Prince Noralv- Edge of Shadows Page 6

  The Spring Tournament was only a few weeks away. As the excitement and anticipation grew so did the stress, especially for us sugians. The academy needed to be in tip-top shape before our guests arrived. It brought many contestants, both common fighters, and nobles from our region. Every House wanted to show off what their warriors could do.

  The Headmaster had always loved those tournaments and saw them as a way to show off the academy. He worked tirelessly every year to grow the attendance of the tournament he held at the academy.

  We worked harder and harder every day the tournament grew closer. We hated being treated like mere beggars or vagrants, but we still continued on. We worked hard because the more people came, the more chance we had to show them what beaulecraft could do to benefit the people. The more of a positive light we were seen in, the more of a chance we could get students to attend sugian side and learn beaulecraft.

  I was setting up plates when my friend Payton came up beside me. “What did your mother say about the earthquake?” she asked.

  “Nothing,” I said.

  Payton grabbed some plates and helped me set the table.

  “She just told me that it was out of the ordinary, but nothing to worry about.”

  “Do you believe her?” Payton asked.

  “I don’t know what to believe. It could be nothing, but it could be something and she’s not telling us.”

  We finished setting the table in silence. Payton wasn’t much of a talker, but I was caught up in my own thoughts anyway.

  There were Houses that were coming who supported the beaulecraft arts, who could potentially fund us. They could bring in more students and more teachers and masters of the art. It would be the leg up we so desperately needed. It had been rough on us since the academy almost closed down about five years back. My mother and my family moved here from Teeves Forest in Mielond to take the position of Hremm Master of the third branch and Sugian Master. The last master of the sugian passed away. The Headmaster didn’t report it to the proper Hremm Masters and the position went unfilled. The only way the Order found out was when the reports stopped coming in. That was when the call went out to get the position filled.

  Since we came about five years ago, we had to rebuild it almost from scratch. Master Kenelm, Tam’s father, also came to help restore the academy to its original purpose. Now we had an opportunity to show the other Houses that supported the arts why we needed them. The importance of having a beaulecraft academy was so we could teach people of the area. If we weren't here they would have had to travel to the capital or to the academy in the south. There needed to be more places to learn beaulecraft.

  We were all proud of our skills. Though the regular side didn’t share our pride. The Headmaster always made sure to keep us working so we never had time to practice our own art. We were a poor group with no money to pay for lodging, so in return, we had an agreement to help the servants with the work around the academy. The regulars didn’t let us forget we were poor and beneath them. They all came from Houses of wealth.

  The masters on both sides of Gladewine Academy often had to break up fights resulting in more lectures about getting along. Deep down, I knew that between our masters and their masters there was a barrier that slowly grew. Between the sugian side and the regular side, there was resentment and bitterness.

  I sat at the table. Wooden plates and cups were set. Payton had already found her seat near me when my friends, Tam and Celcia, saw me and quickly joined us.

  “Did your father say anything about the earthquake?” I asked Tam.

  “Not really,” he said. He looked bored. “He basically said the same thing as your mother.”

  “There is something that Skylar saw.” I lowered my voice. “Something other than the earthquake.”

  “Like something that you shouldn’t be doing?” said Payton, arching one brow.

  “Don’t criticize me.” I cracked a smile. “Miss-I-want-to-fight-everything.”

  “I’m not. I am energized that there is something worth whispering about.” Payton looked perfectly bored, but she usually did. Unless she held a weapon, any weapon. Then she would beam with delight.

  Tam leaned his elbow on the table, facing me with half a grin on his face. “Color me intrigued. So, do you need help later? Say … after classes?” Mischievousness warmed his oval face.

  “Yes … please do,” I said.

  I noticed my stepfather, Frans, heading toward me. He was carrying a tray full of bowls full of dried fruit for the tables. Breakfast was more casual. There were dishes of dried fruit, dried meat, bread, and tea. Sometimes, we would also have warm oatmeal. I liked it, but only with honey and honey wasn't available much in the winter.

  “Good morning,” said Frans, always chipper, always merry. “I am in need of two of you to fetch the loaves of bread from the kitchen.”

  “Yes, sir,” I said.

  “Thank you, Lu.” He carried on and began to set the bowls on the tables.

  I grabbed Payton by the arm. “Come. I need strong arms.”

  “For bread?” She followed me anyway without complaint.

  The pantry was at the end of the kitchen next to the servant’s entrance. It held all the dried meats, preserved fruit, and pickled vegetables. At the front of the pantry were the baked goods that were left for cooling or waiting to be served.

  I filled Payton’s arms with about six loaves of bread, and I grabbed four. I needed an arm free to open doors.

  I led the way out of the room then I crashed into someone, which caused me to fumble my grip on the loaves. I steadied myself, but it was useless. One loaf slipped from my arm and fell to the floor.

  “Sorry. I didn’t see you…”

  As I stooped to pick it up, a boot came down and squashed the bread as my fingers touched the crust. I looked up. Elec was looking down. My face flushed and words escaped me. He never really went anywhere servants or us sugians went. He loved to point out his higher status and how nobles should never mingle with commoners. Why was he in the kitchen?

  Elec laughed as he kicked the bread to the wall. My face flushed with anger. Payton’s face filled with the desire to fight. I shook my head in her direction as a warning to not start anything.

  “On the ground, swine-ian. As it is your rightful place,” Elec said in amusement.

  I swallowed my pride, as I usually did, and picked the loaf off the floor. Elec shoved his foot in my back, forcing my head closer to the floor.

  Loaves scattered around me. Payton had dropped her bread and shoved Elec up against the opposite wall. I could feel her ki swirling in her body.

  “There better not be a brawl in the pantry doorway.” Frans stood in the servant’s doorway. He was stern yet gentle. “Elec, you have no reason to be lurking in the kitchen.” He stared at Elec with rebuke creased in his brow.

  Elec held up his hand in mock surrender. “You are right. I am not a servant. But this is my House, and I wanted a snack.”

  “Your breakfast will be served soon,” said Frans. “Move along, or I will report to your father your activity in the pantry.” He let the words ‘the pantry’ slowly roll off his tongue, emphasizing it.

  Elec pressed his lips together in a forced smile. “I have lost my appetite anyway, due to the smell of swine.” He looked at me. With a scoff, he left.

  Frans bent down and helped us gather the fallen bread.

  “Did he hurt any of you?”

  “No,” I said.

  Payton shook her head. She looked mildly annoyed. I think she wanted a fight.

  He held up the boot squashed loaf, inspecting it.

  “No harm to the bread except this one.” Frans frowned a moment. “I’ll feed it to the dogs.” He perked up to his regular cheery self. “Oh well. Best move on. Please put the bread out on the tables. Breakfast will be starting soon.”

  We set the loaves on the table. “Elec is so…” I couldn’t form words of the hate and disgust I felt toward him.

  “I cou
ld have crumpled him to a writhing ball of tears,” said Payton in her simple voice. “Opportunity lost.” Regret flickered in her tone.

  “As much as I would want to see that, I’m glad you didn’t,” I said.

  “What happened?” Tam asked.

  “Elec’s foot,” I said, rolling my eyes.

  A look of understanding spread on Tam’s face. Payton and I sat at our spots at the dining table.

  Tam leaned over to me. “The Headmaster is here to talk to everyone.”

  I let out a loud sigh.

  “Keep away from the boot print bread,” I said flatly.

  “Please tell me that Payton kept to herself.” A smile cracked on his face.

  “Mostly to herself. Just a shove,” I said.

  “About as satisfying as a drip of water to a parched tongue,” said Payton, unamused.

  “This may be a long lecture.”

  With his elbow on the table, Tam rested his cheek in his palm.

  From the hallway came my mother, and following close behind her was Headmaster Aldrich. A tall, thin man with a greying goatee. His long, black robes swept around his feet with each step forward. They stopped at the head of our small dining hall, standing before the head table. We all stood in respect. An air of command silenced the chatter of the room as the Headmaster and the Sugian Headmaster, my mother, looked over their students.

  “Thank you for your attention,” said my mother. “Before we sit and eat our morning meal Headmaster Aldrich would like to address us. Please give him your attention.” She took one step back.

  “Thank you, Master Hatherine.” He cleared his throat. “The earthquake, you all surely felt last evening, has not brought me any alarm or concern and should cause no disturbances in the upcoming tournament that will be held here in the next fortnight. Your current and extended duties are on schedule. For that, I give my thanks. Please continue your efforts and diligence.”

  I looked to Payton, who rolled her eyes. I swallowed a sharp laugh.

  “As the tournament grows closer, I do expect everyone here to practice your most excellent behavior. For those who do not follow the fine rules of Gladewine Academy, you will find yourself severely punished. My top standard skill and discipline will be on display to all provinces of Theotania. Let us show our country what fine students you all are.” He spoke as if the talk was routine. No emotion. “Master Hatherine, I leave them to you.”

  Everyone bowed politely as he stepped back.

  “Thank you, Headmaster Aldrich,” said my mother. “Luella and Payton, please come forward. Everyone else, please be seated.” Everyone took their seats.

  Payton looked at me with her brow raised. I sighed. Elec had snitched on us. Rotting scum.

  We walked to the front of the room. My mother signaled for the food to be brought out.

  The Headmaster stood with his arms crossed. My mother held a calm stance, her arms loose at her side.

  “It’s my understanding that one of you two shoved Elec in the kitchen this morning.” She tilted her head, looking between the two of us.

  “I did, ma’am,” said Payton, completely unfazed.

  “It was an accident, Mother,” I said.

  My mother raised one brow. She wasn’t buying the lie.

  “We bumped in to each other. Payton pushed to keep Elec from falling over, and in the fray of it all, he stepped on one of our loaves.”

  Telling the truth wouldn’t have gotten us anywhere. The Headmaster would have called us both liars anyway. It was more fun coming up with lies. Sometimes clever ones. If we got in trouble, at least it felt a bit more justified.

  “Thank you, ladies,” said my mother, not sounding convinced of our side of the story. She took a moment, contemplating.

  “That is not the story my son told me,” said the Headmaster, not impressed. “This is the kind of unruliness that needs to end, Hatherine.”

  “Of course.” My mother nodded in agreement. “You two ladies will be on laundry duty today. Understand?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” we said in unison.

  “Excellent. Now go help Frans in the kitchen.”

  The Headmaster held up his nose then gave a sharp nod. We both turned and walked away. I bit my bottom lip to keep from grinning. My mother’s display of punishment was for show. The number of times Elec has tattled on us sugian students was laughable. If any of us got punished for every transgression, we would not be able to leave the sugian, due to never-ending clean up duty. It would gleam to the stars above. The spirits would be blind.

  Our duty for the day was already laundry. She added nothing to our chore list. Payton and I were condemned to the kitchen was so we could eat something in peace—an extra ruse for the Headmaster to think we were to skip breakfast. There was no way my mother was going to let the Headmaster dictate to her what went on with her students.

  After our morning chores, we usually had school. Today was no different except that school was cut a bit short due to our growing chore list.

  With school over for the day and after my task of washing sheets for the guest rooms, my hands were pruned but I had a moment to sneak away by myself. I was eager to see Skylar. I needed to hear what he wanted to tell me. I made it to the hollowed tree near the old sugian ruins. My energy found Skylar, and he came and perched on a broken stone from an old wall that had crumbled long before.

  “How many ears hear us?” I asked.

  “No one too close.”

  “Great. What can you tell me?”

  “After the earthquake, I could feel lots of energy. It’s from up north. I flew up along Readfahan Mountain a bit and inquired to some of the forest deer to see what they knew or heard. Long story short, they said that there was an incredible spirit energy let in to the world.”

  “Spirit energy?”

  “That’s not all. Some are saying they saw a large group of Redtail Rebels near the Theotanian and Mielond boarder.”

  “What?! Are you sure?” I knelt down so we could be face to face.

  “This is the gossip, so far.”

  “Skylar, would you please investigate if the rumor is true? I would like to know if he’s with them.”

  My father was taken into the Redtail Rebels, either by force or by free will, and I needed to know which one was the truth. Then I would be satisfied knowing why my father left us. Why he disappeared and never came back.

  “I know you would. Are you sure you want me to investigate? Because digging in to this could get you in a lot of trouble.”

  “Please, Skylar?”

  “It will take me a few days to locate them if they are really there. I’ll do my best.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I will tell you everything I find out. I’ll see you in a few days.”

  “Bye, friend.”

  Skylar took to the trees then was gone.

  I ran all the way to the academy, and found Tam in the bathhouse, scrubbing the large, stone tile bathtub that was built into the floor. He held a long-handled scrub brush, and his trousers were rolled up to his knees.

  It was the men’s side, but I had little modesty and didn’t mind going in. Besides, the bathrooms were always closed while we were cleaning it. I had abandoned my boots and socks at the door and climbed down in the tub.

  “Skylar came back.” I was still out of breath.

  “What did Skylar say?” Tam continued to scrub the frothing bubbles around the floor.

  I leaned in and touched his arm. He stopped and looked at me with a gleam of curiosity. “There are Redtails in Theotania,” I whispered.

  “What? Really?” he whispered back, a bit too loud for my comfort.

  “I wonder if that’s why everything feels off. Do you think something’s going on?”

  “I don’t know, Lu. There could be, but it’s hard to say for sure.”

  “There could be a connection between my father’s research and what is going on.” I grabbed another bristled, scrubbing broom and helped Tam. “Look. There
’s a map in my father’s things of the Theotanian border and the Readfahan Mountain. Nothing else. Just the mountain range. Well, he put a star mark north of Wulfhli Village. Do you think that there’s something there?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “I am debating on showing Alex the map.”

  He looked over his shoulder at me. “I don’t think that’s a great idea. He may snitch.”

  “I guess.” I shrugged my shoulders. “But what about Skylar? He can go look for us, right? He’s already out looking to confirm the rumors for me.” I desired to know more. If my father could be found, I had to look. Perhaps my father knew something important and the Redtails wanted that same information. The only way to get the information would be to take my father and make him talk. There was a possibility some of the answers were hidden in his things.

  “My father had lots of research, and I still have some of his notes. There could be something there.” I scrubbed harder and harder. “There are notes and drawings. Some look like old buildings. Ruins, maybe. There’s a symbol. Like a wolf and a crown and ivy. I don’t understand what it means. Maybe my father was predicting something and the reason why he went missing was because someone wanted to shut him up.”

  “This is sounding kind of heavy,” said Tam.

  “The animals are saying weird stuff like their minds are clouded and can’t focus. And also ‘who’s there’? I am wondering what they mean by ‘who’s there’? It doesn’t make sense.” I threw my hand in the air.

  Tam leaned on the handle in contemplation.

  “The animals feel something is wrong. What is happening? What is my mother not telling us?”

  Quentin looked at me with a frown, his eyes staring at me with contemplation. Tattooed on the left side of his neck was a spread raven’s wing with the feather tips pointing to the black, scarred eye.

  I am with you… The youth’s voice again. My heart thumped faster.