March 10, 1033
Well, it’s starting to be spring again. We’ve had unceasing rains lately instead of unceasing snows, but the hillsides are beginning to look dusted with green.
No word yet. I suppose I’m being too impatient, expecting a reply to my inquiries so soon. I can’t help but be anxious, though.
March 15, 1033
I recieved a letter today! It’s from a Madam Damynda at the University in Brindol, just a short trip over the hills from here! The situation seems ideal. I’ll surely be able to find an experienced Wizard to study from at a university. Madam Damynda writes that a professor of theirs, Annandale, is seeking an assistant to field student questions and grade papers while he continues with some important research. I’ll be given room and board in exchange for my services, and be able to take a few classes free of charge in my off time! Madam Samanda knows Professor Annandale slightly. He stayed here on his way to Brindol several years ago, and if he knows Boccob, he must know about magical study. I can hardly wait to be off! Though, of course I’ll have to be delayed several weeks to put my things in order and make travel plans. With the university so close, it will hardly be a permanent separation. I won’t feel so bad about leaving here when I know a visit is possible, even if I never have the chance to make one. Xanda will have to give my students their final exams in April, for I will be gone to Brindol. They have a theater there, and a seashore! I can hardly wait.
March 16, 1033
I spent all day packing. Luckily I don’t have many possessions and Fon was kind enough to give me a bag of holding as a going away present. He teared up a bit when he gave it to me. Said it had been in his family for three generations. They were a great set of adventurers, Fon’s decendants, and he was just glad to be able to pass it on since he has no relations of his own to use it. You would think I was going straight to a Dragon’s lair the way Fon talked of my leaving the temple and the dangerous times that will ensue, but I’ll miss the old curmudgeon. It was sweet of him to give me the bag, and I will think of him every time I use it. I intend to take my quilt, and both sets of robes, as well as my spell book (of course), and my diary (ditto). I’ll probably see if I can buy a set of adventuring clothes before I set off, much more comfortable and cool than all the drapey fabric of my Wizard wear will be on the road. A good pair of sturdy shoes would be nice too, instead of the thin slippers I wear around here. I must see if I can get someone to take me to the shops.
Madam Samanda announced my leaving at dinner today, and my entire class burst into tears, bedewing their soups with saltiness. They’ll soon forget me for their new teacher, and realize how short a time a year really is. As of yet, they’re only about sixty years old, hardly old enough for anything to grab a hold of them permanently. I feel a slight twinge of guilt in leaving them half way through their year, but there’s really no help for it. The letter from the university said to make haste, as their term had already started.
Casey E. Hamilton 