Donner and Thalia: The Anastasia Academy (Episode 5)

Chapter One

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Presents

DONNER AND THALIA

Episode V

The Anistasia Academy

Robert C. Gemmell

Copyright 2023

Previously...

Donner reclaimed his love of adventuring and the party made a new friend in the Ghost of Sir Neil at Long Tower. Lenny's acceptance to the Anastaisia Academy has almost come and he's ready to take his next step to becoming the greatest Wizard Kinleath has ever seen...

1.

Lenny's mother was running her hands over Lenny's red and sliver fringed Wizard robes, tugging and adjusting them to make sure they were fitted perfectly. She straightened his collar and adjusted his shoulders and sleeves.

"Mother, it looks fine," Lenny sighed.

"This is too important, you have to look you're best if you're going to impress your professors," she quickly licked her palm and went to straighten Lenny's hair just one more time before she sent her little boy off into the big wide world.

"Mom," Lenny groaned, trying to back away.

"We're so proud of you, oh, my boy's a Wizard," Lenny's mom wrapped him in a big hug and gave kiss after kiss on his cheek.

Lenny's father gave him a hard pat on the back as his mother finally let him go, "Wizards make a good living in Kinleath. I'm proud of you, boy," Lenny's father reached his hand out to give his son a firm man's handshake.

"I'll make you proud, father, I'll become the greatest wizard Kinleath has ever seen, just you wait," Lenny's smile was beaming. He adjusted his robes one more time before his father pulled him aside,

"You'll be able to make a good living as a Wizard. Vibrus says you have got quite the talent for it. The Kingdom always has work for Wizards, but I just don't want you to go thinking your career has to be tied to-"

"Lenny!" Donner shouted as he ran up to his friend and gave him a great hug, "Going to the Anastasia Academy, you're going to be one of the greats, remember that," Donner said. Thalia and Paul were there too, ready to see their friend off as the great gold-plated carriage made its way toward Hillshade, prepared to take yet another student to that prestigious institution.

"You're already an amazing Wizard Leonard," Thalia smiled, "You've already had achievements none of the other students could try to compare too. Just don't be too boastful when you're regaling your great adventures," Thalia said, reaching to give Lenny a hug.

"Thanks, Thalia, I've actually picked up a few Illusion tricks from you. You'd be surprised how fast a learner I am," Lenny smiled, "I'm sure I have enough tricks to stand out, and I will stand out, you can guarantee that," Lenny smiled. Then he turned to Paul, "Can I get a blessing before I go?"

"I'm not a certified Cleric," Paul said, "Not really qualified to give blessings," he looked away.

"After everything we've been through, I'd take a blessing from you before the Pontiff himself," Lenny reached his hand to Paul, and Paul took it, closing his eyes and waving his other hand over Lenny's face, "In the name of Thiximir, I grant you great travels and good luck so you may serve his will for goodness to all his followers,"

"I'll use that blessing well, thank you, Paul," Lenny patted Paul's shoulder as he pulled him into another hug. Then turned back to Donner.

"So, I guess the next time I see you, you'll be on your way to being a full-fledged Wizard," Donner smiled.