Mage Tower, City of Rivana, Kingdom of Astralia
They stepped into the expansive circular office of the Headmaster. If someone were to ask about Aiden's mental image of a magic academy's headmaster's office, Velus Amari's chamber would align with that perception seamlessly. Giant, ornate bookshelves lined the room's walls, stuffed to the brim with ancient tomes and magical artefacts that piqued Aiden's curiosity. Despite its considerable size, the room was further cluttered with a plethora of books scattered across the floor, and they had to take careful steps as they traversed the room.
At the rear of the chamber, behind an ornate desk crafted from dark, luxurious wood, sat Velus Amari himself. The elder mage was engrossed in writing, his quill moving swiftly over the paper while his ink-stained left hand left smudges in its wake. He didn't seem to notice the two newcomers at first, or didn't deem them worthy of his attention, and Aiden took the moment to carefully examine the man's aura.
Velus's aura radiated a strength that Aiden had not yet encountered in this time. It exuded a deep power that indicated huge magical capacity, enhanced by a life full of mana usage. He estimated that the old man, while nowhere near the peak of magical power, would have been a respected mage in the Everlasting Empire. The man's aura also told him two more things.
Firstly, it provided him an understanding of who the man behind the title was. A determined but peaceful goodness lay in the centre of Velus's aura, reflecting his genuine love for the art of magic and his students.
This however, also gave him his second observation. If Aiden could read the inner core of the man so easily, then Velus did not control his aura very well. As Aiden had previously discussed with Eve, an aura, in its most basic form, mirrored its owner's personality perfectly. As a mage advanced in skill, their aura expanded proportionally. During the days of the Empire, mastering aura control, particularly suppressing one's own aura, ranked among the most crucial skills among all magic users. Not only was openly displaying one's aura without consent considered uncouth, but Aiden had also witnessed more than just a few duels that had been fought to death as a result. Beyond etiquette, an unprotected aura laid bare a mage's intentions and emotions to anyone adept at reading them. In a society full of potent mages, the inability to cloak your aura from would pose potentially fatal dangers.
In that moment, Arabella's patience appeared to be wearing thin; her foot tapped the floor with discernible agitation. "Elder Amari," she said, attempting to capture the man's attention.
The elderly mage, however, maintained his composure, calmly finishing the latest page before raising his gaze to meet theirs. "Apprentice Arabella, if memory serves correctly, you are supposed to be in the entrance hall, working off your punishment on desk duty?" he remarked, his attentive brown eyes scrutinising the young woman.
"I… I was! But Aid– Master Silver here asked to speak to you, and I thought it important enough to bring him myself." she hastily explained, pointing meaningfully at him.
The old mage snorted amusedly, shifting his attention to Aiden. "Silver… from the Black Swan merchants?"
"Indeed, Elder Amari. I'm Aiden Silver, second son of Egon Silver. The Black Swan Merchants Company is my family's business," Aiden replied politely, causing a surprised gasp from Arabella, who had yet to make the connection.
"Intriguing. I'm Velus Amari, Headmaster of the Mage Academy and Elder of the Mages Guild of Rivana," the man formally introduced himself, standing up to shake Aiden's hand and pointing to a comfortable looking chair. "Please be seated, Master Silver, and tell me what my troublesome apprentice deemed important enough to bring you to me personally."
Sitting down, Aiden complied with the man's instruction. He noticed as the hopeful look Arabella was giving the other unused chair in the room turned into a disappointed frown when Velus did not give her permission to sit.
"I am interested in purchasing magical supplies from the guild. Arabella has told me that typically, one needs to hold the rank of Adept or higher within the guild. However, she also has also found that the Elders can exercise their authority to grant exceptions to this norm," Aiden honestly explained.
The mage tilted his head, his gaze inquisitive as it settled on the young man. "Are you a member of your home's local Mages Guild, Master Silver?" he asked, to which Aiden responded with a shake of his head. "Could you elaborate on the purpose behind your request, then?"
"Of course, Elder Amari. When I recently visited the large potion seller in the Square of Commerce, I found their offering quite inadequate. I would like to create my own potions as a result." Aiden replied. "Additionally, I intend to further enhance my mana core and I'll need essences and manastones to do so."
The Elder reclined in his chair, steepling his fingers beneath his chin as he regarded Aiden with a thoughtful expression. "In any circumstance, I am afraid that I cannot sell alchemical components to you. You will need to visit the Alchemists Guild for that, it is within their realm of responsibility," he said, continuing after sighing deeply. "As for your other requests, my apprentice was correct when she told you that materials of magical value, like essences and manastones, are not typically sold to those who are not members of our guild. And while she is quite correct in saying that me and the other Elders can theoretically grant exceptions to that rule, our own reserves are not sufficiently stocked enough to give them away, even if you pay enough."
Aiden was about to interject, but Velus raised his hand to forestall him. "Furthermore, the materials you have requested hold significant magical power and require a certain level of expertise to handle safely. Amateurs like yourself may harm themselves if they are not handled correctly. As an Elder of the guild, I bear the responsibility to ensure safety. I cannot permit you to put yourself in jeopardy."
Aiden nodded, understanding the concern, unfounded as it may be. "I assure you, Elder Amari, that I'm more than capable of handling those materials," he asserted. Sensing a potential objection from the elderly mage, he added, "I would be willing to demonstrate my skills to you, if that alleviates your concerns."
Velus was about to answer when the door to his study flew open. Luca Burro was scrambling in behind a hawkish looking woman that Aiden thought he recognised from one of the paintings in the entrance hall.
"Velus, we need to talk. Enough is enough!" The woman's tone was harsh as she strode into the room, disregarding the scattered books on the floor.
"Elder Burro, what is the meaning of this?" The typically composed mage's voice now held a hint of irritation, a shift that was mirrored in his aura.
The woman, who Aiden now recognised as Elder Antonia Burro, the mother of the manboy Luca, primly sat herself down on the remaining free chair of the room. "Your brat has besmirched my poor boy's honour for the last time, I will move for the Council of Elders to expel her from the guild."
"You cannot!" Antonia protested desperately, her wide green eyes betraying her shock and dismay.
"I can and I must!" the woman retorted, directing a reproachful glare at the apprentice. "Your continued disregard for the reputation of our guild has gone on long enough; I will tolerate it no further!" Fury etched lines on the woman's face as she scowled at Arabella, who seemed on the verge of tears, and Aiden couldn't help but feel sympathy for the young woman.
"Elder Burro, let us compose ourselves, please," Velus interjected, making an effort to restore some semblance of control in the room. Surprisingly, while she still shot flares at Arabella, the woman visibly gathered herself.
"Now, what is it that you accuse my apprentice of doing?" he asked calmly, attempting to steer the conversation toward a resolution.
"What I accuse her of doing?" she asked incredulously. "Is her being a total disgrace to our order not enough? And was ruining our already strained relationship with the clergy not reason enough?"
"And she has already been punished for her missteps, Antonia," the man retorted, flashing his counterpart a strained smile, and Aiden could feel the hope emanating from Arabella's aura. "So unless you have another grievance with Arabella, I must say that you have no grounds for further punishment."
"I do, in fact," she said, giving Velus a shark-like smile. "The Council extended leniency because you begged for it, and with the stipulation that she would not break the rules again."
"I ask again. What is the accusation?" Velus said, impatience showing plainly on his face.
"Part of her punishment involved duty in the entrance chamber. In fact, unless I'm mistaken, she should be there at this very moment."
"Is this your accusation?" the old mage laughed, his tone melodious. "Rest assured, she is fulfilling her duty. She brought this young man to me."
Velus motioned towards Aiden, and Elder Burro appeared to notice him for the first time, her gaze oozing contempt. "This young man? Why is he significant enough for her to abandon her post? Is he a new student? She could have summoned a novice or asked him to wait until her shift ended if she needed to accompany him."
"I believe you are misunderstanding," the old mage replied, once again gesturing toward Aiden. "Allow me to introduce Master Aiden Silver of the Black Swan Merchants Company. He is here on business. My apprentice acted correctly in bringing him to me promptly."
"Oh?" she exclaimed, her expression of disgust transforming into a thin, insincere smile. "A pleasure to meet you, Master Silver. It's regrettable that our introduction happens under these unfortunate circumstances."
Aiden gave the Elder the slightest of nods, just enough to both not cause a scandal and show the woman how little he regarded her. "Likewise, Elder Burro. I hope that my request won't put Arabella into trouble."
"I sure that we could all agree on tha–" Velus started.
"No we cannot." Elder Burro interrupted sternly. "Even if we disregard the fact that she brought Master Silver here while ignoring her duties, she has also disrespected her superior in the process."
"My superior? You mean your pathetic son!" Arabella cried out, venom dripping from her voice.
"Watch your mouth, child. And yes, your superior at that time happened to be my son, whom you just disrespected once again," she said, casting a malevolent smile at the younger woman. "I think that settles it then, even you cannot save her this time, Velus. I'll table the topic at tomorrow's council meeting." With that, she rose from her seat and left with her son, who had not spoken a single word during the exchange, providing no room for a response.
Arabella had resumed crying as the Elder spoke and was now gazing at the man with pleading eyes. "Please, you cannot allow this! The guild is the only home I have!" she implored between sobs, her aura radiating an unmistakable sense of desperation and fear.
"Arabella… I am not sure that I can help you this time." he said, his hands running over the dark skin of his bald head. "I cautioned you to not antagonise the boy any further."
"Antagonise him?" she protested. "I haven't done anything wrong."
"I agree with your apprentice," Aiden interjected, not wanting the young woman to be punished. "She has just done as I asked."
"Yes, but the situation is far from that simple," Velus said, releasing a lengthy sigh. "When I protected Arabella from the consequences of her conflict with the Church of Veridania, I exhausted my capital within the rest of the Council. What Antonia alleges is a breach of conduct, a formality that would be dismissed in most cases. However, my apprentice's standing within the guild is already quite precarious."
"Will the other Elders side with Elder Burro?" Aiden questioned.
"Yes," Velus simply stated, prompting another wave of sobs from Arabella.
"There is no other way around the punishment?" Aiden pressed, casting a sympathetic look at the distressed young woman beside him.
"No, nothing that I am willing to consider," the elderly man stated, his expression grim.
"Nothing that you are willing to consider? You seem to imply that there is something that could be done. What are you not telling us, Elder Amari?" Aiden inquired.
"Please, Velus!" Arabella begged, a glimmer of hope rekindling in her voice. "If you know of anything that could help, please, you must share it with me."
In silence, the old mage looked at the pair of them, his thick brows furrowed in contemplation. After what must have seemed like an eternity to his young apprentice, he began speaking in a solemn tone, "many of the traditions of the Mages Guild date back centuries to a time where an almighty empire of mages ruled this part of Elyria. When Astralia was founded, the remnants of that old order gave rise to our guild, adopting their ancient ways." Velus momentarily paused, his gaze distant, lost in some memory. "Over time, most of these traditions have become near forgotten, lost in time as the world moved on. Nevertheless, however unused they may be, they are still a part of the laws that govern our guild. Among these is a provision that permits a mage to challenge any judgement rendered against them by their peers."
As the old man had spoken, Aiden had quickly realised that Velus was alluding to the Everlasting Empire. It was the first time that someone other than Bennett had mentioned it and Aiden was most curious about the Headmaster's knowledge. Simultaneously, he had also realised what the man was talking about. "Trial by combat. A duel of mages," he mused, articulating his thoughts aloud and referencing the ancient practice of the Empire.
"Yes… But how is it possible for you to know about that?" Velus inquired, his face a mix of surprise and curiosity.
Before Aiden had to respond, Arabella seized the chance for a lifeline for her place in the guild. "Please, let me do it. Let me fight for my place here. Let me fight for my home," she implored, her reddened eyes still swollen from tears.
The old mage looked like he wanted to deny her, but instead resignation settled on his features. "Very well, you are old enough to make your own decision, I will inform the Council when we convene tomorrow. "He let out a long breath before continuing, "For now, please return to your duties. You do not want to hand Elder Burro more charges against you."
"Yes, yes, of course." Her gaze determined, she rather awkwardly curtsied before her Master. Then turned toward Aiden. "Aiden, it was nice to meet you, despite everything."
"Likewise, Arabella," he replied, offering her a warm smile as she hurriedly left the room.
The two men lapsed into silence after the apprentice mage had exited the room. Eventually, Aiden broke the quiet, inquiring, "what are her chances?"
Velus directed a worried gaze toward the door that Arabella had just left through. "Well, Luca is weak, his mother's influence is the only reason he's advanced beyond the Apprentice rank. On the other hand, Arabella, despite her troubles and challenges, is a highly capable mage." His brow furrowed with concern. "Unfortunately, Luca possesses the wealth and power of his family, which grants him every advantage coin can purchase. Arabella has no family or friends to support her. She will be on her own."
"I'm not so sure about that," Aiden said, a wide grin spreading across his face as an idea came to his mind. "Let us return to where we were when we got so rudely interrupted, I have an idea that might solve the problems of both of us."