Chapter 1
The heat was relentless. Sweat began to form on Jason's brow, and the weight of his backpack was starting to feel heavy. He was a short man that found himself lost in the crowd that had gathered in the city center of Ravenbrook. Despite Jason's broad shoulders, he was able to bob and weave through the crowd. It was no surprise that Ravenbrook was crowded this evening. Ravenbrook was the capital of Tageron and, as such, attracted people from all walks of life to come and find the adventure of a lifetime. Today, the horde of people pushed against one another under the scorching sun that beat heavily down their backs, causing some to grow red and blistered. The longer he was in the crowd, the more sluggish he felt. The onlookers began to become much rowdier towards the center of the crow. The constant chatter made it hard for Jason to think, yet he was determined to get to the other end of the large gathering. Jason did understand the excitement in the crowd, though. The end of the crowd came into view, and Jason let out a sigh of relief. A tall and lean man stopped next to Jason. Jason watched him curiously as the man began tapping his chin in deep thought, eyeing Jason up and down. Jason scratched the back of his neck awkwardly as he waited for the man to share what it was he wanted. When the man finally spoke, he shared that he was looking to find Rosenville so he could register for classes.
"I'm about to head there myself." Jason shared. The man's eyes went wide in awe at Jason, revealing that he was also heading for Rosenwille.
"What family do you come from?" the man asked.
"I'm not from any family from importance," Jason said.
"Oh, a commoner." The man said, primarily to himself. "Well, in any case, my name is Vicar."
Together the pair made their way to the university, and halfway to their destination Jason concluded that Vicar loved to hear himself talk. Vicar had managed to share his whole life story with Jason between the multiple stops at bakeries and other shops. Jason learned that Vicar was 24 years old, of noble descent, and the reason he came to Rosenville was that he wanted to get far away from his controlling father. Vicar shared that his father wished Vicar to settle into his royal duties and help govern their estate. At first, his father was lenient, but he began to take away his income and threatened to disown him as he got older. Vicar knew that he wanted nothing to do with that kind of life and arranged his admission into the school with the help of his connections. The noble admitted that he did not care about attending the university. He was happy to be free from his parents. Jason could barely get in any words during the time vicar spent talking, but he did feel sorry for the royal. Being forced to live a life you don't want is something Jason knew all about.
"Did your mother attempt to convince your father to stop pressuring you?" Jason wondered as they exited yet another bakery.
"My mom? No, she would never do such a thing." Vicar said. "She is happy just ignoring the world around her."
"I'm sorry that she didn't help you," Jason said. His parents were always supportive when it came to his dreams. Jason could not imagine the life he would be living without the support of his parents.
"Why?" Vicar asked, "You have nothing to be sorry for. You don't have to be sorry for me. I'm more than capable on my own."
"I'm not pitying you," Jason replied. "I just feel like that must have been hard for you to go through."
"Well, it wasn't," The noble said quickly to change the subject. "I'm the one who should be sorry for talking your ear off and dragging you to all those shops."
"It's ok," Jason said with a smile on his face. "It was not that bad."
The closer they got to the university, the more Jason began to think about why he left his small town to attend Ravebrook. For the last three years, Jason worked long hours and studied through the night, forgoing his childhood friends and family. Since Jason and his family lived on the far borders of Targon, there was a lack of formal education and access to magic tutors; putting Jason at a disadvantage. The noble and merchant class individuals who would apply alongside him had access to the finest education and magic instructors renowned for their abilities. The most stressful factor was the tuition required to attend. The amount exceeded the amount of gold and silver that his family in his town made in a year. When Jason finally gained admission, he thought he would have to give up his spot due to the massive cost. Jason had no idea what to expect when he would arrive at Rosenville.
What he did know was that he was going to have to work harder than he had ever had to in his 20 years of life. He was not just doing this for his self-gain. He was doing this to bring his family out of the indentured servitude they had been forced to endure for generations. His parents saved whatever amount of gold and silver they had and used it to buy his freedom. That was a gift Jason could not accept with a clear conscience. He made a vow to do whatever was needed to get his family the space they deserved. Jason wanted his family to have the life he saw the noble and merchant class families lived. Attending Rosenville was more than just medical school. Those who graduated received a state salary, land, and a royal title to those who graduated. However, these rewards are not given to those who do not work hard.
To attend Rosenville, you had to prove your knowledge of the body, and of course, the ability to perform magic. Roseville was the first and only medical school to combine the feat of magic with the science of the body. Jason first learned about this school when he came across a graduate of Roseville that had helped heal a large cut on his arm. The doctor had Jason captivated as he made quick work on his injury. The glow of the needle as it wove in and out of his wound, sowing his skin shut, was the most awe-inspiring act Jason had ever seen. When the needle finished and dissolved in mid-air, Jason knew he had to learn more about the world around him and pursue something outside what his small rural life offered. Jason went on to spend countless nights learning how to perform basic magic spells from books and scrolls he stole from people passing through his small town. He spent days working alongside the local doctor in an apprenticeship just to have the chance to be prepared to take the exam and gain entrance to Rosenville.
By the time the large Rosenville buildings came into view, Jason had to stop for a moment to take insight before him. Rosenville's manor overlooked the ocean with its large spiral buildings that looked like they pierced through the clouds above and into the sky. The metal gate looked unshakeable as it loomed over those who stood close to it. Jason stopped in his tracks and grew wide-eyed at the dragon statue that stood before him. The dragon was built out of marble. The stature was beautifully shaped with life-like curvatures. The small details came together to make Jason nervous to look away out of fear that the statue may come alive. The Rosenville placard rested at the dragon's feet felt surreal for Jason. He crouched over and carefully traced the letters. He wanted to make sure that this was real. That he had finally made it.
"Is this your first time seeing Devio's work?" Vicar asked, finally breaking the silence around them.
"Who is Devio?" Jason ask.
"The person who made that statue," Vice said.
"Then yes," Jason admitted. "I have never seen anything like this before."
"Well, that's sad then," Vicar replied. "Enough of the sightseeing. I'm ready to go inside before it gets dark."
