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There were only five of them left in Castal’s treasury, possibly the last ones not only in the Empire but in all of Eanor. Johann took only two mirrors and gave me one. Naturally, he showed great persistence. He claimed to have found texts about them and wanted to learn how to activate them in time. It would be a way to keep in touch if our paths diverged in the future. The method he knew required that both "needles" be sprinkled with our blood, which I agreed to. As I later found out, the crystals absorbed all the blood. Johann asked me to hide the mirror and not think about it until the time was right. And if he could figure it out, he was certain I would as well.

We were deeply afraid that the theft would be quickly discovered and that a large-scale inspection would follow. But it was only a year later that the loss of the mirrors was noticed, and not long after that, the Unnameable himself smiled upon us.

That year saw the greatest and bloodiest feud the Holy Empire of the Golden Pillars had ever witnessed. It would later be called, childishly, “The Great Dispute over the Pillars.” Formally, Castal was not part of the Empire — it was a protectorate, not obliged to participate in imperial policies. However, it was within the Empire’s borders, on an island in the middle of a lake, beyond which its independence ended. So the events that began could not help but affect the castle. The ruling collegium became embroiled in issues of defense and maintaining neutrality, while also trying to prevent mages from leaving to join one of the warring factions. Among those who wanted to leave was Johann. His desire to depart wasn’t just about the stolen mirror but stemmed from deep disagreements with other guild members. He decided it was time to test his strength on the mainland. I stayed behind, which, to my surprise, he understood. We promised to keep the mirrors and, if the gods favored us, to meet again, and so we parted.

At that time, everyone thought he had gone to certain death, but no one foresaw that the war would come to Castal.

One of the coastal feudal lords, who had long coveted the castle, decided to seize the opportunity created by the chaos. While the rest fought over the Pillars, he gathered an army and besieged our guild’s residence. But that’s another story, not relevant to my tale. I mention it only to clarify what happened to me during that time, which led the collegium to stop searching for Filnar’s Mirrors altogether.

Castal was captured, though not for long. I participated in its liberation, fighting on the front lines, and earned the recognition of the archmages for my protective spells.

After the battle, I realized that Sidokar Kemass had gained experience and knowledge within these walls, but was now trapped, like a bird in a cage. Sure, I could continue working for the glory of Castal’s magical order, help with its restoration, draw knowledge from its books, and eventually become an archmage — perhaps even join the Web Council. But that wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted to see the world beyond the castle walls, to apply what I had learned, and maybe even discover something new. Like Johann.

I stayed in Castal for another six years. During that time, the war ended, and I helped rebuild the castle and restore the guild. But one day, I said goodbye to everyone, got into a boat, and sailed to the shore. I left with the guilt of abandoning my friends and teachers in difficult times. And also for stealing: I still had Filnar’s Mirror with me.