Magic Academy of Elorah

Chapter 4

I woke up this morning with a quiet, yet clear understanding — I am an orphan.

My parents died a long time ago. We used to live near the border, the one constantly under threat from the creatures of the dark. There were frequent breaches, and many people lost their lives. Now, they’re building a wall there, forming a garrison — but it’s too late for so many.

That last wave took entire villages, soldiers, mages — everyone who stood to protect the line.

My family was poor, with no relatives left. Somehow, I survived. I wandered for a long time until my feet carried me here.

I barely remember my parents — just a few hazy images, like foggy dreams. A voice, warm hands, the glow of a hearth… and then nothing. Only silence.

Sometimes, I really miss my hair. A girl should wear a braid — that’s how it was where I came from. Without one, it’s shameful. People assume you work in those houses meant for men’s pleasure — they all keep their hair short. That’s why I disguised myself as a boy. It made traveling through the Empire easier, safer. But now I’m here. My hair will grow back. I’ll have my braid. I’ll earn respect. I’ll have a future.

This house I found — it’s quiet, tucked away from the world. There’s no pain here. Only books and the warmth of the fireplace. I’m learning. I can read a little now. Writing is harder, but I’ll manage.

I have a goal. A dream.

To study at the Academy.

They accept students from the age of sixteen — so that gives me two more years. Two years to grow, to learn, to prove to myself that I can do it. That I am worthy.

I will make it.

Winter passed almost unnoticed.

I even managed to catch two hares in the trap — a small success, but it meant so much. My days were spent gathering firewood and studying. That’s how life went, day by day.

I had to write on a wooden board with a piece of charcoal — I couldn’t find anything better. But it’s still something. It’s better than nothing at all.

Spring has begun its slow arrival. I can hear the drip-drip of melting snow, and during the day, the weather is already warming.

I can’t wait for summer.

My supplies are running low, and I still don’t know where the nearest village is. I haven’t found a map in the house either. But there are plenty of books — volumes on the history of the Empire, herbals, several about creatures of the dark, and studies of different races. I’ve read almost all of them. And I’m learning to write from them too.

One morning I woke up because something heavy fell onto the roof.

I quickly got dressed and went outside to see what it was. I walked around the house and saw a tightly bound stack of newspapers.

How did it get here?

Deliveries are usually made through teleportation.

In the past, everything was transported by carts or, for long distances, by dragons.

I should read them — find out what’s new in the Empire.

Yeah… things aren’t looking great in our Empire.

All stationary teleporters have been shut down for repairs and to sync with the new system.

Also, the academies of elves, humans, and dragons have been merged into one.

They built a new complex near the eastern mountains.

High society gossip doesn’t interest me.

Some laws have also been changed by the Emperor and his council.

I’ll admit, I’m not well-versed in politics — never had the materials to study it.

History I know decently well, though of course, there’s still more to learn.

This merger of the three academies doesn’t help me — the selection process will be tougher now.

And in my little hideaway, I won’t gain much more knowledge.

If I don’t have a map, maybe I can at least see something from the top of a tree.

That wild idea popped into my head…

And I decided to act on it immediately.

What a beautiful sight—miles and miles in every direction.

And in the distance, something that looks like a tower…

I wonder, is it a castle? Or something else?

If it is a castle, that’s good—it means there might be a village nearby.

The only problem is… I have nothing to sell. Nothing to trade.

I need to come up with something.

Maybe there’s a healer or herbalist there who could use some herbs?

That could work.

It’s worth finding out—maybe we can barter.

But first, I need to prepare everything.

I have to find something truly valuable…

Which is hard, especially in spring.

And I’ll need clothes.

There’s not a single sewing kit in this house.

Just have to wait for the snow to melt,

for the green to return.

I managed to piece something together clothing-wise, more or less.

From the books, I found the rarest, most valuable plants.

And off I went to explore the area.

Luck smiled upon me.

I found three rare types of moss and several herbs.

After packing a little food, I set out on my journey.

But, as it turns out, distances from up in a tree seem much shorter than they really are.

It took me two whole days to get there.

What I found was a large village—

and that, I must say, made me incredibly happy.

With so many people, there's always a need for potions and remedies.

Still… I'm terrified.

What if someone starts asking questions?

I came across a group of little girls playing in a meadow.

I asked them how to find the local healer.

They all began shouting over one another that no such person exists.

But then, an older girl stepped into the conversation...

"You're probably looking for the herbalist?" she asked.

– Yes. I said hesitant.

"Then go down that path over there, and don’t turn off it. Just follow it straight. You'll get there."

– I looked in the direction the girl pointed and made sure to remember it. Thank you for the help.

"You are very welcome!" She said with the most earnest smile I have ever seen.

I knocked on a wide, carved wooden door. A woman answered—middle-aged, not very tall, pleasant-looking, dressed in a colorful apron and matching headscarf.

– Good day! How can I help you? She said.

– I’d like to talk to you about trading herbs for supplies… and maybe some medicines.

"What can you offer me, girl?"

– Crimson, gray, and blue moss. Blue sow thistle, and some milk thistle too.

"No way. Show me—I don’t believe it!"

– Of course, take a look!

I took out the moss, each bundle wrapped in different cloths. The herbs were also neatly packed.

"This stuff is worth a lot of money, girl!" The women sadi with such big ad suppriesed wyes.

– I know, but I don’t need money right now. What I do need is:

– Dried and raw meat, salt, flour, candles, thread, and if you have it — some paper and ink. I’m learning to write.

And… maybe some books, if you have any you don’t need. Any kind, really. Especially about herbs or healing.

– Grains, flour.

– Cold remedies.

– Soap. Does that sound fair to you?

– No, you must be out of your mind! That’s nowhere near enough for what you brought me!

– I’ll come back in the fall for more supplies. Also… I need a magically lightened and expanded bag or backpack.

What do you think of that deal?

– You’re a sharp one! I like doing business with you. Of course, I agree! Come in, wait here a moment, I’ll call the boys to fetch everything.

– Plenty of meat and grains!

After a short while, a few boys came running in with bags. Then a man arrived carrying meat, and another one brought more grain.

I couldn’t see them clearly — there was a curtain in the way. Only after everyone had left did she call me in.

"Everything is ready! Two bags and one backpack, supplies are all set. Can you fetch me the rush? But it needs to be dried properly — I’ll tell you how."

"I'll try to bring it in the fall, if I can get it."

"Listen and remember..."

The instructions were simple, but the storage process was complicated, though possible. We parted on good terms, and I wasn’t asked a single question. I learned a lot of new things — for instance, there's a major review of the imperial laws going on right now. Many of the nobility have suffered because of it, or so they think. But the common folk don't feel the same way.

I made my way home just as quickly, in two days. But once I arrived, something awaited me at home...