He walked through the lines of students, each with their shoulders hunched and their eyes downcast. “You’ll be tested on everything...” As Thorn passed, Marcus dared to look up, and the headmaster scrutinized him as if he were a bug under a microscope. Marcus immediately looked away and muttered an apology. Thorn carried on.
“As I was saying. The test will cover everything you’ve learned. You will display your obedience, your discipline, and your worth.” His eyes met Elora’s as he said the last word, and again she refused to look away. She hadn’t feared him in years, and she wasn’t about to start now. He could stare and grimace at her all he wanted. It was always an empty threat.
“But should you fail, you will remain here as a ward. And might I remind you, that is a worse fate than death.” He meandered through the crowd until he returned to the front. A sharp slap of his hand hitting the podium made everyone jump, even Elora. “Weakness will not be tolerated. Defiance will not be forgiven.”
He smoothed his meticulously combed back salt and pepper hair; the sides becoming grayer every time someone stepped out of line.
Finally, he closed out the ceremony. “Remember, your purpose is to serve the Empire, and the Empire has no use for those who cannot. Do. Not. Disappoint. Me.”
With his final warning done, he signaled to the professors, gesturing for them to take their students to their trials. Her classmates huddled closely, beginning their march towards the forest, but Elora had to look back.
Her eyes met Tehvan’s, and he mouthed a silent “good luck.” She nodded, determined not to disappoint him. She didn’t care if shedisappointed Thorn, everybody did. But she would not disappointTehvan.
Chapter 2
Elora
The alchemy lab nestled in the woods just outside the Institute’s walls had always been Elora’s favorite. Opening to the forest on one side, the lab invited in earthy sounds and smells. The metal and glass frame resembled a greenhouse, the ceiling made up of glass panes that allowed them to look up into the canopy of trees above. Wooden work tables and stone counters lined the lab’s perimeter. Ingredients and potions of all colors, shapes, and sizes filled the shelves, each precisely labeled exactly as Thorn liked it.
The students gathered in the center of the room, their nervous energy palpable. Nobody was able to remain still. Even Elora bounced on her feet, begging for the test to be over with. Professor Sadia moved among them. Her silver hair glinted in the speckled light that shone through the ceiling.
Besides Tehvan, Sadia had always been Elora’s favorite professor. She seemed fragile, with her slight limp and bony fingers, but she was anything but. The woman knew how to command a room, not with fear and cruelty, but with compassion and love. Even now, she reached out to each student, cupping their arms or hands and leaving silent prayers.
“My dears,” she stood before them, her calm presence as prominent as ever. “You have worked so hard for this day. No matter what happens, know that I am proud of every one of you.” She gestured for them to take their places.
Elora stood at her station, preparing her cauldron, when the atmosphere in the lab tightened. Even the chirping of the birds went silent. Nine master alchemists entered, each wearing a robe that identified their school of alchemy.
A tingle of goosebumps littered Elora’s arms.This is it. I can do this.She had never met them in person before, but she had read about them extensively. They were exactly as she imagined them, cut from the same cloth as Master Thorn, an aura that demanded attention and offered none in return.
The three masters from the school of apothecary and medicine wore deep green robes. They were experts in the art of crafting potent healing elixirs and remedies, though such potions were exclusive to high-ranking officials and soldiers.
Dark crimson, as if drenched in blood, clothed the next three masters of poisons and offensive alchemy. Their presence radiated with a quiet menace. People whispered their names across the Empire for creating lethal mixtures that made Elora question how low their ethical standards were.
The final three masters, in robes of shimmering gold, were revolutionaries in the art of transformation and transmutation. This school of alchemy was the most revered by the masses, but also the most mysterious. They delved into the very essence of magic itself, bending reality and crafting potions that seemed impossible. This art had always held Elora’s interest the most. The possibilities were endless. Well… they were limited by the ingredients available, but in theory, they were endless.
Altogether, these nine alchemists stood as the pioneers of alchemical expertise. Their work with the MahoKi Sap from the world tree, Mahoamorah, was legendary. It was these nine masters who fueled the Empire’s dominance over everyone.
An older master with a long white beard that covered the intricate detailing of his green robe stepped forward. She recognized him as Master Egorim.
“Welcome to the last trial. You’ll have thirty minutes to create a potion of expert level within your chosen school of alchemy. Show us not just your technical skills but also your grasp of the deeper complexities of your craft.”
He paused, letting his words linger in the air for a moment. The students exchanged weary glances with one another.Just an expert-level potion? Easy.
“You will be judged on the accuracy and potency of your potion.” Although his face was stern and serious, there was a hint of encouragement in his tone. “You must execute flawlessly. Once the time is up, you will present your creation to us.” Egorim’s eyes narrowed and flickered between each face in front of him. “Remember, this is more than a test of your ability. It is a measure of your composure under pressure and your dedication to the art. You may begin.”
Students did not hold their composure; they scattered like scared birds, grabbing ingredients and equipment, tripping over each other. Elora wove through the chaos, dodging outstretched arms and sidestepping a dropped flask that shattered near her feet. She made her way to the shelf with the most vital ingredient for any transformation potion, MahoKi Sap.
Despite it looking like glittering gold honey, the sap was anything but a simple, delicious treat. In fact, it tasted rather bitter. It actedlike a catalyst, coaxing out the innate properties of other ingredients, creating unpredictable effects. Like Whisperwillow Bark on its own acted as a mild anti-inflammatory when used in poultices, but when mixed with MahoKi Sap, it’ll drown an area in complete silence.
With the key ingredient secured, Elora turned back to her station. Alchemy had become like a dance to her, her hands moving with practiced ease, plucking leaves and petals. She ground the dry ingredients in a mortar.Not too much pressure,she reminded herself.
The powdered herbs went into the cauldron, its contents spitting up. A small, sharp blade rested beside it. With a single deep breath, she sliced her palm. A bead of dark crimson welled up, and she tilted her hand over the liquid, letting the blood fall. The liquid hissed and swirled, the scent of smoke and metal filling her nostrils as it absorbed the new element.
Elora wiped the sweat from her brow.Now, for the most important step. Focus, Elora. Timing is everything.She scooped a portion of the dark mixture into a metal ladle and held it over a low flame. With a steady hand, she released two drops of MahoKi Sap. The moment the sap touched the mixture, it shimmered with a golden sheen, like the sun’s rays piercing through storm clouds.
With the mixture secured in a vial, she set it on the table. Complete.Phew… hard parts over.Alchemy certainly wasn’t much of a challenge for her anymore, but it was something tangible, within her control, unlike the prospect of failure hanging over her head.
Everyone else finished and stood at their stations. “Let us begin with the school of poisons. Who will be presenting?” Lily stepped forward, clutching a small vial filled with a vivid maroon liquid. “What have you prepared for us?” Master Egorim clasped his hands in front of him.
