The Castle of Magic

On the wall next to it was an empty bookcase and directly below the window stood a writing desk, with inkpots, paper and some quills. Everything stood ready for her use. The man who lead her to her room, turned to speak to her.

"My child, would you care for something to eat? The evening meal is about to start. Would you like it if I escorted you down to the great hall? As you know Master Ordantest has ordered a feast in your honour. Will you come?"

"Yes of course I’ll come. But what do I call you by?"

"Well I am to be one of your teachers so you should start calling me sir but my name is just plain old Edward. Now would you like to follow me?"

"Yes I shall be delighted sir" Edward chuckled.

"You learn quickly child." With that she followed him down the spiral stairs, through a maze of corridors into the great hall.

The great hall was a massive hall easily a hundred feet wide. It could hold about three hundred people all dining at the same time but there were only about a hundred people sitting at the tables, teacher and student alike. The inside of the great hall was beautifully furnished. All the masonry was made of white shinning stones. The walls were covered with gigantic tapestries of mighty Dragons, valiant Heroes and powerful mages with blue shinning auras. They were hand embroidered and made of many different coloured threads. The ceiling was the highest she had ever seen. She could not begin to guess how high it was. Hanging from the rafters were huge silver chandeliers full with glowing candles. Everywhere there was light. Light from the many candles and torches all around the great hall but also light came from the stones itself. It was truly magnificent.

She was seated on a long table with ten other people. They were all old so she assumed they were the teachers. She didn’t know anybody so when they turned to talk tot her she just politely answered there questions then went quiet again. Her meal was wonderful, well it was to her. She had always lived on simple and plain food but the food she had eaten her was delicious even though it was plain fair it tasted like a noblemen’s best cuisine.

After the meal was finished Ordantest stood at the front of the great hall. He waited for quiet. He didn’t have to wait long soon the whole hall was quiet.

"As you all know by now a new student has appeared in our midst. She is new here and I think you should all go out of your way to make her feel welcome. Now I understand that our young Teeva hasn’t seen proper magic before. Have you?" He said turning to Teeva who promptly shook her head.

"So I think four members of our students should show Teeva some magic. If you would like that?" He said turning to Teeva again.

"Yes please, I haven’t seen a lot of magic."

"Well I think we should go outside for this little bit of magic. There is certainly enough light left for it."

The students and teachers got up out of their chairs and started to head outside. When everyone was outside Ordantest beckoned them all to sit down on the grass.

"Now have we any volunteers?" A wave of hands shot up into the air. Ordantest picked out a girl, who quickly came down next to Ordantest. Ordantest sat down leaving the girl there on her own.

Taking a deep breath the girl shut her eyes concentrating. Beads of sweat appeared on her face, she lifted her arm out in front of her.