Chapter 14: Magestone Test

A tall assortment of pale grey limestone buildings stood behind a large steel gate. Stryg stared in wide-eyed wonder, he had never seen buildings so massive. They reminded him of the citys towering walls. Rorik spoke with the stationed guard. A moment later the gates opened wide.

"This way, Rorik motioned him to follow.

Stryg nodded as he trailed a few feet behind the drow guard. They headed towards the foremost building. It had a dome ceiling with marble pillars standing on each side of the broad ebony wooden doors. Stryg took a deep breath. This was a fresh start, a new beginning for his life. He would try his hardest to succeed in this place. His failures were behind him. Stryg, exile of the Blood Fang tribe would be left behind. Beyond these doors, Stryg the mage would be born. He hoped to return to his village someday, but it would be as a mage, not a failure. He promised himself to make it so.

They passed by the doors and were met with a middle-aged drow secretary sitting behind a desk.

The woman looked up as she noticed the two guests. Good morning, how may I be of help today?

Good morning, my name is Rorik Polamtal, I serve as captain of the guard in the trade district. Yesterday, my men came across this young goblin and we discovered he was a mageborn. He has since told me his wish to attend the academy and I am here to fulfill my duty in ensuring he has the chance.

The woman pushed her flower pot aside and leaned over the desk to see the short goblin. Her eyes were full of doubt, A goblin? Mageborn?

Mr. Granby, our garrisons mage, assured me. Stryg here is a genuine mageborn. Rorik said in a firm tone. He hadnt made it this far just to be turned away.

Stryg smiled awkwardly, Hello.

Hmm. Well, hell have to be tested to ensure that he is a mageborn. After which he can sign the proper documents to enter the academy. The secretary leaned back and began rummaging through her desk.

Of course, Rorik accepted.

Follow me then. This wont take long. The secretary pulled out a BE BACK SOON sign and hung it from the desk. She led them through a door to the side and through a windowless long grey stone corridor. Torches lined the hallway. Stryg felt nervous, he was going to be tested, a challenge. He never did well in challenges, no matter how much he trained. He didnt even know what the test was about, let alone prepared for it. He tried taking deep breaths to calm down. This place felt alien to him. He had never been in a stone building before, never walked down a hallway that seemed to go on forever. Dozens of doors flew past them as they strided by.

Deep breaths, Stryg, deep breaths, he thought to himself.

The secretary suddenly stopped and opened a door to her right, Come in. Quickly.

The room was sparse save for a long table covered in ten small crystalline baubles. A human read a book while leaning against a wall. He wore a grey tunic and pants. He glanced at them, Ah, Miss Byrel, another applicant?

Quite right. Go ahead, John. The secretary folded her hands and stood in the corner, like a vulture waiting for her prey.

Right away. John placed the book down and walked to the table. If you could come here, please. He gestured towards the guard captain.

Oh, Im not being tested. Rorik gave Stryg a gentle push.

Stryg swallowed as he stepped forward, What do I need to do?

John frowned and looked at Miss Byrel. She nodded in silence from the corner. He sighed, Ok, then. The test is easy, even for someone like you.

Everything seems like what you said, Stryg whispered to himself. He took the ink pen and signed his name on the right lines and handed them back to the secretary.

She looked them over, twice, to make sure everything was in order. Finally, nodding to herself she put the papers away. Its strange. On the eve of the beginning of the new school year, after everyone else has applied and most failed, including many of our own fellow drow, a goblin appears. Who not only passes the chrome-probe test, but can also read and write with proficiency. How strange, suspicious, one might even say.

Anything else, we should know about? I mean something thats not just your conjecture, but actually relevant to Strygs registration? Rorik asked.

Miss Byrel scowled. She took out two sheets of paper and a key, and slammed it on her desk. The first years curriculum and a map of campus is on this paper. The second paper is the academys writ of proof that you are an attending student. Go to the library to pick up the first year textbooks. Here is the key to your dorm room. The room will be ready in a few hours. Clothes will also be prepared for you. Students are expected to wear the appropriate garments during class. Be sure to take a bath before you change. You stink. That will be all. Miss Byrel sat back down and paid them no more attention.

Stryg went on his tiptoes to reach the paper and key from the high desk. They pair left without another word. The woman was just another person of power who threw their weight around. Stryg had known many. It was best to bide his time. He recalled the poacher and his centaur, like so many others Stryg would wait until he was powerful enough to deal with them.

As they walked back to the carriage Stryg couldnt help but speak, Im starting to understand what you meant by people not liking goblins.

Rorik scratched his head, Yeah. There arent any wealthy or powerful goblins in Hollow Shade, few in all the Ebon Realm I reckon. That, coupled with goblins relatively short and weak physique, and a slew of prejudice against them, has made the species as a whole get the short end of the stick for a very long time.

Then why did you stand up for me back there?

Oh that? She was just getting on my nerves, acting all high and mighty.

But, shes a mage. Arent you worried shell burn you or something?

Nah, she isnt a mage. She wasnt wearing a mages necklace. She just works there. Im still a captain of the guard. I dont have to take shit from her. Rorik opened the carriage doors.

Wait, if she wasnt a mage, then why was she acting so arrogant? Did she have some other kind of power or was she simply an idiot? Stryg wasnt sure.

Do you hate goblins? Stryg asked.

Rorik opened his mouth to answer, but paused when he saw Strygs intense stare.

Rorik sighed, No, but I never really cared about them either. Im helping you out since it''s my job. That and the hope that you might repay the favor later on.

Stryg stared for a few more seconds before entering the carriage. Rorik climbed in and they were off.

Wait, shouldnt we be going to the library to get my books?

Itll take a few hours for your name to be registered into the academys ledgers, including the library. You wont be able to get your books till then. We might as well get you your nameplate right now.

Stryg nodded in understanding. ...Do I really stink?

Yes, very much so. Rorik laughed. You should take advantage of the academy baths when you get the chance. The one at the martial academy is quite nice. I bet the magic academy has one just as good if not better. You dont want to smell like blood and guts when youre in front of all your classmates, believe me.