“You don’t have to ask,” Galen declared with a heavy sigh, as the new companions broke their fast together for the first time, having noticed their inquisitive looks… something he’d gotten used to. “I lost my hair and gained this brand as the result of, what was intended to be, a practical joke by one of my fellow students at the Lady’s College… at least he was until he was expelled for it… and, of course, he blames me.” Marlyk laughed hysterically, literally doubling over, as Galen looked up from the ground, his forehead burned, like someone had slapped a hot iron against it, and his once long, luscious raven locks had turned a sickly ash grey, then shed, leaving nothing but bald skin behind. He’d been vain, too proud of his beautiful mane, and now he’d never grow another hair on his head. The searing burns eventually cooled, but left a blistered brand prominently above his brow, a lasting mark that even magical healing wouldn’t remove. “Such vile and petty actions are an unacceptable perversion of the Art and will not be tolerated at this institution,” the senior Master of Art announced their verdict. “Marlyk of house Ravenmoot, you are expelled… and shall be barred from entry to the entire Conclave of Silverymoon for life!” “You’ll regret this you withered fossils… and you, Galen Ardae, will bare my mark till the day you die and will lament the day you met me,” Marlyk roared in rage. “I already do!” Galen spat back venomously. Expulsion was the worst punishment the Lady’s College had to impose, but he knew that one day there would be a reckoning between them. They had clashed from their first day there. They’d both been required to serve the College as aspirants, doing menial tasks until space opened up for them as students. Having arrived the same day, they knew they would compete for the first slot that became available… a rivalry that Galen had won. As the son of a wealthy Silverymoon merchant family, Marlyk was used to a life of luxury and privilege, being served by others rather than doing the serving, and therefore he chafed at many of the tasks required of him. While Galen, being a common farmer’s boy, whose family could barely afford the tuition for him to attend the Lady’s College, was willing to do any task, regardless of how unpleasant. So he’d been rewarded with the first opportunity to become a student, and Marlyk was forced to wait an additional six months for another slot to open… which he saw as a slight at Galen’s hand. As he stormed out of the gates of the Lady’s College for the last time, Marlyk swore to himself that one day he’d see the place in flames… and that Galen would suffer at his hands before he died a horrible death. Enraged that he’d been expelled for a foolish practical joke, bringing disgrace to his family name, his father had disowned him, leaving him homeless and nearly penniless, with no trade to fall back on and an incomplete education in the Art. But regardless of what obstacles he had to overcome, he’d become a powerful wizard, and those that had wronged him would be brought low by his hand… even if it took his entire lifetime!