You would like to be a mind mage

“I … I would like to be a mage,” you answer a little shy and look at your father and Goren for their reactions, “what you told and showed me … this sounds so amazing.”

“I hope you know what you are wishing for,” your father says calm and puts his hand on your shoulder, “alright, you are ready. Let us do this test and maybe your wish comes true.”

Goren nods smiling and gets up from his desk. He takes a ball of glass from his shelf, just as big as a baby’s fist. When he touches it, it glows in a grey light. Carefully he places the ball in front of you. You can see your reflection in its surface. There is no mirror in your home and since your mother is too busy with your sister, your hair is a mess most of the times.

“This is a revelation orb,” Goren explains, “there is a small shard of a magic crystal in the core with small runes engraved on it. Easy to build for a fully educated mage. The orb feels your magic connection when you touch it. Depending on the branch of magic fate has considered to you, it glows in a different color. If your connection is too weak to be considered as a mage, it only glows a little bit. In this case, you can go home and live your normal life. Go on, little one. Take it in your hand!”

You carefully took the orb in your hand and for only a second, that still feels like eternity, you have to wait suddenly the orb glows in an extremely bright light. You father gasps and Goren seems pleased. You must protect your eyes with your free hand and barely notice Goren reaches for the orb to get it back.

“White,” he says and smiles fascinated, “you are a mind mage like me. That’s great. Professor Mentalis is responsible for you. I was kind of her mentor when she was in your age. She is a great woman. With this skill, you will have a great future in the secret service or any other investigation group. However, I must warn you. Reading other people’s thoughts without asking them before is not only impolite, it is very dangerous without proper education. Don’t cause our kind any trouble!”

“So it is true,” your father says and suddenly hugs you tight, “you are really a very special child.”

“Yes, she is,” Goren says calm and pets your shoulder, “a little witch ready to explore the world of arcane secrets. The academy will be very glad for its new student. I will send them a letter and prepare you a transport. The academy will also have the documents about the money ready when you arrive.”

“How much … how much time do we have until she has to leave?” You father asks and despite his efforts, he can’t hide a hint of sadness in his voice, “my … my oldest son is about to become 18 in a week. Like every man he will get conscripted to the baron’s army. Can she attend his last birthday?”

“One week?” Goren asks thoughtfully, “yes, that is not a problem. The message takes a few days anyway. But not much longer. I’m afraid.”

“Thank you, sir,” you say gratefully, “I promise, I will be here in time.”

“Good, because if you decide to flee and become a renegade witch, we will send the inquisitors after you,” Goren replies and suddenly you are not sure if he is serious or not, “but there is no need to worry as long as you follow the laws. Well, my friends, I guess you have a lot to process after all this. Feel free to ask any question you might have.”

“Do you … mind if I take my daughter home, sir?” your father asks carefully, “I … have to inform my wife and other children about this.”

“That’s alright,” Goren answers friendly, “go to your family and enjoy your time. This will be the best for all of you. I wish you a save travel.”

You nod and follow your father out of the office. You get the feeling the events of the last few days are just too much for him. You can understand it. A few days ago, you just wanted to test your own ability to read. And now you found out you are a mage. You have so many questions. But it seems they have to wait for now.