The Mark of Aether

The Academy~Part II

''They should make a dictionary for every word in this.''

''I can help you sort this out. Tell me, what is the matter?''

"As a first, I don't understand who the great five are,'' I said, causing, only for a moment, a questioning look in those bronze eyes.

''In Ardoria, the great five are the supreme gods. Crowned by Aether as their king, they are the most powerful of all. Aether from all, has two names with the second being Ether.

Eziar is the god of earth, Rimelia goddess of air. Areles is the god of water while Nevor is ruler of fire. And with the mightiness of his name, Aether's blessing is the rarest. To hold spirit, his personal elemental, is an extreme honor that only few experienced. After the merging of bloods and destruction of land, each god had a continent named after him.''

''And what about Aether? Why doesn't he have Cantelot underneath his name?''

''For holiness. Despite that Cantelot does not relate to him, the royal palace does. It is named the Ether palace.''

''Doesn't this separation in gods affect worshiping?"

"No, not really. Each being mainly worships his creators, the givers of his blessings. Only Aether is included in all, being the king he is.''

"Who do you worship?''

"I am a son of air, earth and water. Have you known your lineage yet?''

I shook my head.

''You will know soon. Any other questions?''

"Yes. Professor Tornweather mentioned something about Ardorians being unaffected by time. Is it a kind of immortality?''

"Immortality is a myth for our minds, Celestia. We die, and with our death, a life is brought to this world. But we are not affected by time like humans do. We carry long lives that allow us to live to thousands. Yet we die in the end.''

"Wait, how old are you?"

"I have already celebrated my nineteenth. I am still young in the eye of the heavens. But Ramos, much to what I know, has already celebrated his seventh century.''

"Are you being serious?''

''I am not near of kidding. He might look like a hombre in his eighty, but he holds more of both age and powers behind that beard of his.''

''How do you know all of this about him?''

"It is not secret to listeners, despite that my position gives me quite more than others.''

''What position?''

"I am the heir to the ruling family of Arelesia, next second crown chosen by the king.''

"You are the ambassador of the Armedes there?''

''My father still holds the position, but yes. It is not unfamiliar to find noble stocks in the norms. In the end, the strength we are blessed with surpasses all others.''

''So first Mayra, and now you. What am I supposed to anticipate for?''

"You will figure out soon. Mainly, Mayra is the other only noble here holding a high title, daughter of the third count of Cantelot.''

''Oh!'' was all I could say before the sound of a ringing bell hung in the air. Break was finally over.

''You have an open trip, if I am not mistaken.''

''You aren't, I have to go. Thank you much for the help.''

''Anytime. And now go before you run by late.''

*****

Darkness cloaked the hallways as I walked, tightening my scarf from the crispness of night. Our trip was fascinating, filled with much excitement. Learning what the spirits had to endure to make it to Cantelot was harsh. But so was the truth. And as they demonstrated us some of their magic and talked about their ancestries, time ran fast. When we finally reached the norm, night had already landed.

Unlocking my door, I entered, not waiting for Mayra who was sauntering her way. Casting lights with a swift of a hand, the room was brought to life. Grabbing my night clothes from the drawer, I thought I saw something move behind the French windows. Pretending I did not notice, I removed my cloak. And as the shadows outside my windows moved ever so slightly, so astutely, I only made out the edges of a cloak.

And as soon as I noticed it, the hooded spy took off and ran.

Wasting no second, I dashed from my room, diving in the enormous hallways. Through the arched windows, I could see his silhouette shifting and merging with the night. Counting only on my instincts, I followed whoever he was.

"Where are you-'' Mayra had no time to finish as I grabbed her wrist, pulling her with me. I didn't have the time to explain. Nor the explanation itself.

Following alongside, we ran until we reached what I believed was the teachers' department. Throwing one door open then the other, I saw the shadows slid between two doors. Opening them, a flash of light blinked in my eyes before nothing.

No one was there. Nothing that looked unusual. Nothing but the enormous size of an office.

He had escaped!

''Celestia, this is Ramos's office. We will be in big trouble if he finds us here,'' complained Mayra, her voice showing a bit of uneasiness.

"I can swear I saw him enter from those doors.''

"Saw who? And what are doing here?'' questioned a commending voice from behind. As I turned, I met Ramos's wise eyes, ordering me to answer him. And before I let my tongue speak, I remembered Mayra's presence and the fact that a student had not the right to be here.

Putting on the face of a petrified student, I said, ''I apologize for invading your space, milord,'' I replied bowing my head, ''but I hold an explanation.''

''Then better start with it,'' he said as he took his seat behind his chair. And it was then I studied his office. It was enormous, with layers of books adorning the walls and chandeliers hanging from the mesmerizingly muraled ceilings. Arched windows rested behind his massive desk while a glob representing Ardoria rested next to him.

Taking a breath, I told both what I witnessed.

''Have you seen a face?'' he questioned, hiding perfectly the worries that would have showed if we were alone.

''No.''

''Heard any voice?''

I shook my head.

''I will see into it. Go to sleep, as it has passed your bedtime. And for the warning of it, do not tell anyone. Understood?''

We both nodded, heading to the door.

But not before I caught the silent message in his eyes.

Come see me tomorrow.

*****Personal Message*****
Ramos' message is wide and clear. But the real question is, what are those shadows? Who sent them? Tell me what you think!
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Next update will be up on Saturday, 13. Until then, have a great day.