The docks were crowded. Almost a hundred retainers lined up to celebrate their lord's most spoiled child's birthday. Every single one that wasn't too far or too critical to return had been made to come, and although a few grumbled, the mood was overall festive.

As Mathias disembarked with his family and two young mages in tow, the line of retainers split and escorted them all the way through the harbors and to the seaside castle that was the home of the Lenas family. Kynos followed with his mouth slightly opened in wonder, and Axal ran around, excited by each and every sight. They left behind the figurehead of the pirate ship strapped to a large rock near the docks in public display, a sign of warning and a show of power from the admiral.

Leaving behind the large throng of commoners, they passed the the sturdy stone walls of the fort, built into a peninsula jutting into the sea, and within the fort was a modestly sized castle bristling with armaments. Kynos wondered how often this place was attacked, seeing all the ballistae and cannons on the walls of the fort and parapets of the castle.

Finally, after Mith showed him the room he was to share with Axal, he was allowed to change out of his frills and back into his school uniform. The clothes had become slightly worn from wear and lack of proper care, but the school itself was prestigious enough to cover for that. It was the outfit he would wear to Mith's, and his own, birthday celebration the next day.

That night, Mithandra dragged him out to walk along the fort's walls, mostly because she was bored, but also to give him an idea of a new way to use magic.

The magic of the world could be used just by imagery, but many mages chanted and used hand motions as ways to focus. With Kynos having such talent in magic control, but not an amazing amount of mana, Mith had suggested that hed form the habit of only using his mind to control magic. It would open the way for him to also fight in the frontlines, which could become an incredible skill set.

Mages were potent in battle, especially a supporting wind mage, but they were awful at hitting fast moving targets and needed to be protected carefully. Mithandra had read that one of the mages who founded Incanta was an exception. He used water magic exclusively, and engaged in close combat with various weapons made from ice and by encasing his feet to slide at incredible speeds. That mage also had two direct disciples, the current weakest seer, Roland, and the second strongest seer, Charlotte. She imagined that's why Roland always wore a sword, even though no one had seen him draw it at school.

Part of the reason she had grown interested in Kynos was also because of the attention his talent had drawn from both of them, as well as the strongest wind mage, Steve. Coincidentally, Steve had declined any position above seer, though he was considered the third strongest mage alive. The council of mages were having trouble convincing him to take a high seat because he had a complex about having a fancy title after his name.

After teaching Kynos the new trick, and forcing him to practice for a few hours, she retired to bed. She would have to give a speech tomorrow. Also, at all costs, she prevent Kynos from crying just from tasting the cake.