A group of Mages, including both seniors and journeymen, representing the various Spheres of Magic come together for an informal discussion on the future of organized magic. Mage Kessler of Fire and Light opens with the topic of opening up the Spheres for more cross-study, focusing on the similarities they share. Mage Envoy supports the idea, on the notion that consolidating instruction in areas common to all Spheres will be more efficient and remove some of the burden of the senior instructors.

The number of mages has been severely reduced due to the attritions of war, such that few operate on the surface any more. Hedge-wizards and other 'amateur' practitioners are more common now, with true mages being held in great respect (or great fear). Mage Qing advocates the unpleasant necessity of trying to draw these fringe magic-users into the College to shore up its numbers. This goes against tradition, and there is a bit of concern among the older mages for granting amnesty to the 'rabble' merely to increase their numbers.

Despite the unpleasant aspects, there is general consensus that the old model of master-apprentice teaching needs to be updated, and that a show of spectacle to remind the world of their power and draw in new blood would be beneficial.

After the meeting, Mage Kessler goes to see his former master, the Fire Mage Sharif, a Khattan sheik, in a cave with in the Sphere of Earth's extensive gardens. He fills in the master on the results of the meeting, and general opinion that he's planted the seeds of change.