The First Gothic - Book Two A Wizard - In Practice

Part 1

The College of Winterhold. Skyrim

"Cross the bridge at your own peril. The way is dangerous and the gate will not open. You shall not gain entry"

Those were the first words I heard upon my return to the College of Winterhold. Not entirely unexpected given that I'd played Elder Scrolls: Skyrim and it was also very amusing to hear them spoken by a real person.

"My name is Damien Mason I've been here before" I said "It was a couple of years ago so you might not remember me".

Actually it had been a few years for me as upon fleeing Hogwarts I'd ended up having a few adventurers in different realities, but while those days had been fun for the most part they were over now. It was now time to settle down and get to work. I still had a prophecy to fulfill. The corrupt and decadent Wizarding World needed to be torn down, and perhaps rebuilt but to do that I needed to become the most powerful magic user I could be. That meant getting more education while also setting certain plans into motion and the College of Winterhold was part of my plans.

The woman guarding the entrance didn't remember me so no doubt she going to make me take her test.

"Perhaps you did, but if you are returning I have to wonder why. What do you hope to find within?"

There were a number of acceptable answers, but only one that I could give truthfully without giving too much away.

"I seek power" I said honestly.

Interestingly she didn't seem to disapprove of my answer, and she didn't seek clarification either.

"I believe the College has what you seek. The question now is what can you off the College? Not just anyone is allowed inside and those wishing to enter must show some degree of skill. A small test, if you will".

Hopefully this test wouldn't be something too demanding as while I was sure I could pass the test easily I didn't want anyone to know just how skilled I actually was. It was never a good idea to let anyone too much of what you could do.

"I'll take your test, then," I answered confidently.

"Excellent," she said. "A standard spell for one skilled in Destruction magic is the Firebolt spell. Casting one at the seal on the ground should suffice"

This test wouldn't challenge me at all and also it wouldn't require me to show off either.

"Okay, I can do that," I told her, while feeling more than a little relieved "Stand back"

To start with I looked down at the seal, an eye with five points directed outwards. Then I held up my hand and summoned the flames. The bolt of fire struck the target and it lit up with blue light. Just as I'd know it would.

"Well done indeed," the Altmer Mage said with a smile. "I think you'll make a superb edition to the College. Welcome back, apprentice."

I gave this female my most charming smile. I didn't find her very attractive but I knew that most women wanted to think that men found them physically appealing even if the man was a member of a different race.

"I'll lead you across the bridge. Once you're inside, you'll want to speak with Mirabelle Ervine, as you might remember she's our Master Wizard. Please, follow me."

With that, she started off to the bridge, myself following close behind and I spent most of the trip across wondering why they still hadn't fixed the bridge. It was dangerous to cross and really someone should have it repaired. If magic couldn't do it then they could hire stone masons.

That was when I decided that if I ever became the Arch-Mage of this College that would be one of the first things I'd deal with. That and the lack of students.

As I'd been instructed to I reported to the Master Wizard, but I had to wait to get her attention as she speaking with an Altmer named Ancano, whom I recognized as part of the Thalmor. While watching them talk I corrected myself: If I ever became Arch-Mage I'd expel Ancano and then worry about the bridge.

Once the female Wizard was done with the annoying Elf she gave me a tour of the College, showing me to my quarters, where I would be sharing space with my fellow apprentices. Not that I intended to stay here that much. I had a nice home in Solitude that I could teleport to without trouble or with a little extra effort I would be able to return to the Wizarding World, but it wouldn't be such a bad idea to spend some time with my fellow students as I did intend to take over the college one day. Having the support of staff and students would make rising to the top of this place much easier.

While I'd dressed for the cold, a thick jumper with warming charms cast upon it, a set of gloves, thick jeans, woolly socks and tough boots, I was still provided with a fresh set of robes, complete with a hood. They weren't black but that was no problem as I knew the Colour Changing Charm and could perform the spell later.

The Master Wizard then took me down to the Hall of Elements, which I remembered was the location for lectures and group study sessions. Most often these sessions were lead by a powerful Mage called Tolfdir.

Also the Hall was as impressive as I recalled. It was a large enough space for practical lessons, also it had the seals of the College decorating the floor and a well in the centre which was projecting a beam of magicka upwards. Like before I could sense the history and power of this place.

Standing in the middle was a group of four people. Three were dressed in Apprentice robes and the other was an old man, with grey hair and an impressive beard. This was, no doubt, Tolfdir as he hadn't changed much in looks.

"Welcome!" the old Mage said in his friendly voice "We were just beginning. Please, stay and listen".

I nodded and stood next to one of the other students, whom I recognized as a Nord. As a rule the natives of Skyrim didn't much trust magic, unless it was something enchanted as they loved enchanted weapons and armour, but there are always a few exceptions.

"So, as I was saying, the first thing you must understand is that magic is, by it's very nature, volatile and dangerous. Unless you can control it, it can and will destroy you".

The funny thing about Hogwarts was that while the Professors did give safety tips they never really tried to make their students understand that magic could be very dangerous. Which was wrong in my view because any kid at that school could if he was clumsy do himself some harm or even kill people if he was clever in how he used even simple spells. But to be fair the wand wavers were like me a tough bunch and could take blows that would land most Muggles in the hospital. Here things were different, anyone in Skyrim could learn a few spells if they were willing to either pay for a spell book or come to learn at place like this, but the more powerful magic users were often the most vulnerable to the very arcane forces they called upon, so it was very important form them to be careful.

"Sir, I think we all understand that fairly well," interjected one of the students. "We wouldn't be here if we couldn't control magic".

Despite what I just been thinking I knew the student had a point. The apprentices were not mere novices, these were adults and they wouldn't have even been able to enter the college if they didn't already know how to cast some spells.

"Of course my dear, of course," Tolfdir replied "You all possess some inherit magical abilities, that much is not in question. What I'm talking about is true control. It takes years, if not decades, of practice and study to become a Master of Magic".

This was also true. Even after spending years at Hogwarts and a few years more on other worlds I still had a lot to learn about magic. Decades would indeed past before I'd call myself a Master of Magic.

"Then, what are we waiting for? Let's get started!"

Those words had come from a Khajiit and I was pretty sure that he'd been here during my first visit but back then he'd been quieter.

"Please, please, this is exactly what I'm talking about. Eagerness must be met with caution or else disaster is inevitable" our teacher warned.

"But we've only just arrived here!" the Nord argued "You have no idea what any of us are capable of. Why don't you give us a chance to show you what we can do."

That was when Tolfdir turned to me.

"You've been quite so far. What do you think we should do?"

I could feel the eyes of everyone else on me. What I said next would create a strong impression among my new peers. Our teacher was right to be cautious about magic, for it could be dangerous if used recklessly. But if I said that I'd just sound like a teacher's pet

Also the Nord did have a point. It at least made sense to do something practical to start off with, so we could get a taste of what we were in for and a good teacher could use the lesson to help get his point across.

"I'd like to see what everyone can do" I finally said.

It never hurt to check out the competition. I'd like to know what my fellow students could do.

"See, he agrees with us too!" said the Dark Elf in the group "Why don't you actually show us something?"

She seemed a little too eager to me, but this was early days so it was best not to judge anyone just yet.

"All right, settle down. I suppose we could try something practical" the teacher said, giving in. "In continuing with our theme of safety, we'll start with wards. Wards are protective spells that block magic. I'll teach you all a ward and we'll see if you can successfully use it to block spells, alright?"

That was exactly what I would have done in his place. Tolfdir was a smart gentlemen and I was sure I could learn a lot from him.

"Would you mind helping me with a demonstration?" the teacher then asked of me "Are you at all familiar with warding spells?"

Truthfully I knew a few wards but what they called warding magic here was different than back in the Wizarding World. Still I did know some basic restoration magic.

"I know one, but I don't really use it," I answered.

In fact Tolfdir had taught it to me, but I wasn't offended that he had forgotten. I'd visited the college for a week or so a few years ago no doubt many people had entered and left this college during that time, and I had been a boy back then not the man I was now.

"That's alright, we can expand on what you know. Now, if you'll just stand right over there" Tolfdir instructed.

I did as I was bide and resisted the urge to reach for my wand. A simple shield spell would have sufficed here, but I had come to this place to learn the magic of this world and besides if I used the wand it would raise all sorts of questions I simply wasn't prepared to answer.

"Now I'll cast a spell at you and you block it with the ward. Here we go.."

Our teacher told the others to go and stand away him, so they wouldn't get in the way. Then Tolfdir took his position facing me.

"Now, cast the ward spell and keep it up" the teacher commanded.

I lifted my hand and a shimmering wall appeared before me, it was an effort to sustain a shield like this but I had the power to keep it up so it just became a matter of concentration.

"Hold still..." I was told.

Tolfdir prepared a firebolt and sent it at me. The bolt hit the ward and I was in no way harmed. The apprentices were very impressed by our little show despite the fact that this was pretty basic spellcasting.

"Excellent work!" Tolfdir praised.

I smiled due to his words. Even after years of being a Ravenclaw genius I still wasn't very used to being academically successful.

"Well, I think this is an excellent start. I'd like you all to continue practising ward spells, please. We'll reconvene here tomorrow. That's for today, thank you."

The students started to disperse. I decided to head to my quarters so I could see what resources the college had given me to work with but I was blocked by the Khajiit. Now I could see his face close up I had to admit that his moustache kinda worked despite him being a cat person.

"What do they call you, Imperial?"

I wasn't actually an Imperial since I was from Earth not Nirn, but I was of Western European stock so in Skyrim I passed for an Imperial.

"Damien" I informed my new peer.

I decided not to give him my surname as I knew there were odd spells people could cast on you if they knew your full name and had some of your hair, which wasn't that hard to get since people were always losing hair. Not that Damien Mason was my true name, but I'd been using it for so long it might as well be.

"And you?" I asked.

Rather than answer my question the cat guy inquired about something else.

"You are new, yes? Have you mastered the Expert level destruction spells yet?"

This wasn't mere curiosity. The cat guy was sizing up the new competition just as I had been only he was far less subtle about it.

"Not yet, but I will," I answered.

Truth be told a firebolt was about my limit. Most of my education had been based around brewing potions, waving a wand and using other devices. Wandless magic, which was what Mages used, was a bit of a struggle for me but slowly I was getting the hand of it.

"Ah, this is good, J'zargo will know them first. But it is good to be around skilled Mages who may be able to keep up with J'zargo".

Either this guy had a huge ego or all his people referred to themselves in the third person. It could be both in this cat's case. I wouldn't rule it out.

"Not everything is about competition, you know" I said.

Well really it was. Students would compete against each other even if the college was the kind of place meant to let someone learn at their own pace, but as long as things didn't get out of hand I didn't see any harm in a little friendly rivalry.

"Oh, but you are wrong" stated J'zargo

I decided to humour the cat guy.

"Well then, may the best man win" I said with a smile.

"Yes, J'zargo will win" the cat guy replied.

With that he swaggered off and I once more tried to get to the quarters. I got far this time only to find the Dark Elf blocking the door.

"Excuse me..." I started to say.

"Before you even ask, yes I have an ancestry steeped in magic and no, I don't want to talk about it. Yes, I know Winterhold used to be full of my kind and no, I don't care that they're all gone now. Does that cover everything?"

Well it was certainly one hell of an introduction.

"Actually I just wanted to get inside" I told the Dark Elf

The elf looked a little ashamed of herself.

"Nice to meet you..." she said, staring over.

"Damien Mason" I supplied.

Hopefully she'd think it nothing more than an odd Imperial name.

"Brelyna Maryon" She told me before apologizing "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound rude, I just..."

I waved my hand in dismissal. I was used to people giving me attention I didn't desire. It could get very annoying.

"Think nothing of it. I can imagine you must get asked a lot about being from one of the Six Houses" I said.

Having play Morrowind I knew what the woman been going on about even if she hadn't given many details.

"Yes, it does. Thank you for understanding," she said, with a small smile.

She didn't seem to want to move so I decided to keep talking.

"So what are you studying here?" I inquired.

It seemed like a harmless enough question.

"Conjuration, but I know a little bit of destruction too so I wouldn't mind learning more about it" she answer before asking a question of her own "What are you here to study"

Well unless there was a 'How To Become A Dark Lord' class around here then there wasn't a straight answer I could give this young woman.

"I'm not focused on any one type of magic" I carefully explained to the elf "I just want to learn as much as I can so I get back out into the world and make a name for myself".

Taking down the Wizarding World brick by brick and putting it back together would certainly get me into the history books. Heck I might write the books, if I won.

"Oh, so you're an adventurer" the Dark Elf said.

Well I did have adventurers and could have more given the land I was currently in.

"It has made me rich" I told the woman.

Well I was rich, but not because of the adventures.

"I'm sure you have some wonderful stories" said the Mage "Perhaps you could regal me with a few tales over dinner some time".

Having Enhanced Charisma was a great boon and as I'd matured the gift had only grown stronger. It was so easy for people to start liking me.

"I'd be delighted" I replied with another charming smile.

Enchained Charisma was a subtle thing it didn't allow to control people, it was more a matter of influence. People could still hate me it was just easier for them to think good things about me.

"I think we're going to be good friends" Brelyna Maryon then said.

The ways she said that made it clear that I was not heading for the Friend Zone I was heading for the zone that involved nudity. Which was nice.

"I hope so" I replied.

With that we headed inside and headed for our separate quarters. I had quite a lot of studying and scheming to do.