Third Day of June, In the Year of the Empire 6777

The walk across campus to the teacher dorms was much longer than I expected. They were hidden behind everything else by design, for when I reached the area, it turned out to be a park-like setting for the teachers and other staff. Three large dorm buildings were behind an administration building, with the park in the middle.

Going to the front desk in the administration building, I noticed a large cafeteria area to one side. It was much more than the student cafeteria. All the tables had flower arrangements. Magical lights and good paintings made the space comfortable and calming. Servers waited on the diners. I was looking forward to having my morning meals here.

At the counter, I introduced myself and asked for my room assignment.

The reaction I received was not what I had expected.

With a sneer, the gentleman told me, "These are not student dorms. Go back across campus and find out which dorm you're supposed to be in."

Bulling, yet again. I've gotten too used to this. Sighing, I spoke clearly, "Mrs. Regaon told me that you would have the necessary information to place me in a teacher dorm. I officially became a teacher yesterday, as my new sash shows. Please recheck your files."

The man sat there looking at me doing nothing. Just another old game for me, so I simply waited.

Finally, he responded, "I should report you for illegally wearing that sash. Remove it and return to the student dorms before you are kicked out of this school and thrown in jail."

A voice from the cafeteria called out. "Now, now, Renfield. He is indeed our newest staff member. You should do well to accept that, or I'll have to report you again."

Turning around, I found High Mage Saxon approaching us.

Grinning at him brightly, I give a nod of my head in respect. "Mage Saxon! It is so nice to see you again. How are my father's carriages coming along, sir?"

Laughing, as he was prone to do, Mage Saxon returned my greeting. "Hello to you as well, Instructor Mage Hartson. I've just finished with the latest 'Princes Jean' carriage, which I had sold before I even started on it. So, things with your father are going very well indeed."

Mage Saxon made to peer at my sash overly much. "So, it is true you also graduated with Honors as well as becoming our newest instructor. Congratulations, young man!"

"As if you did not already know, sir. Thank you very much, though. I am looking forward to the challenge."

Laughing a bit, Mage Saxon turned to the man behind the desk. "So Minor Mage Renfield, did you find Instructor Mage Hartson's room key yet?"

Letting out a sigh of disappointment, Renfield said, "Yes, I just found it. Here it is, Mr. Har…"

Mage Saxon interrupted him, "That is Mage Hartson, or even Instructor Mage Hartson, Renfield. Do please try to remember."

Renfield's face soured at being corrected, but he continued. "Mage Hartson, here is your room key. Do keep it clean."

"Thank you, sir." I wanted to say more but held my tongue.

Turning back to Mage Saxon with my key in hand, "Thank you for your help again. Is there anything I may do for you?"

Mage Saxon was busy looking at the trunks floating behind me. "You did very well with this spell. How does it handle stairs?"

With a proud smile, I answer him. "Easily enough, they keep at least the height of the user's waist at all times, so they will look like stair steps themselves as they follow along, adjusting to the greatest height changes."

Grinning at me, he nodded, "Well done and worthy of the Honors you received."

"Thank you, Mage Saxon." Digging into my pocket, I handed him a flat length of polished wood with four circles lined up on one side. "Please, sir, let me thank you for all of your help these past eight years. Please accept this. It's from the ritual version of the spell. Break it, and it will create four platforms that will last one hour."

"Thank you. By the way, I will be traveling to your hometown for the summer festival again. Would you like to join me and see your family?"

"Yes, sir, it has been a long time. I would like to join you on the journey."

Mage Saxon waved at me as he walked away, studying the token I had given him. "I'll get you the details soon," he said in parting.