Riniock – and many others – immediately noticed how vastly different Ikshar was from Gorlea.
For one, the academy was a fraction of the size of their own college. Whilst Gorlea's institution was a sprawling castle, its grounds stretching across an entire hill, extending into a town, and even bordering the sea, Ikshar was far more compact and straightforward in design.
Its structure was plain to see – no labyrinthine corridors, no sprawling wings to explore. The heart of the academy was a single, dominant main building.
Surrounding this central structure was an array of towering spires, all linked by fortified walls and battlements. The entire layout was circular, with the outermost ring lined with the towers, more scattered within the inner perimeter, and at the core of it all, the imposing main hall.
'Follow our lead,' Master Fladd instructed. 'One misstep, and you'll find yourself lost in the heart of the rock barren. Stay close to me or one of the students at all times.'
After descending the dune, the Gorlean students took heed of their hosts' warnings, keeping close as they advanced.
Something felt off about the atmosphere surrounding the academy. The path the Ikshari hosts took was seemingly erratic, as if designed to mislead. But to those with sharp instincts or a trained eye, the reason for their caution became evident.
'Bewildering array,' Niann whispered to Riniock, noting the defences shrouding the academy's entrance. 'One wrong step, and you could end up gods know where.'
Once again, Niann's knowledge proved valuable.
'How do you know everything?' Riniock quipped.
'Reading like a maniac,' Niann replied with a shrug. 'I've got obsessively academic parents and relatives.'
'You don't say. Mine are botanists – rich ones.'
Since Niann's injury, whatever tension had existed between them had completely faded. Their past conflict was now behind them.
'What else do you know about the academy?' Riniock asked, curious and assessing.
Niann bit his thumb, wincing slightly as he searched his memory. 'I remember reading that their education system is different from ours,' he finally said, raising a finger.
'How so?'
Leaning in slightly, Niann directed Riniock's gaze towards the towers encircling the academy. 'See those? Each one belongs to a maegi – an acknowledged master. Unlike our system, where specialised professors teach specific subjects, here, each master gathers their own disciples and trains them in all they know.'
Riniock's eyes widened. It was an unusual, almost foreign approach.
Yet, that didn't mean their methods were inferior. Linry and Irgod were living proof of Ikshar's capability. Who knew how many other masters and disciples resided within its walls, potentially as strong – or even stronger – than those two?
And then there was Fladd himself – a walking calamity of fire, his fearsome magick demonstrated time and time again.
'What about their headmaster? Any information?'
Niann shook his head. 'The books I read are a few years old. As far as I know, the current headmaster has only held the position for the past two years. Beyond that, I've got nothing.'
'I see…'
Niann's knowledge, extensive as it was, had its limits.
If Riniock wanted to learn more about their hosts, he'd have to turn to the one person here he had a rapport with.
When the opportunity arose, he needed to speak with Linry. There were things he needed to clarify.
A few moments later, the academy gates finally emerged from behind a veil of the array. Like Gorlea's, they were heavily guarded, a formidable line of gatekeepers standing watch. And judging by their presence alone – much like Lazrus – these maegis were not to be trifled with.
The group of maegis finally crossed the threshold, stepping into the academy's inner grounds.
From within, the layout remained much as they had observed from outside – fortified, structured, and unembellished. Yet, something felt distinctly off. The air itself was thin with odh, the very essence needed for magick.
With so little of it present, how the Iksharis managed to train, recover, or even cast spells at all was a mystery. And knowing this, their progress in the arcane arts became all the more impressive.
As they entered, a man approached to greet them.
He was neither old nor young, but what stood out most was that he was not from Ikshar. His attire was unmistakable – black robes laced with gold, swirling with intricate symbols. Layers of heavy golden bracelets encircled his wrists, each adorned with multi-coloured gemstones. Rings covered his fingers, glinting with the same lavish craftsmanship. Around his neck, an array of pendants gleamed, their gemstones catching the light.
But the most striking piece of all was the circlet resting upon his brow, an intricate fusion of solargold and an unfamiliar white metal.
Riniock narrowed his eyes and whispered, 'That man…he's Gorlean.'
'This is Talien Torash, High Maegi and current contender for the position of Arch-Maegi,' Niann said, a note of reverence in his voice. He regarded the man with respect, as if he already knew him well. 'He's also my uncle.'
'The High Maegi?' Riniock repeated, the title alone evoking an air of authority. 'Is he powerful?'
Niann nodded, his expression darkening.
Riniock didn't miss the shift in his demeanour. 'How powerful?'
Niann hesitated. 'Let's just say…Master Fladd wouldn't stand a chance against him.'
Riniock swallowed hard, feeling a weight settle in his chest. 'That strong? But there's decades between them.'
'The Nodahr and Torash bloodlines are renowned for their strength and knowledge,' Niann murmured.
Riniock frowned, a realisation dawning on him. 'Wait. If he's a Torash and related to you…then does that mean –'
At that moment, the leader of the expedition stepped forward, brushing past the academy master with unrestrained enthusiasm.
'Uncle Talien!' Siegmun called, approaching with an ease that suggested a closeness others did not share.
Talien turned at the sound of his name, his sharp gaze settling on his nephew. He stepped closer, placing a firm hand on Siegmun's shoulder as though measuring his progress. 'I can sense your growth. As expected of a Torash.'
'And you, uncle – are you well?' Siegmun asked.
Talien's voice dropped to a low murmur. 'As well as one can be. The Iksharis aren't exactly known for their hospitality.'
Siegmun smirked but held back a chuckle. 'I can only imagine.'
Talien scanned the assembled Gorlean students, his expression betraying mild disappointment. With a sigh, he released Siegmun and straightened. 'Where is my other nephew?'
'I am here, Uncle,' Niann answered hesitantly.
Riniock had suspected it, but now he had confirmation. 'You and Siegmun are cousins?' he muttered.
Niann kept his gaze forward, nodding faintly in response.
'Well,' Talien said with a knowing tone, 'come closer so I can take a look at you.'
Reluctantly, Niann shuffled forward, stopping just two paces away. He scratched his neck, eyes shifting away uneasily.
'Minimal progress, I see,' Talien remarked, his tone indifferent. 'It will do for now. But you'd best keep working hard – lest I inform your father of your shortcomings.'
Niann lowered his head. 'That won't be necessary. I–I promise I'll work harder.'
Talien studied him for a moment longer before moving on to more pressing matters.
Waiting nearby, Fladd stood with his arms crossed, his expression dark and his foot tapping impatiently. The academy master had played the part of a cantankerous old man so far, but in front of Talien, his usual arrogance was noticeably restrained.
'I trust I haven't kept you waiting too long, Fladd,' Talien said smoothly.
Fladd cleared his throat. 'Not at all, Talien. I assume your arch-maegi has sent the necessary documents?'
With a snap of his fingers, Talien summoned a scroll into his hand. 'He has. You needn't concern yourself further – I'll handle my college's affairs from here.'
Fladd inclined his head in acknowledgment.
Without another word, the academy master turned and strode towards one of the surrounding towers, his personal disciples trailing after him. The rest of the Ikshari students dispersed, returning to their usual routines.
As they moved away, Riniock noticed Linry slowing her pace. She glanced in his direction and, with subtle hand gestures, signalled for him to meet her later.
Riniock blinked as a response, trying to be a discreet as possible. He watched her enter the tower, disappearing behind a large door.
His spirits were renewed. He had been waiting for this moment for a while.