Introduction to Legacy of Z

"Recruit! Open the door!"

The gruff, rustic voice of the instructor easily carried through the closed door and reached the young man's ears. He cursed, he had known this was going to happen, but that had not stopped him from feverently hoping it wouldn't.

He opened the door, to find himself staring into the glaring eyes of the scarred, and battle worn instructor, Grounce(the name had already caused some humour among the recruits who called him Grouch). "Sir?" He tried to make it sound as innocent as possible, but he knew Grounce would notice every minute detail. The slight strain in his voice, the increased pulse, the slightly heavy breathing, were all giving him away.
"I can explain, Sir......It was Xander.....I tried to stop him, but...."

"Enough, Zerric. Why must you always create trouble? Why can't you live down your stupidity and start living up to your potential? A true warrior must take responsibility for his own actions. The Academy will not be able to protect you, now that you are no longer a recruit."

"Wait. What? No longer a recruit??"

"Did you not read any of the letters that were sent to you?"

"Honestly Sir, i havn't read any letters since ---"

"I have neither time nor patience to listen to your exploits right now, as thrilling as they must be. I have been sent to inform you that the Presentation will be at 5 this evening. Gather your belongings and come to the Great Hall when you are ready."
The instructor turned and walked away. Zerric sat down on the bed. Graduation......he could hardly believe it. The Academy had been his home for the last 14 years. He had not imagined life after he left it, and he could not remember his life before. His family had been killed by raiding Ogres when he was a small child. Lost and alone, he had wandered the city until someone brought him here. It was here he grew up, here he learned the ways of the warrior and the fine art of combat, here he made friends, and here that he had fallen in love. With a pang of longing he realized that he would have to leave her. True, she would be graduating soon, too. She was only a year younger than him, but had very promising Arcane abilities.

Zerric got up and walked to the mirror. He was 5' 8" and muscualar, and tho he wasn't as tall as some of his peers he could still hold his own in battle. He stared at himself in the mirror. He looked mature for his age, his long, untidy brown hair fell a little over his face, partly hiding his dark, penetrating eyes. He stared a moment longer and then turned away.

He sat back down on his bed. Graduation.......He could hardly believe it.