The journey to find the cave entrance to the Academy had taken two weeks. The two Skyfolk they had recruited, a young male named Alt'ker and young female named Shi'mie had worn clumsy coats until they were well out of sight of the main roads, then with sighs of relief had cast off the cloaks and taken to the air. Moiril spent every idle moment teaching then and Keri the Dance of the Blades, that peculiar fighting technique used by the Islanders but particularly suited to small, agile warriors. Aeronwyn worked with them all on improving their bow technique, figuring that bows were the best weapons to use while in the air.
When they entered the path into the mountain depths beyond the cave, Aeronwyn had lifted up a mage light immediately and called out. Then, leaving the mage light hovering, they sat down and made a meal. Keri lit the fire with her magic and then Aeronwyn had Lenck practice blowing the top of the fire one way or another with patterns of air. "Crafting isn't all crude fireballs and gentle healing. Being able to manipulate the elements with subtlety is important. For example," Aeronwyn picked up a stone and held it in her hand. It cracked in half. "If I had applied too much craft that rock would be in pieces. What if all you want to do is move something?"
A half a day passed, by Moiril's measure. Suddenly Aeronwyn motioned to the two Skyfolk who flew up as high as they could. Moiril turned to ask 'why' when without any warning a large creature suddenly appeared on the path in front of them. Aeronwyn stood and faced it.
"Maaages?" The creature's speech was awkward as if from lack of use.
"Yes. We are going to the Academy. Tell your friends not to disturb us." Aeronwyn commanded.
"Aacadeeemmmiieee. Maaagges go!" He disappeared from sight as quickly as he had appeared.
"Is he gone, then?" Lenck asked.
"Listen. Reach out with your magic, gently and try to see." Aeronwyn said.
Lenck tried. "I can't see anything," he said.
Moiril took his hand. "Reach out with the same crafting you would use to make a mage light but kind of in reverse. As if you wanted to make dark but make everything that wasn't dark stand out."
Lenck closed his eyes and focussed his crafting as Moiril had said. Then he opened his eyes and saw not one but tens of hazy outlines. He blinked and the disappeared.
"I saw them but just for a moment!" he said with wonder.
"Neat trick huh? I figured that one out when I was looking for the outhouse one night. I know, it isn't glamorous but as long as it works!" Moiril laughed. "Once I showed the other mages it prevented a lot of bruised shins!"
Aeronwyn shushed them and mounted her horse. Slowly they began the climb up the interior of the mountain to the Academy. The high walls of the pathway eventually gave way to a slightly wider path as they approached the large cavern that held the old city and the ancient Academy of magic. When they finally reached the back entrance to the Academy, Aeronwyn ordered them to make camp for a night's rest.
"We will try the doors tomorrow. Keri, I was thinking you should try them too. It is possible that Althene's power through you may open them as well. In any case, rest for the night."
The Skyfolk had been following as high as the cavern ceiling would allow, not showing themselves at all. When the two young Skyfolk came out of the darkness their wings caught the air and made a swooshing noise. Suddenly another of the Stone folk appeared before them. Concerned that they might attack the Skyfolk, Moiril was on her feet in a flash with her blades out. The Stone folk creature stopped and waved it's hands.
