall’s arm was firmly shaking my shoulder, his face frowned in concern. “You okay, boy? Speak to me!”

My heart hammered in my chest, cold beats of sweat dripping down my face. “I’m fine,” I said, pushing his arm away with a grunt. My head softly bumped into wood as he let go, a mighty tree stretching high above me. I wanted to walk, to rescue my sisters, only to realize they were gone, body lying nestled in some tree roots, my boots strangely absent. “Why am I here?”

“You tell me,” Blackwall said. “I’m not the one who went and lost it.” He waved his hands in front of my face, his gaze intently tracking my eyesight. “You should lie down for now. I’ve seen people act like this before.” He looked at me with pity. “Though none as young as you.” He rested his back against the trunk, eyes closed. I did the same. Time went by as my heartbeat steadied, the soft rustle of leaves calming my nerves. “Want to talk about it?”

“...”

“Figured as much,” Blackwall said, tossing and turned a bit. “You must have been through some tough times. At least tell me you got a Blessing out of it.” A what now? “Though I wish it didn’t come with all that pain. I’d just get the knowledge, and be down with it.”

“You mean Gift.”

“It’s Blessing, boy. You’re in Cedia now, better learn the proper language.” What does it matter? “So what’s your Blessing? We need to know, can’t really build a lesson plan without knowing your strengths and weaknesses.”

“...”

“Don’t need any specifics, just give me something to work with.”

“I can see in the dark.” At least that’s what I think it does. Blackwall fumbled some more, before I heard some scratching on paper. “But only normal darkness, the guards’ faces are still obscured to me.”

“I see, I see,” Blackwall said as he scratched some more. “It may be low in terms of overall power, but sensory Blessings are always high in demand.” I know. “It’s good that you got a useful one so early in life.” The writing stopped, as a paper was muffled away. “Thanks for sharing.”

“I’ve got another one.”

“What?”

“I’ve got two Gif… I mean Blessings.” Paper ruffled as it was pulled open. “The second would be Mage Sight.” I heard a small gasp. Here we go again. “Don’t get too excited, I need to fall into a deep concentration to use it.” I could not see his face, but his sigh was enough information. “Though when I do, I can pierce through several inches of solid rock.” There was some more furious scribbling. Inches, miles, what’s the difference?. “Range would be around thirty feet, I guess?” That should be enough downplaying.

“Part of a breach team?” Blackwall asked no one in particular. “Or maybe a watchful eye?” I let him scribble his notes in silence, contend to enjoy the summer breeze. “Shame about the concentration part, but we can find ways to mitigate that weakness.” A strong hand hit my shoulder, slapping my eyes wide open.“But you’ve been holding out on me, boy! Sixteen years old and already two Blessings, one of them a Mage Sight! Not to mention that Contract of yours!” Blackwall broke out in joyous laughter. “Maybe the Burrows isn’t so bad after all!” I rubbed the sore spot, the wall watcher’s punch still packing some serious power. “Now let’s hope they develop well over your lifetime! That would be a sight to see! Haha… get it?” His laughter finally died down as he went into quiet contemplation. “Still, to have two Blessings concerning sight. What is it that you’re looking for, boy?”

“My family got abducted,” I said, Blackwall not even flinching at the news.

“Mmm, yes. Now I see,” he began murmuring to himself. “Ely’s agents already confirmed your Greed.” When did they…? No matter, the mana masking seemed to have worked. “A desire to find back that which is rightfully yours.” He looked at me, giving a small chuckle. “I didn’t peg you as the family man.” You think this is funny? “Now, now, no need to get mad. I know what you’re feeling, trust me.” The wrinkles in his face seemed to grow deeper. “Having someone taken from you isn’t easy.” He softly squeezed my shoulder, eyes filled with untold sorrow. “Just be happy that they’re still alive, I know I would.” He softly patted me, before making his way back to the road.

Gods, I feel stupid. I quickly scanned the grass, finding and putting on my discarded shoes. Great way to ruin the mood, idiot. The guards remained stationed on the road, silently waiting till we got back. The one that carried Gob seemed to have finally dried up in the sun. Shame it does nothing for the smell. We began moving again, silence reigning safe for the soft sound of footsteps. I need to salvage this.

I looked around, hoping to find an answer. Trees hampered my vision, but I could could glimpse big stone buildings between their trunks. Probably the other schools Blackwall mentioned. The stone building behind me seemed small in comparison. Quality over quantity, eh? The path seemed to converge into a far larger road running perpendicular to it, the trees quickly thinning as we closed in on the conjunction. Why isn’t the Royal Academy next to the main road? Do they value silence so mu-

My breath remained stuck in my throat as we passed the last of the trees, granting me full view of the pure monstrosity in the distance. What in Gods names is that!? It was massive, with multiple wings, several stories, and a giant plaza adorning it’s center. The buildings I glimpsed earlier seemed small compared to this veritable fortress, large slabs of rectangular, white stone dwarfed only by the mountains looming in the distance. “Move along, boy. We haven’t gotten all day,” Blackwall said.

“W-w-what is that?” I asked, pointing at the rocky behemoth.

“Well that’s the Royal Academy, of course.”

My blood froze. That thing is the Royal Academy? I pointed back the way we came. “Didn’t we just leave the Royal Academy?”

“Are you daft, boy? That’s the administration office, surely you can’t b-” Blackwall stopped talking when he saw my face, only to break out in hysterical laughter. That was just a side building? I sat down, huddling my knees as I drew circles in the air. Burrow pride, yaaaaay. I’m totally not jealous or anything. No way. It isn’t like they have a fucking fortress for a school, who would need that? I’d rather have dark rocky tunnels, filled with unspeakable horrors trying to eat me. Boy, oh boy, I sure was lucky living in the Burrows until now. Wouldn’t want to grow up safe and sound in the outside world, now would we? If I’m not careful, I’ll die shamelessly of old age. Just imagine the anguish of spending my last days in a soft bed. Brrrrr. That’s not the way to go, now is it? Better return quickly, lest I miss my dying moments screaming and crying, punching the very thing clawing my guts out. … … … What was my father thinking?

Blackwall made a last few chuckles as he blinked away his tears. “Sorry, boy. Didn’t mean to laugh so hard.” He pulled me upright with a single tug of his arm, a warm smile adorning his face. “No need to feel ashamed. It’s easy to forget that you’ve been living in a honk of shit all this time.” He pointed at a large stone structure, circular in shape, surrounded by several smaller copies. “Just make sure you display your amazement outside the arena, no need to embarrass yourself in front of fellow students.”

We gradually made our way to the structures, their surfaces littered with small archways that grew in size with every step. And I thought our arena was supposed to be big. “I’ve been wondering about something,” Blackwall said. “Does the name Malius Bludwan, ring a bell?”

“Never heard of him.”

“He’s the head of the Norwood bloodline, and my successor on the Council.”

“Sounds important,” I mumbled, too busy to pay attention to all the new sights around me.

“Ha! Important is an understatement.” Blackwall said, his voice carrying across the empty school grounds. I still can’t believe this whole thing is a school. “But I digress. Are you perhaps related to him?”

What? “I doubt it. Didn’t even know he existed till a few seconds ago.”

“Perhaps a stupid coincidence,” Blackwall said as we closed in on the smallest of the arenas. “No matter, let’s enjoy the fight shall we?” That’s right the fight. My heart thumped faster at the mere mention of the word. Don’t get killed, you still have a lot left that needs doing. We stopped in front of an archway, the unmistakable sounds of battle echoing in the distance. “I’ll guide you to the staging area, just stay put till the gate opens.” Blackwall stepped inside, me following in tow with the guardsmen, our passage through the enclosed hallways uneventful. Nothing but smoothly shaped stone, and regularly placed lighting crystals accompanied us on our journey.

We ended in a tunnel shaped room, crystals illuminated the stone benches lining the sides as a thick slab of black wood blocked the opposite end. With a grunt the guardsman dropped Gob on the ground, his form twitching briefly, unaware of the dagger closing in. “No need to cut him loose,” Blackwall interjected. “His fight will be without a demon, it wouldn’t be fair for his opponent if it did.” Blackwall turned to me. “Your opponent has already been decided, Ely was adamant about the choice.” I don’t like the sound of that. “He’s an Envy, so water and dark attacks are a given. Now normally that wouldn’t be a problem, seeing as you can counter his Dark affinity with your own. But he’s one of those few with an extra affinity, and unfortunately for you that turned out to be Wind.” So three versus four? Could be worse. “You don’t seem so worried.” A thunderous applause resounded through the tunnel. “Is there anything I should know?” Blackwell’s eyes got a dangerous sparkle.

“I’ve got four affinities, I’ll manage.”

I narrowly dodged the incoming shoulder slap. “Of course he has four!” Blackwall laughed loudly. “Next thing you know, he’ll pull out a Domain!” Does he mean Decree? I opened my mouth to speak, but Blackwall interrupted me. “No need to tell me, attaining one so young would be impossible anyway. Still, four affinities… you seem to get more valuable by the minute.” He began rubbing his chin. “What could they be? Wind and Dark for Greed, that’s for sure. That leaves four more of the natural order… or perhaps you dabble in artificial ones?”

“You could ju-”

“No answers! I would like to do some betting on this fight, see if my hunch is correct.” A soft wind blew through the closed tunnel as Blackwall closed his eyes. “It seems I am needed, we will be seeing each other soon, Marcus.” He began moving towards the only exit, stopping briefly when he reached the guards. “Just head out when the gate opens, these guys will take care of your demon in the meantime.” And with that he slipped around the corner, his footsteps softly echoing through the hallway.

“Got a knife I could borrow?” I asked one of the guardsmen. They remained quiet, none of them moving a muscle to help me. The fact that the guy who Gob peed on was in the same room didn’t really help easy my nerves. At least he can’t kill me right now… he’ll just do it later. Not that I could rely on Gob in case he came for me, the fucking demon seemed to have fallen asleep after his antics. I can’t fucking understand him. He’s hyper active, but sleeps when he feels like it. He’s always cracking jokes, but eclipses the sun when angry. Food barely passes his throat, yet it guzzles down liquor by the bottle. I don’t get it, he’s a living contradiction.

There was more cheering and applause outside, the sound largely muffled by the thick slab of wood beside me. That’s right, the fight. I willed some wind around my finger, carefully cutting off my ragged sleeves. Deal with one problem at a time. Next, I cut up what was left of my sleeveless shirt into two long stripes. No use worrying about tomorrow, if you die today. I pushed one sleeve along my arm till my hand almost exited the hole, tightly tying it secure to my wrist. Going to need every advantage I can get. Afterwards, I sliced up the sleeve in several long strips of cloth, leaving the fabric’s base at the wrist untouched. I’ll blind him with the strips in close combat. I did the same for the other arm. Whilst they keep my finger movement obscured at range. Satisfied with my work I rested my bare back against the cold stone wall, focusing on keeping my breathing steady and relaxed

I did not know how much time passed as I breathed in and out, my mind too busy mulling over possible strategies and techniques to survive the coming trial. I was pulled away from my inner struggles as chains loudly began to rustle, the black wood slowly but surely rising up into the ceiling. Daylight flooded my vision as I made my way through the opening, course sand crunching beneath every step of my shoes. Stone floor with sand covering. I can work with this. Slowly my eyes adjusted to the brightness, the arena floor gradually coming into full view. Looks familiar. A large flat surface stretched before me, littered with lit fire pits and pools of murky water, a lone figure standing in its very center. The oval shaped area was surrounded by stone walls, several feet high. Stone benches encircled the ring, each row a bit higher than the next, with the right side laying empty, whilst the left side was filled with numerous spectators, probably numbering in a few hundred. Must be a quiet day. I ignored the sounds of laughter and mockery as I made my way further into the ring. I wasn’t here for entertainment, I came here to kill.

And the person striding from the opposite side seemed to be my prey. I took a good look, intently studying his movements. He didn’t seem like much, just a thin frame covered up by white cloth. Silver hair partially covered his green eyes, the sunken cheeks doing nothing to dispel my previous notion. Don’t let your guard down, looks can deceive. We both approached the central figure, a grinning Blackwall. Bloodthirsty maniac. He held up his hand, motioning us to stop just fifty feet from each other. He crowd grew silent as he began to speak, “Are you ready for the fight?” I nodded, the other did the same. “Good, you can proceed on my mark.”

The man took his stance, a fire now burning brightly in his eyes. Seems like he won’t go down easily, better to kill him quickly. I’ll probably make enemies, but I can’t risk holding back for a knock-out. He seemed to know what he was doing, body and feet positioned for mobility and minimum exposure. The visible intention is probably a feint. His heels were lifted of the ground, knees bending forward. Nobody is that obvious. I took a somewhat similar stance, knees relaxes as my front foot hovered a mere inch from the floor. He’ll dash to the side, hoping to fight from afar.

“Let the battle…” I won’t let him. “…begin!”

The man shot forward, intent on closing the distance. What? My heel struck the ground before I knew it, fingers splayed wide at this golden opportunity. A small protrusion burst forth from the ground, snagging his feet as he began toppling forward. Now! I pushed with all my force, springing forth a sharp stone spike ready to impale my falling enemy. People began to scream, before a gust of wind hit him, steering him clear of imminent death. How!? I didn’t see his hands move! I quickly shifted back into my stance, my movement frozen as a voice bellowed through the arena, “What are you doing!”

I turned to the source, a surprised looking Blackwall. “Are you trying to kill him!?”

I was stunned by the stupid question, and even more by the looks of horror from the audience. “Well… yeah.”

“What do you mean, yeah? This is a fight, not some duel to the death!”

A realization slowly began to dawn upon me. “You don’t kill people in fights?”

“Why would w-” Blackwall facepalmed. “This is one of your stupid Burrow things, isn’t it?”

“Well fighting is what you do during battle, so when you fight in the Burrows that means you…” I trailed off as I saw the four figures guarding Gob, drop into the arena with swords drawn. I couldn’t see their obscured faces, but I certainly could feel their bloodlust.

Blackwall probably felt them too, swiftly interjecting himself between me and them. “It’s a misunderstanding, I should have explained the rules clearly to him.” The four halted in their tracks, three of them looking at their leader. “I’ll deal with the consequences, you have my word.” The front figure nodded, sheathing his sword. His eyes were hidden, but that did not stop me from feeling his lingering gaze. Definitely on his shit list. Blackwall let out a deep sigh as he walked towards me, his voice now old and tired. “Be happy that I stepped in when I did. You almost murdered Adeline’s third son.”

Maybe I should brush up on the local dialect. Yes, let’s do that.