Mind over Caste

By J. B. Spring

While riding the subway on her way home, she saw a billboard with an unusual advertisement. It read: “Finding the magic is just the beginning!” When she looked at the three mythical animal heads insignia, she felt an uncomfortable sense of de ja vu. The harder she strained to see the emblem more clearly, the less she could make it out. But the familiar feeling remained.

After suffering an unspeakable tragedy on her graduation day, computer scientist Clara LeRoy is searching for a way to bring deeper meaning into her life. This search sends her on a journey of discovery that will teach her about herself and a secret world that she never imagined. When Clara discovers that she has powers and abilities that scare her as much as they thrill her, she finds herself caught in a web of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy her if she can’t find the truth.

Gabriel has always known that he was destined to accomplish great things. He lived his life with discipline and purpose, never losing sight of his vision. When a mysterious stranger appears and offers Gabriel a chance to study magic at the exclusive Legatum School of Magic, he jumps at the opportunity. When Gabriel arrives at Legatum, he feels his destiny has arrived. By harnessing the power of his mind, Gabriel discovers he has more power and abilities than he ever dreamed possible.
Venture with Clara and Gabriel into the magical world of Legatum School of Magic. Where dragons roar, magi learn, and the power of the mind is the most potent magic of all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. B. Spring
• Release date: Jul 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9798986457116

Book preview

The Boy ~ The Calling

The sun burned bright in the cloudless, noonday sky as Gabriel dug circular trenches around the trees. The trenches were just a few inches deep – deep enough to keep the water close to the roots. It was a technique he had learned from his late father, who had learned it from his father before him. Even his professors at university had taught this technique. Gabriel studied economy and business at one of the leading universities in Paris. Still, he took a few agriculture and land management classes to explore how the educated minds of academia taught how to best cultivate and farm the land.

He was dressed comfortably in a sweat-soaked, oversized shirt and comfortable pants. He also wore a large straw hat because his mother worried that his fair skin would sunburn. Wearing the hat was simpler than her worried reminders to cover his head. Personally, he didn’t much care about keeping his skin fair or keeping up with society’s expectation of beauty, for that matter. He only made an effort to wear the right outfit for some occasions because he knew that people judged others by how they stood, talked, walked, and undeniably dressed. People were more likely to respect and follow a well-spoken, fashionably dressed man with good posture and a commanding presence. He dressed in comfortable clothing the rest of the time, sometimes wearing the same outfit for days on end.

He carried water from the well near the house to the trees and started pouring it in the circles he had dug earlier. He made this back-breaking trek a hundred times before the chore was done. He often dreamed of easier and more modern ways to complete this task. There were long rubber hoses that would bring the water from the well with just a faucet turn. But then they would also have to buy an expensive electric pump, which they could not afford. He added the hoses and pump to his list of things to buy to modernize the farm. Gabriel didn’t mind the physical work; actually, he loved it. The hard work kept his body in great shape and his mind well-rested. After a hard day’s work, he would sleep like a baby. But he did mind wasting time. If he could streamline and modernize some of the more tedious chores, he would have more time in his day to accomplish his other goals. That would be a dream come true. There were so many things to do around the farm to make it a successful business. Doing it the old-fashioned way would never help him get there.

He was watering the last tree when he saw a strange fog slowly encroaching and covering the water circles. He looked up, and the sun disappeared behind the new grey clouds. It looked like it would rain at any moment. Seeing a storm approach was bizarre, as they were amidst one of the hottest and driest Julys in many years. Gabriel wouldn’t mind getting some help from the skies, but the weather change was so sudden and weird that he felt ill at ease.

He blinked as he saw a man appear from thin air. How was that possible? Gabriel didn’t see him coming. He was just there, a few feet away, walking towards him. The gentleman wore a black cape, its hood pulled over his head, billowed in the wind that the approaching storm had stirred up. Gabriel felt a sense of de-ja-vu, everything that just happened felt familiar to him, but he couldn’t explain how. The man pushed back his hood and looked at Gabriel, his face wearing a somber expression. He had beautiful olive skin, grey eyes, and silvery-grey hair.

Hello, Gabriel.

Hello, sir. I’m sorry, do we know each other? Gabriel politely inquired.

No, we have never met. But we have noticed you and feel that you are a good match for us, said the man calmly.

What do you mean? Gabriel asked, confusion playing across his handsome features.

You are an exceptional person, Gabriel. You have found your inner magic. Most people go about their mundane lives and never finding it. When unique individuals finally find their magic, it changes the universe’s vibrations alerting us. We make contact to offer our help and instruction so they can use their gifts safely, efficiently, and for the good of this earth, he said simply.

"My magic? Is magic real? Does that mean that I’m a wizard?" Gabriel laughed nervously.

"You only just found your magic. You can’t use it until you know how to. If you join our school, we will not only teach you how to use your magic. We will teach you how to master it," he explained as he turned towards the house. He raised his hand and moved his fingers slowly as if he was calling for someone or something. Then a few seconds later, Gabriel saw big drops of water moving toward him, suspended in the air by an invisible force. One by one, they dropped into the circles that Gabriel had dug earlier.

And no, you’re not born a wizard. Only people who push themselves to reach their full potential find their magic. Isn’t that what you have been doing for years now, pushing yourself to work harder than all around you? Making plans for your success?

Gabriel was speechless. He was an intelligent and educated man. Yet, he couldn’t quite believe what the strange man had said and done despite seeing it with his own eyes. He didn’t blame his parents for believing in the old myths and legends because they hadn’t gone to school. They didn’t learn things like science, chemistry, and biology. But for him, he was always at the top of his class. The best university in all of France had accepted him.

His mind spun, trying to find a logical explanation for all he had witnessed that day. The longer he thought, the more excited and anxious he became. He began shivering, his sweat-soaked shirt now feeling ice cold upon his back.

On the other hand, Gabriel had always known he was special, that he was born to do great things. If anyone had the extraordinary power of magic, it made sense that he would be them. If these powers did exist, if there were an up until now a hidden side of the earth and new theories beyond the old sciences, then he would love to be the one to master them.

You need to choose, young man, said the hooded man, quickly reading Gabriel’s thoughts as the expressions flashed across his young face. He held up two cards, one in each hand, and showed them to Gabriel. You can either join our school and learn to use your magic for the good of all humanity, or you can forget that this ever happened and get back to your ordinary daily life. Your choice.

Gabriel closed his eyes for a minute, took a deep breath, opened his eyes, and walked toward the hooded man. He looked into the man’s eye and took a card without blinking.

The Girl ~ The Graduation

She turned off the alarm and thought about going back to sleep. But then a tiny voice in her head reminded her that she needed to get up. Dragging her feet, she turned on the lights and the smart tv, as was her usual morning wake-up routine. She scrolled through her morning playlist on YouTube and settled on the third song, an upbeat rock song by her favorite band.

Clara was not a morning person; her first reflex was to hit the snooze button three or four times and go back to sleep before forcing herself out of bed. But since the beginning of her first summer internship, she decided to try to start a healthy morning routine. Though Clara had continued the same practice in the months since her internship ended and her new job began, her body still fought waking up. She still had to use her usual hacks like turning on the lights and playing her favorite songs to help her wake up. As today was her day off, Clara would usually sleep in. However, today was a special day – her graduation day! Though she had already left school and begun her first job, she had been excitedly awaiting today. It was the day she would celebrate her transformation from a student to an independent and employed adult.

She looked slowly around her room. Five years ago, Clara left her parent’s home when she started university. Like most students, she chose to live in a 15-meter squared apartment in Paris to enjoy the full university experience. She missed having her larger room from time to time, but it would have been impossible for her to find a bigger apartment that she could afford in Paris. Paris was the fifth most expensive city in the world. She was thankful that her parents paid for her lodging during her time at university. They had already done so much for her that she would never think of asking them to spend more. Besides, all her friends had the same types of apartments. Some friends had somewhat smaller apartments, while others were co-renting a slightly bigger one. Now that she is working, she could start thinking about looking for a larger place, but only after another year or two. She was well paid as an entry-level employee because computer engineering was a growing field. Also, she was lucky enough to be hired by a prestigious company. But she would rather spend that money on clothes and traveling for the time being.

She got up, went to her kitchenette, turned on her tea kettle, and then went straight to her bathroom. She studied her reflection in the mirror while brushing her long dark brown hair. She looked tired. Her face was pale, and her eyes were a bit puffy. However, this was how she looked when she woke up. After a few hours, the puffiness would go down, her color would come back into her cheeks, and her eyes would look bright and energetic. Her internal clock was just different. While others were excited for the day to begin at sunrise, her mind and body came to life at sunset! For now, she would try to kick her body into gear through her fifteen-minute morning exercise routine. She washed her face, put on her gym clothes, and went back to her room. She poured herself a cup of warm tea, added a squeeze of lemon, and drank the whole cup before starting to exercise.

After exercising, she spent five minutes doing yoga and deep breathing. She loved the way that she felt centered after she was done. The frantic emotions that had always swirled around her soul quieted. Also, the energy that surrounded her turned blue and peaceful. She was on her way to shower when her mother opened her apartment door and walked in with a big smile while carrying several large bags.

Are you ready for the big day, my beautiful girl? she asked excitedly as she hugged Clara, despite her hands being full of bags.

Clara looked at her mother, who was so full of energy, and thought, This is what a morning person looks like! Her mother was 55 years old, but she looked so much younger, especially when she was happy or excited, as she was today. Today, she looked radiant. Her blond hair was perfectly coifed, her face was bright, and her eyes sparkled with excitement. She wore a dark emerald-colored dress, matching high heels, and a small, intricately beaded purse. Clara loved her mother’s sense of fashion, amongst other things. Because Clara was adopted as a baby, she and her mother looked nothing alike. Usually, she didn’t think about it, but the fact that she and her mother looked so different made it clear that they were not related by blood. A wave of nostalgia and sentimentality overcame her. She was deeply grateful to have Paul and Marie as parents. They loved and cared for her more deeply than any parents she had ever met. Although they were not related by blood, she wouldn’t have changed anything about them or chosen anyone else to be her parents.

It’s a little early to be ready, isn’t it? Clara answered while taking two of the bags her mother was holding. She was also carrying a long dress bag.

"I brought you the dress! I can’t wait to see you in it," her mother exclaimed, almost vibrating in her excitement.

I haven’t eaten breakfast yet, Mom. And I still need a shower, Clara laughed while walking to the bathroom.

"No worries! I brought you some croissants and pains au chocolat. I’ll set the table while you’re showering." Her mother happily retorted.

Clara took a quick shower and threw on her pajamas before returning to her small table.

Where’s Dad? Is he still asleep? Clara asked although she knew that he was probably up and had already gone for his usual morning walk. Her parents were a couple of early birds. They always had been. They would go for a walk or a run around the block, go back home, shower, and make breakfast before even trying to wake up Clara when she was younger and lived with them. They had the same routine for as long as she could remember.

No, I left just after he returned home from his morning run. I didn’t go with him this morning, I was too excited, so I came here straight away. We have so much to do! Marie said while pouring herself a cup of tea.

Mom, the ceremony doesn’t start until this afternoon, Clara gently reminded her.

Exactly, we don’t have much time! We have to do your hair and makeup, put on the dress, and then pick up your dad. And then we still have to go all the way back to the University campus. Oh my God! We’re running out of time already, she excitedly insisted.

Okay! Okay! I’m moving! I’ll do my hair now, Clara laughed as she plugged in her blow dryer and curling iron.

I’ll wait for you to finish your hair and makeup, she chattered. She found the television remote and put on Happy by Pharrell.

Once her hair and makeup were done, Marie helped Clara into her dress and heels. Then she took a few steps back. The floor-length dress looked like something out of a dream. The rose gold, off-the-shoulder gown perfectly complimented Clara’s rosy shine to her fair skin, athletic figure, and chocolate brown eyes.

Marie smiled, her eyes watering, and said, My most precious gift, my wonderful daughter, your beauty will steal the show at the ceremony. You look breathtaking!

That’s what every mom says to her daughter, Clara said, teasing her as they warmly embraced.

Pff, exactly! You know how beautiful you are. I don’t think I’m the only one who said that. Hein? Marie rolled her eyes and laughed.

Clara knew that people often commented on her looks, mostly because her fair skin, black hair, and chocolate eyes were unusual in this part of France. But she staunchly believed that beauty and attraction were highly personal and varied greatly from person to person. She had always been more attracted to a person’s character than their outside appearance. After all, the beauty of youth fades but a person of strong character will only get more beautiful with time.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And beauty is as beauty does, Clara answered back, laughingly quoting her mother’s own words.

Yeah, yeah! Come on. Let’s go get your dad! Marie rushed while helping Clara into her coat. She then put on her own jacket and opened the door.

When they arrived to pick up her dad, he was excited but calmer than her mom. Like Clara, he consistently presented a calm and collected appearance to the world, no matter what he was feeling on the inside. Her mom always said that their personalities were exactly alike. They even had the same interests.

Her dad was wearing a beautiful black suit that complemented his blue eyes and perfectly trimmed black beard. People always noticed his beard, especially when his hair went grey. Her friends would ask her if he dyed it. She laughed and told them all the same thing, Why would he dye his beard and leave his hair grey? That seemed to be the end of the conversation.

Are you ready to graduate on this beautiful day? he asked, kissing her forehead.

Yeah, Clara quietly answered, slightly distracted while sending a quick selfie to her friends. She captioned it, Are you ready, girlz?

I didn’t hear you, her dad prompted.

Absolutely, ready! she responded louder, putting more excitement into her voice.

That’s my girl! her dad smiled at her in the rearview mirror as he pulled out of their driveway.

They drove across the city to the university’s campus, located a few miles outside Paris. They made it just in time for the ceremony to begin. She found her parents’ seats where they had a good view of the commencement stage and then went off to find her friends.

Wow, girl! Laura shouted. You look like a model in that dress!

Or a queen! Lorenzo added.

Or one of the rich girls from Gossip Girls! Laura added, laughing.

My beautiful, rich girl! whispered Jeremy while hugging Clara from behind. He turned her around to look into her eyes and said, So, are you gonna introduce me to your lovely parents today?

Hmm, Clara mumbled uncomfortably. She breathed a sigh of relief as the headmaster took the microphone and welcomed everyone, enabling her to make her escape. She nodded and said, Later, and went to sit next to her parents as the ceremony started.

During her last year of university, she and Jeremy were classmates. He was fun to be around, and they had a lot in common. So, they always had something to talk about. They spent most of their time at school discussing the projects they could collaborate on once they graduated. Together with Lorenzo and Laura, they formed a tight-knit group of friends, even calling themselves the Fab Four. Because they considered themselves the only cool developers in their class, they spent their time joking around and quietly poking fun at the other students in the class. They decided to give romance a chance once summer came about.

But once they started dating, Clara felt that their synergy had changed. She didn’t know if their expectations were higher, if the relationship made them feel that they had more responsibility toward one another, or if their priorities had shifted since finishing school. Whatever the reason, they found themselves fighting more often and communicating less and less as time went on.

The headmaster finally finished his long speech, and Professor Fontaine began to call the names of the graduating class to give them their diplomas. Clara thanked her parents and teachers from the podium when her name was called. Then she added earnestly, And one more thing, happy birthday, Laura!. Her friends laughed and cheered as she left the podium.

Wasn’t Laura’s birthday last month? her mother asked once Clara arrived back at her seat.

Yeah, it was just a dare. That is why they laughed, mom! Clara said, trying to stifle her giggles so that she didn’t interrupt the ceremony.

And, of course, you had to do it. You’re just like your father. He can’t refuse a dare either! Marie said while laughing with her. Her father smiled, chuckled, and shook his head.

When the ceremony ended at five pm, it was already dark outside. Clara was leaving when Laura, Lorenzo, and Jeremy came over to say hi to her parents.

Aren’t you coming with us to the party Clara? Laura asked.

I’ll join you later. I want to spend some time with my parents. I’m sure that they’ve planned something, Clara answered while smiling happily at her dad.

No, you should go with your friends to celebrate tonight. We’ll celebrate as a family this weekend. We’re planning a big party, her father responded, smiling back at Clara.

Are you serious? Who did you invite? Clara almost shouted excitedly, surprised.

The whole family, obviously. Did you think we wouldn’t go all out to celebrate our only child’s graduation? he asked while hugging Clara. So go ahead and enjoy your time with your friends. He gently brushed a stray hair away from her face and kissed her on her forehead.

Thank you, Daddy, Clara blushed a deep red as happy tears filled her eyes. She hugged and kissed them goodbye, waved, and watched them until they left.

So, what did you guys plan? Clara asked, turning to her college friends.

Only the biggest party, evah! Laura yelled and ran to the car.

Yeaaah! they shouted and followed her.

They started driving back to Paris with the windows down and the music blaring. They sang along with the radio at the top of their lungs. Suddenly, they had to slam on their brakes because the cars ahead of them had come to a standstill. The traffic was backed up as far as they could see.

What’s going on? Jeremy asked. He put his head out the window to try and see what was going on ahead of them. It must be an accident!

Oh my God, let’s hope it is only a minor one, said Laura, sitting behind the steering wheel, slowly moving forward a few feet at a time.

After twenty minutes in traffic, they saw a black Clio upside down in a ditch. An ambulance pulled up to the scene as they approached, and two policemen directed the traffic to move forward. Clara did a double-take because the black car was painfully familiar to her. Her heart stopped before her brain processed what was happening. She jumped and ran toward the twisted heap of metal without stopping to think. She drew fearful breaths deep into her lungs, trying to calm her wild heartbeat and the nervous churning of her stomach.

Please, God, let them be okay! Please make sure they’re okay. Please… God! Clara pleaded silently as she came to the scene. A young policeman gruffly tried to push her back behind the police barrier, but still, she saw them. Two bodies, the first one was in a black body bag, and the second one was on an ambulance bed. Two paramedics were