A cloud of water vapour escaped from Atarka's mouth as he exhaled. It was cold in the tomb yet he didn't notice. Summoning his power, he created a small globe light. Its glow illuminated a spiral stone staircase tumbling into the depths of the earth. Without a sound, Atarka descended into the darkness with his light for company.

There wasn't anything eerie about the tomb as many people rumoured it would be but Atarka and Sonea never dispelled their illusions. It was better to leave Akkarin in peace yet today, Atarka felt the need to visit the father he never had a chance to meet.

The sound of footsteps echoed off the walls noisily. At the bottom of the staircase, Atarka stopped in front of a stone wall. In the middle of the wall protruded a black gem. Cobwebs hung unceremoniously off its smooth sides from months of disuse. Approaching the wall, Atarka drew up power.

"Remember, Atarka, your father never liked to be the one that drew a lot of attention to himself. We will continue his wish," Atarka's big round eyes blinked as his mother walked towards the newly built stone wall.

"I've fashioned this gem to be the lock and key to this wall. Channel your power into the gem and it will unlock once it has stored enough of your power."

"But what does that mean, mother?" Sonea smiled at her son's confusion.

Kneeling down, she stroked back his dark brown hair.

"Once you are of age, you will understand..."

And he did. Everything slotted into place as the day he turned 16. His power had showed up on his birthday, which was a nice surprise for everyone. Atarka's lips pulled into a smile. The felt proudest when his mother appraised him when he made the link to his father's tomb.

"You're learning fast, Atarka."

Closing his eyes, he directed his channel of power into the glittering gem. The familiar clicks bounced off the room as the gem unlocked itself smoothly. Soon, the wall slid away to reveal a dimly lit chamber.

As Atarka entered Akkarin's resting place, the wall slid back to its original place. From another person's point of view it looked just as undisturbed as before except for the missing cobwebs.

"There you are!" Etaria looked up to find herself looking into her best friend's green eyes.

"Sorry I was late-"

"It's fine, it's fine! Come on, the race is about to begin!" without another word, Darna grabbed Etaria by the hand and ran towards the racecourse.

A boy in red robes walked up to his friend in navy blue.

"We going to join them?" Falwren asked.

The boy in blue robes didn't reply but continued to stare at the running girls. Falwren followed Hewend's line of sight then the corner of his mouth lifted.

"I know you like her, Hewend that's why we're here," Hewend looked around confusedly as if he just noticed Falwren's existence.

"Oh I-"

"Come on, let's go already!" instinctively, Falwren called up his power and began to hover after the girls.

With a pause Hewend followed suit. Sighing inwardly he looked into himself. So much power. Is that elation I'm feeling? His thoughts were then interrupted by a shrill scream. Hewend's head snapped up, automatically he threw up a strong shield around him. Casting his eyes over the heads of the now panicking crowd, he searched for his friends. This is stupid...

- Etaria! Falwren! Darna!

Amidst the panic, Hewend levitated himself and began to weave gracefully through the crowd. Everyone avoided the approaching magician.

- Hewend? Where are you?

- Near the Southern Gate, are you with Etaria and Darna?

- Darna's here, but Etaria...

- Get yourselves out. I'll find Etaria.

- Hewend, what's going on?

- I'm not sure yet. Get yourselves back to the University. Hurry!

Hewend immediately set off again, constantly calling out for Etaria. With fearful glances at the Black Magician, many Kyralians fled into nearby alleyways and side streets. Soon the racecourse grounds was empty but there was still no sign of Etaria. The emptiness only lasted a few seconds. Hewend strengthened his shield as the newcomers approached him. Their faces were hidden in the shadows of their white cloaks. Strangers.

"Who are you?" Hewend demanded from the figure at the front.

Silence. Hewend's body tensed at their hostility. Sending out his mind, he detected their source of magic. Their minds were connected with it. A shiver passed down the boy's spine. These were strangers that knew magic.

"You do not belong here, begone this instant!" summoning more power, Hewend formulated a heatstrike.

However, he never made it because the supposed leader of the gang stepped aside to reveal yet another figure who wore a green robe.

"Etaria!"

Sonea felt a stir in the town. Something was wrong.

- Dorrien?

- Sonea, you better get your reinforcements ready.

Sonea froze. Enemies that require a magician's interference?

- What is happening?

- White cloaked figures have appeared in the racecourse grounds. A few of our novices were there.

- Do you know who it is?

- One of them is your student, Hewend, I think. I heard one of the novices call out his name and a few others' names too.

- I will send reinforcements immediately. How are the citizens?

- Fled at first sign of danger.

- Dorrien, stay in the hospital. I suspect we might have some more casualties coming in soon.

- I-

The High Lady frowned as Dorrien's thought was cut off in mid-sentence.

- Dorrien?

- Your student is attacking the attackers.

- What?! Tell him immediately to stop. I'm sure a novice is in the hands of the attackers.

Sonea felt surprise in Dorrien's mind.

- Yes, you can sense it from here?

- A little. Take care now. I will alert the Guild immediately.

Sorry that took a while! Tbh, the writer's block is back again plus im still planning the ending! Plz keep the reviews coming! :D

Shaari