19 Call to Arms

Caitrina Soprano

There are many things that I need to do. I need to officially declare the war in writing. I need to prepare my wards' safe conduct papers. I need to gather all the reinforcements I have from all over Medeis.

"Someone, get me a paper and pen," I command. "And if you can, get me a sealing wax and candle. I shall write to the king and ask permission and acquire safe conduct."

"But mistress, where will we go?" Trichen asks.

"To Symphonia," I say wth all the determination I could muster. "We cannot stay here. Clearly, we need to seek help from the Mediators. The sorcerers' act on our school is a declaration of war."

First, I write to the King of Cassida. Surely he can grant us the papers that we need to leave Cassida. As I finish writing the letter to the king, I seal it off with a green wax and the Seal bearing the Crest of the Head of the Enchanters with its symbols of Pegasus, flowers, and wings.

Next, I write to a friend, Ruairi Magister. As a mediator, I expect that he could muster his people to fight under the banners of the enchanters. But, curses! Why does he have to be in Scire? It is a struggle writing to that cursed kingdom. In any case, I continue writing the letter in haste. I can see the blobs of ink forming all over the papers. My handwriting, though messy due to the rush, is still legible.

To my dearest friend,

Ruairi, I regret to inform you that Lucerna is no more. It has fallen in the hands of the sorcerers. I do not know what they seek, but I do know that 'twas an act of war. I declared open war against them in front of my surviving wards. All the instructors of Lucerna is dead and wards in the campus has died in an explosion that destroyed the school. I seek your advice on what to do.

I give you my best wishes as you stay in that land. I hope that your suffering there would end soon. Maybe one day, we can see the fulfillment of the promise given a thousand years ago. Hopefully, you thought right and did the proper thing years ago.

As for your reply, you can send it through a message bird. I have written in an ordinary letter to prevent any harm coming after you. Send me the reply in Symphonia where the King has truly been gracious to every Practitioner. We would be there once the King of Cassida grants us safe conduct.

Be of good cheer, good friend.

Yours truly,

R Caitrina Soprano