Rjutal, 1st day of Amber 600 R.T

Dear father,

This is your son, Faris Irvin writing to you concerning my well-being and progress here in the magic kingdom centre Amarath. I wished that the Wise King of the Drummend Empire will always in the best of health all the time. It was already a moon cycle since we last communicate with each other. Firstly I want to apologize for the delay in writing to you. It was unintentional and I am quite busy practicing for Amarath School of Divinity’s entrance test. Yes, you’ve read it correctly, the school has mandated a compulsory entrance exam in which the would-be students have to master an elementary spell before they can enrol into the school. Miss Fraulent was the magus that evaluated me before I can enter the school. She was strict at first however she soften up as soon as I’ve shown her the spell that I have mastered.

To be honest my dear father, I was unable to master the spell the first two weeks of my time here in Amarath. I was getting more and more frustrated by the day until one day I snuck out early in the morning from uncle’s home. I hope you don’t get mad at uncle for me sneaking out without telling anyone. Uncle was so busy with what I think Amarath King’s demands that he slept late every night. I started to wander aimlessly in Amarath Sytr and Curr quarters all morning before I stopped and have my lunch at one of the local tavern.

I don’t know what attract me at first but I soon found myself entering a shabby two storey magic store in Curr Quarter. Inside, I was greeted by an old magus. I think Albus was his name. I looked around before I saw a book sprawled open at the counter titled ‘Elementary Barrier; The Strongest Spell’. The book was half-written. Apparently Albus was interested in the spell that he had dedicated the prime of his life in mastering and perfecting the spell. Albus was a high wizard; a title given to mages who can manipulate mana at ease.

Albus, sensing my curiosity lectured me on mana origins; the myths and conjectures of where it all begins. I was more interested in the second half of his lecture concerning the elemental barrier spell. Albus formulated that the simplest spell when diversified and perfected its usage can become one of the strongest spells ever conjured. He started to deconstruct the basic of the spell. Starting with the obvious, each spell need to be cast with 3 components; the user affinity, magic essence around the user and lastly the ability of the user to draw in the mana. Most people manage to require two out of three of these components but the ability to draw the mana differentiate mages and normal people.

Albus continued until he stopped and making a scooping gesture out of thin air. After that, a small barrier appeared on his hand. Apparently he had manipulated some of the mana around him and conjured the spell from the mana he absorbed. Frustrated, I tried to copy his action but I failed in drawing any essence towards me. He also stated that maybe I just can’t concentrate enough to feel the mana and ask me to close my eyes. After a few minutes, I managed to ‘see’ the mana all around me. I don’t know how to explain it to you. My eyes were closed yet I can see the vivid world all coiling around me. There were colours all around me; primarily blue, green, red and yellow. I wanted all of it. So I draw all the colours into myself and started to chant the spell and try to imagine a barrier all around me.

After what it seems a whole ten minutes, I heard Albus was calling my name. I opened my eyes to see and to my surprise I was enveloped by a colourless spherical barrier. Albus was frightened and tried to touch my barrier before a flashing light and a loud explosion parted us to each end of the shop. Father please don’t be mad but as I opened my eyes I was shielded by my barrier from the upcoming rubbles of the store. The store was demolished by the explosion and had collapsed on top of us. I was panicked yet my barrier was strong enough to protect me from any injuries.

Caved under the rubbles, I tried to shift my position to find any way out from the caved in. Then I heard people are gathering around the store. I tried screaming for help but no one responded to my call. Then I had an idea. I closed my eyes and tried to replicate the earlier accident to break free from the rubbles. After a few minutes, I sensed mana started to gather and erupted from me. I was free.

Well, not really. I was reprimanded by the enforcers. I was questioned. I did asked for Albus however I was told that Albus was knocked out and burnt by the blast and it was all my fault. I was scared. Uncle quickly came to my aid and he pleaded to King Sirvin to release me. However I was about to be judged as a criminal however thankfully Albus was awake in time to testify that the explosion was an accident. Albus explained everything for the king’s satisfaction and recommended that I was enrolled straight to Amarath School of Divinity because he had testify to my potential. Satisfied, the king released me from all charges under the condition that I must passed the school’s entrance test in a week time and I must be accompanied by two enforcers every day until I passed the test and enrolled into the school. Although my freedom was restricted, I was glad that I was freed from all charges and allowed to go home to uncle.

Earlier today, I did my entrance exam under the supervision of 3 people which was a bit strange because usually only one magus assigned for the task. King Sirvin, The headmaster of Amarath School for Divinity; Rootbeet the Immaculate and Miss Fraulent were the examiners. After practicing under the watchful eyes of the enforcers, I manage to perfect the spell and use it in front of the examiners without a hitch. The king was rather scary as he keep on watching me with a slight smile on his face. Anyway, I’m going to start my class by next week. Apparently I was assigned to the same class as Princess Keera Sirvin to my surprise. Until next time father.

Yours Truly,

Faris