One of the younger mages stood near the rear side of the third expedition group while quietly tightening the strap attached to the crystal container hanging beside his waist.
His name was Lareth, a talented mage from Seraphelle who had only officially entered the higher circles of Magical research two years ago.
Even now, while the yard remained filled with movement and preparation around him, his expression still looked grim.
He honestly could not stop asking himself the same question repeatedly.
Why did this happen to him?
When he first devoted himself to Magic years ago, he imagined a completely different future for himself. He thought he would eventually earn a respectable position inside one of the Archmage towers, spend his days researching ancient formulas, assist with Magical development, and perhaps slowly rise through the ranks while living relatively safely behind protected walls.
That was the future he imagined.
Not this!
