An hour later, Rachel and Alexia found themselves at the front of the line of apprentice heroes, all eagerly awaiting their turn to begin the Trial. The pair before them- a Nightblade and a Monk- had just stepped through their portal to what looked like a tropical island. At least that was what Rachel guessed from the smells and sounds the drifted through the portal while it was open. With a snap, the portal closed, and it was finally their turn to start the Trial.

“Well, well. Who do we have here?” “Professor Trin said as the pair approached. “Alexia Morgana. The prophesied savior of the world. I have been watching your progress most excitedly. An Academy graduate has not reached “World Protector” in quite some time. We are eager to change that.”

At such praise, Rachel would have found herself blushing to the roots. Alexia though barely acknowledged that the professor had spoken. A single incline of the head was the only sign she gave. When you’re used to hearing such things every day, Rachel thought, they must become as ordinary as “nice dress.”

“We’ve made a special Trial for you,” said Professor Hurc. This close, even his unamplified voice rattled Rachel’s teeth. “Professor Saroc set it up himself.”

The old Battlemage regarded his companion with a sullen expression. “While it is slightly against protocol for a Task Master to create a specific apprentice’s Trial, he is correct. If you are going to save the world, we must be sure you can handle whatever comes your way.”

Professor Saroc hobbled over to the side as Professor Trin made intricate signs with her hands. At once a pale, blue-green oval formed in the air. Through it, Rachel could see rolling snow covered hills, while a jagged peak dominated the scene.

“Your Trial will take place near Mt. Krals,” continued the battle mage. “You have one week to find your glo-bulb. Once you find it, a portal will open up, taking you back to the Academy. Any further questions?”

Before Rachel could even think of one, Alexia strode through the waiting portal, and Rachel had no choice but to follow, with Al’tun quick on her heels.

“Good luck! Keep focused on your…” Professor Hurc’s words were cut off as the portal closed with a snap, leaving Alexia and Rachel alone in the wilds.

A wind, colder even then at the Academy, greeted them as they walked around the snow and ice covered landscape. Rachel thanked the Stars she had brought her heavy cloak. As she walked, Rachel let out a gasp, but not because of the cold. The sun had peaked out from behind a cloud and illumining the landscape in a dazzling display. Ice covered rocks shimmered in the light, looking like a thousand winking candles all around them.

“This place is amazing!” Rachel cried out. “The hills look magical. Look over there Alexia, to the left. If you squint it kind of looks like…”

“Are you going to stand there staring like a fool all day, or do you actually want to complete the Trials?”

The Elemantist turned and headed down the slope. Rachel sighed. She had hoped that beginning the Trials would have softened Alexia’s mood, but that didn’t seem to be the case.

“Come on Al’tun,” Rachel said as she tightened the straps to her pack. “Let’s go and find that glo-bulb.”