Birthright: The Contested Seat

Varyth

The next morning arrived more swiftly than Varyth would have preferred, though he awoke feeling surprisingly well-rested. Rising from his bed, he pushed aside the heavy curtains of his large arched window, revealing the first light of dawn. The absence of activity suggested the servants had not yet been in, an indication he had awoken earlier than usual. However, his solitude was short-lived, as the servants entered just as this thought crossed his mind.

Startled by his premature rising, they mumbled their greetings and set his breakfast on the small table before the window. Allowing them to attend to their duties, Varyth seated himself to partake in the morning repast. It was a hearty spread: crisp bacon, perfectly scrambled eggs, fresh bread adorned with butter and jam, and a steaming pot of freshly brewed tea.

As Varyth began to tuck into his breakfast, he gazed out the window, surveying the bustling scene below. Students were beginning to file into the courtyard, making their way to the dining hall. Some, more driven by ambition than hunger, skipped breakfast altogether, heading directly to their classes across the rope bridges. Varyth recognized this determination; he himself had often forgone meals to get ahead in his studies, a strategy that had served him well.

The courtyard quickly filled with students, their robes creating a vibrant mosaic as they mingled. The Novitiates, clad in brown, marked their first year on the Triplets. Young and cautious, they kept to themselves, wary of the older students. The Aspirants, in cream-colored robes, moved with a touch more confidence, having survived their initial year and climbed a rung in the Order's hierarchy. The Initiates, draped in deep blue, walked with their noses buried in books. As third years, they faced critical exams that would determine their eligibility to start apprenticeships as Acolytes the following year. Finally, the Neophytes, in regal purple, returned from their apprenticeships seasoned and knowledgeable. This final year on the Triplets was their crucible, where they would undergo a series of rigorous exams to prove their worthiness to become full-fledged Sages.

Varyth remembered this time in his life with great fondness. His years at The Triplets had been the best of his life. He often dreamed of returning here to teach, far removed from the tumultuous world of politics. At The Triplets, he could shape young minds, sending them forth to better the world. The thought brought a fleeting smile to his face, but it quickly faded. He knew this dream could not be realized, at least not yet. Kyran needed him in Ethios for many more years. Perhaps in his elder years, he could return, but those years felt too distant to imagine.

Having thoroughly enjoyed his breakfast, Varyth prepared for the day, donning his freshly washed and dried gray robes. Deciding to take a stroll through the courtyard, he considered crossing the rope bridge once more to visit some of his old teachers. His emergence into the courtyard drew many curious stares from the students. It was not every day that a Sage Royal visited The Triplets; such an event was, in fact, quite rare. As he walked, students bowed and curtsied respectfully, and he acknowledged them with gentle nods, appreciating the reverence they showed.

"Excuse me, Lord Varyth?" came a voice from behind him. Varyth turned to find a young man in purple robes, a Neophyte freshly returned from his apprenticeship.

"Good morning, young Neophyte. May I assist you in some way?" Varyth replied with a courteous nod.

"Yes, my lord. My name is Gideon Redwyn. I am a friend of Wayin," the man said, his voice cautious and measured.

"Ah, of course. He has spoken of you, Gideon. You have been a dear friend to him during his time here," Varyth responded warmly.

Gideon smiled at this acknowledgment, but his expression quickly turned serious as he remembered his purpose. "I was wondering, my lord, why he did not return to The Triplets with you. He was supposed to be back by now to begin his fifth year. Has something happened?"