Magic Revolution - Chapter 18

I was in my office. It was daybreak — six o’clock. Today was the first day of class, and I was very keen on not being late. I had completed my morning routine before preparing myself eggs, which I scrumptiously devoured with bread and a tomato. It was not a meal I was proud of, but I had made it myself, so I did not complain. I had left a note for Mrs Parkinson and Ms Parkinson, informing them of my early departure. They won’t be able to wish me luck. That was unfortunate. The ride in the tram early morning was a pleasure that instilled tranquillity and clarity in me. Perhaps, I should leave early each day.

I looked at the papers in front of me. They had all the notes and information I had prepared for the day written. Some points about magic, its laws, classifications and such. The first lecture was going to be informative — no practical study. I thought it best. Too much at the same time will be difficult to swallow. Failure will bring disappointment, and I did not wish them to be out of inspiration or interest. Patience above all. Without it, no man could walk the long and arduous path of magic. It was a blessing and an honour to walk this path. Half-hearted efforts were nothing but unsightly and disrespectful.

My first class was at eight o’clock. I preferred morning hours, when minds were fresh and hearts passionate. Two more hours till the beginning of something grand. That was exciting. Strangely, I was not anxious or scared. I was looking forward to it. It was my trade, my pleasure, we were going to discuss. That brought a sense of belonging and authority I never knew I could acquire.

I kept reading my notes, adding a few more to them. Ideas were rushing to my head like a flock of birds. I was swarmed by them, and I had to write down a word of each so as not to forget even a single one. It would have been agonising else.

The bright light took over the skies, and I found myself walking down the flight of stairs of the main building. Nearly two hours had passed since my arrival, and I felt I had all I needed to begin the first lesson. I noticed a few early birds. Mr Quincy had just arrived. He greeted me. The man seemed diligent. Lectures matter to him. I could tell that he cared. I knew that not all loved what they did. Teaching was a profession that may come off as draining — and I was no one to comment on it — but I believed that those that cared about sharing knowledge had a freshness that could not be imitated.

I continued my walk towards one of the buildings in the central northeast area of the academy grounds. The paved paths of the academy were narrow but pleasant, lined with lilac trees. I liked the colour and pleasant air that the trees brought. It had liveliness that did not disturb the calm surroundings. A great place for studies. As I thought so, I found a few students walking in front of me and some more that rushed by. They all looked about sixteen-seventeen. My students. They were rushing to the building before me, unwilling to be late. I turned around to see a few more and slowed my pace. Go ahead…

I reached the building just a minute before my watch struck five to eight. I thought that was a good time, neither late nor early. It left me a few minutes to admire the building and my office. It was not very opulent. The building used to be a place for the Biology branch of the Science department. Many moons ago, it was abandoned, for they had built a better place for themselves. I had heard from Mr Quincy that the new place was vast and wide. The old place was renovated for your endeavours, he had told me the day before. And, he was right. The place looked old but repaired. From outside one could see the vines that curled around its windows and roofs. No one had removed them. I liked that. It gave the place an aesthetic. But is it truly fine? The aesthetic seemed to be what one would see in an evil witch’s den. I liked it, but did the others? The air seemed to be similar to the Arts department. It seemed as if rain was soon to fall, and the skies — though clear — felt murky. In rain, this place would be the first of my visits. What appeared to be a manor of two stories seemed desolate. But students are inside. A little forest surrounded the place. There was a small hill nearby. There was a clearing akin to a training ground behind that seemed to be a little eerie.

I spotted spider lilies and coral bells in the clearing where the forest began. Through the thick glass of the office window, I spotted a few passion flowers on a nearby tree. I wondered if the same vine had climbed the building.

I took my papers and walked towards the class on the first floor. The carpeted wooden floor creaked under my feet as I passed the doors lining the corridor, watching the scenery from the dreary windows on one side.

This wooden building had lofts, a basement, a large lecture hall, storage rooms, research laboratories, toilets, and a records room. Some may say that it was old and undeserving of any attention, but I believed it had a history and a struggle. A subject such as mine needed to be taught in a place like this. It had no distractions and the air seemed heavy. It was a little ghastly. It felt as if we were in the middle of nowhere and that someone was watching us from the hills and forests. Riddled with a sense of danger, foreboding, and mystery, that is how I would describe the place. I liked it, but I wondered if the students would. Can’t be helped. There was no other place for us. But even I admitted that being here after dark was the last thing any of us should do. The place felt haunted, and Mr Quincy had told me, It is called The House of the Haunted. No one goes there anymore.

I thought about Mr Quincy and opened the door. I did not hear a whisper and I did not hear a voice. The room was quiet even before I arrived. Understandable. I walked in, making my way towards the dingy platform and placed my notes on the podium. I did not speak right away instead swept my gaze across the room. Like any major lecture hall, it had three rows of curved seats placed on a slope that made me raise my head. A total of ninety students sat there. Some were freshmen while some were second and third-years. The lecture hall was as gloomy as the outside. I liked that. It brought silence — a friend of any educator. They will not make a ruckus, at the least.

I spoke, impressed by their concentration and silence, ‘As you all know, I am Lile Dew.’ My voice was composed. I was not deterred by their gazes. ‘From today onwards, I will be teaching Arcane Knowledge to a lucky few — that is you.’ I spread my gaze in every direction. I wanted to capture their faces — know who is who. I had a sheet of their names, but faces had more character than names. ‘Today is the first day, so let us first know how we will proceed through the course.’ I retrieved a page and read a few things. ‘We will have two exams in a semester like any other subject.’ I looked at them. ‘But they will not be as severe. They will mainly be there for me to understand your capabilities and your faults. The semester exams will have much more importance, and I expect you to do well. Understand that the academy expects the best from you. You were selected from a thousand applicants. We eliminated any students with unworthy behaviour even before they had applied for this course. We expect the best from you but not at the cost of courtesy and respect. You must maintain it as you maintain your clothes and pride.’ They looked at my attire.

I suppose that was to be expected. I wore the deep green, brocade tailcoat that Mr Hillary had liked very much. Under it, I wore a black shirt and a black ascot tie with a pin adorned with a shiny red stone. The leather shoes with dark green leather and the black pants were very comfortable too. I think they liked it. Goodness, I wonder how they would have reacted had they seen me on the train. ‘You will not be exempt from the failing criteria. Any student who achieves less than sixty per cent on their written tests will be dropped from the course. This rule applies to all subjects, and it will apply to Arcane Knowledge too.’ They did not seem to mind. ‘After the first semester, there will be some changes in the course. At that moment, you may be able to choose a specific field in Arcane Knowledge to study. I will explain that point later, but understand that you may enter one field or all, depending on the number of lectures you attend.’ I fixed my spectacles and continued, ‘There will be a number of activities we will do that may not correspond with what is taught in the class but has some similarities or derive from it. There will be co-curricular activities and extra-curricular activities, both of which can be organised by me or students alike. You will require my written permission, of course, and depending on the risks involved, I may reject it.’

I went through a few more points. It was important to let them know what awaited them. A burst of excitement would not last for long, while a constant stream of knowledge demanded determined attention.

‘This place, as you all may have felt, is not very welcoming. So, do not litter around after classes are done. Leave the grounds, and go to your next arrangement.’ This was something I had not planned on telling, but seeing this place, I felt the need to vocalise my thoughts. ‘I may reduce your final scores — as they are reliant on your overall behaviour too — if I find anyone after class hours on this property. If you must leave later than the rest of the class for any reason, remind yourself to inform me and do not be alone in any circumstance.’ I truly meant every word, but I saw some scared looks. I was only telling them this for their safety. Did I scare them unnecessarily? It was a rather dreary place, so I understood the sentiment. But it is always too late when disaster strikes. Being aware of the risks and not taking them was the best course of action. They are not me. They cannot defend themselves. And young ones tend to be…moronic. They are reckless and impressionable, I reminded myself.

‘And the last is a word from the Dean,’ I said while unfolding a letter. I began reading. ‘It says, The word Arcane is a mysterious one. Most things in life are arcane, a friend of mine once said. Books are arcane to the warrior, while sword is arcane to the scholarly. The word 'arcane' is a relatable one. Some of you may think that how you perceive something is the truth, but to others, that may not be so. To walk, one must first learn to crawl. In that regard, all of you are infants yet.’ I could feel the care that man had put into the letter. ‘Understand that there is more to the truth. Learn from your professor. He is most qualified in the field.’ That brought a shy smile to my face. ‘Trust yourself and the process of learning, and if you find yourself lost, do not hesitate to ask your peers and your teacher. That will be all from me. Be good to your professor, and I hope what you seek finds you. May the knowledge find you.’ I liked his words, and so I read even the last of it. ‘Yours truly, Dean Wallace Heinz.’ Most well-done.

I looked at the students. They did not seem bored. I saw a few impressed faces. I closed the letter and slid it into the inner pocket of my vest. I drank a little water. After speaking for more than half an hour, I was parched. I felt my lips. No more did they feel dry. The pocket watch showed a quarter to nine. I parted my lips and said what the students wanted to hear. ‘I will begin the lecture, after a fifteen-minute break. Collect the schedule for our lectures from here.’ I tapped on a pile of papers. ‘I will post one in front of the building, on the announcement board. Meanwhile, go freshen yourselves.’

The lecture hall had two entrances — one from behind and one from the front. I saw some of the students leave the room one by one. They had order and courtesy. Most of them left by the back door, but those that passed by me said thank you and such. I was glad, and as I hummed, I noticed the students left behind. Some were reading books, while some seemed to sketch. I saw a group talking in whispers, and I noticed a loud one. As I was about to leave the room, I found a girl staring at me. She had blonde hair and her eyes were…scary. They looked like they belonged to a conspiring killer. Unfortunate girl, I thought. I was not intimidated, you see… Well, perhaps a little. But I could tell that she had no bad intentions. Rather, it even seemed as if there was a little twinkle of admiration in those horrifying eyes. I had time, so I walked up to the girl and asked, ‘Is something the matter?’

Sitting near the window, she did not say anything right away. But when I asked again, she said, ‘What is your age, professor?’ That seemed to garner eyes. I wondered if it was of any importance, but finding expectation from their inquiring eyes, I answered, ‘Twenty-two.’ I thought they would be disappointed, but I heard murmurs of ‘How does he look that young,’ ‘Magic?’ and such. Is shock better than disappointment? Perhaps not, but it was better for me. I laughed a little and went back to my platform.

Soon, the hall was filled once again. And the first lecture on Arcane Knowledge began in earnest.

I was in my office. It was daybreak six o'clock. Today was the first day of class, and I was very keen on not being late. I had completed my morning routine before preparing myself eggs, which I scrumptiously devoured with bread and a tomato. It was not a meal I was proud of, but I had made it myself, so I did not complain. I had left a note for Mrs Parkinson and Ms Parkinson, informing them of my early departure. They won't be able to wish me luck. That was unfortunate. The ride in the tram early morning was a pleasure that instilled tranquillity and clarity in me. Perhaps, I should leave early each day. I looked at the papers in front of me. They had all the notes and information I had prepared for the day written. Some points about magic, its laws, classifications and such. The first lecture was going to be informative no practical study. I thought it best. Too much at the same time will be difficult to swallow. Failure will bring disappointment, and I did not wish them to be out of inspiration or interest. Patience above all. Without it, no man could walk the long and arduous path of magic. It was a blessing and an honour to walk this path. Half-hearted efforts were nothing but unsightly and disrespectful. My first class was at eight o'clock. I preferred morning hours, when minds were fresh and hearts passionate. Two more hours till the beginning of something grand. That was exciting. Strangely, I was not anxious or scared. I was looking forward to it. It was my trade, my pleasure, we were going to discuss. That brought a sense of belonging and authority I never knew I could acquire. I kept reading my notes, adding a few more to them. Ideas were rushing to my head like a flock of birds. I was swarmed by them, and I had to write down a word of each so as not to forget even a single one. It would have been agonising else. The bright light took over the skies, and I found myself walking down the flight of stairs of the main building. Nearly two hours had passed since my arrival, and I felt I had all I needed to begin the first lesson. I noticed a few early birds. Mr Quincy had just arrived. He greeted me. The man seemed diligent. Lectures matter to him. I could tell that he cared. I knew that not all loved what they did. Teaching was a profession that may come off as draining and I was no one to comment on it but I believed that those that cared about sharing knowledge had a freshness that could not be imitated. I continued my walk towards one of the buildings in the central northeast area of the academy grounds. The paved paths of the academy were narrow but pleasant, lined with lilac trees. I liked the colour and pleasant air that the trees brought. It had liveliness that did not disturb the calm surroundings. A great place for studies. As I thought so, I found a few students walking in front of me and some more that rushed by. They all looked about sixteen-seventeen. My students. They were rushing to the building before me, unwilling to be late. I turned around to see a few more and slowed my pace. Go ahead I reached the building just a minute before my watch struck five to eight. I thought that was a good time, neither late nor early. It left me a few minutes to admire the building and my office. It was not very opulent. The building used to be a place for the Biology branch of the Science department. Many moons ago, it was abandoned, for they had built a better place for themselves. I had heard from Mr Quincy that the new place was vast and wide. The old place was renovated for your endeavours, he had told me the day before. And, he was right. The place looked old but repaired. From outside one could see the vines that curled around its windows and roofs. No one had removed them. I liked that. It gave the place an aesthetic. But is it truly fine? The aesthetic seemed to be what one would see in an evil witch's den. I liked it, but did the others? The air seemed to be similar to the Arts department. It seemed as if rain was soon to fall, and the skies though clear felt murky. In rain, this place would be the first of my visits. What appeared to be a manor of two stories seemed desolate. But students are inside. A little forest surrounded the place. There was a small hill nearby. There was a clearing akin to a training ground behind that seemed to be a little eerie. I spotted spider lilies and coral bells in the clearing where the forest began. Through the thick glass of the office window, I spotted a few passion flowers on a nearby tree. I wondered if the same vine had climbed the building. I took my papers and walked towards the class on the first floor. The carpeted wooden floor creaked under my feet as I passed the doors lining the corridor, watching the scenery from the dreary windows on one side. This wooden building had lofts, a basement, a large lecture hall, storage rooms, research laboratories, toilets, and a records room. Some may say that it was old and undeserving of any attention, but I believed it had a history and a struggle. A subject such as mine needed to be taught in a place like this. It had no distractions and the air seemed heavy. It was a little ghastly. It felt as if we were in the middle of nowhere and that someone was watching us from the hills and forests. Riddled with a sense of danger, foreboding, and mystery, that is how I would describe the place. I liked it, but I wondered if the students would. Can't be helped. There was no other place for us. But even I admitted that being here after dark was the last thing any of us should do. The place felt haunted, and Mr Quincy had told me, It is called The House of the Haunted. No one goes there anymore. I thought about Mr Quincy and opened the door. I did not hear a whisper and I did not hear a voice. The room was quiet even before I arrived. Understandable. I walked in, making my way towards the dingy platform and placed my notes on the podium. I did not speak right away instead swept my gaze across the room. Like any major lecture hall, it had three rows of curved seats placed on a slope that made me raise my head. A total of ninety students sat there. Some were freshmen while some were second and third-years. The lecture hall was as gloomy as the outside. I liked that. It brought silence a friend of any educator. They will not make a ruckus, at the least. I spoke, impressed by their concentration and silence, As you all know, I am Lile Dew.' My voice was composed. I was not deterred by their gazes. From today onwards, I will be teaching Arcane Knowledge to a lucky few that is you.' I spread my gaze in every direction. I wanted to capture their faces know who is who. I had a sheet of their names, but faces had more character than names. Today is the first day, so let us first know how we will proceed through the course.' I retrieved a page and read a few things. We will have two exams in a semester like any other subject.' I looked at them. But they will not be as severe. They will mainly be there for me to understand your capabilities and your faults. The semester exams will have much more importance, and I expect you to do well. Understand that the academy expects the best from you. You were selected from a thousand applicants. We eliminated any students with unworthy behaviour even before they had applied for this course. We expect the best from you but not at the cost of courtesy and respect. You must maintain it as you maintain your clothes and pride.' They looked at my attire. I suppose that was to be expected. I wore the deep green, brocade tailcoat that Mr Hillary had liked very much. Under it, I wore a black shirt and a black ascot tie with a pin adorned with a shiny red stone. The leather shoes with dark green leather and the black pants were very comfortable too. I think they liked it. Goodness, I wonder how they would have reacted had they seen me on the train. You will not be exempt from the failing criteria. Any student who achieves less than sixty per cent on their written tests will be dropped from the course. This rule applies to all subjects, and it will apply to Arcane Knowledge too.' They did not seem to mind. After the first semester, there will be some changes in the course. At that moment, you may be able to choose a specific field in Arcane Knowledge to study. I will explain that point later, but understand that you may enter one field or all, depending on the number of lectures you attend.' I fixed my spectacles and continued, There will be a number of activities we will do that may not correspond with what is taught in the class but has some similarities or derive from it. There will be co-curricular activities and extra-curricular activities, both of which can be organised by me or students alike. You will require my written permission, of course, and depending on the risks involved, I may reject it.' I went through a few more points. It was important to let them know what awaited them. A burst of excitement would not last for long, while a constant stream of knowledge demanded determined attention. This place, as you all may have felt, is not very welcoming. So, do not litter around after classes are done. Leave the grounds, and go to your next arrangement.' This was something I had not planned on telling, but seeing this place, I felt the need to vocalise my thoughts. I may reduce your final scores as they are reliant on your overall behaviour too if I find anyone after class hours on this property. If you must leave later than the rest of the class for any reason, remind yourself to inform me and do not be alone in any circumstance.' I truly meant every word, but I saw some scared looks. I was only telling them this for their safety. Did I scare them unnecessarily? It was a rather dreary place, so I understood the sentiment. But it is always too late when disaster strikes. Being aware of the risks and not taking them was the best course of action. They are not me. They cannot defend themselves. And young ones tend to bemoronic. They are reckless and impressionable, I reminded myself. And the last is a word from the Dean,' I said while unfolding a letter. I began reading. It says, The word Arcane is a mysterious one. Most things in life are arcane, a friend of mine once said. Books are arcane to the warrior, while sword is arcane to the scholarly. The word 'arcane' is a relatable one. Some of you may think that how you perceive something is the truth, but to others, that may not be so. To walk, one must first learn to crawl. In that regard, all of you are infants yet.' I could feel the care that man had put into the letter. Understand that there is more to the truth. Learn from your professor. He is most qualified in the field.' That brought a shy smile to my face. Trust yourself and the process of learning, and if you find yourself lost, do not hesitate to ask your peers and your teacher. That will be all from me. Be good to your professor, and I hope what you seek finds you. May the knowledge find you.' I liked his words, and so I read even the last of it. Yours truly, Dean Wallace Heinz.' Most well-done. I looked at the students. They did not seem bored. I saw a few impressed faces. I closed the letter and slid it into the inner pocket of my vest. I drank a little water. After speaking for more than half an hour, I was parched. I felt my lips. No more did they feel dry. The pocket watch showed a quarter to nine. I parted my lips and said what the students wanted to hear. I will begin the lecture, after a fifteen-minute break. Collect the schedule for our lectures from here.' I tapped on a pile of papers. I will post one in front of the building, on the announcement board. Meanwhile, go freshen yourselves.' The lecture hall had two entrances one from behind and one from the front. I saw some of the students leave the room one by one. They had order and courtesy. Most of them left by the back door, but those that passed by me said thank you and such. I was glad, and as I hummed, I noticed the students left behind. Some were reading books, while some seemed to sketch. I saw a group talking in whispers, and I noticed a loud one. As I was about to leave the room, I found a girl staring at me. She had blonde hair and her eyes werescary. They looked like they belonged to a conspiring killer. Unfortunate girl, I thought. I was not intimidated, you see Well, perhaps a little. But I could tell that she had no bad intentions. Rather, it even seemed as if there was a little twinkle of admiration in those horrifying eyes. I had time, so I walked up to the girl and asked, Is something the matter?' Sitting near the window, she did not say anything right away. But when I asked again, she said, What is your age, professor?' That seemed to garner eyes. I wondered if it was of any importance, but finding expectation from their inquiring eyes, I answered, Twenty-two.' I thought they would be disappointed, but I heard murmurs of How does he look that young,' Magic?' and such. Is shock better than disappointment? Perhaps not, but it was better for me. I laughed a little and went back to my platform. Soon, the hall was filled once again. And the first lecture on Arcane Knowledge began in earnest.