He caught me right away, making me suspect that he used magic. He was surprisingly nice about the whole thing, saying that I had likely been drawn to the ring due to my own potential to become a talented wizard. He suggested that I go to the Academy in order to unlock this power. I decided to do as he suggested, and he even let me keep the ring.
(Gained Ruby Ring)
I knew I needed a horse to get to the Academy. It was in the royal city of Tornassa, many miles away.
I took a short trip to a nearby village, where I found a horse that I liked. I snuck into the stables late one night, and it wasn't hard to take the animal out of its pen and pretend that it was my own when I returned home.
I mounted up and left my village. I didn't know it at the time, but my magic would end up greatly extending my horse's lifespan. I decided to name it…
I had a nice little party before I left. We had it in the newly rebuilt tavern since the old one had been burned down during the orc raid. I gave up the life of a priest and left for the Academy the next day.
Next Chapter
The trip to Tornassa went well. I spent the first day as a tourist, just seeing the sights. King Norbert and Queen Audrey's castle was impressive; I stared up at the towers, hoping to catch a glimpse of Prince Gareth, who was now 25, or Princess Emily, who was two years younger. I didn't see any royalty that day.
The next morning, I went to the Academy. This was where all of the great mages had learned their skills, including the royal advisor, Fraledan. The Academy was financed by the Mage Guild, which was nice since it meant I didn't have to pay anything.
I stood at the entrance to the Academy, uncertain as to how to proceed.
"Why have you come?"
The voice came from a little old man sitting on a rock next to the doors leading into the Academy. He was very small, and his bald head made him seem vulnerable.
"Who are you?" I asked.
"I am Master Durgan, the doorkeeper to the Academy. Why have you come?"