Sam almost ran into the Academy of Toh, his work in his hands. The stone was white, ending in a huge spire at the stop of the building. From down below you could see beautifully carved symbols glowing a bright gold at the top. Eritandellion’s tower dwarfed it, but Sam found the Academy much comfier. It was a place of learning. Throughout the halls the sound of pen on paper was rife.

  Sam didn’t stop the listen to the wonderous sound today though. He was far too excited. His white robe bounded through the halls, passing by all the students do their own work. Sam idly wondered what they were working on, but his mind couldn’t stay focused on that thought. It was purely on his own work. All of his friends had told him he was brilliant – could they be right? He would find out in a moment.

  As he neared the door to the High Educator, Sam’s heart pounded in his chest.

  What if his work was rejected, or deemed poor?

  Sam had to put such thoughts out of his mind. If he wanted to succeed, he had to believe in his abilities. Straightening his robe and licking his lips, he knocked politely on the door.

  When the door opened a few minutes later, Sam was met by the oily face of the High Educator. Lost for words, Sam just stared at him.

  “What?” The High Educator barked. “If you have nothing to say, then get out of here!”

  Sam held his work up, shaky hands betraying his fear.

  “S – S – Sir. M – M – My work on the newly emerged Time Bloodline.”

  The High Educator gave him a condescending look but snatched the papers out of his hand, reading his work over quickly. His bloodshot eyes peeked over the pages to look at Sam.

  “This is Eritandellion’s work?” He asked.

  “Well, no. It’s mine under Eritandellion’s suggestion.”

  “Yes, yes I remember.” His gruff voice said.

  As he looked back at the work his eyes lit up.

  “Incredible.” He muttered. His eyes locked onto Sam again. “How has Eritandellion been?” He asked.

  “I don’t know. He’s seemed to be distant. Perhaps he is away.” Sam suggested, not wanting to upset the High Educator.

  “I see.” He said, a small smile creeping across his face. “Listen, if you leave this with me, I’ll get this out there. You’ll have changed the world. And on top of that, anything you want from the Archives if yours. You deserve it.”

  Sam was shocked.

  “Th – thank you my lord.”

  The High Educator ruffled his hair.

  “Come back tomorrow and we will discuss your reward.”

  Sam stared at the door for several moments after it closed before walking away, a huge smile on his face. Everything in his life was incredible.

  ***

  Grenduti, The High Educator, chuckled as the boy walked away from his door. Was he so stupid as to believe he would really have precious resources wasted on him? It was a surprise he was even enrolled in the Academy. Well, he likely wouldn’t be for long. Especially with Eritandellion being so absent. The work was perfect though; The High Educator had to concede. Sam was good. Too good. If left unchecked, he could be a real threat to Grenduti. Sam had to be either put in his place or expelled.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  ***

  Mat and George sat opposite one another across a chess board that George had produced. George was apparently a very skilled player, so Mat was more than a little worried. As he played however, Mat felt confident. He had only played chess a couple of time, when he had been learning the rules. Evie had destroyed his both times.

  Now though, Mat was in his element.

  Spring sat next to them on the small table.

  “He’s going to take your Queen in a few moves Mat.” She warned. Mat had his hand over his bishop, acting like he was determining where to put it.

  “I think I’ll reach Monarch Rank before you move that piece.” Spring teased. Mat looked flustered and put the piece down.

  George grinned, seeing the mistake Mat had made. He quickly took the bishop.

  Mat could have used his Eyes of the Tiger, but he didn’t need it. He moved his Queen.

  “Checkmate.” Mat grinned.

  George looked shocked.

  “Remarkable.” He said, no anger in his voice.

  “I told you he was good.” Spring bragged.

  “Indeed he is.” George agreed.

  “No, no!” Spring said, pretending to argue with George. “He’s not good. He’s brilliant. I shall hear no disrespect on his name or you will face the wrath of the Angry Girlfriend.”

  “I think I’d pass on that. With all my abilities, I think that battle would be too much for me.”

  “Oh you know it. The Emperor would probably have to get involved.”

  George laughed, holding onto the table. Mat grinned widely.

  “You however,” she said, her voice more intense, “You get to feel the love of the Cuddly Girlfriend tonight.”

  George gave him a look. Mat blushed as Spring snogged him passionately.

  The door to the room burst open to reveal Sam, bright red and sparkling.

  “How did it go?” George asked.

  “The High Educator was very pleased with me. He even promised me anything I wanted from the Archives.”

  “That’s wonderful!” George cried. “What will you get?”

  “I was thinking of something that would work for Mat so we could test his powers further. I already have everything I want.”

  “You don’t have to do that.” Mat said as George embraced Sam in a brotherly hug.

  “Yes I do.” Sam said confidently. “You deserve it.”

  George released the embrace and frowned.

  “Where’s Spring?” He asked.

  Sam and George looked around as Mat hid a smile. From behind Sam, Spring pounced on him, embracing him in a warm hug.

  “Well done! I couldn’t be prouder of you and you deserve all the good that will come from this.”

  Mat joined in the group hug.

  “Didn’t we say you were brilliant Sam.”

  Mat stared out of the large glass pane, looking down upon the city below him. Lights dimmed and went out all over the country – people were going to bed.

  After hearing Sam’s good news, the group had all gone out to eat at the fanciest inn in the city. The food had been great, and they had all had a great time.

  When they got back, Sam went straight to bed, claiming that he wanted to be well rested for his meeting with The High Educator.

  George and Spring had played a few games of chess, George beating her more than the other way around. He had gone to bed soon after, leaving Mat and Spring alone in the large living room.

  As he silently gazed out at the city, Spring took his hand.

  “What are you thinking about?” She asked quietly as the sun descended. It illuminated her face, making her look even more ethereal than usual. Her golden locks sparkled brightly in the light.

  “Nothing.” He said, cupping her face in his hands.

  He was lying. Something was on the horizon. Something big. Something that would shake his world forever. He just couldn’t see what.

  “What about you?” He asked sweetly.

  “Us.” Spring said. “I’m thinking about us.”

  Mat felt his stomach drop.

  “I’m sorry.” Mat said immediately.

  “No, no!” Spring exclaimed. “Not like that. I just meant that I was thinking about the last couple of months. And they’ve been the happiest of my life.”

  “Oh Spring.” Mat muttered. “I love you so much.”

  He kissed her lovingly, his hand running down her back until it reached her waist.

  “I want to be with you tonight. If that’s okay.”

  Spring gave him a coy smile.

  “I guess my sweet boy wants to face the Cuddly Girlfriend after all.”

  Mat blushed profusely but didn’t let go of her; in fact, he pulled her even closer.

  “Maybe this is too soon – and I hope I don’t scare you away – but I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You made me feel seen when I was nothing. And if it came to it, I would give up everything for you. Because you mean everything to me.”

  “Mat,” Spring whispered, “you are my world.”

  They embraced one another, easily removing the other’s clothes.

  The world, all the worries, all the fears, vanished as they fell into each other’s loving arms.