We packed up our belongings and left the tavern. I could feel the wrongness the instant we arrived at the Academy.
"Archmage Lacius took ill a few weeks before the incidents began," Master Durgan explained.
"What incidents?" I asked.
Instead of telling me, he showed me. He muttered the magic words and waved his hands in intricate mystical designs. I recognized the simple spell and knew that it should have created a small ball of light. Instead of creating a soft illumination, it changed into something completely different. The very fabric of reality was torn in front of me and a sharp-toothed demon stepped forth! Master Durgan was ready for it and cracked its head open with his staff.
"This is happening with any spell cast near the Academy," Master Durgan explained. "They change into a Summoning spell. The greater the magic, the greater the demon summoned. The first summonings had been particularly destructive since the mages had tried to defend themselves with magic, which only made things worse."