For the next seven years we were put onto a fast tract of learning my mother obtained numerous books on all subjects. Any subject we showed interest in, we were encouraged to study throughtly. From the book to observation to actual practice. In this way our ability were not only found but exploded as well.
Goldy excelled in any field that involved gems and earned and started apprenticeships in metallurgy and chemical combinations. Eric excelled in anything that challenged his strength and willpower. Weapon training, martial Arts and gem manipulation. The Two together took flight and grew in skills and knowledge beyond the norm.
Eric was now 14 and he could go to the imperial Academy to expand his skills and even had the opportunity to study medicine if he so desires. Secretly Goldy also applied and was accepted because of her outstanding score even though most could not apply till they were 14.
At 12 she was considered a genius in the fields she was applying for and even her essay on improving usage of gemstones was celebrated across the whole kingdom. Even her name was pattern with the knowledge and she would receive 8% of the funds from the sold pattern.
When she received her invite Goldy had Eric by her side because she knew her parents well by now and they were a tad bit over protective. It would be a fight to get them to agree to let her go there, even though most of the town had come to like and even admire her for her intelligence and compaction.
Still the ones in the upper crust talked badly about her and Amelia and here group that had received a one week suspension for their attack upon her. When ever they came upon her alone they talked rudely and often tried to trip or push her around.
Thankfully Eric made her learn basic martial arts and hand to hand combat techniques. So she managed to easily avoid their tricks and fended them off easily In addition they learned quickly that the guards and military always back up her story and not their lies, so they had her back.
At first her mother and father were set dead against it so they pick father first to gain permission. Eric kept bringing it up causally as to how well he was able to protect people now and how lonely it would be to go all by himself to the Academy. Goldy had her numerous friends come by to say hi and brag about her abilities to protect herself so well.
Lastly Goldy came everyday to help him in the clinic and talk about new methods she wished to try out if only she had the supplies and education she could go so much further to help their kingdom and her family.
She wanted to obtain the acknowledgement of the king so she could be more like her father and mother. Goldy talked about her wishes to see more of the world like her mother before she had to marry. And how much safer it was in the Academy then if she just left own her own to explore the nearby towns.
They had their father on their side within three days after he made her promised to never use her power of prayers ever while away. In addition he made them promise to always stay together when not. within Academy walls because it was not safe no matter what anyone told them. With that loathed upon the went to talk to mother once again.
When Amelia saw them coming towards her in a united front she sighed and called her daughter forward. Giving her a big hug and with tears streaming from her eyes Amelia granted approval. She handed her daughter three things, a bundle of letters, a enclosed gem locket of protection and a ring for her pinky finger that shrunk to fit her.
"Mother what is all this? Why did you agree so suddenly? I had my arguments all planed out too, especially the I love you, kissing and hugging parts." Goldy teased her mother as her tears started flow as well.
Amelia replied with words and hugs, " The letters are introduction to friends and family that can help and protect you in the event of a emergency. The locket is a protection from death blows only works once so try to prevent it ok. The ring was given to me by the King and can be used to gain his recognition and in addition it can store money so no one will be able to rob you.
It has the ability to transfer money to your pocket and from you pocket back within it, and holds enough for both of your need for at least two years. Just add a drop of your blood and repeat this chant to make it yours then I will feel more assured of your safety.
Last but not least you both will write home at least twice a week telling me about what you are learning and how you are doing. The last letter in the bundle will be sent out when it is a life or death situation by means of your maid that will arrive shortly after you get there her name will be Lyne. So hide it well my love"
For the next two day we packed our things taking what we thought we needed, then mother repacked replacing worn things with new ones. Finally father went through taking out what was not really needed and adding things we would miss like the town specialty sweet, or extra written papers with mother perfume.
Finally we had a huge goodbye dinner and celebration just outside our home so any and all could attend. I was having a great, time dancing and talking to neighbors and friends. The guards were almost crying from sadness but happy for my intelligence few ever had the ability to qualify or really wanted to even try.
The only blemish was when the ruling body came with his daughter Melissa, both were on the outside courteous. However on the inside Goldy could see their discontent and jealous because of their belief in their superiority. Melissa could not help but to whisper before leaving that she would see me soon.
Even through she had failed the testing somehow she seemed to have made it in, no way impossible. Maybe her family was sending her to relatives in the capital who know. I put it out of her mind.