As the first touches of spring appear brightening the dreary kingdom with fresh greenery and pristine flowers, the great gates of Faireblot academy swing open revealing a place unreachable for the common ilk untested in the art of servitude. It is marvellous with delicate arches and towers decorated by feats of flowing architecture with some details so fine and ill proportioned that if not for the strengthening enchantments in the walls it would not be unreasonable for them to blow over in the slightest breeze. The grounds are so large that even with the sprawling group of buildings it is clear no noble would willingly find the effort to walk so far through the grass and mud that they would reach the edge.

In the largest of the great halls in Faireblot academy all the students have gathered with their parents to hear the acceptance speech from the great arch magus and 13th headmaster of Faireblot academy, Forte Cantwrite. The man stands and raises his hands causing the light in the room to focus on him. He bows to the royal family and then moves forward to the podium. It is a grand affair with beautifully crafted mana wood carved in the pattern of a bird in flight that could almost and probably literally could come alive. However, in the great hall with its enchanted stone arches and expectedly patterned space this does not stand out.

The headmaster pauses and then speaks.” For all of those here today congratulations. You have all been accepted into one of the greatest establishments for learning and perfecting the magical arts in this kingdom and I am proud to announce that in the finals this year we came overall first in this country for the great tests and the wizz ball tournament.” He sighs as his tone become less enthusiastic,” for those of you who couldn’t make the cut or are too young to attend I hope you study hard to be accepted next year.” He pauses once more “On the subject of next year, by both my own influence and that of our king, we will be accepting a single commoner student among our ranks. For those who object I must inform you that this decision is final! It is being announced as we speak by the heralds. On that note I hope for your success and bid you all a fond farewell.” The headmaster leaves to the muttering of the nobles. He knows it is only the presence of the higher nobles that is keeping back pandemonium but he smiles. Finally, the huge amount of magical talent that before was wasted wasted may be harnessed. This is only the first step of many but the most important.

Every great journey begins with a single step or in this case a single student. He secretly wondered who it may be.