The Slave Trade and School Island
As Harry delves deeper into the library, he comes across several tomes that seem to be hidden away on the highest shelves, as if deliberately placed out of sight. The books are bound in dark leather and have titles that are chillingly direct, such as "The Commerce of Souls" and "Chains of Magic: A History of Enslavement in Morgana's Seat". Curious and disturbed, Harry begins to read. He learns that the slave trade in Morgana's Seat has deep roots, dating back to the early days of Morgana's rule. The nine families, each ruling over their respective continents, have long participated in this grim industry, using it as a means to maintain power and control. Slaves are acquired in various ways—through conquest, debt, or even dark rituals—and are then sold, traded, or forced into labor according to the needs of their masters.
Each of the nine families has carved out a specific niche in the slave trade: House Ignis is heavily involved in using slaves for dangerous labor in their mines and for experimentation with elemental magic; House Terra controls the agriculture and resource extraction industries, using slaves to cultivate vast lands and harvest the bounty of their continent; House Caelum specializes in the training and mental conditioning of slaves, often using them as spies, servants, or even as unwilling subjects in their mind magic experiments; and House Umbra deals in the darkest aspects of the trade, using necromancy to bind the souls of the dead to eternal servitude and employing living slaves in their shadowy operations. The trade is systematized through elite auctions held in secret locations across the nine continents. These auctions are exclusive events, attended by the most powerful and wealthy individuals in Morgana's Seat. The slaves sold here are often those who have been conditioned and trained to serve specific purposes, whether it be combat, domestic service, or magical labor. The Archivist Family (Eldoria), as Harry recalls from earlier readings, plays a crucial role in acquiring, training, and selling these slaves, holding the most prestigious and secretive auctions.
As Harry reads, he feels a growing sense of horror and anger. The idea that human beings—sentient creatures with thoughts, emotions, and potential—are traded as commodities sickens him. He finds himself questioning the very foundations of Morgana's Seat, wondering how such a system could be allowed to flourish under the rule of someone as powerful as Morgana. This revelation fuels his determination to understand the true nature of this world, and possibly even find a way to confront or change it. In stark contrast to the darkness of the slave trade, Harry also uncovers information about School Island, a place dedicated to the education and training of young wizards and witches. The island, known formally as Arcanum Isle, is described in several books, each providing insights into its role in shaping the future leaders and magical elites of Morgana's Seat.
Arcanum Isle is divided into four Houses—Emberwing, Rooterra, Caelum, and Umbra—each aligned with one of the nine families. The school is renowned for its rigorous curriculum, which includes studies in elemental magic, mind magic, necromancy, and more. The students are selected from the most powerful families and a few exceptional individuals from other backgrounds, ensuring that only the best and brightest are trained here. The primary purpose of Arcanum Isle is to prepare the next generation of leaders, warriors, and scholars. The students are taught not only magic but also the history, politics, and social structures of Morgana's Seat. The school emphasizes the importance of loyalty to Morgana's legacy and the continuation of the families' power. The graduates of Arcanum Isle often go on to hold key positions within their families or serve as influential members of the Custodians or the Arcane Council.
Despite its outward appearance as a prestigious institution, Harry senses an underlying darkness in the descriptions of the school. The texts hint at the pressures placed on students to conform to the expectations of their Houses, the fierce competition that can lead to dangerous rivalries, and the subtle but pervasive influence of the slave trade even within the school. Some students bring personal slaves with them to the island, and certain classes even involve the use of slaves in magical experiments or demonstrations. As Harry reads about Arcanum Isle, he can't help but draw comparisons to Hogwarts. But while Hogwarts was a place of learning, friendship, and occasional danger, Arcanum Isle seems far more politically charged and morally ambiguous. The school's role in perpetuating the existing power structures, and its connection to the darker aspects of Morgana's Seat, troubles him deeply.
As the day draws to a close, Harry feels the weight of the knowledge he has gained pressing down on him. The world of Morgana's Seat is complex and filled with both wonders and horrors. The slave trade, in particular, haunts him, and he knows that if he ever hopes to change anything about this world—or find his way home—he will need to understand it fully. Just as the light begins to fade outside, Karma arrives with the evening meal. The creature places the food on the table, but this time, it lingers a bit longer, perhaps sensing the heaviness in Harry's mood. Karma's sharp eyes seem to ask a silent question, but it does not speak, respecting Harry's need for contemplation.
As Karma leaves, Harry sits back, staring at the pile of books on the table. He knows that the information he has uncovered is just the beginning. There are still many questions to answer and many mysteries to unravel. But now, more than ever, he is determined to find a way to navigate this world's complexities, and perhaps, to bring about some kind of change—whether that means finding a way home or confronting the darker aspects of Morgana's Seat.