"Adept Creek, please come into my office," Wizard August said as he walked through a door on the side of the lecture hall.

Looking around at the empty room Danny wasn't early enough that there shouldn't be at least a few initiates studying.

"Where is everyone," Danny asked.

August looked up and back through the door at the empty classroom, saying "Oh, I only teach them a few days a week now, they are on their own in the group training room. Once they show enough progress I will proceed with more lessons."

Danny nodded at this as it made sense. There were not a lot of runes taught in this school. The subtle nuances of each spell made there seem like more but Danny figured there had to be more than this few handfuls of spells.

"So, I am supposed to go over the results of your exams. Do you want the short version or long," August asked.

"Short please, wizard," Danny replied.

While August pulled out a packet of three sets of papers and started skimming through the pages, he explained, "Good, the first is the results from the air exam. They essentially said that while you lacked a strong flow of mana, you showed amazing versatility and problem solving skills. You made minor errors and was able to make a justifiable call to the one time you purposely hit a non-target. They were especially impressed with your reasoning for not hitting one target at all. They said you didn't even try? Let's see... you recognized your limitation with your mana flow and prioritized time over completing the task. Hmm, I guess that is impressive."

That last bit was mumbled to where Danny could barely hear it.

Grabbing another packet of papers, August started, "This is your results from the earth exam..." A confused look passed over August's face until he, quickly flipping pages, finally got to the last set of papers. "The first two examiners only listed formal complaints in their assessment... towards their fellow examiner, so there are no reviews there. They did however mention you freeing them? Ah, I recognize the name of the last examiner. Wizard Basalt. He is an earth magic fanatic, and the most infuriating and uncivilized individual I have ever met. How he got to be so close to the Archwizard I will never guess. Anyway, he says you did an excellent job seeing through the deception of his exam and finished it in record time. Hmmm, good job here as well, Danny..."

Danny was a little amused by Wizard August's sudden confusion, and use of his first name.

"Now Adept Creek, we have a few options. First, you begin training for fire adept come spring. I think given your past experience that shouldn't be too difficult for you. Your second option is to take on an apprenticeship to an earth or air wizard," August explained.

Danny asked, "Am I allowed to request a specific wizard to train under?"

Nodding, Wizard August said, "Yes, you may request it but it will only be taken into consideration."

Danny nodded and replied, "I would like to go for earth apprenticeship, and I would like to train under Wizard Basalt."

Wizard August didn't bother to hide his look of complete disbelief that those words came out of Danny's mouth.

"What on earth would compel you to do something like that," August question rang out loudly and echoed back from the empty classroom.

"Is he not any good," Danny asked.

Wizard August looked taken back by the question, "What, no! Well..." August had risen almost to stand at Danny's question, then he slowly sat back down. "While the man infuriates me to no end I am not petty enough to be blinded by that. I admit he is probably one of the finest earth wizards we have. But! He doesn't take apprentices, or more likely, no one requests or accepts an apprenticeship with him."

"Well good, he is free then, I won't have to wait for another apprenticeship to be finished," Danny smiled happily.

Wizard August looked out the window in his room as if to confirm he was still on the right planet. He finally turned back to Danny, studying him like hadn't really taken a good look at him before.

Nodding, Wizard August said, "I will inform the Archwizard of your request to apprentice for earth wizard under Basalt. If Basalt is available, he will be able to teach you well... If you survive. You will receive a notice from the Archwizard’s office when the decision is made... Good luck..."

With that Danny was dismissed and he left to go shopping.

Danny walked down the main street through Diadem towards his family’s business. Pulling the strap of his full book bag over his shoulder for the umpteenth time, he trudged along at a steady pace. Initiates couldn't leave the grounds unless it was a half day or holiday. Fortunately Danny wasn't an initiate any longer and had free range of the city. Only Wizard August's censure could stop Danny's new freedom.

He was going to need some traveling gear and what better place to look than his families' shop. He entered the door and walked up to the counter. Sarah was looking over a logbook and didn't see Danny approach.

"Excuse me I am looking for a sturdy backpack with a lot of pockets," Danny asked.

Recognizing his voice, a smile spread across Sarah's face, "Danny! What are you doing here? Did you come by yourself?"

Laughing, Danny replied, "I came to see everyone, but I also really do need a backpack, believe it or not."

Looking at him askance, Sarah asked, "Where do you think you are going that you would need a backpack?"

"Not sure yet but I am planning on an apprenticeship with an earth wizard. I am told they tend to travel a lot."

Sarah replied, "That's generally true, but some stay local and just take work in one city."

"I'm not completely sure, but I get the feeling this particular wizard doesn't like to sit still for too long," Danny explained.

Waiving to Danny to follow, Sarah said, "Come over here then, which style of your mother's backpacks do you like?"

"I was hoping you could help me there. I haven't actually done much with it yet, but I really want to practice alchemy more when I am not doing magic work, I just haven't had the time. I figure if I can find a good case to fit the equipment. I could bring a portable alchemy workstation with me," Danny explained.

"Do you want to be able to carry your clothes and other traveling necessities in the same backpack," Sarah asked.

Danny nodded his head, "Yes, exactly!"

"Alright, Danny leave it to me. I have some ideas, but it will depend on if your mother and Barb can make them happen or not," Sarah explained.

Jumping over and giving her a hug, Danny said, "Thanks Sarah!"

Hugging him back, she said, "Go say hello to Mary, Barb, and your father in back. Then we will see you and your mother this evening."

"Yes, ma'am," Danny said sharply and ran off.

His whole family was happy to hear the good news of his appending apprenticeship. Well that is except his mother. Danny really wished his mother and father had another child after him. Someone to split the mothering equally between. When Danny left the next morning, his family promised to have him a serviceable backpack by the next week. Not liking him traveling through the city alone, his father insisted on walking with him back to the academy.

Danny returned to his dorm and was stopped by Wizard Dawn at the front desk, who had a letter from the Archwizard for him.

"This came for you yesterday," said Wizard Dawn before going back to his reading.

Thanking him, Danny went up to his room and sat down at his desk, opening the letter.

Adept Creek,

Please report to the Archwizard's office, on the 6th floor of the tower, at noon tomorrow to discuss your request for apprenticeship.

Sincerely,

Secretary of the Archwizard

Confused by the request, Danny suddenly realized he barely had enough time to clean up before heading over. Quickly bathing and dressing in new clothes, Danny rushed over to the Archwizard’s office.

After the long walk through town he was especially grateful he had time to bathe. Walking into the Archwizard's office, Danny saw a thin wizard sitting by a desk, busy at work. The wizard wore black and red, a combination Danny hadn't seen yet. Actually he hadn't seen anyone with multiple affinities as a wizard, that wore the healer black as one of them.

"Excuse me Wizard, I am Adept Creek here to see the Archwizard. I believe I have an appointment about now," Danny said.

"Yes, please wait, the Archwizard should call you in shortly," the wizard said perfunctorily and went back to what he was doing before, ignoring Danny’s presence.

Danny didn't wait long until he was called back into the Archwizard’s office. Walking in, he saw a typical office setup. No magical contraptions flew around the room. No magical beasts lurked in the corners. The only thing to separate his office from anyone else's is the topics covered on the books on his shelves.

"Come in, come in Adept Creek," greeted the Archwizard. He directed Danny away from his desk towards a table set up in the middle of the room with four chairs.

"Good day, Archwizard Storm," said Danny.

Sitting down across from each other the Archwizard Storm rang a small bell found there. His secretary promptly entered with trays carrying tea, fruits, and sandwiches that Danny hadn't noticed while he was waiting outside. The Archwizard waited till his secretary retreated before speaking again.

"Now I have been meaning to have a talk with you since your advancement but it seems like there is never enough time in the day," the Archwizard complained while poring Danny and himself some tea. "You submitting that request to apprentice with Basalt was the perfect excuse to make time."

They began eating, and Danny politely waited for the Archwizard to continue. While waiting, Danny helped himself to the delicious food.

After taking a sip of tea to wash a bit of sandwich down his throat, the Archwizard asked, "Now Adept Creek, I want to congratulate you again on your advancement to adept in air and earth magics! A momentous accomplishment. Now, your instructor, Wizard August, tells me you have three affinities already, is that correct?"

Not surprised by this line of questioning, Danny stuck with his story saying, "Yes Archwizard, I have affinities in earth, air, and fire."

Danny's brain was screaming at him, trying to make sure he said the right three. It wouldn't do to slip up here in front of this important person. Anyone who has made it to the Archwizard position is bound to be sharp.

The Archwizard smiled and said, "Excellent, gaining affinities is difficult process involving an in depth study, over decades, into their very nature. Most people have a natural understanding of different affinities, so to have so many affinities at such a young age... I look forward to your progress and the wizard that you shall become."

Danny smiled not knowing how best to respond to this praise. Uncomfortable, Danny chose to change the topics.

Danny smiled, saying, "Archwizard, thank you for sharing this delicious lunch and your kind words. I do really hope to grow strong and couldn’t help but notice the ease Wizard Basalt uses earth magic. Do you think he will take me as an apprentice?"

The Archwizard nodded his head, "Yes, adept Creek, I believe he will." The Archwizard paused before looking thoughtful and speaking again, "Before we get to that though, I was wondering if you could help me with a bit of a mystery?"

Confused with why the Archwizard would require his help with anything, Danny nodded, "Yes, of course, Archwizard Storm,"

Smiling kindly at Danny the Archwizard said, "There was an interesting event that occurred recently. You see, the training rooms are inspected after every use, by an apprentice earth wizard. They look to ensure the rooms are safe to use again. They refresh the stone on the walls and floors as necessary. You see, this is an excellent way for them to train their affinity. One apprenticed brought something to our attention a few weeks back." Reaching out to the bowl of fruit, the Archwizard plucked an apple off the top and held it out to Danny.

Danny began to sweat. His hands shook as he took the apple.

Clearing his throat Danny managed to get out, "What was it, Archwizard?"

The Archwizard’s smile was gone as he studied Danny, "An apple! Can you believe it, someone had left their snack behind in the training room."

The Archwizard laughed and Danny nervously laughed along with him. Danny was so relieved that he sighed loudly. He almost started giggling.

"Well, that wasn't all," The Archwizard continued.

Danny's laughing stopped.

"The apple was attached to a branch. The apprentice didn't have enough mana to pull the rest of it out so he got master to come and assist him. The wizard didn't believe his apprentice at first, but then when he go to the training room in question, that changed. Can you imagine his surprise when he unearthed a whole apple tree? I was of course summoned, and it was the largest apple tree I had ever seen," the Archwizard stopped speaking to take another sip of tea from his cup. "Now, adept Creek, can you tell me why the training room you had just checked out of had a tree shoved into the ground?"

Danny didn't move a muscle, nor did he say a word.

Leaning a little forward, the Archwizard said, "Can you also tell me why we found another apple tree in the next training room floor you used?"

Danny sat there for a while before decided the gig was up. He had hoped to avoid discovery, but it appeared that was out of his hands now. Looking down, he sighed.

Danny looked up smiling and said, "Well, you see, the thing is Archwizard Storm... I got hungry, then after growing the thing I realized I wasn't a whole apple tree hungry. Guess my eyes tend to get bigger than my stomach."

The Archwizard had been expecting a possible response to the affirmative, just not this one. The Archwizard leaned back and started laughing. While laughing he stood up and motioned for Danny to following him again.

They went out a door on the other side of the room from where he had entered. A flight of stairs spiraled up until the Archwizard lifted a long trapdoor above him. The stairs continued all the way to the other side of the trapdoor. Danny realized they were flush with the top of the tower.

Stepping out on the roof the Archwizard got his laughing under control and turned to Danny. Without saying a word he raised a hand in the air, and using his mana sight, Danny could see it glow brightly.

Danny looked around, but his only possible escape was the trapdoor they came through. The Archwizard had closed it behind them, and Danny started to inch closer to it. Before Danny could get any closer to the trapdoor the Archwizard’s prepared spell shot up into the sky. Danny used air armor but didn't know if it would be any help against an attack from this man in front of him.

It was a cloudy day, but it suddenly became completely overcast. The clouds poured rain down upon the two, and the rest of the town.

"The council hates when I do this. A few of them grumble, blaming me every time it rains and it inconveniences them. I never deny it," the Archwizard said, with a childish smile that did not belong on a man of his station or age.

The rain soon subsided and the wizard cast a breeze of air that dried them off, before they went back down to the Archwizard's office. Danny entered the room, and stopped, to find two women in dark clothing sitting at the table that were not there when they had left the room.

"Excellent, you two made it just in time," the Archwizard came to a halt and smiled secretly saying, "Or should I say, thank you for waiting patiently for the appropriate time to show yourselves."

The two women inclined their heads respectfully towards the Archwizard, but didn't say anything. Danny noticed they both had the sharp features of the local nobility. They were wearing mixes of black and dark red clothing. Nothing ornate, nothing expensive looking. The both had dark hair, which Danny was also suspecting was a favored feature of the nobility. He could tell they were attractive women, but they did much to make themselves look average. Danny guessed they could be related.

The Archwizard sat down and indicated Danny to do so as well. They sat in their original seats which put the two women on either side of him.

"Now Danny, what I showed you above is a secret that usually only wizards learn about. Gaining enough insight and experience to obtain additional elemental affinities, besides the original five, is a struggle of a lifetime," the Archwizard explained.

"Then why not just teach the elemental rune to others," Danny asked, interrupting.

The Archwizard looked at Danny confused for a second. Danny could see the gears turning in the old man’s head. Storm's eyes widened further and his mouth opened slightly.

The Archwizard turned toward the woman on his right, and asked, "Brianna, would you take that serving knife and cut your arm. I would do it but this body is getting so old, and healing takes its toll on me."

Without hesitation the woman reached out, grabbed the knife, and smoothly cut her arm lengthwise. Danny could only look in horror as the wound began to bleed. Danny was never one for blood and he might have been more interested in being a doctor if he hadn't been.

"Thank you dear. Now Adept Creek, could you be so kind as to heal that for her? As you can tell by my duster, you are the only healer here," The Archwizard asked as if Brianna had only dropped her napkin, not sliced open her arm.

Danny looked up at the old man and realized he knew. Looking over at the woman's arm Danny decided he needed to do something before he passed out or threw up, which he currently wanted to do both. Reaching over Danny charged then cast a healing spell. At least he had a clear enough mind not to show off his mana manipulation skills.

"It is true! I can't believe it...," the Archwizard leaned forward to wipe away the blood and look at her arm. "A Pentacle...”

Danny had read about that briefly in the library. It was a mage with access to all five affinities. His stomach sank further as he knew he had given himself and away and this was only going to get worse for him.

"Danny, do you mind if I call you Danny," the Archwizard asked.

Looking across the table, Danny sighed and said, "That's fine."

"Danny the magic you used to conjure the tree that was from your high level of earth and water correct?" At Danny's nod of confirmation, the Archwizard continued, "Could you show us the magic you used to grow the apple tree?"

Danny looked at the three individuals at the table with him. He didn't actually know any spells for casting the nature magic. He could guess, but he didn't know what happened when you messed up with nature magic. If he used mana manipulation the Archwizard would instantly know something was up when he didn't cast a spell, yet the tree grew.

"I can't exactly grow a tree in this room," Danny lamely ventured.

"Let's go downstairs then. It is a lovely day outside," the Archwizard said as he stood.

Danny thought about not following, but the two imposing women stood up next to him. He knew this was something he couldn't sit out. Walking downstairs, no one took note of them except to greet or bow to the Archwizard. Walking into the forest on the edge of the inner circle the Archwizard stepped between two trees and disappeared. Dianna shortly followed as the other woman stood behind Danny waiting on him to continue. Danny thought about trying to make a run for it but he didn't exactly have a place to run to. Plus he didn't know if he could take out the woman behind him. Both of these strange women exuded strength and speed. She wouldn't expect an attack with mana manipulation. He thought maybe he cou...

"Hurry up," said the older woman.

Danny stepped forward between the two trees and continued on till the path opened into a glade, like the one he trained in the other day. There was no pool here in this space, but in the center lay an apple.

Rubbing his hands together the Archwizard smiled excitedly saying, "Alright Danny, show us your nature magic!"

"I don't think I can anymore," Danny said weakly.

Both of the women rested their hands on the blades at their waists. The message sent was very clear to Danny.

Thinking furiously Danny came up with an idea. He could cast the lowest level nature spell at the fruit using a cast at target modifier. Once it starts growing use mana manipulation to do the rest. If the spell causes mud to form that will hopefully covered by the tree growing, and their lack of knowledge of what it should look like to begin with.

Casting the low level nature spell, Danny prayed the Archwizard wouldn't notice him hold the fully charged spell, and think it still charging. With his other hand he extended a ball of mana next to the apple without touching it. He didn't need the two spells to touch. When that was ready he cast the low level nature spell. When the spell hit, roots burst forth from the apple and it started to grow. Danny could tell it was slowing down, so, he moved the mana ball over, releasing his connection, and activated the nature rune. Slowly, the apple tree grew and grew. Looking over at the other three in the clearing, Danny saw the Archwizard laughing as the two women only showed their shock and surprise in their eyes. The tree grew taller than the canopy around it.

"I have only seen the elves command plants like this. They have shown us how they could make our fields grow almost in minutes from a seed. Unfortunately, their prices were too high. Now I have confirmation it is possible for us as well," the Archwizard said gleefully.

"There you are, you got your apple tree, I will just be heading back now," Danny turned to leave, when he felt the hand of one of the women fall on his shoulder, holding him in place..

From behind him Danny heard the Archwizard say, "Sorry Danny, there is just one more thing we have to be sure of before we can move forward. It has to do with what happened to your mother before you were born..."

Danny turned slowly around heedless of the two women with hands on their blades. Danny's voice was cold, "What happened to my mother, what happened to her?"

The Archwizard asked, "Danny, did your parents tell you anything about what happened?"

Danny squinted and said, "No, tell me what happened."

The Archwizard must have seen something in Danny's eyes he believed because he said, "Good, no one is to know about that night and what happened. Your parents would be punished if they had told you or anyone else."

Danny couldn't believe that more people knew what happened to his mother and he didn't. Danny's face turned red, "You know what happened to my mother! Tell me now!"

The Archwizard started to say, "No, Danny you will never learn about what happened, I will no..." Then all Danny could see was that the Archwizard’s eyes were wide as he looked around the glade confused. "How are you doing this," the Archwizard yelled and it sounded like the older man was very far away.

That confused Danny enough for him to realize the air around them was moving. Danny was in the middle of a miniature hurricane that only gained in power. Leaves, grass and small branches circled his body. Apples, leaves, and branches fell from the massive tree above them to join the rest of the debris. The two women stood with him in the center and moved with swords drawn to cut him down.

From the swirling hurricane around them came a muffled, "Don't... don't hurt him!"

Both women stopped and one of the women said in a calm voice, "Stop this... now."

He hadn't remembered using mana manipulation, but half his mana was gone. The tree had taken only a small fraction of that. Taking a deep breath, he pushed his mana out in all directions until it filled the small glade, then casting air rune willed the air to be still.

It was as if someone had pressed pause briefly and then took away the wind. The previously flying debris was held suspended in the air for a few seconds, only to fall covering everything including the cowering Archwizard.

Taking a deep breath, Danny said, "Tell me about what happened to my mother."

The Archwizard stood up and brushed himself off saying, "How did you do that boy?"

Danny ignored the old man and turned to Brianna, 'Tell me what happened to my mother. What are those weird symbols on her lower stomach?"

The Archwizard looked up at that, "She showed those to you?"

Danny flung out a dismissive had, "I saw it when I was little and remembered it. Now tell me what happened," the last part came out as a scream, and the three adult tensed waiting for another small hurricane.

"It was decided after that night that no one should speak of what happened, a decree from the head of the Diadem family," the old wizard said quietly.

"Then who can rescind the order and tell me," asked Danny.

The Archwizard shook his head, "You don't understand, Danny, the only people who know about what actually happened, were your mother and the previous head of the Diadem family."

"The current head of the Diadem family was not told the specifics but made to promise that this knowledge should not escape your mother as it somehow endangers us all. I wish we could tell you but we can't, and the only person that can will die if it is found out she told you," the Archwizard said apologetically.

Danny sunk to the ground and covered his head in silent frustration.

"Danny, why is it so important that you know," said the old man, as he hesitatingly put a hand on Danny's back.

"No one told me anything but I have guessed a few things and I have some sort of... innate knowledge. I can't explain," Danny said, looking up at the older man, "Based on what you have just told me, if I were to tell you, we would all have to die."