A Dreamer's Knight

Chapter 17 - Center of Knowledge

The Centers of Knowledge are more than simple schools. They serve as universities, research centers, and even provide a certain amount of public services for the country in which each is established. All Centers have facilities for both magical studies and technological development, but most favor one over the other. The Center in Muonsol favored magic; though it was home to a fairly robust technology department, the school as a whole offered much more to the aspiring mage than it did to young gadgeteers.

Jeronem and Mikaen raced through halls that smelt heavily of potion reagents and musty old books. As he gave chase, Mikaen caught a glimpse of some of the labels on the classroom doors: 'Elements of Energism', 'Studies of Streaming', 'Witchcraft: Basic Potion Brewing', and more.

A loud ring resounded through the halls, startling Mikaen from his thoughts. Every doorway in the hall slammed open, each practically expelling a torrent of people both young and old. In moments, the hallway was flooded with students and teachers, effectively blocking Jeronem from view.

Mikaen, scourge of the Revs and hero of Homestead, found himself struggling in vain against the relentless flow of students and faculty. The sudden noise was more jarring than the sudden appearance of the throng; in an instant, silence had given way to hundreds of loud conversations, each trying to be heard over the din.

After a few moments of trying to force his way through the crowded hallway, Mikaen gave up his pursuit and ducked into the nearest open classroom. Silence once again descended as he shut the door behind him, prompting him to give a sigh of relief.

"Quiet!" A female idestan with a pinched face glared at Mikaen for a moment before turning to the only other person in the room, a young Galden child who was pointing a wand at a table floating in mid-air.

"That's right, Daniel," she coaxed, "Now let it down slowly."

Sweat dripping down his face, the child motioned the table down with a little too much emphasis. The table hit the floor with a loud crash that made all three of them jump.

The teacher spun around to face Mikaen. "See what you did?"

"I didn't mean-"

"Daniel has a hard enough time concentrating on his spell work without distractions! He stayed after class so he could have half a chance to pass his levitation test, but you just had to screw it up!"

Daniel hung his head and said something to the teacher that Mikaen didn't quite catch.

The teacher sighed, saying, "It's okay. We'll try again tomorrow, Daniel."

Nodding silently, Daniel gathered his books and headed toward the door. Just before he left, he looked at Mikaen intently. He didn't seem angry; he look on the boy's face was more curious than anything.

As the door closed, the teacher waved a wand at the table. As the splintered halves of the table reassembled, she asked irritably, "Is there something you want?"

"I'm trying to find the Seed's office."

"Well, I'm afraid I can't help you."

Raising an eyebrow, Mikaen asked, "Why not?"

The teacher sat down at her desk. "Look, Mister ...?"

"Mikaen will be fine."

"Mister Mikaen, I can tell you aren't a resident of the Center, so I can't expect you to understand the intricacies of this school. To put it in a way your unenlightened mind can comprehend, Trystan only sees people who he wants to see. Therefore, if he wanted to see you, you'd already be seeing him."