"He has no choice," Kargen announced, "it is the will of the tribe."

"I don't know if I trust him," said Athgar.

"Do not let it trouble you, my friend. We are allowed to disagree, but once a decision is made, all must abide by it."

First Lessons

Spring 1102 SR

Natalia rose from her bed. As a new Stormwind, she could now eat with the other members of the family, a room far removed from the one she had used for the last ten years. Before making her way to the dining hall, she straightened her bed; years of regular inspections had taught her the importance of following the rules.

The unleashing ceremony was conducted four times a year, but advanced training only commenced each spring, that meant that she could expect quite a few students to join her, and she looked forward to seeing who might be in her class.

The senior dining hall, as it was officially known, consisted of round tables lined up in rows. Natalia sat at one, far removed from the other students, and waited as a servant brought over some food. Looking around, she noticed Svetlana, another recent graduate and the only other woman to be selected for training as a greater mage. Svetlana sat with a group of senior students, high-borns no doubt, who were looking across the room to the young men sitting on the opposite side, a rare view not afforded to junior initiates. Naturally, everyone here was a Stormwind, though Natalia was the only low-born.

She finished her meal, wondering what the day might portend. The high-borns walked past her, turning their gaze purposefully away in a blatant snub. She rose, falling in behind them, knowing full well that since Svetlana was with them, they all had to go to the same room to begin their lessons.

They arrived at the door to a circular room. A woman Natalia didn't recognize stood before them, watching their approach.

"Greetings," the woman said as they drew closer. "I am Mistress Tatiana, and I'll be taking you through your first casting today. As you know, for the last several years you have been kept on a regular regimen of magebane, to prevent you from inadvertently casting magic. Now that you are Stormwinds, the morning dose has ceased, allowing your full power to be unlocked. Today, we hope to channel that power for the first time. Are there any questions?"

Svetlana raised her hand.

"Yes?" asked the mistress.

"What spell will we be starting with?"

"Let's get inside first, shall we?" she replied, turning to open the door. She stepped inside, beckoning the rest to follow. Natalia brought up the rear, walking into the circular room and closing the door behind her.

In the centre, sat a small stone pedestal with a bowl of water upon it, along with a silver stirring stick. The students all gathered around, watching and waiting.