The Study of Magic

The Study of Magic

A firsthand account of learning magic

By: Vice-Marshal Amara Angelo, Battlemage-Prospect, Baroness of Pellan

Entry 1: The Discovery

Day 1:

When did I discover I had the Gift? I don't exactly remember. I think I was around 15. I was walking through the forest and came upon a deer. Instead of running from me, it came forward and let me pet it. I thought I was crazy, that that would never happen again, but then birds started coming into my window when I was sad. It, without fail, cheered me up. I told my parents, but they didn't believe me. So, one day, I decided to show them. I was upset that day, so, naturally, the beautiful birds came to visit. I captured one, a robin, and took it downstairs hidden in my hand. My parents were in the dining room. As I arrived there, I told them I had something to show them. They were curious, so I opened my hand. There was the robin. Instead of trying to fly away, like most birds would, he just stood there, looking at me. I nodded once, and the bird flew off and out the window.

My parents were thrilled that I was telling them the truth. But they were also scared about what the peasants would do to me. So they sent me away from my home in Freezefist, sending me to Beluaterra. When I arrived, I joined the realm of Thalmarkin. I am finally among people that accept me for who I am, not what I can do.

I have discovered others of my kind! There are mages here. I also know that what I have is not a curse, but a Gift, our birthright. There are rumors of a guild surrounding this Gift. Should I apply for membership? Or am I not powerful enough for them to take notice of.

Entry 2: The Passing of Time

Day 156:

The days pass into each other, one into the next. It has been way too long since I wrote in this journal. I have gained a bit of prestige in the war that's going on, but, because of it, I am not able to properly study magic. All of my studies as of late are strategy and warfare. It is a brutal, yet oddly satisfying, course, and I excel at it. After this war, I will return to my real studies, but right now, I must practice what I have already learned on my own. I can still summon the birds, so i turned my talent into something to inspire the men. It seems to be working.

The duties of a Vice-Marshal during times of war are taxing, though not as taxing as a regional lord during a time where you must be at the opposite side of the realm of. My peasants don't seem to be happy about this war, but I only hear that from snobbish lesser nobles who are above mingling with the citizenry. Are they happy? I assume so, though they are a fickle lot. They hate the fact that I don't follow their gods and a few are whispering that the tax rate is too high. Let them whisper. If they can express themselves, they will be happier.

I hope this war ends soon so I can become a Battlemage. We will see as time goes on. Now I must go and see to my men and the men in my army. Like I said, my duties never end....