The silence after the fight

I woke up suddenly. It was dark outside the window. Exhaling, I raised myself on my elbows, but my energy was quickly cooled by weakness. Frowning, I barely managed to raise my hand and saw a massive amount of bandages on it. They stretched from the fingertips to almost the shoulder. Clenching my hand into a fist, I felt a slight aching pain that came from the skin. At the same time, it hurt, and it also seemed as if someone had passed the bird feather over my hand. The second arm was also bandaged, but only up to the elbow.

With a light exhalation, I closed my eyes and began to slowly sink into meditation. Now I need to check my magic core, how good or bad everything is. I hope nothing wrong happened to my magic source and reservoir. Slowly I felt it and was able to understand that its color had changed somewhat. It has become darker and somehow dull. No, magical energy did not become liquid or weak but, it has become somehow concentrated. Having moved it a little, I felt how it flowed smoothly over my body, filling it with strength. Interesting.

The next thing, I created a spell in front of me in the form of a firefly. It shone around, glowing out the surrounding space. There were several empty beds in the room, small bedside tables, and a window from which opened a view of the Violet Citadel against the night's background and a sky full of stars. It seems that everything is fine ... I am alive, relatively healthy, and can use magic. I have my hands, I can feel my legs too. What else is needed?

This mission showed me that I am still weak. To not be so weak and not to get into such situations, I need to continue to train and study. I need more strength and knowledge. It seems that I have found something to do for the next one or even two years. If I had the opportunity to download books directly to my head, then everything would probably be much more comfortable... Other than that, I think it's time for me to look for some opportunities to modify my own body. This should serve as an additional source of power for me. But I would need to get some financial stability.

A young magician in a dark blue robe entered the room. She looked a bit sleepy.

"Have you come to your senses yet?" she asked me, and the snap of his fingers turned on a light. I turned off my firefly and examined it with interest: white hair, green eyes. Beautiful girl. She is slightly weaker in terms of magical power than me, but this difference is not very noticeable. "I see that you are now much better than before."

"Yes," I croaked. My voice was parched and raspy as if someone had rubbed sandpaper over styrofoam.

"That's good," she nodded. Magic circles glowed on her hands. "Don't move, I need to do diagnostics."

I just nodded my head and tried to freeze ... It was not difficult, since I could not move a finger anyway. Just clap your eyes, and that's it. But I tried not to do that either. When it was over, I breathed into my full chest and coughed.

"Hush, hush," said the magician. A small decanter with some dark red liquid flew into her hand. If I am not mistaken, this is the solution used in hospitals to feed patients. The interesting thing about it was that it was completely, without residues, digested by the body. So you do not need to go to the toilet, and the body receives useful elements. Also, it has a small regeneration capacity, like a weak regeneration potion.

I felt how this fluid flowed through my body, gently filling it with energy. Very well.

"Now it's time for you to sleep," said the magician and put her hand to my head. The dream fell on me like a ceiling, almost instantly plunging me into interesting dreams.

***

Lerim looked at his hand and remembered what happened in the Cave. The last spell he used damaged his arm. He had to urgently contact the healers. And they did not promise that his hand would be as healthy as she was before.

The magician sat in a chair in the office of the head of the Council of Six and began to await the verdict of the chief archmage. Along with this archmage, there was another man that looked dangerous. In his presence, Lerim felt a slight danger.

"Do you mean that someone attacked you when you were already returning back?" asked Krasus, and rubbed his chin. "Sounds bad."

"Yes," Lerim nodded. "I tried to use teleportation many times, but someone or something suppressed it."

"And you could not get back in another way?" asked the second magician, whose name was unknown to him. "You should have realized it was a trap."

"I didn't think about it," Lerim replied, looking down. "All the previous times, when I went down there, there was never such a dangerous situation."

"Hmm," Krasus drawled. "This is very strange and raises some concerns. Have you noticed what kind of magic it was?"

"Definitely dark," said Lerim. "But for me, it was difficult even to conjure. Something was suppressing my strength."

"Demons or not, that is the question," said the second mage. "It is necessary to check those Caves."

"Okay," nodding Krasus. "And now back to you, Lerim. I understand that it must have been difficult for you. But it will also serve as a lesson for you for the future. If you took an average doctor with you, and not just a talented graduate from school, then perhaps your group would not have lost anyone."

"I understand," the magician said dully. Even though he was no longer young, he felt somewhat out of place in the presence of such high ranks.

"It's good that you understand," Krasus said. "I hope you will write a prize for the surviving members. I think half a gold piece will be enough."

"I will," Lerim gasped. He understood that arguing with such people is absolutely not worth it. This can lead to even more problems. After all, it is his fault that he did not foresee such a turn of events. It is also his fault that he did not take the doctor with him. Next time, he will definitely act according to the rules and not save money.

"Then you can be free," the head of the Council of Six nodded.

Personally, he found this situation even stranger and more dangerous than Lerim. He did not understand the real danger. Besides, the fact that this attack happened only after he appeared, should have started ringing a bell. If the attack did not happen coincidentally, what is the likelihood that it will occur again? The next attack may not be as harmless or straightforward. On the contrary, it can be even more dangerous. Therefore, they need to try to somehow send him out of Dalaran to not cause any problems.

"What do you say?" Krasus asked another magician when Lerim closed the door behind him.

"This is all very dangerous," said the second mage, and closed his eyes. Although he didn't need it for a long time. Life in a corpse has its advantages. "But, on the other hand, we can try to use it somehow."

"Do you think 'others' are after 'him'?" asked Krasus. "What if it's the Burning Legion?"

"No, it's definitely not them," Mirel nodded his head. "You know it well yourself."

"Yes," Krasus agreed. "If that graduate is really that talented, then I think we need to use it to our own advantage. Here you are right. I had a guy in mind named Khadgar, but I will send him in a different direction if necessary. And we'll send Bumblebee to Medivh."

"It will be a difficult game," said the three-thousand-year-old magician in reply. "We have not yet dispelled our suspicions about the Guardian."

"Then Alistar can follow him, while learning," Krasus said. "Besides, Medivh remains a powerful magician, and if there is another attack on Alistar, the consequences will be smaller.

"But then he will need to be prepared for an apprenticeship with Medivh," said the magician.

"I think he can be offered a year of study with Antonidas," Krasus said. "He just owes me, and I know that he will be interested to work with another talent."

"Okay," the mage nodded. "You are Reddregon, not me ... It's up to you."

Krasus just nodded and smiled. His eyes flashed with fire for a moment, but then returned to their normal state.

***

For a week, I lay with the healers and tried to recover from the Illusionary Caverns trip. The doctors did their best to get me on my feet. But it was difficult, and I don't blame them for that. The bandages had already been removed, and I could examine my body.

After treatment, scars remained on the arms and a large, branched scar on the back. Sometimes it quivered with magical energy, but it was completely harmless to me. It's good that the face was not hurt. Magical abilities also did not disappear anywhere, and perhaps they only became stronger. I have not tested them yet.

The hospital was pretty calm. Sometimes ordinary people came here, but most of them were magicians who conducted experiments in their laboratories and they did not go according to plan. Burns were the most common injury. Severed limbs and penetrating wounds were the second most popular. I myself saw a magician who had three fingers blown off by an improperly brewed potion.

"How do you feel?" the doctor asked me. He was already an old magician, with a reserve exceeding mine. I still could not understand how old he was. It seems to me that he lived long enough to be called old.

"Not bad," I answered him and moved my hands. After that, I twisted my neck with a couple of cracks.

The mage nodded and quickly cast a spell that tested me from head to toes. Then the magician nodded to something. He created another spell in the form of a ball and applied it to my chest. Almost immediately, I felt a slight tightness in my body that made me slightly uncomfortable.

"In general," said the magician and handed me a small folder with some papers. "Here is a list of all the drugs that I advise you to take. Also, there are several spells that you will need to cast on yourself for diagnosis and observation. If at least one of the spells shows that you have problems, then immediately go to the hospital."

"Got it," I said to him, getting up.

"Then you can be free, Alistar," said the magician. "And yes, there are some magicians waiting for you on the street for a private conversation. I would not advise you to hide or run away from them."

"Ok, thanks."

It's strange. What kind of magicians can wait for me outside the hospital? Perhaps they would like to clarify some details about this trip or find out anything else. I do not understand. Dressing slowly, I looked at myself in the mirror. Now I am somewhat different from what I was before I got to the hospital. The cheeks have sunken a little, the skin has become pale with a slight greenish tint. In addition, there were small bruises under the eyes. I look bad, so I will need to start restoring my own form.

Going downstairs, I took all my things, among which were damaged bottles, and most importantly, test tubes with materials from the trip. They were neatly folded and protected by some kind of disposable artifact. The clothes I wore when I went for a mission are already worn out. I would need to buy a new one.

Waving my hand to the nurses who worked here, I went outside and happily breathed in the fresh air. It smells good here.

"Ali," a familiar voice called me. Turning around, I saw my father approaching me. He hugged me and then spoke. "I am glad to see you."

"I'm glad to see you too, father," I answered him. "We haven't seen each other for a whole year.

"Yes," dad nodded.

Looking closely at my dad, I noticed that he looked pretty good. It seems that his job at the Violet Tower has only served him well. He was wearing clothes from quality materials that had been improved by some wizards. I can also feel on it a small protective amulet that almost everyone who lives in Dalaran can buy for themselves. This amulet creates a small wall in front of a person, allowing him to defend himself against some weak spell or strong sword blow. Not a bad amulet. I had several of these too, but they were used during the campaign.

"Well, tell me, how are you?" asked me. "I heard that you were in the hospital, but I just didn't have time to come and see you. Sorry.

"It happens," I waved my hand. "I went on a mission and we were ambushed there. The paladin who went with us died. Very sad."

"It's a pity," father said with a note of sadness in his voice. "But I'm glad you survived. I don't know if I could continue to live in this city if you died."

"Next time, I'll be more careful," I answered. I understand that my father is very worried, but I am no longer a child, and he knows and understands this well. If he didn't know and didn't understand, he wouldn't let me go to study. And I already have a healthy forehead ...

I was happy to meet him. Although the conversation is not going very well now, I think that we will be able to discuss all possible issues and events in the future. I'm sure my father must have a story to tell. I didn't even have any adventures. I was not up to that.

"Sorry," said a high-pitched male voice.

Turning around, I saw two magicians who looked very dignified. They bathed in the rays of power. Amazing. My father immediately bowed his head, looking at them with respect. And I understand why he looks at them like that. One of these magicians belonged to the highest echelon of power. He was not a member of the Council of Six, but only an assistant of one. Even this position is already very high. I didn't bow because I don't consider it necessary. And the magicians themselves never forced on the bow to them. The stronger you get, the harder it is to be conceited. The experiments carried out by magicians at such levels of power, as well as the resources that are available to them, immediately knock out all feelings of superiority. More than once, I have heard from senior magicians from whom I learned that they do not want to go to the office, as it is very exhausting. Give them either experiments or talented students. I fell under the second definition, and the teachers happily tinkered with me, putting all their efforts into my teaching, even after school hours. That's just ... all this work, everything they did, turned into dust in the face of a powerful enemy. I need to study harder and train more.

"I'm listening very carefully," I asked the magician.

"I came to convey to you an invitation to the Archmage Antonidas," said the magician, and handed me a small plate, which shimmered with all the colors of the rainbow. "The advisor would like to meet with you. When you are ready, break this seal and you will be instantly teleported to it."

Taking this artifact, I carefully examined it.

"Thank you," I nodded to them, and put the artifact in my pocket. "What time will it be convenient to break this artifact?"

"Don't worry about time," said the magician who handed me the artifact. "If Antonidas is busy, you will have to wait."

"Okay," nodded I, agreeing with the words of the magician. He just waved his hand and went off somewhere with his escort.

I wonder why a member of the Council of Six would want to meet me. I don't think we will just chat. Although ... it depends on how you look at it. The conversation can be about all sorts of topics. Therefore ... But what will be the topic of this conversation, I just cannot understand. Will not our trip be a topic for a conversation with one of the rulers of the city?

"Wow," my father said as we moved away. "You were invited to a meet with Antonidas. You need to prepare for it."

"Don't worry," I told him. "I think I'll just go and buy myself a new robe, and then I'll break the seal."

"As you wish," the father nodded calmly. "But I'll tell you what. This member of the Council of Six is ​​terribly paranoid. I've heard this from other employees of the Violet Citadel. The assistants say that his laboratory is almost better protected than the city."

"Wow," I drawled. No, it's amazing that it is so well protected. But if you think about it, then Antonidas probably works with very dangerous materials and materials, and this protection is just not from an external threat but from an internal one.

My father and I continued on our way and headed to my rented apartment. Neither Lola nor Lolita was at home, so I could show him the place where I had lived for the last year. Dad was pleased because, according to him, his place of residence is worse than mine. Well, it happens, after all, he does not have the amount of money that I have.

After that, I went with him to a small cafe-tavern to have lunch and just talk. I told my father about my teachers, and he told me about various magicians that he met during this year as a cleaner in the Violet Citadel. And you know, I even envy him a little, since he has already met all the members of the Council of Six, as well as many other magicians. On the other hand, his work almost does not allow him to influence the Kirin Tor's political situation. But if I continue to develop with each "level increase," I will receive more and more respect and recognition.

We sat like that almost until evening, exchanging thoughts and events. We had something to talk about, there were many topics that we would like to discuss more, but we had to disagree. My father had a job, and I need to continue to study and train.

"You're back," Lola said as I entered the house. She immediately rushed to hug me. "What happened?

She looked at my hands with a slight surprise. Lolita also left the kitchen, where she was cooking something, and immediately understood where her daughter was looking. There was nothing obscene about it.

"Our trip ended up it a fight," I answered her and calmly removed my hands. Lola's hands were cold and very pleasant to the touch. I haven't bought myself a robe yet, but now I will definitely look for one with very long sleeves. I don't really like the pity with which these ladies look at me. "Not very successful for us."

"My husband told me that wounds are not uncommon for magicians," said Lolita. "I hope you'll be careful next time."

"Of course," I told her.

"Oh yes," she clapped her hands. "We all go to the table. We need to celebrate your return."

The table was quiet. We just ate, and after that Lolita pulled out a bottle of wine, and they sat on me to tell me about the trip. There is nothing secret in it because I would definitely be told about it if there was something like that. So I calmly told them about the caves. Yes, it is clear that I did not disclose all the information to them, but even what I said was interesting to them. Lolita only poured wine for her daughter and me. I quickly noticed this, and unnoticed by others, I turned my wine into water. This is a simple trick that needs to be done very quickly. Lola slowly grew drunk, but I continued to remain relatively sober.

"How interesting," Lolita said and checked the clock. "Ah, now, I need to go."

I just nodded my head. Although, if you think so, then my permission was not needed. This is not my home so that I can decide what to do and when. Besides, she is not my wife so that I can dissuade her from any action she wants to do.

Lola was already drunk enough to start pestering me. She quickly moved to me and took my hand. After that, she began to run her finger across my palm. At first, I did not really understand where this was leading, but then the guess flew in my head like lightning. These flirts immediately began to be perceived in a somewhat negative way. Yes, and a little offensive ... Am I really so scary in appearance that you can start flirting with me only after drinking a certain amount of wine. I understand that I am not an example of a local handsome man, and far from an elf, but still ...

Without thinking twice, I used one of the spells that I learned from my great-grandfather's diary. It's a sobriety spell. It removes all alcohol and its effects. In general, the spell is sobering. Lola quickly came to her senses and blushed almost instantly. She turned so red that you could light a cigarette from her face. Jumping up quickly, she ran away somewhere.

I just shook my head and went to my room, casting a wiretap spell. I wondered what Lola would talk about with her mother. The sounds came directly into my ears, which made it impossible for others to hear.

"Mom," Lola said in an agitated voice. "I just did a very bad job."

"What?" Lolita asked.

"I started pestering Alistair," she replied and then added. "And it seems that I somehow offended him. He used some kind of spell on me, and I completely sober up."

"Insulted him?" repeated Lolita. "I wonder how? I don't understand him ... You seem to be a beautiful girl and show him signs of attention, but he is like a woodpecker, honestly."

Shows me attentions? Something like that I have not seen before and do not remember. Although who knows ... maybe it's only she who considers these things signs of attention? It's strange. Well, or I'm really a "woodpecker".

"I don't know either…" Lola said with light notes of tears in her voice. "But I didn't want to do anything like that, because I really like him."

"Then go and tell him that," Lolita breathed. I felt like she rolled her eyes. "Or can't you?"

A few seconds of silence.

"I see," the woman breathed out again, but already more sadly. "And what am I to do with you? Why do you need this magician if there are many other guys, especially not mutilated?"

"And who is there?" she asked. "The groom? Farmer? Warrior's son? I don't want them, I want Alistar."

"And what do you dislike about Wulfrik?" Lolita asked. "A worthy young man who likes you. And he said more than once that he would like to meet with you."

"He's as dumb as a felt boot!" Lola screamed with disgust. "Moreover, he is not at all interested in me as a person. He wants to own my body ... And Alistar, sees in me not only a doll for sex, but also a normal person. I have never heard any comments from him about my appearance. He never even touched me a sexual way, for all the time that he lives with us."

Well, what else can I do? I can't imagine slapping a girl who is not my girlfriend or wife on the butt. Perhaps these are the remnants of upbringing from my past world, where for such actions one could get quite big problems.

"But he is a successful warrior who has never been wounded," Lolita said. "Yes, and I know his father. Not a bad person to be promoted soon."

"No," Lola answered. "Well, mom, why don't you understand? I like Alistair, especially since he is a magician ..."

"Why are you fixated on him, O Mighty," said Lolita wearily. "There are other magicians."

"None of these magicians gave me their diaries to read," Lola snapped. "Only Alistar. And you know how sorcerers are scrupulous about the distribution of their personal diaries."

"Well, if so," said Lolita, "then you need to continue to wait and slowly become his assistant. And after that, it's not far from the relationship".

"You think so?" asked Lola.

"I'm sure," Lolita replied.

After that, I stopped eavesdropping. I've already learned enough to realize that things could be much more interesting in the future. Of course, Lola is beautiful, and I am well aware that some personalities are "driving wedges" towards her. One night, some guy decided to serenade her. I was exhausted that day, and also angry that I couldn't manage one spell. And then, at about three in the morning, he began to howl. And it would be okay, if he had a musical voice. He did not. It was bad singing—only worth rotten tomatoes. As a result, I poured several tens of liters of ice water on him. And the spell worked at the same time, and I could sleep peacefully. After that, this guy came to sort it out, but the fireball under his nose calmed him like sedatives.

You know, in general, I don't mind working with Lola. If she becomes a good assistant, then it will be possible to force the relationship. But I don't think about it yet. Everything can go a completely different path. It may even happen that one day Lola will meet her "love" at first sight and then all ... bye-bye, my investments. If I continue to invest my knowledge in it, then I will have to get at least some profit from it. This is much easier in this world, and if I sign a contract with Lola and then assure it from the elves and dwarfs, then I will be eighty percent sure that she will not throw me. Of course, the contract will impose some obligations on me too, but they will not be a burden to me.

In general, I will solve problems as they come. So simply, I cannot foresee anything and decide. Falling on the bed, I fell asleep with peace of mind. I was dreaming of something very strange. I dreamed of a pack of cats attacking a large dog. The cats looked dangerous and somehow demonic. On the contrary, the dog was dressed in full knightly armor that glittered in the sun.

I woke up with a jerk and tried to calm my heart. What should this dream mean ... It will be necessary to visit the library and try to find out. Even in my past world, a lot of attention was paid to the interpretation of sleep. There must be some magical practice in the magical world that will allow me to control or understand sleep.

As soon as the sun rose and people started to open stores, I left the house and headed towards the store I needed with magicians' robes. It wasn't just a clothing store. Here you could buy armor, weapons, and rare ingredients. The old dwarf Diphibrachiy was in charge there. A strange name, but it's not for me to talk about it.

There, trade was already in full swing. Reasonable stood at the counter, chatted, and considered what the nimble dwarf had for sale. The dwarf himself was sitting in his chair and inhaling from a large smoking pipe. It had beautiful carvings in the form of various signs. I do not know what these signs are, and I was not particularly interested in this. Exhaling, I came closer.

I was not interested in the conversations of ordinary people, so I just made my way closer to the robes. There I was met by another dwarf who worked for Diphibrachia. He immediately came up to me and asked:

"What do you want?"

"I need a new robe," I told him.

"Are you a magician?" he asked me again. I just showed him the Kirin Tor sign. He just nodded his head at this and invited me to follow him.

"We have a large selection of different robes, it all depends on your preferences," said the dwarf.

"I think I'll have a robe with five artifact slots," I told him. "Red-yellow color."

"You like aggressive styles?" he asked me. I just nodded my head. I really like the aggressive colors in the robes. I feel a little cooler in them than in simple clothes. But this applies to every person. They say that even cool clothes can give you extra confidence in a particular business.

"Of course," I told him.

"I have a good choice, just for you."

"Show me," I said. The dwarf quickly pulled out the robe he wanted to offer me. And you know, I'll tell you that I liked it. The robe was completely red with a yellow Kirin Tor on the back. Also, the sleeves were embroidered with blue threads with green inserts. The artifact mounts were discreet but quite comfortable.

Exhaling, I looked again at the clothes. It might be worth taking it.

"If you don't like it, I can advise you this one," said the dwarf, and put aside the robe that he was about to offer me. The second robe differed in design and style. It was exactly yellow-red in color. The torso with sleeves was yellow, and the hem of the robe was red. The Kirin Tor mark was painted on the chest.

"No," I nodded my head. "I'll take the first one."

"An excellent choice, mister mage," said the dwarf and again pulled out the robe that I liked. "It will cost you one silver."

Nodding my head, I quickly pulled out the required amount. The dwarf led me towards the counter. There, the gnome quickly completed the purchase, giving me a paper check with signatures. I handed over the required amount and immediately pulled on the robe over myself. Shaking my head, I felt more confident than before.

"You look good," said the dwarf. I don't know her name. Nodding my head gratefully, I went out into the street. The sun was already rising, but it was still not at its zenith. I guess I need to go to Antonidas now. Later I will think about what to do next. Although, why think? I will need to return to the magicians of Varana to continue training.

Moving to the corner, I pulled out an artifact that should take me to the right place. I hope that I won't have any problems there.

"Alistar!" A familiar voice called me.

Putting the artifact aside, I looked towards the speaker. It was Lerim, the head of our group that went to the caves. He didn't look very good; his face was tired. I wonder what the elf said to him because he didn't just come to talk to me.

"I'm listening," I answered him.

"I would like to give you the payment for the trip," he said, taking out the bag. "This is for the campaign itself."

Then he pulled out another bag. That one was about the same size as the previous one.

"And these are bonuses," he handed me the second bag. "I'm very sorry that everything happened like this. There shouldn't have been an ambush."

"I understand," I answered him. "But it does not always happen that we can foresee probable events."

Lerim just nodded his head. After that, he shook my hand and left. I do not know how his life will turn out in the future, but I think that he will find a solution to the issues that concern him. If he once again turns to me with a proposal to go on a mission, then I might agree.

After breaking the artifact, I saw a circle of displacement appear around me. The next second I was transported to a completely new and unfamiliar place. Quickly looking around, I saw stone statues of knights with large swords that were inserted into stone pedestals. Everything around was just saturated with magic. It looks like this is where the archmage lives.

"Good afternoon," said the short magician, coming up to me from behind.

Frightened, I turned on the spot. Almost instantly, a spell lit in my hand, which I was ready to use for protection.

"Calm down," said the magician and with a wave of his hand extinguished my fire. "It is not proper for a magician to react like that."

"I beg your pardon," I said. And you shouldn't come up from behind. It's scary as hell. And if instead of me there was some other magician, powerful. And his spell would definitely not be so easy to extinguish. But it's better to just keep quiet and say nothing.

"Follow me," said the magician, and turned away. "Archmage Antonidas is already waiting for you."

We came to a small staircase and began to quickly climb up. We walked about five floors and then turned off. The corridors and halls were empty. Only statues and some flowers. Nothing more. It was frighteningly empty here.

"Come in," the magician nodded to me at a large door with dragons on them. "This is where your conversation with Antonidas will take place.

"Got it, thank you," I answered him.

The mage, without answering, turned, and disappeared in the flash of the teleport. Well, it's time to come in. Small uncomfortable felling slowly raised its head, as if it was going to stop me and make me think differently, be afraid, afraid of something. Shaking my head, I passed the magical energy through me and calmed down a bit. Only after that I pushed open the door and went inside.

Immediately I found myself in a small but rather cozy office. At the table sat a tall, gray-haired magician. He was working with some papers. When I walked a little closer, he raised his gaze, and I immediately felt his power. This is how archmages feel. A raging hurricane of energy that can break out of control at any moment and fall on enemies, destroying them, tearing them apart.

"Alistar Bumblebee," he said, examining me closely. "Have a seat."

Sitting on a chair, I continued to be silent. What else can I tell him? I have no ideas or thoughts that may be important to him. So I just have to endure and wait. Anyway. Exhaling, I continued to be silent.

"As you can guess, my name is Antonidas," said the magician. "And I called you to discuss one very important issue with you."

"Okay," I said, feeling like a cat scratched my throat.

"So," he said. "I called you to make you a small offer."

"What?" I asked him with a surprise.

"Take your time," the mage said softly, and then continued. "As you probably know, sorcerers always take personal apprentices for themselves. It can be of your own free will, or for payment. So ... I want to invite you to become my student for this year."

I looked at him in surprise. It's interesting how I am so different from other than I was offered to study with one of the best archmages? Of course, this is only for a year, but I'm not a fool, and therefore I'm not going to give up this opportunity.

"After this year, you will be sent to study with a magician named Medivh," he continued. "But only if you show good results."

"Medivh?" I asked him again. "Who is this?"

And really, who is this Medivh? I know who he is but did not show it. He is the Guardian, one of the most powerful magicians, whose job is to fight demons. But, besides this, it was he who opened the way for the orcs to Azeroth. I remember that well.

"This is a powerful magician who can reveal all your talents," Antonidas said and smiled. "Well, what do you think?"

"I agree."