Marin, Book 1 (The Xortha Chronicles)

Chapter 31: Prejudice

Marin

Chapter 31: Prejudice

    Since the start of term for her Master Level classes, Marin had been spending every free moment she had in the schools library. She read books on enchanting and creating items of magic. And one book in particular that caught her eye was "The Multiverse: Life Beyond Normal Existence" which told of alternate planes of existence. One type of plane stood out to her the most: Demi planes. These planes are created by a person, typically a powerful wizard and often turned into living spaces so that a wizard can live in peace and experiment with new spells they were trying to create.

    During one of Marin's study sessions, Degwyn, King Arnolf's son, came to Marin.

    "Is there anythin' ye can do aboot ol' Dankweave?" asked Degwyn, "he's ignorin' all us dwarves an' no' lettin' us get any practice wi' our spells."

    Marin became so angry at hearing this that her face turned red, "Follow me, we're going to see the Dean!" Marin and Degwyn marched to the dean's office where they both heard an argument taking place.

    Suddenly, Professor Dankweave stomped out of the office shouting, "You'll regret this, Chadwell, mark my words!"

    Marin was ready to cast Lightning Bolt on Dankweave but his back was turned to her and she would rather he knew it was she who struck him.

    Dean Chadwell was out the door next. shouting, "I want you're office emptied by sunsdown!" he then noticed Marin and Degwyn standing there. "I'm guessing you're both here about Dankweave mistreating the dwarven students, yes?"

    "Indeed," said Marin, "but, from the sound of it, you just sacked him so I would say 'problem solved'!"

    "Prince Degwyn, on behalf of the school, I want to apologize to you and your own for the way you've all been treated," said Dean Chadwell, "Do you have anything further to discuss on the matter?"

    "Nae, sir," said Degwyn, "tha' should be the end o' me problems." He smiled and left.

    "Marin," said the dean, "before you go, I need to speak with you." He invited Marin into his office then said, "There have been complaints about your, um, behavior with your wife. Before you get angry, let it be known that the school accepts students of all beliefs and if you and Abby believe it is OK for two women to marry then the school has no problem with that. That said, not all of the other students believe as you do and I must take them into consideration as well. Please keep your displays of affection restricted to your dorm room."

    "But that's the only place where we show affection," said Marin. Then it struck her; either Verina or Mia would have to be complaining!

    Marin ran back to her dorm room and all of her roommates were there, "Alright, who is complaining about me and my wife."

    Mia got a sour look on her face, "Two women kissing is disgusting! If you were seen doing that in my home village, you both would be stoned to death!"

    Marin formed a ball of fire in her hand and Mia's face went from anger to fear. Mia knew of no way to counter spells yet. Verina began backing away knowing full well what Fire Blast did.

    "Marin, stop that!" shouted Abby, "That spell will kill everyone in this room!"

    Juna the dorm mistress walked up to their opened door, "What, under the light, is going on in here? Put that spell away; you'll burn the whole building down!"

    Marin canceled the spell.

    "Now then," said Juna, "Marin, I have a letter for you."

    Marin took the letter angrily and read it: "Dearest Marin: Meryl and I are getting married on Moonsday next week. We're inviting you and Abby to attend then have dinner with us afterwards. Love Tad and Meryl."