The staircase that led to nowhere...or did it?

Chapter 5:

During the next couple of months, Lila studied hard on magic. With new books from the Capitol city arriving at her doorstep almost everyday. She learnt all sorts of spells off by heart; she knew how levitate objects, start fires, make teleport objects with a simple gesture and make people stop talking with a click of her fingers. Priscilla was often over at her house while studying and they learnt a lot of the stuff together. Since Taliana was away, Priscilla sometimes stayed over at Lila's, and used Tal's room.

Soon, Lila's mother came back home and things were going back to normal just with the absence of her sister. Lila knew it was mean but she felt like things went smoother without her sister and that was because Taliana mainly caused all the quarrels. So, she secretly wished she would stay away longer since things hadn't been going so well in ages.

One Friday afternoon when Lila and Priscilla were at the town centre, shopping, a bright poster caught their eye. Lila started walking towards it.                                                                                                              "Isn't that the golden mark of the official Grandowlin Magic Institution?" Peering closer, Lila read the poster out loud "The Grandowlin Magic Institution is giving an exclusive opportunity for twenty students from any city in Heratoft to gain a scholarship which will allow them to study a course for three years, being taught by the greatest wizards and sorceresses of our time. The scholarship includes accommodation in the most luxurious parts of Grandowlin, transport to the institution and back, as well as a starter kit for young apprentices. All of these paid by the institution. Students must be 18-30 years old to be eligible to apply. There will be 3 exams that have to be passed in order to be able to count as a participant. For more information visit our official website." There was a moment of silence as the girls took in the information then Priscilla started squealing and jumping up and down. Meanwhile, Lila was typing in the search engine on her phone to find the official Grandowlin Magic Institution's website with a bright smile on her face. "This...is...AMAZING!!! Hallelujah!" Priscilla started shouting.

"Agreed, it's almost fate, if we wanted to apply normally, the cost of staying in Grandowlin would be a little overwhelming never mind the yearly fees for the Institution,"                                                  Priscilla raised an eyebrow "With the way you speak, you make me sound like an idiot."
"That's because you are one."
"HEY!" Priscilla playfully slapped her on the arm.
Lila chuckled and shook her head. "Come on, I checked on the website and the nearest place for taking the test is at the town hall, if we want to have a chance for the scholarship, we have to sign up for the tests taking place next week,"
"Alright, let's go but don't think I've forgiven you," Priscilla folded her arms and strode beside Lila to the town hall.

***

"Well, that's sorted. On the 28th of August, 2:00 is the English Exam. On the 29th, 4:00 is the Maths Exam. And last but definitely not least the Magic Exam on the 30th of August, 11:00. Am I right?" Lila inquired.

"Precisely!" The old lady at the reception nodded.

So, the two friends made their way back home with the promise of much more studying at hand.