Years had bleached, yet he was still here at the academy. This training was gruesome, tiring-a load on his brain and body. But every passing day made his attachment with threads grow further. Now, he could easily move elements with more efficiency; it felt like this chaotic magic inside him was growing into an extension of his will.
But the academy wasn't all about learning; it was a place of trials, too. So, on one day in the big training chambers inside, Caelum was practicing magic when Headmaster Elion called him into his office.
"Caelum," Elion said, his face set with gravitas, "You have shown great promise in your training, but now it is time to test your resolve. There is a trial awaiting you, one which every student shall go through in order for their worth to be established."
Caelum was sputtering. "A trial? What kind of a trial?
Elion's eyes shone bright with unreadable emotion. "A test of both your control over your magic and of your character. It's in the deep caverns beneath Denerim, not a place for faint hearts, and not everybody who ventures there returns after. "
Caelum swallowed hard as his stomach clenched. "What's down there?"
"Creatures older than the Academy itself," Elion said, his voice falling to a soft, somber note. "The caverns are home to the ancient beasts of yore that roamed these lands-beasts whose power rivals those of the gods. They sleep now, but there is always somebody who would want them awake. And so your mission is thus simple: to get through the mazes of caverns and to return with proof that you can bear the trials of the deep.".
The words hung heavy in the air with their implication. Quickened was Caelum's pulse, with thoughts running into his head-large, otherworldly creatures, their forms shrouded by shadow and magic. It was only for an instant, though; actually facing those who came before time itself seemed to run the blood cold in his veins. Fire in that instant had also flared into life within his chest.
"I'll do it," said Caelum resolutely.
The slightest softening came into Elion's gaze. "I expected nothing less. Yet remember, Caelum-the true test is not how many beasts you can defeat. It is how you handle yourself against the darkest parts of your soul."
Caelum nodded, his head heavied by the seriousness within Elion's words. "The caverns are not in stasis," the Headmaster carried on. "They shift and change, responding to the magic within them-and the magic within you. The threads will test your connection to them in ways you won't be able to imagine. Fear, doubt, anger-these emotions might twist the threads against you. Control them, lest they control you."
And then the room was choked by a scalding silence as, in his mind, too many questions swirled that he dared not speak. Instead, all he did was square his shoulders. "When am I to leave?"
Elion watched him for some time before he replied, "At first light. Take tonight to ready yourself-physically and mentally. Bring with you only that which you shall absolutely need. Anything more shall weigh you down."
Before him lay the entrance to caves through which mist curled in heavy tangles in the early-morning air, an entrance arch looming almost as the very maw of some enormous beast. He stood before that place and readied himself for what could only be described as a dire duty. The small crystal in his hand pulsed soft and subdued-a gift from Elion, bound with him in magic.
Before them stood Elion, quiet, reassuring by his stillness. "This crystal shall guide you, but it only will for so long. It will grow dimmer, the deeper inside you manage. Have faith in yourself, Caelum. Have faith in your tethers. I have also sent a couple of guards to watch you on your mission."
Caelum nodded, his hand clenching a little tighter on the crystal. He took a deep breath and plunged into the shadowy depth of the cavern, guided only by the faint light of the crystal. The trial had begun.