Prolog
0 - A Bedtime Story
"You might have heard this story a hundredfold. However, for those of you who have not, do sit quietly and listen!", said the grumpy, old man - a known Storyteller in the village. Sitting on the fountain marking its center, he is surrounded by what seems to be a hundredfold of kids. They're ranging from barely walking children to teenagers with pimples spreading all over their faces. Their rambling and muttering quickly came to a halt after said grumpy, old man had to repeat his words, threatening not to tell the story altogether.
"See what you did? Now my throat is all sour." He scooped a handful of water out of the fountain and proceeded with his story:
"You know, just a few hundred years ago, the great Archmage, Gregoran, was born. A timid and silent boy he was, with his head already covered in hair the moment he was born. Naturally, as with every child with such an obvious magical potential, his parents had to give him to the order of mages the very next day. Raised by the apprentices of the Mage Guild of Sombra, known for their strict teachings and indoctrination, he learned the basics of magic and was able to cast his first spell at just the age of six!''
"Liar!", a blond-haired girl shouted, cutting him off. "Everyone knows that it takes decades to learn even the simplest spells! My father is rumored to be the quickest learner of the century, having mastered a fireball at the age of 27!" Lifting his hand, the old man brought the girl to silence. "You don't have to believe me, but please, can I continue my story without further interruptions? After all we are talking about almost half a millennium ago, and not a century."
The blond girl - Beatrice by name - would obviously interrupt again, that much was assured. "But at least for now, I can focus on telling the story", the old man thought, coughed and got back to his job. As he continued to talk, it was as if a spell was cast upon all of the listeners - in almost an instant, everyone around went silent and seemed to fall in a trance, playing the story they're hearing in their minds.