KR 20th Anniversary Story: Shadow above the Mountain

From all across the world, prospective learners ventured to the Quartz Mountain Academy -- the great academy where all magic was taught to the rest of the world. Noble houses sent their greatest heirs, while the less noble hoped that such an opportunity would help their status. The master Palenor Wizards, who equally came from all walks of life welcomed all who wished to learn the gifts given to them by the fey.

But a dark cloud was looming now, as strange and unnerving things began to sprout up. Anomalous gravitational happenstances, a student going missing, horrific noises deep in the night, and a mysterious accident within the halls. What strange being found her way into it’s halls and what did she want with the academy?
“Something unnatural is happening here,” Lucindra confided to her colleague, “These demon attacks should not be! What is drawing them here?”

“Maybe the dragons didn’t truly beat them back!” Necrophitus snarled.

“Come now! There is something more going on! Why don’t you take your students on a field excursion to investigate?”

Necrophitus sat within the study, contemplating her words, his eyes darting around as if he was formulating a plan. He was always considering the options of what he could accomplish, sometimes seemingly like his students were just pawns in his own work. Lucindra knew this, but still hoped he was concerned for them.

“Fine. When I last checked, the anomaly they were headed for was somewhere on the eastern canyon. Perhaps I can send Cennius with them.” The master leaned back in his chair, mulling over his words. This, he hoped, would finally give him what he needed for his research… Softly she whispered to herself, as if she was speaking to someone else, but in their words. Her voice lingered on the wind, blowing away toward the one she hoped could hear her…