The path up from the trees was steep and quiet. Snow crunched softly under their boots, and the air felt sharp and cold in their lungs. Higher up, the great Academy stood tall against the blue sky, grey stone walls, high towers, and banners flapping in the wind. It looked even bigger up close.
At the top of the hill, they came to the main gates. They were huge, made of smooth black rock, with two big stone statues standing on either side like silent guards. Two real guards stood there too, wrapped in thick cloaks, watching everyone who walked by.
Beru stopped in the shadow of the trees. He put a hand on Nard's shoulder.
"I won't go in with you," he said softly. "People notice me too easily. I'll wait somewhere close, where the wind is strong. Just call for me when you're done."
Nard nodded. He pulled his hood a little lower so his face stayed in shadow. He touched the medallion hidden under his cloak, it felt cool and steady in his hand.
"Stay safe," he said.
"Always," Beru answered. And in a soft swirl of golden light, he was gone.
Nard took a deep breath and walked forward across the bridge.
The guards looked at him as he came near. The taller one held up a hand.
"Stop," he said. "Tell us your name and where you're from. Only invited people can come inside."
Nard didn't panic. He pulled out the silver medallion and held it up. In the morning light, it glowed with a soft, quiet light.
The moment they saw it, both guards froze. Their eyes went wide, and they stood a little straighter, their faces turning serious and respectful. They exchanged a quick, amazed look, like they couldn't quite believe what they were seeing. The taller guard even took a small step back, his hand leaving the hilt of his sword as if he realized he was standing in front of something very important.
"The Seal of the Silent Star," the taller guard breathed, his voice quieter now, almost reverent. He looked at Nard with new eyes, curious, careful, and clearly impressed. "I've only read about this in old books. I never thought I'd see it with my own eyes."
Nard spoke in a calm, low voice. "The medallion says the door opens for those who walk in shadow. Does it not?"
The guards nodded quickly, almost in unison. The shorter one stepped forward and pulled the heavy lever that opened the gates.
"You are most welcome here," he said sincerely. "No invitation is greater than that mark. Go on in. Wait in the main hall with the others, the trials start at noon."
The big gates creaked open. Inside was a wide courtyard filled with young mages from all over. They laughed and talked, checking their wands and pouches. Almost everyone wore bright colours or badges showing which family or school they came from.
Nard walked among them, keeping his head down. No one knew who he was. No one asked. He was just a quiet stranger in simple dark clothes, with a silver star glowing softly against his chest.
At the far end of the yard, near the big stairs leading inside, he saw them.
Ralph stood leaning against a stone pillar. He looked tired and pale. The Aetheria Rose around his neck glowed weak and faint, like a candle running out of wax. His father stood next to him, talking fast in a quiet voice, looking worried. His mother fixed his cloak over and over, her eyes jumping nervously to everyone who walked by.
For a moment, Nard felt a faint pull in his chest, soft but sure, like a string tugging from far away. Ralph frowned and put a hand to his chest, looking confused. He glanced around the crowd, his eyes passing right over the hooded stranger in the corner. He had no idea who was standing so close.
Nard stayed still. Not yet. Not until it was time.
He turned and walked toward the main building. The trials hadn't started yet. But he was here. And the Silent Star was waiting.