Chapter 21: Meeting with the Headmaster
The grand double doors of the Headmaster's office stood before Eogan and Lorcan, towering and imposing, their intricate carvings gleaming softly in the dim light of the corridor. Eogan's pulse quickened, the excitement he'd been trying to contain bubbling to the surface. This was it—the moment that would set everything in motion. He glanced at Lorcan, whose nerves were palpable, but Eogan could hardly contain his energy. They were about to meet the Headmaster, Caelith, a woman whose reputation was spoken of in hushed tones among the students.
With a firm knock, they were ushered in by a servant who vanished as swiftly as she'd arrived. Eogan's eyes immediately scanned the room, taking in the tall shelves lined with books and peculiar magical artifacts. The office felt alive, brimming with power and wisdom. At the center of the room sat Headmaster Caelith, a figure of quiet authority, her platinum hair neatly swept into an elegant twist, her violet robes sweeping slightly with the faintest movement of the air. Her gaze was sharp but not unkind. She studied them both carefully, taking in their presence with an unsettling focus.
"Eogan, Lorcan," she greeted them, her voice carrying the weight of command without needing to raise it. "I've been expecting you."
Eogan stepped forward, his confidence shining through. He nodded at the Headmaster, his excitement almost getting the better of him. "Headmaster Caelith," he said, voice steady and respectful. Lorcan hesitated behind him, his stiff posture betraying his discomfort, but Eogan knew his friend—no, his partner—would rise to the occasion.
"Please, sit," Caelith instructed, and Eogan complied instantly, taking the seat before her desk without missing a beat. He could feel the tension in the room, but it didn't bother him. If anything, it fueled his excitement. He was on the verge of something big, and nothing—not even the imposing figure before him—would stand in his way.
Caelith remained silent momentarily, her fingers steepling in front of her as she studied them. Eogan let his gaze wander around the office, taking in the many magical relics that decorated the shelves. He could feel the thrum of power in the air and couldn't help but wonder what kind of knowledge Caelith had accumulated over the years.
Finally, she spoke, her voice cutting through his musings. "There are concerns about your presence here, Eogan," she began, her eyes meeting his with a calm intensity. Eogan blinked, momentarily surprised, but he didn't let it show. "Your age... and your sudden enrollment at the academy. The older students may not take kindly to having someone of your standing among them."
Eogan's jaw tightened for a moment. He had anticipated something like this, but hearing it out loud still stung. He was young, yes, but he'd earned his place here. There was no doubt in his mind about that. Still, he didn't let it show. Instead, he leaned forward, determined to face whatever challenge came next.
"But," Caelith continued, "I've thought of a solution."
Eogan's interest was piqued. Whatever this was, he was confident it would be just the thing to keep him on track and help him carve out his place in the academy.
She turned her gaze to Lorcan, and Eogan's attention sharpened. He wasn't quite sure what to expect next. "Lorcan," she said, her voice changing slightly as though she were considering something important. "I propose you attend classes alongside Eogan—not merely as his servant, but as a peer. You will share his studies and his challenges."
Eogan's heart surged with excitement. This was it—the opportunity they had both been waiting for. He caught Lorcan's wide-eyed expression, and for a moment, he worried his friend might balk at the idea. But before Lorcan could speak, Eogan was already on it, his determination shining through.
He leaned toward Lorcan, his grin widening. "Think about it," he said, his voice bubbling enthusiastically. "Not only will you be with me, but you'll get to learn magic too. This isn't just a chance for you to support me—this is your chance to grow. You'll be a peer in every sense of the word."
Lorcan seemed taken aback, his usual hesitation mixed with confusion. Eogan could see the wheels turning in his friend's mind. But Eogan wasn't about to let this slip away. This was the perfect opportunity for them both.
"You can do it, Lorcan," Eogan added, his voice firm like he was speaking a truth that couldn't be denied. "I know you can. Together, we'll make a name for ourselves here. I've got your back, always."
Lorcan shifted in his seat, still unsure, but Eogan's confidence was contagious. His earlier doubts faded as the warmth of Eogan's belief in him settled in. Maybe it was time to take that step. Perhaps this was where he could finally prove that he was more than just a servant. He straightened up, his voice growing steadier.
"I... I'll do it," Lorcan said, the words carrying a new weight of resolve.
The Headmaster nodded approvingly. "Good. This arrangement will benefit you both," she said, her approval carrying a weight of significance.
Eogan practically bounced in his seat, his excitement irrepressible. "You won't regret it, Headmaster. I promise."
She stood, moving toward a shelf where she retrieved two scrolls. "These are your class schedules," she said, handing them over. "You will follow the standard curriculum for students your age, though I expect both of you to meet the academy's high expectations."
Eogan's grin grew wider as he accepted the scroll, eager to see what challenges awaited. "We won't disappoint you, Headmaster," he said confidently, already envisioning the journey ahead. "We'll take this academy by storm."
As they unrolled their schedules, they glanced at the parchment in their hands. The printed words were written in neat, flowing script, and Eogan's eyes scanned the schedule eagerly. He couldn't wait to see which subjects they would be tackling first.
"Let's see," Eogan began, reading aloud, his finger tracing the words. "Introduction to Magic at 8:00 AM. That'll be a solid start. Then we've got Theory of Arcane Arts at 10:00." He glanced at Lorcan, who was nodding along, still processing everything.
"Afternoon session is more interesting," Eogan continued, his voice gaining momentum. "Elemental Control at 1:00 PM. That one should be a challenge—imagine controlling fire or water! And then..." He looked down at the paper, his grin widening. "A special class—Combat Magic at 3:00 PM. They're really throwing us in the deep end, huh?"
Lorcan chuckled nervously, his eyes scanning the schedule. "And... History of Magic at 4:00. Looks like we'll be busy."
"I like it," Eogan said, his voice brimming with excitement. "We'll get to cover everything—magic, combat, and history. We'll be unstoppable by the end of the semester."
The Headmaster gave them a small, approving smile as they examined their schedules. "I expect you both to give your best effort in every class. Remember, the academy's standards are rigorous, and I trust you will live up to them."
Eogan nodded vigorously, practically vibrating with energy. "We won't let you down, Headmaster. I promise."
As they stood to leave, Eogan's heart raced in anticipation. The weight of the moment settled in, and he turned to Lorcan with a grin. The excitement in his chest was like a spark waiting to ignite.
"We've got this, Lorcan," Eogan said, his voice full of excitement. "The academy won't know what hit it. Together, we're going to be unstoppable."
Lorcan's smile, though tentative at first, grew as he caught Eogan's infectious enthusiasm. It was time to begin their next chapter. The challenges of the royal academy awaited, but now, with their bond stronger than ever, nothing could stand in their way.