Remnas Baten ~ Chapter 1

It was exactly this sad state the world was in that drove Remnas to his actions. As a young kid, he discovered his abilities. His parents feared it at first, but he proved to be able to control it just fine. Alas, his own parents had the same problem as countless others. There was simply no way to get him to a school where he could refine these abilities. Despite that, he had practiced himself, finding several ways to make his family's farm a greater success.

He had continued to use his abilities to help everyone. Even if his control was not perfect, it was at least on par with someone who had studied for it. A prodigy? Remnas himself believed he was just lucky. He gathered himself some money through helping other farms, tutoring children of his own age as well, helping others with their studies and magic. Those who could afford to send their children off repaid Remnas by allowing him to use their study books. Those who could not afford it, were happy that Remnas had learned as much as he did, as he could teach it quite perfectly to their own young.

At the age of 16, Remnas was teaching small classes of children. He asked parents to consider a small monetary compensation, and those who could miss it gave him. Sometimes he taught a class of children for as much as a single silver piece, other times he was pretty much teaching for free. Remnas didn't mind. He was glad to help the people.

It was at this age that the High Council started their 'Mage Registration' plan. Every single person, be it man or woman, was to travel to the nearest city and get themselves registered. Remnas was unsure what to think of it all.. Sure there were countless of children who found themselves with magic, but what use could it be registering them all? Despite his thoughts, he himself went to the nearest city, to get himself signed up.

What he saw there made his stomach turn. Mage Bonds. It wasn't so much a registration as it was a plan to block every mage from using their abilities. Based on their studies, they would be given a bond of different strength. Those without studies would get one such bracelet stuck to them that would completely bind their ability to the point where they couldn't even be sensed they had magic.

He did not sign himself up that day. He returned to the villages, and told them of what he saw. Many parents were reluctant to sign their young up, but others jumped at the occasion. They couldn't afford studies, and now they were given a simply way to keep their children's power under control? It was a dream come true for some parents, even if their children tried to object.

But a week later, he noticed that the class had dwindled from around thirty children.. to five. And the next class he taught had only seven out of the almost fifty children he taught. He couldn't believe what had happened. Had truly so many parents signed their children up just so they could handle it better?

He took his savings and began to travel, to seek the mages of the Circle. Why had they not stopped the High Council? They had just as much authority, and this just didn't make any sense. After a few months of travelling, he had found a city where one of the Circle Magi had recently visited. He had left but yesterday, so Remnas had a good chance of running into the mage if he would continue his travels.

But Remnas couldn't believe it. Had one of them truly been here recently? The Mage Registration plan seemed to still be in full force in this town. Sure, there were less people in line for it, but how could this Circle Mage allow them to continue like this? He got his bags and didn't even stop to rest. He wanted to confront this mage, and tell them exactly what he thought of all this. However, no matter how far he travelled, it seemed that every city he came to had the same result. A mage of the Circle had been there, and only recently left again.

Without realizing it, Remnas had travelled most of the countryside by now, his 17th birthday had come and gone, and while trying to catch up to the mage, found himself in his own village again. His parents had trusted him with his travels, but they were nonetheless happy to see him again. That night, he had a hearty meal and a good night's sleep. It was when he awoke the next day, that he heard he had a visitor. Which was suprising to Remnas, as he had only returned the day before.

It was then and there that he met his would-be mentor. August Parnes. Not just any member of the Circlemagi, but in fact August Parnes. Yes, the Circlemagi was a democratic group, having most of their decisions made based on voting.. but if there was one man who could decide otherwise despite votes, it would be him. Standing right there, in the entrance of his humble abode.

Despite the many qualms and complaints Remnas had built up during his travels, seeing this man standing in the entrance, he could not help but kneel and bow, if only out of pure respect. "Now now, young Remnas, no need to be so humble. I've heard of your work, and at your age that is quite an accomplishment, even if it turned out so sour in the end."

"Could we get on with this?" Remnas blinked for a moment. The High Council in front of him wasn't very impressed with his story thus far, and was obviously attempting to hurry him up. "You can indulge in your ego once we're done with this nonsense. Right now, I would like you to either remove yourself from court, or start explaining the parts that actually matter. I do not have the time to listen to your self-indulgence or grandstanding. So one of the old coots gave you a compliment? There is nothing of interest for us in your backstory."

"Why the haste? Young Remnas here is obviously trying to tell us his story, and I find it intriguing. Even if you may not agree, I find it perfectly fine he is attempting to explain to us what happened before everything." The same woman from before had spoken up. It seems she was at least partially on his side.. or was she? The High Council's members are not exactly the kind of people that are trustworthy. That's one of the first things Remnas had learned.. before he had ever met his mentor.