Orelie

*24*

*24*

We arrived in Crystal View about an hour before sunset. I was thankful to stay at an inn and relax for the night. I was exhausted from the journey and the training with Mystic. I don't even remember getting into bed after washing up.

In the morning, Mystic took me around the city to help familiarize me. There were dozens of shops and residential areas. Children were playing with the Fairies and Elementals in small grass patches. Couples sat by a small pond near the northern edge of the city.

In the exact center of the city stood the academy. I could see it in the distance as we walked around, the tall spires being a good landmark. We stopped at the end of one of the many roads.

"Remember, Kyrene," I looked up at Mystic. "If you ever get lost, all the roads here lead to the academy."

I nodded. "I understand. Thank you for taking me here. I really appreciate it." I wrapped my arms around her.

She returned the embrace. "Remember, I'll be by a few times to check on you. Your time at the academy will be long, but it'll fly by once you get the hang of everything."

"I'll miss you," I gave her one last squeeze before letting go. "Bye," we waved to each other and I watched Mystic until she was out of sight. With my head held high, I turned to face the academy. I adjusted my bag and walked for the large doors.

I pushed one open, the hinges creaking a bit. I carefully shut it and glanced around. Large chandeliers and wall sconces light up the entryway to the academy. I glanced around, trying to figure out where to go.

"Welcome!" I squeaked and turned at the sudden voice. "Sorry to startle you. My name's Kita. How can I help you?"

I held my staff tighter. "I've come to join the academy. Is Professor Rodnik around?"

She smiled. "He's in his office. I'll show you to it." I followed behind her as she showed me around. "Here in the academy, we specialize in all sorts of magic. For several hundred years, we've trained so many people and helped them discover what they can do. We do have an assessment for those wishing to join the academy, since we no longer have the Orelie."

We stopped before a door. "He's just in here. Knock when you're ready to enter." She gave me another warm smile before walking off. I took a deep breath and knocked.

"Come in," I opened the door at the invitation. "Ah, Kyrene! Welcome! Come in, come in! I do apologize for not coming out to visit as often as I promised."

I smiled softly as he shut the door and guided me in. "It's alright, Professor. Things have been a little chaotic as of late."

"What do you mean?" He asked and pulled us to a stop. "Is everything alright? Where's Crae?"

I lowered my head at the name. "He's... not here."

"Did he just leave you?" He hummed in thought. "No, that doesn't sound like him. He's probably at an inn close by."

"No, he's not," I shook my head. "He's back at his cottage. Mystic brought me here." I tucked my arm behind my back.

"You look exhausted," he sat me down in a chair. "Relax here and tell me what happened." He poured me a cup of tea.

I carefully took the cup and sipped from it. "A while back, I was kidnapped by a Witch. She held me captive and tortured me. She took my blood, sweat, and tears. Apparently my body had addictive qualities and they feed off that to live."

He nodded slowly and held his chin. "Go on, dear."

"Well," I bit my lip. "After a few days of being there, I started to fight back. It greatly damaged my already weak form. When she started catching on and defending herself, I... called the Demon." I held my arm out.