The lecture hall was packed full of students, more than Arron had seen in one place since joining the Citadel. The mob spilled into the hall, with everyone clamoring together and trying to push their way through. Arron was among them, trying to force his skinny body through the crowd. He had planned to be here Much earlier, half and hour before anyone else. But Archmaester Alekyne wanted to “commend” his quick understanding of medical science. It had taken all of Arron’s will not to punch the ancient man’s rotting teeth in.

Alekyne wasn’t the only one who looked down on Arron. Many of the other Archmaesters and the other novices and acolytes all thought Arron unworthy of being here. How dare he, a lowborn orphan, deign to enter the exalted halls of the Citadel. They didn’t all say it outright. Some, like Archmaester Alekyne, were content to insinuate that he was a cheater, that his answers to questions came from other novices and acolytes. Others were more than happy to say it to his face, highborn novices most of all. One had even tried to bribe Arron into giving over the links he’d forged.

Arron paid them little mind though. He knew the truth of the matter, he was smarter than them all, despite his birth. One day he would have a chain with every metal on it. In his pocket now were the three he’d already forged. Bronze for history, Gold for mathematics, and Iron for Warcraft. Three links in only two years! Archmaester Baelon called him a prodigy and Arron knew it to be true. Soon he’d finished his silver link, and then he’d move onto to some other subject, perhaps black iron.

Regardless, today was a special occasion. Today Archmaester Karlon returned from his voyages in Essos. Karlon was considered by some members of the Conclave to be a radical, for despite clear brilliance in many areas of study, the aging man spent all his time studying magic, or the “Higher Mysteries” as they insisted on calling it. Despite the disapproval of the Conclave, novices and acolytes shared stories of Karlon and his studies. From what Arron had heard, the Archmaester had been gone for five years, sailing all over Essos to learn about different sources of magic. The supposed miracles of the Red God, the warlocks of Qarth, and the Shadowbinders of Asshai!

Karlon has returned two days ago, and after a meeting with the conclave that had lasted almost half a day, Karlon had announced that he would be lecturing on his journey this afternoon.

Arron had been one of the few not overly excited by the announcement. He didn’t believe in any “higher mysteries”. He wasn’t even sure if he believed in the Gods. Yet here he was, forcing his way into the Citadel’s largest lecture hall, looking around.

“Arron! Up here!” A voice called out from above. At the highest level of the stadium style seating sat Elric. The only friend Arron had found since joining the Citadel. Elric’s life mirrored Arron’s in many ways, he’d grown up on the streets of White Harbor. Some years ago he’d heard of the Citadel and the knowledge it offered, he’d stowed away on a ship headed for Oldtown. Like Arron, Archmaester Baelon had taken an interest in him too. Baelon had been the one to introduce the boys, making them his protégés.

Elric was the reason that Arron was forcing his way through the mob of people to see Archmaester Karlon’s lecture. Elric was fascinated by anything involving magic. He wanted to know everything he could about the subject. He was hoping that he could find a way to study directly under Karlon. Archmaester Baelon had cautioned Elric not to get too excited, that Karlon’s lecture might not be all that Elric hoped it would be. But the Northern man could not be dissuaded.

“You barely made it.” Elric admonished, once Arron had found his way to the seat Elric had saved for him. Elric was almost always smirking at him. As though he knew some secret Arron wasn’t privy to.

Arron gave a fake laugh looked into Elric’s brilliant blue eyes, “Sorry, Archmaester Alekyne wanted to compliment how well I’ve been doing in my studies.” His tone made it clear just how genuine the Archmaesters compliment had been.

Elric laughed and swung an arm around Arron’s neck, pulling himself close. Arron could feel his face flush as Elric whispered in his ear. “Ignore that old relic, Arron. You’ll show him just how worthy of praise you are when you complete your silver chain.” Arron grumbled in response. Elric had been here for three years before Arron, and had grown used to being looked down on for his low birth. Seeing that Arron wasn’t quite as ready to let go of the slight, Elric kept talking. “Relax, there are no lectures tomorrow. Tonight, you and I will go out and have some fun.”

Arron wanted to ask what Elric meant, but he heard Archmaester Karlon begin speaking. He’d just have to wait and see.