Marakhova carried a staff, topped by a large blue crystal that pulsed with energy. Halting, she faced the students, and rapped the butt of it on the floor three times, the sound echoing off the walls. At the sound, the diners all fell silent.

"At the behest of the grand master," Marakhova announced, "it has been decided to hold a competition to determine the strongest students at the Volstrum. Each side, male and female, will choose their best three to compete in a display of battle magic. The winners shall receive a place of honour at the head table, along with the first pick of assignments once they leave these hallowed grounds."

The students immediately broke into lively conversation, for this was something unheard of, at least in recent memory. The volume of noise increased significantly until the grand mistress again rapped her staff on the floor, quieting the hall.

"The disposition of the teams," continued Marakhova, "shall be determined by the most senior instructors, and will be announced in the coming days. Good luck to you all, and may you uphold the honour of this institution." She turned, leaving the room, the others following along behind.

As soon as the door closed, those left in the room burst into conversation.

"Did you hear that?" asked Katrin. "You must try to be part of the team, we'd be sure to win."

"I have no interest in sitting at the head table," said Natalia, tapping her meat with her fork.

"Maybe not," replied Katrin, "but it would show everyone, once and for all, that you're worthy of being here." She looked down at her plate, "And maybe they'd stop messing with our meals!"

"I suppose," said Natalia. "Who do you think is picking the girls team?"

"My guess would be Mistress Tatiana. Why else would she have been standing there?"

"That's not good," said Natalia, "she doesn't like me."

"She doesn't have to like you, but she has to admit you're talented, perhaps the most powerful student here."

Natalia gazed across the aisle to where the men were deep in discussion. "They say men are more powerful mages," she said.

"Who says?" asked Katrin.

"Most of the instructors," said Natalia. "I overheard Mistress Nina saying so. This whole competition is just a colossal waste of time. They already know the men will win, they just want to soothe their egos."

"So are you going to participate or not?"

"Very well," said Natalia, "but only if you apply as well."

"I can't," her friend confessed, "I'm failing my courses."

"Failing? How can that be? Your aim is getting better."

"I've been practising a lot, that much is true, but at the expense of my other studies. I already have to retake two classes. If I fail another, I'll be removed."

"You're a high-born," Natalia reminded her. "They can't kick you out of the Volstrum, what would your parents say?"

"Not true," said Katrin, "it's been done before."