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his way back to his room. He had a lot to think about. It wouldn't be that bad being a magic user he told himself. Besides it was kind of fun doing the picture and color games. I wonder what the test for a martial student is, probably not sticking your hand in a box. He thought with a smile that slowly faded. Funny I don't remember anyone else saying anything about a test for the martial academy. Perhaps I won't have to go through it cause of my father’s commission he wondered.
    Alec followed the dirt road back toward the commons with only the half-moon to see by. A nearby squirrel chittered at him angrily causing the stone under his shirt to glow a soft blue color. Alec was fairly certain it was the same squirrel he’d seen earlier but couldn’t be positive.
    Alec lay down in his bed that night thinking of all the new things he would see and do. He fantasized of being a great warrior in the king’s army, then of being a powerful wizard, respected by nobility and held in awe by his peers. The fantasies turned to dreams as he fell asleep.
    Alec woke the next morning refreshed and full of energy. He decided not to tell his Aunt Karen about having magic what with the way she’d spoke of it the other day. The day started like normal, doing his chores and eating breakfast with the only addition of attending the sermon at the temple to thank the gods for their part in the world.
    Alec helped set the pot luck style lunch in the town square where he politely listened to all the words of wisdom given to him for his trip to the academy. That's when he realized they were probably leaving tomorrow. Alec saw Mr. Phillips standing off to the side a short while later and decided to ask, just to be sure.
    "Mr. Phillips." He said trying to get his attention.
    "Yes?"
    "Um, are we leaving tomorrow?"
    "Is someone a little anxious? Yes, we'll be leaving first thing in the morning, right after breakfast."
    "I thought so, there are some people I'd like to say goodbye to." Alec explained.
    "I understand. Just make sure you pack tonight. We’ll be leaving right after breakfast."
    Alec made his rounds to some of the other kids and several of the adults, getting well wishes along the way. He came to the one person he was hoping and dreading to talk to, Sarah.
    "Hi, Sarah, I just wanted to say goodbye for tomorrow."
    "You’re leaving before lunch?”
    "Yah, right after breakfast," he told her nervously.
    "Oh. I didn't think it would be so soon.” She said. "I'm sorry about the other day. I should have gotten the whole story or talked to you first. I'm sorry, OK."
    "Yah, friends then?"
    "Friends," she agreed.
    Alec hung out with Jake and his parents the rest of the afternoon to prevent any other embarrassing situations.
     
    Having been given two silver pieces Alec finally talked Jake in to going over to the tanners shop to purchase a small pack. He definitely didn’t want to go by himself. As they entered the tanners shop the smell of the cured leather permeating the air as they made their way to the front desk. Greg came from the back room and stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of Alec.
    "Father, customers!" He yelled turning and entered the back area again.
    "What are you doing back here? Thought you said there were customers!" They heard coming from the back, followed by a response they couldn't make out.
    "Hello gentlemen. What can I do for you?" George Tanner asked coming from the back room.
    "Mr. Tanner.” Alec nodded in greeting to him. “I'm here to purchase a small pack for tomorrow."
    "Ah, you had me worried for a bit there.” He said smiling now. "How long's the trip?"
    "I'm going to the academy, so two almost three days."
    "That's right, I did hear that. Let’s look at these ones over here." He said leading the way. "I would suggest this one or this one.” Holding up two packs, one was a used dark multi brown with some of the stitching having obviously been replaced, the other was new a light yellowish tan with fine close