“That makes sense to me. Anyway… I think that’s enough of a rest for now. Come on, everyone, let’s finish this hike,” Master Mara said.
Ruethwyn stowed her jar and straightened, her knees complaining as the others groaned and grumbled. In short order, they were moving again, though.
As they walked, Ruethwyn paused as she thought she saw some movement in the trees. She didn’t see anything after a moment, though, so she shrugged. It was probably just a bird or squirrel.
Chapter 15
The halls seemed to emerge slowly from the forest at their approach, and Ruethwyn doubted that anyone would mistake the building as something built by woodsmen.
The main structure was about twenty feet tall and fifty feet across, forming a gray stone cone with a flat roof, its walls spotted with patches of moss and mold. A pair of double-doors were set into the side of the building, each made of stone and without handles, instead with copper plates embedded in the middle of each door. There was a second building nearby, no more than twenty feet long and half the height of the first building. Ivy climbed the sides of the shorter structure, which had firmly shuttered windows and a door. The ground around the two buildings had been cleared at one point, but there were small trees growing here and there, along with some other vegetation. Even so, there were some logs around the remains of what looked like a fire pit in front of the smaller building.
“Well, we’re here. Why don’t you each take a break for a few minutes?” Master Mara said, reaching up to push the brim of his hat back. “I’m happy that we didn’t run into anything hostile this year. Last year there was a nest of flamethrower beetles halfway down the trail, and that wasn’t much fun to deal with.”
“I’d believe that,” Tadrick said, and Ruethwyn had to agree, though she didn’t have the breath to do so.
It wasn’t like anyone else in the class really was able to speak, either. Except for Korima, who spoke brightly, looking disgustingly perky to Ruethwyn.
“Flamethrower beetles? What’re those?” Korima asked. “They sound interesting.”
“I suppose they would be to you, with your love of fire magic,” Master Mara replied, watching as Ruethwyn and the others moved into the clearing. As Ruethwyn collapsed onto a log, he continued. “A flamethrower beetle is about a foot long and has a bright red abdomen that glows in the dark. They’re partially magically aligned and are able to shoot a stream of fire at you from their mouths. There were about twenty of them last year and dealing with them was tricky.”
“Oh, ick.” Ruethwyn winced at the thought of that many fire-spitting insects. She didn’t like insects much to begin with, let alone fire. She knew she was going to have to pick up fire magic again eventually, but Ruethwyn would rather put it off for a while. Preferably until after she’d gotten her injuries healed.
“Exactly. They didn’t like us coming through, and we ended up being almost a full day late starting the trials. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about that,” Master Mara said, approaching the smaller building and pulling a key out of his pocket. Unlocking the door, the teacher opened it and murmured a spell that opened the shutters. “There, now to give it a few minutes to air out.”
“How’s this going to work, Master Mara?” Dana asked, the merchant looking worn out, though not nearly as bad as Madeline was.
“Well, after we get each of you a meal, I’m going to open the Hall of Trials,” Master Mara explained, nodding at the larger structure. “Inside are twelve doors, and each of you chooses one. In truth, there shouldn’t be a difference between them, but some students feel it’s luckier to choose their own door. Regardless, once you choose the doors, I open them simultaneously and you step through. Once the doors shut, you’re going to be transported into a space in an adjacent plane of existence, one that is shaped by the enchantments built into the hall. The trials are going to be varied, but they’re designed to be within the limits of what you learned this year. You have a week to reach the exit, which will count as a pass. If you fail, you’ll be ejected at the end of that time, and you won’t be allowed to progress through the academy.”
Ruethwyn blinked, then nodded slowly. “That’s why you didn’t allow us to bring items that could sunder enchantments. If the enchantments of the hall shape the testing ground, sundering them could cause us to be lost in it.”
“Precisely. I’m going to be staying here to monitor the halls, and if I react fast enough, I can rescue someone if you’re foolish enough to use an item like that, but you’ll instantly fail, and there’s no guarantee that I’ll be fast enough,” Master Mara explained, looking over the group. “None of you are going to do anything like that, are you?”
Most of the others shook their heads, but it was Madeline’s sniff and response that made Ruethwyn smile. “I had one but left it behind. After all, why would I need something like that?”
“Good. I’m glad to hear that you’re confident, Madeline, that’ll help in the future,” Master Mara said, nodding in approval. “Now, let’s get to work, shall we? Tadrick, Korima? Since the two of you are the least exhausted, would you mind gathering wood for the fire?”
“Sure,” Tadrick said, shrugging off his backpack and setting it aside.
Korima grinned and nodded. “Right! If I come across a rabbit or something, I might bring it back, too.”
The two moved off into the surrounding forest, and Master Mara smiled at the rest of them. “As for the rest of you, I’d suggest getting things ready for a meal. I brought the ingredients for a decent soup, so if you can prepare the fire pit I’ll share it.”
“As you wish, Master Mara,” Ruethwyn said, sighing and unbuckling her pack. It would just be in the way, and she didn’t want to wear herself out completely.
She wasn’t the only one working, at least, which should make it fairly quick.
Dinner was a quiet affair, with most of the others being quiet. Only Korima seemed as cheerful as always as she teased Ruethwyn, and eventually, they finished up and washed their dishes. While the food was cooking, Ruethwyn had taken the time to split the moss she’d found, though Madeline had looked rather skeptical about it.
The sun was just barely approaching the horizon, and Master Mara glanced at it, then nodded firmly. “Plenty of time left to get you inside. Come on, everyone. Pack your things, and it’s time for your trials.”
“Alright. Need any help, Rue?” Korima asked, her tail swishing behind her in excitement.
“Not really, but the offer is appreciated,” Ruethwyn replied, shaking her head as she packed the tin bowl and silverware back into her pack. “Why are you so enthusiastic, anyway?”
“Because this is the test! The end of the school year, and it’s a chance to show that we’ve learned!” Korima exclaimed, grinning. “Next year we’ll be able to start delving deeper into the spheres, and I’ll be able to go into the sort of magic that I really love, too. Why shouldn’t I be excited? Why aren’t you excited?”
“I suppose you would be looking forward to all of that. As for me…” Ruethwyn paused, glancing at the others, then continued. “I’m fairly confident that I’ll pass. Even if I don’t, it isn’t going to be something that will worry me too much. I’m far more concerned about what comes after the test, Korima. There are a host of unknowns ahead of me, and I can’t help but worry about what I’m going to face there.”
“Hmm… I guess. I just think you should enjoy what you have immediately, rather than worrying about the future this much,” Korima said, hefting her own backpack easily.
“I’m not certain that her advice is good in all situations, Ruethwyn, but I agree with her in this case. Focus on here and now and make certain you pass first,” Master Mara added, his expression growing stern. “The trials may be designed for first year students, but that doesn’t mean you should take them lightly. Doing that could easily turn something that you can manage against you and lead to your failure.”
“As you say, Master Mara. I’m not trying to ignore what
we’re facing, I’m simply… there are a great number of worries weighing on me. I intend to do my best,” Ruethwyn replied, bowing her head slightly.
“Good. Now then, come along,” Master Mara said.
He approached the doors of the main structure, and as they watched, the teacher placed a hand on each of the copper plates built into the doors. There was a soft humming sound, and the panels began to glow. Copper light began to spread across the doors like a web, and Ruethwyn blinked in surprise. She hadn’t expected the doors to contain as powerful of a sealing spell as she felt now, and she had to wonder why. Moments later there was a loud sound, like something unlocking, and the doors slowly opened before them.
A hallway led directly into the center of the building, and unlike the outside, the interior of the structure was starkly pristine, the gray stone polished smooth, save for hundreds of channels carved into the floor, walls, and ceiling, forming runes and containment circles that were glowing with the same copper light.
Master Mara walked down the hall wordlessly, and Ruethwyn followed Dana, Barthel, and Madeline, while the others followed her. As they moved deeper, Ruethwyn’s sense of surprise turned to wonder, then pure awe.
Only ten feet into the hallway, the walls expanded outward to form a vast circle around them, extending to the roof above them, and the entire surface of the floor and walls were covered in vast spells that thrummed with power. Even the twelve doors set into the walls were part of the spell which cast copper light over them, and Ruethwyn wouldn’t have known where to begin in deciphering this spell.
“This is the Hall of Trials. At this time of year it’s set to only be useable to test each of you as apprentices, but when you decide that it’s time to attempt your final trials of mastery, this is where you’ll be brought, should you pass the tests which the academy requires,” Master Mara said, turning to face them with a solemn expression on his face. “It has been a pleasure teaching all of you, for the most part, and I know that you’re all capable of passing the trials you’ll undergo. Do not underestimate the trials, however, for a single misstep could prove your downfall. While the magic of the trials will prevent your death within, they do not prevent injuries, and an injury could leave you unable to complete the trials in the time you have. Now, without further ado… choose a door, each of you.”
Ruethwyn hesitated for a moment, her gaze floating across several doors. Dana and Delvin didn’t hesitate, though, going for the two doors farthest from the tunnel where they’d entered. Barthel gave Ruethwyn a slight nod, then headed for the door next to Dana. Ruethwyn was about to move to a door to her left when Madeline turned to face her, arms crossed in front of her as she glared at Ruethwyn.
“Yes?” Ruethwyn asked, slightly taken aback, but curious.
“I don’t like you, Ruethwyn,” Madeline said bluntly, her blue eyes filled with an emotion Ruethwyn couldn’t place.
“I… had rather noticed, over the past year,” Ruethwyn replied, puzzled. “Why bring this up now?”
“Because you aren’t focused. You’re good, but I think that I’m going to surpass you. If you fail the test and are expelled, I’m going to be extremely upset with you,” Madeline said, glowering at Ruethwyn even more. “The only way I can prove that I’m better is if you pass. So focus, damn it.”
With a huff, the noblewoman walked toward the door next to Barthel, her spine straight as Ruethwyn watched her go.
“What was that all about?” Ruethwyn asked.
“I think it was her idea of saying good luck,” Sella ventured, and the other woman smiled as she looked at Ruethwyn and said, “Speaking of which… good luck, Rue.”
“Fair, I guess,” Ruethwyn said, looking at her friends, then at Yalline hovering nearby. Nodding to them, she spoke softly. “Korima, Sella, Tadrick, and Yalline… good luck to all of you. Remember, no matter what you do, don’t panic. We can do this.”
“Thanks, Rue. See you after the trials,” Tadrick said, grinning as he looked at Sella and said, “I’ll race you, Sella.”
“You should race Rue,” Sella retorted, her smile brightening at Ruethwyn’s words.
“Hell no, she’s better than me,” Tadrick retorted, prompting laughter as they took a pair of doors to the right.
“Thank you for everything, Ruethwyn. If it hadn’t been for your advice, I wouldn’t have much confidence in the test,” Yalline said softly, bowing her head. “And just to be sure… I’m sorry for stealing your notes before. Really.”
“Don’t panic, Yalline, and check the runes at least twice if you have time,” Ruethwyn said, smiling as Yalline raised her head and returned the smile. “It’s fine, just don’t try that again, hm?”
“I won’t. Losing control of myself once was more than enough,” Yalline said firmly, shivering as she turned to head for the door on the farthest left, near the entrance.
Korima was grinning as she waited, and at Ruethwyn’s curious look she said, “I’m just waiting for you to choose a door, and I’m taking the one next to you.”
“They’re all supposed to be the same,” Ruethwyn pointed out, trying to force down the smile Korima’s comment prompted, but failing.
“What does that have to do with anything? Come on, Rue, choose!” Korima urged, and glanced at Master Mara, who was waiting patiently.
“Alright, already,” Ruethwyn replied with a laugh and chose a door next to Sella. Korima took the next door over, unsurprisingly.
Master Mara’s deep voice echoed through the room as he spoke an incantation, and in response the doors slowly rumbled open, revealing alcoves that were filled with more of the copper spell-forms within. As he finished, the teacher said, “Good luck, all of you.”
Ruethwyn took a deep breath, then stepped into the alcove. A few moments later, the door slowly slid shut and she was alone, so she murmured. “Here we go.”
An instant later the spells around her flashed brightly, and Ruethwyn was somewhere else.
“Now this is a proper spell,” Essryl murmured, sitting atop the main building.
The teacher had left the building and taken up residence in the smaller structure, which was little more than a temporary dormitory, Essryl had realized quickly. It had bunks for the students, a small room for their teacher, and a kitchen. Since he’d retired for the night, she had decided to investigate this Hall of Trials more closely, and what she’d found was impressive, compared to most of the other spells she’d encountered in Selwyn so far.
Unlike the other wards over the academy, these ones were exceedingly well-made, and Essryl wouldn’t be able to get through them without a great deal of work, and likely alerting the teacher. More interesting were the complex spells which allowed for an enormous variety of tests to be created in an independent space. It was a fascinating piece of magic.
“But hardly perfect. Let’s see here…” Essryl murmured, sensing how the flow of power went through the structure.
With a bit of effort, she should be able to tap into the spells to watch Ruethwyn’s test directly. Why, Essryl might be able to even modify the test parameters if she really tried.
But first, she was going to see how the young mage had progressed since Essryl had last visited.
Chapter 16
The room Ruethwyn appeared in wasn’t large. It was lit by a pale glow without a discernable source, and the ground and walls looked like stone to her, though the chamber was barely more than five paces from one end to the other. A hole in the wall had water pouring out of it into a large stone bowl protruding from the wall, providing the only sound.
She hadn’t appeared in any sort of circle or other place that she could identify as a starting point, which surprised Ruethwyn, and she took a minute to look over the room before focusing on the tunnel opposite her, and the door ten paces down the hall.
The door was simple stone with a wooden handle, something which she’d expect in a dwarven stronghold or the like. More pertinently, she could see runes covering the ground and walls of the tunne
l. The runes were black ink painted on the stone, not carved, and Ruethwyn considered them thoughtfully, then looked at the door.
“Well, at least the first step is obvious,” Ruethwyn murmured, taking a step forward, then another. The runes weren’t lighting up at her movements, so she relaxed slightly.
She did consider taking off her backpack but chose not to for the moment. They’d had dinner just before she entered the test, and Ruethwyn would normally be up for hours yet, even if the hike had somewhat worn her out. She’d rather get at least a short way into the test before taking a break, rather than entering and immediately stopping.
Ruethwyn carefully approached the edge of the runes and crouched down to look them over more closely, curious what the first test would be. Fortunately, the runes were ones that had been taught in the class, and because of that Ruethwyn found them fairly simple to decipher. Time-consuming, but simple.
She wasn’t certain how much time she spent going over the runes, but as she did, Ruethwyn found herself impressed by the spell on the floor and walls. It was designed to freely allow air and light to pass through, but the runes were an interlocking spell that was designed to stop anything that went over them, then to throw it back at the same speed it entered. It had a slight delay factored in, and there was a maximum amount of force it could stop, so one could overpower it, in theory. Also of interest was how once the door was opened, the spell would deactivate.
The information Ruethwyn discerned gave her several ideas on how to bypass the spell. However, she’d also noticed something else when she was examining the runes. The ink they’d been painted in looked quite familiar, and it’d taken some time to place. It was the same ink that had been used in some of the later projects during the artificing class. Most of the students had used it to mark down what runes they were going to carve, in part because the ink washed off almost without a trace, allowing mistakes to be easily corrected. With the water right there… well, it gave Ruethwyn quite an easy solution, and one which didn’t cost mana.
Queen of Ice (Through the Fire Book 2) Page 13
