Caught out by Sareth and banished!

"However...", said Sareth, his voice carrying untold majesty and power with every syllable. "... we have more pressing matters to deal with than some missing girl."

Aaralon blinked.

"How dare you come to me." The voice had moved. It seemed to be much closer and much more threatening. "Did you think I would not notice the stink of demon on you? Did you?"

Aaralon startled and took a step backwards. The door rattled as heavy bolts flung shut. Aaralon knew he had not been able to sense which ever spell had just commanded the bolts.

"Did you even think I would be unaware of your spell casting? You foolish boy!"

Aaralon knew he was in serious trouble.

"Aaralon Fireblood; I hereby remove you from this college!"

The statement was like a blow to the head. Aaralon staggered.

"You can not return to us until your worth compensates us for all the trouble you have caused. Already, since you first weakened the veil between this world and the demonRealm, we have had to banish five large demons. You are removed from this College until you can pay a king's ransom and until you can deliver two thousand square miles of land to this College's authority. Do you understand?"

Aaralon was gobsmacked. Could this be any worse? Mind you... at least he had some chance, a tiny chance, of being able to return and continue his studies. He needed to master magic. He must do it. "I understand," but the words were dry on his lips.

"Further more..." Sareth's booming voice continued, "You will leave this College immediately and you will not be permitted to take your spell book with you. You will have your spell book destroyed unless you forfeit your right to leave here with a companion. Do you understand? You must pick one; your spell book or a companion. Pick now!"

Aaralon understood the question but had no idea where this concept of a 'companion' had come from? What would a simple travelling companion be able to do which would compare to his spell book? Would it be a simple travelling companion? No... probably not.