It didn't take long for the realization to become a reality, for the very next day she was summoned to the office of Grand Mistress Marakhova. Sitting next to her in the waiting room was Vasily Stormwind, another recent graduate, and she wondered what might bring them both here at the same time.

In answer to her internal questions, Vasily's name was called first, and she had to wait while his business with the grand mistress, whatever it was, was conducted. He exited sometime later, a smile on his face and a spring to his step. Her name was called next, and she rose, straightening her dress, then making her way to the open door.

"Mistress Natalia," the servant announced as she entered.

Grand Mistress Marakhova sat behind a large wooden desk, her hands steepled in front of her.

"Come in, Natalia," she beckoned, "and have a seat."

Sitting down in the chair, Natalia waited as the servant closed the door, leaving her alone with the head of the Volstrum.

"You are a graduate of this institution now," Marakhova began, "and as such you are to be assigned duties commensurate with your skills. You have demonstrated great power during your time here, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by numerous people of influence."

"Thank you, Grand Mistress," Natalia responded.

"You now have a stipend," Marakhova continued, "and greater freedom to walk the city, though you will always be accompanied by guards."

"Is that necessary, Mistress?"

"It is for your own protection, Natalia, always remember that. We've spent a lot of time and effort training you, we shouldn't like to see that investment go to waste."

"I understand."

"Now, on to other things. I have a list of names for you to look over."

"Names?"

"Yes, potential couplings."

Natalia wasn't sure she had heard correctly, "Couplings?"

"You are a powerful caster, Natalia. We can't let that gift go to waste. You must have a child to pass it on. A proper pairing could produce a child with exceptional capabilities."

"But I'm not ready to marry," she objected.

"And I wouldn't expect you to," Marakhova replied. "We're simply asking you to birth a child, not raise one. We have plenty of volunteers for that."

"Have I no say in the matter?"

"Of course, that's why we have supplied you with names. We can't let you couple with just anyone, your mate has to be carefully selected. A Sartellian with an impeccable pedigree and a demonstration of a suitable power level will be a good match for you."

"And these Sartellians," Natalia asked, panic starting to set in, "are they here, at the Volstrum?"

"Not yet," Marakhova answered "though they are on their way, I have word they left Korascajan weeks ago. We've been keeping an eye out for suitable candidates for you for some time. These three gentlemen have been thoroughly vetted."

"Vetted?"