A Crumbling Society

Part 2-2

It has been sixteen years since I've been back here, the grounds look even bigger than they did back then. From the hill where I appeared there's a path that leads to the front main entrance. The path is actually a bridge connecting the mainland to the grounds with a deep ravine between the pieces of land. You couldn't jump across if you wanted to and the heroes that can grow tall can't even step over that's how far away it is. There is a forest that is outside the boundaries passed the hill where evil beings dwell, it takes an escort team to get anyone through it if they come to visit. A barrier keeps them out and keeps the attendees safe in case of an attack. There have been way too many wars here, so they eventually set it up. Ogre wars to Vampires and other things, you name it it most likely happened here. Ankastle itself is so massive there are always new parts to discover even from the outside. When I was a student some friends and I tried to map out the actual length and it turned out to be impossible. I got different readings than the rest of them, so we called it quits. There are mountains that line the horizon from the entrance and more treetops on other sides. A few other buildings sit on the grounds for different purposes such as incantations and ritual studies. The path I took eventually took me to the beach, at this point I've calmed down from the feelings I had earlier. It was now about midday as well since the sun was higher in the sky baring down on me. This was where things seemed to always feel better when me or anyone had hard times. Sitting here took up a great bit of time and I minded myself quite well, the waves crashing was something else too. Strong tide but no storm and exhaustion began taking over again.

I awoke a few hours later, still midday to noon, and there was someone sitting next to me on a rock. My groggy self sat up slowly beginning to understand whom it was, the Highmistress. Revela Norsum, the fourth Highmistress to govern Ankastle, one of the top white mages in Valsyri was looking at me with a bit of wonderment. My brows raised at her after a few seconds of staring wondering what it is she wanted. The look turned meddlesome as she hesitated before speaking, "You wanna talk about it?". I looked away back at the water fiddling with the sand under me, "no", I told her. "Then let's talk about something else", she moved along. "Like what?", I spoke, peering back at her. The face she had never changed as it was the same, "about ARC", she confessed. My eyes wandered around at her before asking, "what about it?". Norsum turned to the ocean avoiding my gaze, "well", she trailed, "I want you to participate", she struggled to get out. "What!", I expressed dryly, "absolutely not", I finished.

"I think it'll help", she argued back.

Throwing in a curious look, "how?", I asked without amusement.

"You need something to change your pace and I think this could be it, or at least something different.".

"Yeah but, staff don't participate".

"You're not a staff member, so it's perfect".

"It's not perfect".

"Yes, it is, you can teach the kids something, anything, well not really anything but you know what I mean. Magic is what we make it, and you can show them the potential they can reach".

"There's a school full of teachers".

"They aren't you though".

"What's so special about me?"

"I'm not even going to answer that because you already know what I'd say", she said while standing up off the rock. "You've got two days; you'll be going against fifth, sixth and seventh years and you cannot back out Carson Deveroux!".

"I guess it's better than doing nothing, what do I get out of this or is there some sort of catch otherwise?"

"There's no catch, and I wasn't planning on having anything for you in return as I know you stick to yourself, but I'd be willing to offer a place on my actual staff. If you'd want it of course, anytime you want".