15 years later…

Samer’s hand rested on the chalk as he put the final period on his paragraph. He turned around, ready to answer questions, but was stunned as he saw that all his students had been replaced by…slices of chocolate cake. He blushed as his stomach grumbled loudly.

“You know what, I think that will conclude our class for today. We’ll pick up discussion tomorrow.”

A shuffle of tomes into weightless backpacks preceded an exodus out of the classroom. Picking up his papers, Samer wondered how lunch had become his favorite part of the day. He enjoyed teaching, but recently it felt like his classes had begun to flow into each other without end. Plus, it had been months since he had practiced a new, exciting spell or devoured a book on Arcadian lore. His apprentice Roisin was locked away preparing for the Mage Trials and only rarely needed his guidance anymore. I think I might be in a rut.

A discreet cough rang out. Samer spun around, hoping a student hadn’t caught him during his moment of introspection. He relaxed upon seeing his friend Dayo slouching in the doorway.

“Did I interrupt your reverie, Professor?” She flashed him a mischievous grin.

Although Dayo was small and lithe, her personality could easily fill up a room. Samer sensed her barely restrained eagerness to share news with him. He said with a hint of reproach, “I thought we weren’t going to town until later. I still have two classes to teach.”

Dayo waved his point away. “Check your schedule. Everybody’s off for the rest of the day. The Council of Elders is making a system-wide announcement. Word is it’s going to be something big!” Her eyes brimmed with glee.

Samer raised an eyebrow. “That’s surprising. Amara hasn’t mentioned anything.”

Dayo suddenly gave a startled cry, before quickly composing herself. She said dryly, “Well here’s her assistant to answer your very question. I see that she still hasn’t learned the concept of personal space.” She flattened herself against the doorframe, revealing a tall, reed-thin woman attempting to peek into the classroom. Seeing Samer, the woman twisted herself around Dayo and cautiously stepped inside.

Samer smiled at her encouragingly. “Hi Tal, please come in. What can I help you with?”

Tal glanced around, her discomfort palpable, and Samer did his best to restrain a chuckle. Assistant to the famously fiery and fearless Headmaster Amara, Tal had proven immune to adopting any of her boss’s qualities.

“Mage Samer.” Tal bowed briefly. “An important matter has arisen, and Headmaster Amara requests your presence in her office. Please come right away. Apprentice Roisin has already been summoned.” She hesitated a moment. “Also, the Ranger Dayo is requested to attend as well.”

Samer exchanged a surprised glance with Dayo. Amara and Dayo were well-acquainted with each other, stemming from the time Samer had served as Amara’s apprentice. Still, it was very odd for Amara to involve Dayo in Academy business. Adding more mystery, Amara had summoned Roisin directly instead of relying on Samer to do so.

“Sure, Tal. We’ll be there right away.” Tal bowed again and darted out of the classroom.

Dayo’s face lit up in excitement. “Me too? You know what this means, right Samer? The announcement must be about opening up Kalasin, the new continent. The Council will be sending an expedition and I bet they’re appointing you to lead it. And in their infinite wisdom, they know you’ll fail miserably without me alongside you.” She smirked at him, clearly pleased with herself.

Samer frowned, ignoring the taunt. “Nobody expected Kalasin to be opened up so soon. What’s changed?” Amara had been hinting that he might be chosen to lead the expedition, but Samer had refused to give the possibility any serious consideration, thinking it months or even a year away. Now, it might happen as soon as tomorrow.

Dayo scoffed. “They opened up Caldas, what, five years ago? It’s about time Arcadia had something new and exciting happen. Besides, this could be huge for us! We’ll go from never having left Astros to leaders of a Council-sponsored expedition. Come on, let’s go and find out officially.” She bounded out of the room and down the hallway.

In a daze, Samer trailed after her. I suppose this is one way to escape a rut.