When a masked Jester performs an incredible feat of magic at the Annual Royal Demonstration of Magics, student Alice Pihl decides that she will be this man's apprentice, no matter the cost. She will no longer suffer her mother's beatings, the humiliation of her upbringing and her stagnating magical development.

"The road is irreversible and will consume every essence of your being", says the Jester, his face hidden behind an ornate mask.

Alice stares into his eyes, two swirling maelstroms of energy akin to the sun. Her decision was made years ago, and it was written in reinforced steel.

The Jester turns from her gaze. "Very well, we shall test your mettle with three tasks. If you survive all three, you will evolve to a state words cannot explain. And should you fail, you will simply be another farmer's daughter, dead and burried in an unmarked grave. Now follow me, we have a ways to travel."

Alice kept her icy gaze on the Jester, however inside she was as the first day of spring, the ice that had embraced her life for years was now finally melting away as sprouts of hope slowly made their way to the surface. Whatever these tasks, that manifested themselves as shadowy gateways in her mind, proved to be, she would prevail.

***********************************************

If you enjoy my work, consider visiting my patreon and supporting me!