A worthy challenger

DECADES AGO,

As the carriage arrives at the massive gates of the Academy, a man and a woman stepped out of the carriage and stretched, yawning as they glanced about the place.

"Come on Katherina, do not be scared, we are here!" The woman smiled, reaching her hand out to the little girl - who is still in the carriage.

"I'm not scared mother, this place is scary!" Little Katherina said as she hopped off the carriage and wrapped her tiny fingers around her mother's, "what is this place anyway?" She said, gazing up at her mother.

"You are going to love this place Katherina!" The mother said, sharply avoiding her daughter's gaze.

The father walked up to the gate and knocked.

Eyes peek through the square shaped door hole, "who are you?" The grumpy voice asked.

"We are here with the child!" The father responded as he handed a letter to the gate guard through the same hole.