To the next town to meet the mage guild

You barely remember your first father, in your previous life. Sometimes, when you focus and try to remember, you can see a somewhat familiar face, but you are not sure if it is really him or just imagination. The man next to you, who drives the ox cart, was always strict and relentless when it comes to you and your siblings doing your chores and follow rules. But he never hit you and always made sure you and your siblings are all well fed and healthy. In the already 16 years you have spent in this strange world, he has become your father.

But right now, he kind of scares you. He is completely quiet and constantly looks on the street. You try to figure out in which direction he drives. If you are not mistaken, you are not too far from Rockwall, a town where you and your mother sell your crop surplus every year after the taxes have been paid to the nobility. But it is still summer and you have no goods in your cart. When the small but still impressive stone ramparts of the town appear at horizon, you get too nervous to stay quiet and decide to ask your father what is going on.

“Father,” you say and try to keep your voice calm, “please, talk to me. What is going on? Why are we in Rockwall? Have I … done anything wrong or caused you trouble. Please tell me!”

Your father looks at you for a short moment. His face is hard to read but you get the feeling he is not angry. Rather worried. And maybe a little sad. Is he disappointed in you? Because you can read? That would make no sense, even for this world.

“No, Clare, you did not,” he says and his voice calms you a little bit, “listen, whatever happens now, be aware that it is not your fault. None of this. You are a great girl. And a very special one. But … maybe being special is the problem now.”

“What do you mean?” you ask confused, “I know, only a few people can read but is that really a problem?”

Your father doesn’t answer right now, because you arrived at the gate. Two guards approach him to collect an entry fee.

“Logan of Hardwood, farmer,” you father introduces himself, “I need to speak to the representative of the mages guild to get my daughter tested.”

The guards look at you surprised than at him again. one of them is tensing his fist around his spear. You are surprised too. Considering that elves and dwarfs life on Calitian, it is not surprising that magic exists too. But you know almost nothing about it. The simple rural population does not think very highly of magic. And as long as it doesn’t cause them any problems, they give their best to ignore it.

“You may enter,” one of the guards says curtly, “there is no fee needed for this. Report to the town hall. Immediately.”

“Mage guild?” you whisper when the guards can’t hear you anymore, “what does this mean?”

“Magic has always been around us,” your father tells you, “I’m not an expert, but I know that some people, very few to be honest, are born with a connection to this magic. That allows them with some training to do very … powerful things. And powerful people are dangerous. Everyone who has power wants more. And they care little about others below them. The monsters and bandits that sometimes attack villages and travelers are worse but they are still just animals and criminals. But magic can make these things much worse. That’s why every person with a connection to magic has to be tested, registered and monitored. Untrained magic is as dangerous as dwarfen gunpowder. And renegade mages are as dangerous as the weapons the dwarfs use with it. I think you get the picture.”

“And you believe I am like that?” you ask slightly hurt.

“I don’t believe you are a bad person, but I think you have such a connection,” your father replies strict, “you have always been special, but … learning to read just by listening to a mayor is impossible. By law, I have to tell the magic guild to test your skills. And if you are a mage … well, I’m afraid I have no idea what this means for your future. All I know is that some nobles have magic advisors and the king obliges all magicians to serve in the mage guild. And probably the army I assume. But let’s get this over with.”

You have meanwhile arrived at a stable and your father hands the stable keeper a copper coin to take care of the ox and cart. The town hall is not far. Just a minute of walking later you stand in front of the second largest stone house in the town. Only the bell tower of the church is higher. You enter and a tired looking employee of the town greets you dulled. But at least her quickly directs you to the first floor where the mage guild has a small office.