Scales

Fire

Klaus woke up that morning without knowing what would happen that day. The only thing he knew was that it was his last day in Gedonelune as prefect. Today he would get his diploma and go on to be a teacher.

A year had passed since he stopped looking for Liz. He knew in his heart she was happy somewhere, among her beloved creatures. He wished she could see him now. There was not a single day where he didn't think about her, and he hoped to be in her dreams at least every once in a while. His feelings hadn't changed at all.

The ceremony took place in the auditorium. Many students with their families were there, and of course the Goldsteins were no exception. Mr. and Mrs. Goldstein were in the first row, right in front of the stage where the graduates would be awarded.

Headmaster Randolph climbed up the stage and greeted everyone

"Good evening everybody, and thank you for coming. Today is a very special date, as you know. In this graduation ceremony, I'd like to tell all my students that it has been an honor having you here. I've watched every one of you grow into magnificent wizards. I hope you choose the right path from now on for the rest of your lives. And now, students, you may come to the stage."

One by one, Gedonelune graduates appeared on stage and formed a line. Klaus started scanning the room, looking for his family. He waved at them and then noticed, all of a sudden, a pair of red eyes and pigtails. A girl was slowly waving at him. He recognized her instantly: it was Liz.

He stared at her with astonishment; he never thought she would be there. But even though he was shocked, he was extremely happy at the same time. He would greet her once the ceremony was over. Then, the Headmaster started calling them one by one. Klaus couldn't help but look over at Liz every once in a while.

"And now, the top rank student of this academy, honored as prefect, and a marvelous wizard, Klaus Goldstein!"

There was a round of applause as Klaus received his diploma. He looked at his parents. Both had gleeful smiles on their faces to show how proud they were. But when Klaus turned to see Liz, she was gone. His smile vanished and his expression turned dull. He hurried out of the stage to meet her, but he couldn't see her anywhere.

Suddenly, a loud explosion was heard outside the auditorium. Everyone rushed to the exit to see what was going on, and the sight left them speechless. Part of the roof was destroyed, leaving a huge hole in it. The next thing that happened was a big fire. The smell of smoke hit right away, as black clouds started to emerge from somewhere near the building.

"It's the East Forest! The East Forest is burning!" one of the voices screamed. It was professor Schuyler. "Quick! Everybody get out the Academy!" he ordered. Klaus reached for his parents and his brother immediately in an attempt to get them somewhere safe.

"Klaus! We need you!" The distant orders from Headmaster Randolph came from the chaos. He knew he had to help, but was terrified to leave his family alone. He turned to his parents.

"All of you must go. I'll catch up."

"But Klaus..." His mother tried to protest.

"Just don't stay. Go straight home. I'll meet you there. Go!"

Mr. Goldstein took Elias by the shoulder and disappeared, along with his wife. Everyone was heading to the front door, but Klaus went the other way next to the teachers, towards the East Forest.

"It's impossible, no one can pass the guarding!" professor Schuyler said.

"What if they go by air?" Professor Merkulova asked.

"Unless they are mounting a dragon, it wouldn't work." Headmaster Randolph replied.

But as they spoke, an enormous shadow passed above them. When they looked up, a bright red dragon was soaring through the sky. It's broad black wings sprung open to the sides of his body. On top of him, a familiar silhouette was riding the beast. Klaus recognized her again.

"That's Liz..." Klaus said under his breath.

"What's that you say?" Randolph turned to him.

"That's Liz! Liz Hart!" Klaus was in shock.

"Liz Hart? Your Buddy?" Professor Schuyler asked.

But when Klaus was about to answer, something fell from the red dragon. Headmaster Randolph stopped in his tracks and his jaw dropped. The rest looked down and understood. It was the corpse of a man.

He had golden hair, his grey eyes wide open and an expression of terror across his face. Randolph kneeled in front of him and back to professor Schuyler, who looked closer and realized as well who it was.

"That's...that's one of...the Three Mages..."