Chapter 28: The Call of the Elders

By: Asa Montreaux

The aftermath of the bank theft sent ripples through The Andrews School, but the excitement was tempered with caution. Hugh and his friends had barely caught their breath when the news of the incident spread like wildfire. It wasn’t just students who were concerned; whispers of the terrorist group and their motives reached the ears of older wizards, drawing the attention of the school’s faculty and the broader magical community.

Days later, as the students resumed their classes, an assembly was called. The Great Hall was filled with an air of anticipation, students exchanging murmurs as they settled into their seats. Hugh sat beside Eliza, his heart racing, wondering what the teachers had planned.

Headmaster Lyall stood at the front of the hall, his presence commanding attention. His silver beard and piercing gaze gave him an air of authority, and Hugh felt a wave of respect wash over him. “Students, faculty, and esteemed guests,” he began, “we are facing a grave threat from a group of individuals who do not understand the weight of magic nor the responsibility that comes with it.”

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. “Last night’s events have drawn the attention of older wizards—those with experience and knowledge far beyond our years. We cannot face this enemy alone.”

With a flick of his wrist, the doors to the hall swung open, and a group of older wizards entered, their robes flowing like shadows. Among them was Alaric, a legendary wizard known for his prowess in combat magic. Hugh’s eyes widened as he recognized the imposing figure.

“Alaric is here to lend his expertise,” Headmaster Lyall continued. “He will lead the charge against the terrorists who threaten our city. But he cannot do it alone. We will need the help of our students—especially those who have shown exceptional skill and bravery.”

Hugh exchanged glances with Mish, Fiona, and Eliza, excitement and fear swirling within him. They had faced danger before, but this was on a much larger scale. The older wizards took their places at the front of the hall, and Alaric stepped forward, his presence magnetic.

“I have heard of your courage in thwarting the recent theft,” he said, his voice deep and resonant. “But the threat is far from over. The terrorists have not only stolen from the bank; they seek something much more powerful. The artifact they desire has the potential to tip the balance of magic in their favor. We must retrieve it before it falls into their hands.”

The room fell silent as the weight of his words settled over them. Hugh could feel the gravity of the situation pressing down on him. The stakes were higher than he had ever imagined.

Alaric continued, “We will be forming a coalition of students and elders to track down these criminals. I will be looking for volunteers—those who are willing to face danger head-on. If you choose to join us, know that you will be risking your lives.”

Murmurs of excitement and apprehension rippled through the hall. Hugh’s heart raced. He exchanged a determined glance with his friends, knowing that they couldn’t sit idly by while danger loomed. 

“I’m in,” Mish declared, her eyes shining with resolve. “We can’t let them win.”

“Me too,” Eliza added, her voice steady. “We’ve faced danger before; we can do it again.”

Fiona nodded, her expression fierce. “We have to stop them. We can’t let them get away with this.”

Hugh felt a surge of pride as he looked around at his friends. “Count us in,” he said, standing taller. “We’ll help however we can.”

Alaric smiled, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. “Very well. We will begin training immediately. We’ll need to hone your skills and prepare for the challenges ahead. You will be tested, but I believe in your potential.”

The assembly ended, and excitement buzzed through the school as students discussed their plans. Hugh and his friends hurried back to their common room, their minds racing with possibilities.

“What do you think they’re really after?” Eliza asked as they gathered around a table.

“I’ve been thinking about that,” Hugh said, tapping his fingers against the wood. “If they want an artifact, it must be something incredibly powerful. Something that could enhance their abilities or give them control over others.”

Mish frowned, deep in thought. “But why target the bank? What does it have to do with their plans?”

Fiona’s eyes lit up as she recalled something she had overheard during her time at The Andrews School. “There’s a legend about a vault hidden within the bank, containing magical artifacts that were lost during the last great conflict. If they’re looking for something like that, it would explain everything.”

“Then we need to find out what’s in that vault before they do,” Hugh said, a plan forming in his mind. “We need to gather information, maybe even seek out some of the older wizards to see what they know.”

As they plotted their next steps, a sense of urgency fueled their determination. They had faced challenges before, but this was different. They were stepping into a world of shadows, a fight that would require every ounce of their magic and bravery.

The following days were filled with training sessions led by Alaric. The older wizards taught them advanced spells and combat techniques, pushing them to their limits. Hugh found himself immersed in a world of magic that felt both exhilarating and terrifying. Each lesson was a reminder of the stakes at hand, and the camaraderie among the students deepened.

During one session, Alaric paired Hugh with a student named Marcus, a tall boy with a confident demeanor. “You two will spar,” Alaric instructed. “Hugh, focus on using your telepathy to anticipate Marcus’s moves.”

As they began, Marcus launched a spell that sent a burst of energy toward Hugh. Hugh ducked, feeling the surge of magic rush past him. “Nice dodge!” Marcus shouted, grinning. “Now try to predict my next move.”

Hugh concentrated, delving into Marcus’s mind. He could feel the thoughts forming, the intentions behind each spell. Just as Marcus prepared to launch another attack, Hugh sidestepped, using his telekinesis to redirect the spell harmlessly into the wall.

“Impressive!” Alaric said, observing with approval. “You’re beginning to harness your abilities in a way that’s truly remarkable.”

As the days turned into weeks, the tension in the air thickened. The training intensified, and rumors of the terrorists began to swirl among the students. They learned that the group was becoming more organized, their plans more elaborate.

One evening, while Hugh practiced with his friends in the common room, a sudden hush fell over them. A group of older wizards entered, their faces serious. Alaric was among them, and he wasted no time. “We have a lead on the terrorists. They’re planning another operation, and we need to move quickly.”

The air crackled with energy as Hugh and his friends prepared to face the unknown. They had trained hard, and now the moment had come to put their skills to the test. Together, they stood ready to confront the darkness that threatened their world, united by friendship and the forever unyielding bond of magic.