Chapter 9

It took 5 days from Willows den to reach the capital city of Rensworth. It was more than enough for people from modern earth who travelled across the globe in a matter of hours.

At least it was a leisurely jouney in a carriage. Anderson tried to supply his worldly wisdom to Aaron. He knew Aaron was young and from a small region. The world was big place and it would benifit him if he knew about it a little beforehand.

"In terms of the world, our kingdom is a small one. There are many kingdoms out there which are much larger than ours. Try and be humble when you are out. "

Aaron knew Anderson was only trying to help him with his constant nagging.

"Although I have never left our kingdom, I knew a guy who did. Listening to him I realized we are at a distant kingdom, really far from the centre of civilization. We have a peaceful and easy life here but the news of the world rarely travels so far out. All the new inventions and luxury, we miss out on all of them. "

Aaron thought about what Anderson said. He did think this world was pretty backward considering the fact this world had magic. It should be more advanced. Perhaps it was because he was in a backward area? Like how development was still to reach in the distant of places even on earth?

Some of the questions which he had in his mind were partially answered. As they spent their days travelling the scenery began to change. Crop fields began to pop up. They could see houses in the distant horizon and a few travellers on road. All in all a sign that a city was going to come up. Unfortunately no Princess this time either.

"We should be able to reach Rensworth city by the evening. It will be better for us if we take an inn today and report tomorrow. "

Aaron nodded as he listened to Anderson.

As they reached the city gates it was already dusk. He saw the guards lax and just eyeing the passerbys casually. It was peaceful city. Nothing big happened had happened for a long time and the city was enjoying a prolonged period of war free time.

The guards were relaxed for the most part unless there was a sudden inspection or such.

As they entered the gates, Aaron saw the usual hustle bustle associated with a city. And the awful smell. Living in the quiet and clean countryside made him realize how fresh the air their was. Cities, be earth or here had significant amount of pollution and foul air accompanying it.

As they moved towards the inn Anderson was familiar with, he saw lot of shops on the way selling variety of things. It seemed it was a really big city compared to Rivertown. But it still fell far behind the cities of modern earth. It could at most be compared to a small town. One thing he noticed was the lack of a drainage system which explained the smell.

As they reached the inn, he saw that it was a better place than the inn they stayed at Rivertown. Bigger cities, bigger and better inns.

"This inn is a bit costlier than the one we stayed at Rivertown, but your father and I dont want your last few remaining memories of your homeland to be too shabby. " Anderson grinned at Aaron.

Aaron had a pleasant smile on his face, he appreciated the gesture very much.

As they cleaned themselves up and got rid of the dust and sweat from the road, it was time for dinner.

As they ate away, Anderson asked him to always remember his roots and his homeland. And if he could achive something big in the future, he should make sure to do something for the betterment of his people and homeland. What Anderson said was from his heart and pretty thoughout as well. One should try to help develop the area they come from if they can. If not them, who would?

"Yes Mr. Anderson. I will."

"And most important of all, dont be too arrogant. Remember too much of arrogance always lead to downfall." Anderson adviced Aaron. Aaron could only smile and keep agreeing to Anderson.

As they chatted and finished dinner. It was almost time for bed.

Aaron fell asleep quickly. 5 days on the road and sleeping in camps was really tiring for him. He missed the comfort of a bed and had a pleasant sleep. In his dream he saw himself flying on a broom waving a wand around. That bought a smile on his face even while he slept.

Next morning he was very excited.

"Hurry up Mr. Anderson. We are going to be late. " Aaron said.

"Late? We are early by an hour already. Calm down. This old fellow doesnt have the same energy level as you. We wont be late." Seeing Aaron excited actually made Anderson happy. Although he was a good child, he seemed to be the quiet type. He always seemed to be much older than his actual age. It was good to see him act like his age once in a while.

As they neared the mage association branch, they could see a splendid white structure.

It was taller than the surrounding buildings and also had the trident with lightning symbol painted on it. As they neared the gates of the building. They saw two guards posted. They looked much sharper than the guards at the city gate. Also they had a different set of uniforms to them.

"Halt. What business do you have here?" one of guards said. His tone was firm but not rude.

"I bought a mage candidate with myself from the Rivertown branch of the mage association. We were supposed to report today. " Anderson replied.

The guard's stance softened hearing that.

"So, its a young mage. Can we please see the letter of recommendation. We cant let people pass just based on their words."

The guard was much more polite with his words now, but didnt become lax with his duties.

Anderson showed him the letter. After the guard made sure the seal was original and not a fake, he let them pass the gates without further hassle.

Once they entered the main building, they had a person come over to them. He ignored Anderson and directly questioned Aaron.

"You must be Aaron, right?" He asked.

"Yes, I am." Replied Aaron.

"Good, I am Malone. The incharge for this branch of mage association. We are a small branch and its rare for us to sucessfully test a mage candidate. So its a good news for all of us."

"I hope the mage association guards at the gate didnt harass you. I had informed them of your coming. They arent the same as the guards at the city gates. They wouldnt let just anyone pass without good reasons." Malone said.

"No, they werent a trouble." Anderson replied this time.

"And who you might be?" Asked Malone finally acknowledging the existence of Anderson.

"I am Rafael Anderson. Aarons teacher. I came with him to escort him till here."

It was the first time Aaron had heard Andersons first name.

"I see. You did a good job bringing him safely. It would be bending the rules a bit, but I would allow you to stay till Aaron is here. You have to make sure you dont speak or act unnecessarily though."

"Thank you Mr. Malone. I am very grateful for this. " Aaron was short with his reply but did thank Malone.

"Well, lets go to the sitting area. We are waiting for the representative of the mage institute to come. Once he is here, it will be time for Aaron to leave."

"Leave today. Wont the representative have a rest for today and leave tomorrow?"

"No, they wont. They consider Rensworth city a backward place. They wont stay here more than they have too. "

Anderson was shocked hearing that. He knew the world was a big place, but he always thought Rensworth to be a big enough city. He thought it might not be the largest city, but he never thought there were people who would consider it as backward.

As they sat there chatting, they heard a carriage come towards the entrance.

Malone stood up hearing that and said "Looks like the representative we were waiting for has arrived."