Pallas stands in awe under the ancient status of Elyrian the god of magic. It’s a custom for students to take a quick pause at the statue and reflect on why they’re really here. There are students strolling and waltzing all around. It’s examination week, where students who have completed the stand curriculum present proposals for advanced learning in a specific department.
Pallas stand alone beneath the huge stature and in his hand is a large scroll case one he intends to use today even though it is not allowed. At the base of the stature there’s an inscription that reads “all is magic”. The Academy of Mystic Arts teaches many subjects and not all of them are magical. But the philosophers all agree and teach that all things have their origin in magic.
A century ago, the academy was a temple, where people from afar came to consult the oracles and worship at this very statue but now it is an academy. The statue is still a place of prayer though. You readily find students stopping by and saying quick words of prayers for good grades, good teachers and even to get to their classes on time.
A voice calls behind them “hey” Pallas turns and sees their friend Demetrios breaking through the crowd and running towards them. A smile creases through their face.
Demetrios puts a hand on his shoulder and asks what’s that for? You know you can’t bring notes into the examination)”. “It’s not my notes...” let’s say it’s “supplementary material” Pallas replies still smiling. You’re impossible says Demetrios.
That’s what everyone says was the reply from Pallas. Come let’s go, we don’t want to be late to the evaluation. They both get to the hall early and are sitted when the heads of the academy called sophists begin to walk in.
The head sophists of the academy sure know how to make an entrance. They’re dressed with robes decorated by their academic achievements and various cultures. They walk through the mass of students who have formed a wall on both sides of the hall. The Grand sophist is in front, an old woman with a bent back and a simple black robe. The others, the greatest thinkers and mages the world over, walk behind her. Sennuwy, the Head Sophist of Artistry who has mentioned quite openly a few times that she’d like to sponsor Pallas in her department which combines magical fabrications with mundane art. Behind her is the youngest of the group, Valerius who’s recently been promoted to head sophist of Philosophy. He has issues with Pallas three years ago in class and still holds that Pallas should be expelled from the academy. Then there’s Leucothia, Head Sophist of Thaumatics, who’s sporting quite a grumpy look today.
Demetrios turns to Pallas with a questioning look and asks at least give me a hint to what department you’re going for. You’ve heard my presentation at least twice and I haven’t even heard yours. Pallas responds cryptly as their nature is I’m going to say no to all of them, Just to be difficult, says Demetrios. No, says Pallas smiling.
The sophists have entered into the evaluation hall now and all the students resume their previous activities, from roaming to talking. Pallas drops the scroll case and sits next to it on a bench. After watching Demetrios for a while, they tap the other side of the bench and said, Come one Demetrios, sit with me. Demetrios tried to argue that he preferred standing but Pallas was quick to point out he was pacing rather than standing. Demetrios decided to take the seat while smiling sheepishly.
Pallas puts a hand around Demetrios and says to him, You’re really nervous about this. This is all you’ve been talking about in the last month. Well, you’re correct but we’re still not done with it are we. Demetrios remarks.
That’s true says Pallas but we’re here and it’ll be done and dusted soon. Yeah, I guess so. You know you’re ready, says Pallas. Why are you so nervous? I have to get into Artistry Demetrios says. I want to write something eternal, study with the masters and create timeless pieces. That’s the only thing I want to do.
Pallas gently responds to him you’re almost there, and I know you can do it. Well says Demetrios I have to convince nine, old people to be able to get there. No, says Pallas, with enough sting in their voice that Demetrios shies back. Pallas apologizes and continues the only thing our esteemed sophists can determine is if you’ll continue to study here, with them, at this academy. But that’s everything, says Demetrios. No, Pallas says again. That’s just one thing. I have read your plays, I have watched you perform them and they have had tremendous impact on me, some of them made me weep like a baby.
But here’s my point Pallas continued if those sophists in there decide against you today that tells something about them and not about you. You will still have your amazing plays and more importantly you’ll still have the mind that created them and that is what truly matters. Whether they see it or not, you’ll still have your plays and your mind. Yeah, Demetrios says, you’re right.
Just then, the bailiff calls out loud Demetrios of Hellekon Demetrios thanks the bailiff and walks into the room with the head sophists.
Pallas, sitting alone begins to reflect on his first day at this academy. He was standing right under the statue of Elyrian when Demetrios and other first year students came up to him. They had been friends since that day and all he could do today was sit patiently and wait while quickly chewing on his snacks. By the time the door opens, Pallas is refreshed and ready to face the head sophists. Demetrios walks out with a grin on his face. I got in! he says, as quietly as he can manage. Pallas hugs him tight. Congratulations, they say. Demetrios wishes Pallas Good luck and just then the bailiff calls their name. I’ll be fine, Pallas said to Demetrios.
Pallas adjusts his hold on the briefcase, takes a deep breath and walk into the evaluation room. He steps into the center of the room and stands still. The Head Sophists are sitted around the stage, looking down at Pallas from the third row of benches. Pallas bows deeply and out of the corner of their eyes, see a figure in shadows leaning against the wall. He wished he knew about them or at least Demetrios has informed him, but it was too late now. I am here to present my proposal for continuous education Pallas declares.
“Go ahead”
My esteemed instructors, begins Pallas, and pauses. Deep breath. I wish to pursue a course that is entirely different from what we have currently at the academy – Several Head Sophists begin to speak at the same time, but Pallas ignores them and continues speaking. I’ll consult with the head sophists where appropriate and I will be subject to their approval in their various fields. The Grand sophist speaks loudly enough to get everyone else quiet at this time there’s no such course. I know, Pallas says as he takes a bow that aims at apologizing and calming their nerves. I know, and that’s why I’ve taken the liberty to create one. Pallas bends down, opens his scroll case and gets out a roll of parchment. The Grand sophist instructs the bailiff to pick it up and bring it to her.
The other head sophists begin to speak all at once, some for and some against Pallas’s proposal. Order yells the Grand sophist. She slams her scepter on the stone floor and reverberations of thunder fills the room. The other head sophists fall silent again. The board will consider the matter, she says.
Should I wait behind to defend the proposal? Pallas asks. I think you’ve done enough damage for one day, says the Grand Sophist. Go get some rest. Gods know I’m not going to. May the gods watch over your deliberations, says Pallas and he walks out of the room. Pallas should be in bed but he is too wound up to sleep. He’s reading the same page for the third time in a row. He expected to cause trouble, he had insinuated that nine old grand masters were myopic and he had a better way but he wasn’t expecting the day to end without them passing judgement on his proposal.
Pallas resumes reading and then hears a voice that says well you have a gift. They hadn’t heard anyone walk in but the voice was just a few feet away. So I’ve been told. Quite the magical prodigy. Pallas responds without looking up. That’s right said the stranger but I was talking about your gift for challenging assumptions and norms. The stranger sits across from palace on the bench and palace quickly recognizes him as the stranger that was in the hall with them earlier today. The stranger has this calm and boundless aura about them.
What do you mean? Pallas asked. From animals to elements and academics, most people would build a wall around things, trying to put them into categories and groups so they can make general assumptions about them. But you the stranger says, you have unity of vision. It’s a very rare gift. But most people would criticize you for it. Pallas stares at the stranger and he stares back.
Who are you? Pallas asks. Who are you? The stranger asks back. No way! Says Pallas. “I’m not going to fall for answering questions with questions”. Pallas continues are you a sophist? Why haven’t I seen you before? Haven’t you? asks the stranger. Then as if he was in a trance he began to see the stranger getting bigger and farther away from him. His countenance becoming stony and he hears a voice from the statue all is magic.
Elyrian! says Pallas, scrambling to their feet.
Elyrian is a man again now and he is holding out his calming hand. Shhhh he says don’t tell anyone. To… to what do I owe this blessing, Lord Elyrian? Elyrian goes straight to the point. There’s a tournament among the gods and I require a mortal champion. I believe you’re suitable for the job. But first I’ll have to test your magic. Elyrian goes ahead to give him a magical test without rules to arrange the biographies in the library without touching them. Pallas executes the task excellently and in record time. Elyrian looks at Pallas. I am immortal, from the time before time, says the God of Magic. I have seen things you could not believe, understand or imagine. But I have never witnessed anything quite like that. Pallas takes a deep bow. But... But what about my evaluation Pallas enquires. The head sophists will definitely take their time before passing judgement on your proposal and I’m sure your absence will not be missed. Whatever they decide will be waiting for you when or better put if you return.
Come my champion, we have a lot to talk about says Elyrian. The god of magic reaches out his hand to Pallas. Pallas takes his hand and they both disappear leaving the library behind.
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