The Game Of Mages (Wattys2016)

Chapter 1: Katherina

Katherina awoke in tears. Beads of sweat running down her dark skin, dancing along the edges of her small yet visible scars. She gripped her tight chest, gasping for full breath. It was almost as if millions of feet danced wildly on her thumping heart. Her hair, slick with water, stuck to her like fresh seaweed. Her dark blue eyes darted back and forth across the room, scanning her surroundings.

She seemed to be seated in a velvet covered carriage. Next to her was a tall man with a handsomely long black mustache and a eye-catching bald spot centred ever so perfectly in the middle of his scalp. His ebony suit was ever so neat with a bow tie tied straight and neat. His shoes shined under the light of a small crismon lamp that was placed on each door. His smile swooned with joy and opportunity. Everything about this man was flawless, except for his dark brown eyes. They seemed to be weighed down by the dark bags and stared off into nothing.

Katherina looked down at herself and saw how unperfect her clothing looked compared to his. Her sandy yellow pants had holes spotted along the right pant leg, showing her bare, scrapped, dark skin. She wore a black, stretchy sweater that spotted with sweat stains. She sighed, letting everything rush back to her. She realized she was safe. Well safe for now.

She turned to the man next to her with a sollum face. "Mr. Nightworth?" She asked adjusting her sleeves. Mr. Nightworth turned to Katherina with a bright smile.

"Yes Katherina?" He asked, uncrossing his legs.

"I was wondering. How long is it until we get to the school?" She asked.

Mr. Nightworth turned to look out the window then turned to the driver in the front. "Mr. Timble? How close are we?" He asked.

A man with bushy, vibrant red hair turned to Mr. Nightworth with a small smile. The brim of his hat cast a shadow on his face. "Not to far sir. It's just up ahead."

Mr. Nightworth nodded and turned back to Katherina, who now had her attention outside the window. She sighed heavily, loathing what was to come. Obviously seeing she was troubled, Mr. Nightworth awkwardly chuckled and asked, "That was some dream you had huh?"

Katherina furrowed her eyebrows and shivered at the thought of her dream. More like nightmare. "Yeah..." She mumbled, focusing on the street under the bouncing carriage.

"Listen Katherina. I know you don't want to go to this school but your grandfather said-"

"My grandfather says stuff a lot." Katherina snapped. She whirled back to Mr. Nightworth and glared. "I don't understand why I need to become a lady to learn Magecraft." She argued.

Mr. Nightworth's smile quickly lowered to a strict frown. "Katherina. You are going to this school to learn how to properly learn how to be a female Mage."

"Why!?" Katherina yelled. "Why would I need to learn 'proper' Magcraft in order to just be considered a mage in my father's own Hold!?" Her eyebrows narrowed. "Wait...I see how it is. Grandfather just wants to get rid of me huh? Is that it-"

Mr. Nightworth raised his hand to silence Katherina as he glared into her. "Katherina." He said sternly. "Your grandfather wants you to learn MageCraft like a lady should learn. Not like the others you always look up to."

"You mean my parents." Katherina irritably. "You mean my brothers-"

"Your grandfather just wants the best for you!" Mr. Nightworth raised his voice to an alarming level. A level Katherina had never seen.

"You don't know my grandfather!" Katherina yelled back, exceeding the level Mr. Nightworth was at.

All became quiet in the small carriage as it came to a stop. Frustrated and angry, Katherina quickly opened the door and opened it with ease. She jumped out and proceeded in grabbing her trunk. "I don't have time for this mindless arguing." She said impatiently. Mr. Nightworth soon followed and walked alongside her in silence along the path leading to the school.

As they neared closer to the school,Katherina looked up to see a tall, gray mansion towering over the trees with a sign plastered on the front that said in bold letters, "Miss. Galaxy's school for lady Mages. Bringing class to Magecraft."

Frowning she turned to Mr. Nightworth who was drilled on the path ahead.

"This is the place." He said as they reached the main gate. "I will miss you Katherina." He turned to her, giving her a small grin. Katherina nodded and returned the smile.

Mr. Nightworth has been with her since her father forced her to leave and live with her grandfather. He is a close friend to her grandfather and has taken care of her when in need. He always had a hand outstretched just for her. But now, she might not see him for a long time.

Mr. Nightworth outstretched his arms, giving her an invite to hug and Katherina accepted it. She hugged him tightly, not wanting to let go of him. Mr. Nightworth hugged her in return.

"I'm sorry you have to do this Katherina but stay true to yourself for me okay?"

Katherina nodded letting go. "So I guess I will see you in a few years than?" She asked. When Mr. Nightworth nodded, she let out a sigh of relief. She couldn't lose another person she cared for so soon. Not again at least.

After exchanging last goodbyes Katherina grabbed her trunk and began walking through the gates.

A faint memory stirred in the back of her head. A memory of her parents walking away from her, not looking back. As if they didn't care. Katherina, although still annoyed with Mr. Nightworth, cared and didn't want to make the same mistake.

She spun around, expecting him to be looking back and well as he waved goodbye. But Katherina was instantly met with disappointment.

He was nowhere to be found. She sighed, walking.

"Bye..."