Epilogue
EPILOGUE
THREE ANNUALS LATER
C learing up all the controversy and misstatements regarding arcane magic started right after the battle and continued to happen. It wasn’t an easy feat, but one that had to be accomplished.
The trials of Josiah Rackley II and his followers created openings for discussions and revelations, but at the same time the trials helped assist the welcoming of peace, safety, and rebuilding. Many trials continued, but the majority of the lower level soldiers pled guilty instead of taking a chance with the justice system. Due to the influx of prisoners, two more prisons had to be built and operated.
Then came the announcement of the newly formed Elysium Academy of the Arcane opening within the Temple of Elysium in Esterville, Abbethan. With that notification, anyone with arcane magic could now feel welcomed and loved. It took time, but the transferring of all the arcane students from the scattered academies to the Elysium Academy was completed. At first scared and a bit terrified of stepping out in the open, the students gradually became less afraid as the dormitories filled up and the camaraderie happened.
As the new headmaster and Temple Guardian, Solomon Windham left his life in Nucira behind and transplanted himself to Abbethan. He became the new face of the arcane. While he also taught several classes, he relied on an influx of professors, coordinators, and workers to fill the ranks and help care for the students.
During that time there were other changes.
The entire Society of the Carmine Knot was dismantled and destroyed. No one missed having the Carmine anywhere within the realms.
The Guild of the Blind Knot stepped out of the shadows. Victoria and Thurston released many Guild members and altered the Guild’s responsibilities. With confirmation and permission from the Consortium, they would retain control of the testing facilities and expand to all the realms.
The Temple created another surprise. It chose Percival Rawson as the new Prime Librarian of the Temple when he stepped into the intricate engraved circle.
Dropping to one knee with tears in his eyes at being chosen, Percival immediately accepted the office and retired from the Guild. With Percival’s connection, the Temple revealed the Timeless Library. An entire wing appeared with multiple stories and everything in perfect condition. There was an impressive collection of books, scrolls, maps, and all kinds of other documentation dating back to before the creation of the realms and up to current time. Even while it remained hidden, a magical spell created an identical copy of every document produced to be placed on the Library’s shelves. As the Prime Librarian, Percival had the gift of knowing the location of any specific book someone might be looking for along with a few other options. He was bound to the library, with a special apartment attached to the wing, and would no longer age. Until the time he wished to pass on his position to another mage.
There was another surprise, but it didn’t come from the Temple.
It was Finlay Medlin.
As Finlay threatened in a playful fashion, he retired from RASI Consortium and applied to become a Professor of History. When he presented his history degrees to Solomon, who was a bit shocked, Finlay mentioned they would have to completely revamp the entire course since the Temple’s appearance destroyed all the known history books. Solomon assigned the difficult job to create a brand new history course to Finlay, Percival, and a new professor, Natalia Bellegarde.
“Looks like Percival, Natalia, and I finally figured out the new coursework and path for all the history courses. While there will not be an actual book the students can read, the Library will create copies of all the necessary documents,” Finlay said while he walked over to where Solomon stood to watch over the change of classes.
“A proper timeline with the facts to back it all up this time,” Solomon said.
“Correct. A new course that can be properly taught and tested. It can also be altered depending on the different grades. Natalia and I will start testing it out on our students. Then we’ll discuss it with the other academies.”
“And the Director of Academies with the Consortium. We’ll need their approval of the course.”
“Percival is putting together the entire course to present it to the director. He is far more skilled at that than Natalia or me,” Finlay said. “He sent them a preliminary copy and we got confirmation to begin teaching while things are finalized. Natalia and I will change things after the weekend.”
“Excellent. Don’t want to start our time off with a director who is upset with us.”
“Not going to let that happen. Not on my watch.”
“Speaking up upset ones… Any progress with tall, dark and handsome?” Solomon teased.
Finlay flushed. “No. Stubborn scientist. Gonna kick his butt. I’ll wear him down. You’ll see.” He wagged a finger while he stalked off back toward the library’s wing.
That had been the story between them since Finlay met Gray on the battlefield.
Speaking of stubborn scientists, Solomon smiled to himself while he wandered down the hallway toward the science-based classes and laboratories. Redesigned and organized since the other biggest surprise happened.
The last surprise that came from the heart.
Though he didn’t have arcane magic, Cormac was one of the most brilliant minds in the scientific community. Since Cad-Wyn remained in an excellent position, he pulled away from the company and altered his entire life to become a simple professor. Though things had been shaky with Solomon while in Nucira, Mac discovered how much he loved teaching young minds about the arts and skills of his favorite subject. Of course, he altered all the laboratories and classes to higher standards.
Thrilled Cormac altered his own path of life to join him at the Elysium Academy, Solomon couldn’t stop dancing and smiling for months.
Reaching one of the laboratories, Solomon leaned against the doorframe and watched his scientist-turned-professor take his young students through a new lab project.
After speaking and sending the students to their tables to begin, Cormac wandered over to where Solomon stood. Keeping their affections subdued, they squeezed their hands together.
“What brought the headmaster to my door?” Cormac asked in a low tone.
“No reason other to see how you are doing.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“This professor is happy that it’s the last class of our day and looking forward to a weekend.”
“How about a quiet one? You. Me. A quiet apartment. Nice dinner.”
“Sounds perfect.”
“Professor?” a student called.
“On my way.” Cormac winked at him. “See you soon, love.” Then he turned to move toward the student.
Smiling, Solomon continued his rounds and enjoyed the fresh path of his life.
THE END