Hexe - The Great Exodus

[CH. 0016] - The Uncrowded King

Magistea

Mah-gihs-tea-ah

Type: Noun

Definition: "Magistea" refers to a sacred and rigorous ritual of the Menschen, serving as a rite of passage for mages aspiring to ascend to the esteemed status of Magi. This trial tests the participants' mastery over the elemental forces and their ability to integrate these powers with Spirits and ethical insights.

Cultural/Contextual Background: The structure of the Magistea has evolved under the guidance of various architects of the ritual, with the most renowned version being the "Trial of Elements" led by Headmaster Magi Mediah, who followed the teachings of Professor Edgar O. Duvencrune. The trial's length is not fixed, potentially spanning from a few moons to an entire Winter if not more, depending on the individual mage's progress and depth of understanding. Historically, the Trial consisted of a continuous process but was later structured into nine distinct disciplines, each spanning one moon, commencing after the first summer of its formal inception. The Magistea not only marks a mage's formal transition into a Magi but also deeply influences their philosophical and magical perspective, molding them into Battlemages, leaders, officers, commanders and scholars who are respected and revered across the land.

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Redfred's mind and spirit were in endless conflict with the recent event of Yeso's trial. An unfair verdict!!

He found himself lost in the musty scent of old paper, wandering in the vast archive chambers located in the Magi Sector. The aisles were filled with rows upon rows of forsaken files, reports, and manifests from past Trials of Elements.

He roamed these halls leisurely; however, Redfred was too distracted to get fully immersed in one of these manuscripts. The Trial of Yeso lingered in his thoughts, a sour note of injustice. Despite their differing political views, Redfred felt nothing else than respect towards his Master, Yeso Sternach, a shared code of honour. The Commander's commitment to value life above anything else, whether on land, sea, or sky, resonated deeply with him.

He shook his head slightly, his expression turning grim as he thought of Yeso's unjust downfall—a fall that seemed more the result of personal vendetta than any real failing. To Redfred, this wasn't just an attack on Yeso; it was a betrayal of the core values of the Magis Order, values that the Herbstdame, with her lack of the black robe's wisdom, could never fully grasp.

Her actions were unworthy of her title. To Redfred, she was no longer a true Dame, at least not his Dame. One way or another, he would restore Yeso's honour to right the wrongs of a biased verdict. To return the Menschen to their true glory!

A sudden sharp, cold wind sliced through the silence, pricking at his skin and raising goosebumps that made him glance up. The sun had retreated, yielding the sky to the nine moons which bathed the chamber.

His bare feet flinched from the sudden chill seeping up from the stone floor, and he pulled his robes tighter around him. Redfred peered into the quiet between the shelves, seeking the source of the cold.

He ventured down the aisle with measured steps, his ears straining for any sign of life. A high-pitched giggle, light and haunting, stopped him in his tracks.

There, amidst the shadows, stood the Winter.

White crystal hair framed a pale face, and piercing blue eyes regarded him with an intensity that belied her youth. She wore a tunic of the purest white, her presence devoid of colour except for the startling blue of her eyes. Rumours had whispered through the corridors of Veilla's twin daughters, and recognition dawned on Redfred. Fiona.