THE THIRD MAGE

The Kingdom of Oniro was bustling with activity that early spring morning. People were getting excited of the Magoria. Children, aged 6 years old were ushered by their parents who had unhappy faces, as if they were sending their children to slaughter. Slaughter it is, because the Magoria determines the child's status in the kingdom. But some others had expectant faces, hoping that their child will rise to ranks.

The Magoria is a magical examination that determines ones magical attribute, either fire, water, earth or air. And based on these magical attributes, children were either promoted to a higher rank or downgraded. If it turns out a child were a dual-wielder - having attributes of two types of magic - the child would rise to royalty. For those having a single magical attribute, they would become nobles. And those having 3 to 4 magical attributes, they would be in the Middle Class, and their magic would be based on their talent.

Today was the same every year. But what excited people the most today is the participation of Princess Samarra in the Magoria. The people haven't forgotten the spectacle caused by Prince Amon when he took the exam last year. He emerged as a dual-wielder of two opposing attributes - fire and water - a feat that has never occurred in all of Aenario. He has been the talk of the town ever since. And now that his sister is about to partake the exam, the people are getting giddier of the spectacle they are about to witness.

The gates to the Dream Castle, where every Magoria is held, finally opened. People excitedly streamed inside, shoving anyone who crosses their way. It was chaotic, but soldiers stationed at the gates didn't even bother controlling the crowd. They stood stoic as ever. On the left side of the sea of people, the children who will be part of the Magoria fell in a line, along with their family. They were given a separate lane because they were the highlights of today's event.

A small girl, carrying bottles of water, was seen at the end of this line. She was with some others who were carrying packs of different kinds of food. They were from the no-mage class, the unfortunate third child of every family who do not posses any type of magical attribute. It was said that the third child do not posses any magic because of incompatibility. And as such, they were hired as servants or slaves. Like today, they were hired to sell refreshments for the whole duration of the Magoria.

As soon as the people were settled down on the bleachers, servants from the palace ushered the participating children to the center of the hall. They were seated on the floor, and they were to only stand if their name was called.

A trumpet sounded from the entrance, signifying the arrival of the royal family and the royal court. The people all knelt in one knee and held their right hand over their hearts, a pledge of loyalty to the kingdom and to the King.

"Rise," the King said.

And all the people stood up and waited for the King and his entourage to reach the dais. As they reached the dais, the people began to sit down and whisper among themselves of Prince Amon's growth and Princess Samarra's beauty, fit for a Queen.

The girl with the bottles didn't bother about what they were gossiping. She immediately maneuvered around the crowd and started selling her goods. She thought that they would all be busy watching the Magoria later, and would have no time to buy anymore. And if she could sell all of her goods fast, she would have the time to watch too. She didn't know that all her companions had the same thoughts as well.

The King's booming voice silenced the crowd, "Let us begin."

And like a flowing river, noble scholars floated out from the back and brought with them a huge crystal ball. Within the ball were swirling colors of blue, red, white and green. This ball would determine the magical attribute of each children.

One scholar called a name. The child being called stood up and walked nervously towards the ball. The scholar guided his hands to touch the sides of the ball.

Everyone held their breaths as the swirling colors within the ball moved aggressively. And then, a blue dragon shot up and circled the boy.

"A noble!" proclaimed the scholar. People cheered and hollered.

"Way to start the Magoria." The girl said and rolled her eyes.

Another boy was called. And what came out from him was a blue and white panther running on the air. The girl with the bottles watched in fascination of the spectacle. She thought of what might be her feeling if she ever experienced that. 'I wish I had magic. I don't want to be working like this forever. But that boy's gonna be a royal. So lucky.'

"Hey girl!" The call snapped her out of her daze. "Give me some water!"

She approached the man who called her and gave him the last bottle. "That's 3 chris* sir."

"Only one? I want two!"

She bowed low and said, "I'm sorry sir. But the royal court only provided me with a certain number of bottles. If you want, I'll call the others with me if they still have more sir."

"Okay you better. Here's the payment." He extended his hand and the girl received the money.

"Thank you sir." The girl bowed again in thanks. The man only waved his hand, as if to shoo her away.

The girl sighed. If only people don't look down on them. But what can they do, they are indeed the lowest of the lowest. She walked around to look for her friend Lyra, who sold the same good as her. She found her frolicking near the dais.

"Lyra!"

"Denaire! What is it?"

"Do you still have water? A man wanted to buy another one, and all my water was sold off."

"Oh!" Lyra exclaimed. "Yes I do have some left. Here you go, just give me the payment first."

The girl, Denaire, gave her the money and she ran back to where the man had been.

"Sir, I have another one."

The man smirked, a hungry look evident on his face. "You are an obedient girl. I like that." He gave her 3 chris and added one more. "After the Magoria, come see me by the fountain, I've got something to give you."

Denaire cringed. She knew that look. 'This is a bad guy, I have to think of something to get out of this situation.'

"I'm sorry sir," while bowing low. "But the royal court required my services for today and the next. I'm afraid I have to decline your offer. But I thank you for considering."

And then she walked backwards quickly. She marked the place where the man was seated so that she won't mistakenly walk near it again.