fter the following day's long regiment of training, Danny, along with Alonso, Matt, Chris, Anthony, Doug and Briza, met Calador just outside the double doors of the first-year barracks.

"We're here," said Danny, wondering who Calador's old friend was but respectful enough to keep his curiosity to himself.

"Who're we going to meet?" Alonso asked boldly, expressing his own thoughts uncaringly.

"Please, follow me," said Calador, ignoring Alonso's brashness. With that said, the Elf turned and began walking at a steady pace.

Everyone, except for Alonso, followed him, meeting Calador stride for stride. Hesitating, Alonso said, "That's just rude," before jogging to catch up.

Calador didn't respond to Alonso's comment as he continued walking briskly in the direction of the two white towers that soared into the sky and marked the location of the distant Castle of Light.

"Are we going to the Castle of Light?" Danny asked, a smidgen of anxiety in his tone.

"Our destination lies within a part of the castle, yes."

"You promised me that you wouldn't involve the King of the Light," argued Danny.

"And so I shall not."

"Then why are we traveling to the castle?"

"There are those that reside within its high white walls other than the King of the Light, Squire Firoth."

Unsatisfied with the Elf's answer, knowing that he wouldn't receive a clearer response, Danny followed silently.

Calador led on, striking a path through the winding streets of the island before coming to stand before the white gates of the Castle of Light, two armored Knights of the Light, wearing gleaming suits of full plate mail, stood in a silent vigil.

"How are we going to get inside?" Matt asked.

"We are not going inside," said Calador, his head turning to the right, tilting up. "Our destination is the Western Spire."

Danny followed the Elf's gaze to the slender white tower that extended high into the sky, the distant tip obscured by a swirl of dark clouds.

"How are we supposed to get to it if we aren't entering the castle?" Doug asked.

"The Western Spire is not located within the boundaries of the castle walls," explained Calador, striding off to the left without waiting to see who followed him.

Everyone followed in pursuit, pacing equally behind him.

"The Western Spire is reserved for the Head Wizard of Light," Calador continued, once everyone had caught up. "Most Knights of the Light do not think very highly of those that delve into the realm of magic. Therefore, the reason the Western Spire is located beyond the walls of the Castle of Light is to signify this unrest."

"But magic is such an important part of the Light," observed Matt, adjusting his glasses. "Without it, the Light would be lost."

"The irony lies therein," said Calador. "Wizards tend to be quite political and often war with each other from within. From what I can understand, they constantly struggle among themselves for power and knowledge. For this very reason, many users of magic have turned to the Dark, or even the Grey. In my opinion, wizards often focus on the immediate gains of power promised to them. Unlike the Light, they refuse to see the long-term effects of their decisions. The Light sees them as haughty and, as such, only allows a certain number of wizards into the ranks at one time, requiring a full battery of tests designed to analyze their loyalty to the Light."

"So, do wizards have a place where they train, like us?" Matt asked.

"Yes, there are a few schools of wizardry scattered throughout the world, but that is another subject to be breached another time," said Calador, stopping at the base of the looming white tower.

Danny stood in awe of the structure in front of him, the sheer height of the tower extending well beyond the twisting black clouds created by the Eye.

Taking a single step forward, Calador moved within striking distance of the two pearly white doors that marked the entrance. Made from pure ivory, the doors portrayed twin dragons with red rubies for eyes.

Danny mimicked the Elf's movements and started to move forward, only to be stopped by Calador's outstretched hand.

"Wait!" ordered Calador, his voice stern as if in warning.

Danny stopped mid-step, taken aback by the authority in the Elf's voice. However, his shock only lingered on Calador for a split-second as the dragons carved upon the doors of the tower began to move. Their long, snake-like bodies uncoiled, swirling across the ivory door as if it was made of liquid.

"What's happening?" Doug asked, taking a few steps back.

"Quiet," said Calador in an even tone as he held his ground.

Completely uncoiled, the twin dragons broke free from their prison of ivory and slithered into the open air above as their tails lingered behind, still connected to the doorway.

"What..." began the dragon on the right.

"...business do you have," continued the dragon on the left.

"...here?" the dragon on the right finished.

Their voices were gritty and deep.

"I am Calador Varackice Con Dillion, and those behind me are Squires of the Light. We seek an audience with Alamber Ordvack Halfelvin, Head Wizard of the Light."

"Wait..." said the white dragon on the right.

"...here," finished the twin on the left.

With a flash of its ruby eyes, the dragon on the right slithered back into the door and disappeared from sight, leaving the ivory surface void of any trace that it had once held the intricate carving of a dragon. Lingering overhead, the dragon on the left waited, peering down curiously upon the gathered group.

"What was that about?" Matt asked, half in fear and half-in awe of the ivory dragon above him, as he adjusted his glasses for a better look.

"The Light uses knights to guard their doors, wizards use magic," explained Calador. "The dragon you see above you is simply the guardian of this tower."

"Epic," said Matt, taking a single step forward, which caused the dragon's red, glittering eyes to focus down upon him. Uncomfortable with the dragon's attention, Matt took two steps back.

Moments later, the other dragon appeared from within the confines of the door and slithered out to mimic the position of its twin.

"Head Wizard Alamber Ordvack Halfelvin..." began the newly-returned dragon.

"...bids you all welcome," continued the dragon on the left.

"...and summons you to his quarters," finished the dragon on the right.

Both dragons melded back into the doors, followed by a click as both doors swung open to reveal a path of pure white light.

"Come," Calador said without hesitation as he stepped through the portal of light and disappeared from sight.

Briza was next as she moved forward with Doug in tow.

"Wait," argued Doug. "Are you sure this is safe?"

"Trust me," Briza said with a sweeping smile, her fine features beautifully accented by the soft light of the doorway.

Instantly assured, Doug allowed Briza to pull him through the portal, both disappeared.

"Elves," was all Alonso had to say on the subject as he proceeded into the light.

Anthony simply shrugged as he followed behind.

"This place is so much better than the church camp my mom usually forces me to go to," said Matt, stepping forward, stopping within touching distance of the glowing doorway. Right and outstretched, he placed his palm deep within the light. "It tingles," he said with a giddy grin. Then, without a second thought, he stepped through, disappearing in a flash.

Danny peered at Chris, who returned the look. "...After you, Squire Greene."

"No, by all means, after you, Squire Firoth," said Chris.

Both hesitated for a moment. "Together," they said in unison. After chuckling, they both walked up to the edge of the glimmering gateway and stepped through.

Danny felt his entire body take flight for an instant as the flash of light engulfed him. He felt weightless, as if in a free-fall. The surface of his skin tingled, causing goose bumps to shiver down his spine. Then he felt solid stone beneath his feet as he stepped out of the light and into a vast circular room.

Bookshelves lined the curved walls on both sides of him, stained dark red and filled to the brim with old and new tomes. On the opposite side of the room was a steep, winding set of stairs that led up to what Danny could only guess was a second level. A single square window seemed to be the only visible exit to the outside.

In the middle of the room sat two wine-red couches facing each other, with a long table between and a scorched brown rug providing comfort from the stone beneath it. Placed upon the table was a silver platter containing a tall ceramic pitcher with steam rising from the contents within, a collection of cups and saucers surrounded it.

Calador and Alamber stood just off to the side of the couches, embraced in a shake of the forearm.

"'Tis good to see you again, my old friend," said Alamber, wearing an orange robe accented with white underclothes and a yellow sash.

"We're on the top level," said Matt as he peered out the window, uninterested in the exchange between the two Elves.

"Technically, the top of the tower contains my personal chambers, which are up those stairs," corrected Alamber, gesturing to the twisting staircase behind him.

"But we were just at the base. How could we be at the top without going up any stairs?"

"'Tis the convenience of magic, my young squire," said Alamber with a smile, the folds of his scarred face pulling the skin taut across his cheek.

"How'd you get those scars?" Alonso asked, pointing out the obvious, without the slightest thought of disrespect.

"That is a bit rude," interrupted Calador.

Alamber stretched out his right hand in a peaceful gesture. "No, it is quite all right. Do you mean these scars?" Alamber questioned, pointing to the four jagged marks that ran from just above his left eyebrow down to his jaw.

"Yes," said Alonso, oblivious to the rising discomfort of those around him.

"'Twas a freak-quill sharpening accident, I am afraid," said Alamber with a half-smile.

Everyone responded with a light chuckle at the jest, except for Alonso, he sneered with a sarcastic smile.

"Now that we have that out of the way," continued Alamber without missing a beat, "shall we discuss the reason you have brought these first-years to my quarters, Calador?"

Calador gestured toward Danny. "I am afraid that rests with Squire Firoth."

Danny felt self-conscious as Alamber's one good eye focused on him with a curious gleam.

"Please, be seated and make yourselves comfortable," said Alamber, as if sensing Danny's distress. Taking the initiative, the Half-Elf gathered his robes about him and sat down. "Please," he added, motioning toward the opposite couch.

Danny took a seated position directly opposite. Chris followed next and sat down on Danny's right side, while Matt seated himself on the left. Doug and Briza found spots on the far-right side of the long couch, content to sit next to each other. Calador and Anthony felt more comfortable standing, while Alonso wandered around the room, snooping through the curious collection of wizardly trinkets.

"Would you all care for some tea?" Alamber asked once everyone appeared settled.

"Please," said Briza politely, while everyone else simply nodded.

Alamber went to work instantly, leaning forward and gripping the white pitcher. Taking the matching cups in turn, he poured out the green-colored contents of the pitcher, causing steady tendrils of steam to hover through the air.

"Thank you," offered Danny as he received the warm cup. Peering into the hot liquid, he noted the greenish color as well as several black specks floating within.

"'Tis only the spice, Squire," said Alamber, noting Danny's reluctance.

Danny leaned forward and reached out for a small ceramic bowl containing a mound of sugar.

"Are you not brave enough to try it without adding other ingredients?" Alamber asked.

"It is rude according to my race to not accept the offer of tea as it has been brewed first," added Calador.

"I'm sorry..." began Danny.

"Please," Alamber insisted, holding his right hand before him in a gesture of peace. "Due to my lineage, I merely contain half the manners of my race, so I will not be offended. I only intercede to save you from making a mistake in the future, should you find yourselves in the company of more civil Elves. Please, at least try it as is first."

Seeing no harm in the attempt, Danny took a small sip. The initial sensation he had from the liquid was that it was hot, but not overly so. The second was an overwhelming taste of mint, followed by a small tang of cinnamon. Gulping the tea down, Danny produced a smile. "It's very good!" he said, leaning back into the couch, content to leave the sugar out of the concoction.

"I am glad you think so, Squire," said Alamber, shifting back in his seat, as if to mimic Danny's posture. "'Tis my own creation, you see. My Elvin brethren often proclaim that it is much too sweet, while my Human counterparts seem to truly enjoy it."

"I like it," said Briza after taking a sip. "But Father would not."

Alamber nodded with approval. "Most young Elves favor my teas, while the elders of the race tend to be stuck in their ways. The teas of the Elves tend to be quite plain, relying on tree bark and grass to flavor them. What say you, Calador?"

"You know I have always favored your brews," said Calador after taking his third sip.

"That is because a visit to Elsmelda is long overdue, Calador. I am sure that, once there, your tastes will revert back to the bland preferences of your kin."

"I am more than satisfied with my current surroundings, Alamber."

"You see," began Alamber, addressing his words to everyone, "Calador has not returned home since..."

"That is enough, Alamber," interrupted Calador, his voice loud and commanding. "That is not the reason we are here."