Write your own story

13. The academy

He didn't feel any changes caused by the various rumours drifting everywhere until almost two months later.
Fharan sat down on his usual spot and waited for the teacher to arrive who seemed to be rather late today. It was already 20 minutes after his usual time when the door finally opened, revealing his teacher for magical theory as well as an unknown girl accompanied by an elderly man.
"I apologize for the delay, but a new student arrived today.", his teacher began and motioned the ones outside to enter. "I won't be staying long, I'll be taking over a few third year classes since one of the teachers fell ill. Professor Maruck will be my replacement. I hope you get along well." After briefly excusing himself he left as fast as he had appeared. Professor Maruck took his place. "My name is Maruck and as already explained I'll be teaching you for the next four weeks. This young lady here will be joining your class from today onwards. Introduce yourself."

The girl stepped forward and bowed slightly which was enough to immediately capture the class's attention. She had long black hair and fair skin. Her eyes shined with a mysterious green light that trapped everyone in her spell. „It is a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Aristasia Kares, second daughter of the Kares family. I hope we will all get along well!"
Fharan didn't even lift his head and just briefly glanced at her before closing his eyes again. Since he woke up this morning his whole body seemed to protest against even the smallest movements.
His classmates on the other hand started to whisper excitedly.
Professor Maruck motioned to Aristasia to find an open seat before continuing with a brief overview of the upcoming topics.
It was wasn't until she lightly knocked on the desk next to him that he realized that it was the only empty spot in class.
He slowly raised his head and was greeted with a dazzling smile.
"Hi! I hope you don't mind, but it looks like all the other seats are taken. I'm Aristasia and it's very nice to meet you. What's your name?", she asked.
Fharan just looked at her for another three seconds before lazily waving his hand as a sign of acknowledgment and turning his head to the window closing his eyes once more.
The girl stood there frozen for a moment before stiffly sitting down, occasionally throwing glances his way.
Most of the other students had witnessed their exchange and started whispering. They did not quiet down for quite a while, but got louder and louder instead.

Professor Maruck stopped speaking and looked up from his notes. While letting his gaze glide over the students to find the cause of the unrest Fharans obvious disregard for his surroundings caught his eye. He stepped around his desk and walked up to the seemingly sleeping student dropping a heavy textbook he had picked up right in front of the redhead.
A sudden silence enveloped the room as Fharan slowly straighten and looked up at the professor.
Not one of the teachers had ever displayed any intention to correct the behaviour of this particular student who frequently enough proved his profound knowledge despite seldomly paying attention to the materials.
Everyone held their breath as professor Maruck began to speak.
"It seems as if someone mixed up his dorm room with class. Any particular reason for that?"
"No."
"Any excuses?"
"Not really."
Professor Marucks complexion grew darker by the minute.
"Are you able to recall any of the topics I listed so far?" "Not specifically the ones...."
"And what is with the last subject that Yirall discussed with you?", Maruck interrupted him.
"It was either Damascus book of the five principles or the roots of origin."
The professor stared at him silently for quite a while before finally asking:
"What's your name? I'm really wondering who you are. I think it's the first time I have witnessed such behaviour and I have been working in the academy for fifteen years. Why are you in this classroom?"
"My name is Fharan, sir."
"That is not a proper introduction!", Maruck reprimanded him agitatedly waving his book around. "Stand up properly and state your full name."

Fharan slowly pushed his chair back and stood up. He briefly surveyed the room before he started to speak once more. His voice was so loud and clear that the people around him were able to understand him without any difficulty.
"I'm Fharan Estariel Racthan, first son of emperor Rhisane the second, former crown prince of the Ratcarian empire.
The topics that were planned out for the next few weeks where mainly a brief overview of a deities influence on one's magic control and circulation as well as the use of magic objects.
During our last session teacher Yirall explained the properties of an earth core and its effect on the blessings of Wirin observed by a court mage in 729 after concluding the previous topic with a brief walk through of Damascus second book which he was planning on introducing at the end of the year.
In the first week of the term I met with a few of my teachers as well as the headmaster after reviewing this year's materials. We discovered that I covered most of it when I was still in the royal palace, to clear up the question of my still constant attendance."
After ending his small speech he sat down again and waited for the teacher's response.
He hadn't really snapped, not taking other peoples standards into account, but additionally to his lethargy that had haunted him since morning a pounding headache had started to form and professor Marucks presence forced him to focus his mind.
Afrit had been right, he should have taken a sick leave.
The professor slowly recovered from the shock as his classmates still remained speechless. Maruck was just about to say something when the bell interrupted him.
It was as if a spell has been broken and the liveliness returned.

Fharan easily managed to slip away unnoticed and disappeared into the crowd outside.
His headache was getting worse and he swiftly left towards the dormitory.
Afrit met him half way. He had felt his uneasiness through their bond.
As Fharans breathing as well as movements became increasingly unsteady, he transformed into his human form and carefully supported him.
They did not meet a soul on the way to their room. There were seldomly people near the dorms during lunch time. If you missed the opening hours you would lose all chances of getting another full meal before dinner. It was much too cumbersome to get something off campus.