by Olivia Ash
Gnomes climb a smaller set of stairs to the right of where I am, and every so often, there’s little tunnels they walk in and out of as they carry things I can’t make out along with tiny lanterns. My eyes rove over the woods that seem to breathe and move and to shadows that blend in and stand out all at the same time.
And with that comes the idea that I’m already more at home here than I was anywhere else in the world. It’s like I belong here, and I can feel my magic churn with excitement at just being here.
But I don’t allow myself to get too carried away. I have to pass the trials first.
The top of the stairs come into view with the top tiers of what I assume is the academy’s towers. The light burning within the windows seem so warm and draw me closer, inviting me in. I don’t know what to expect, but I’m far better off now than I was with the trolls.
I arrive at the gate at the top of the stairs. Deacon is waiting for me on the other side, and my gaze quickly moves from him to the massive castle behind him. I’m once again struck with awe as the numerous towers seem to stretch into the sky as if they are all racing to touch the stars. Some windows show a scene glowing with yellow light behind the images, and I catch myself staring and trying to make out the shapes. In front of me is a large walk path lined with groomed bushes in the shape of a strange bird, dog, dragon, and some weird octopus.
The door to the castle stands open and I’m caught by the ivory backdrop with burgundy trimmings.
“Enjoy your trip?” Deacon asks, and my attention is pulled toward him.
“Not exactly the term I would use,” I say and step through the gate.
He chuckles. “It’s different for sure. That will be all, Captain.”
The man salutes Deacon and heads back down the stairs. I shake my head as he starts arguing with himself again.
“What do you think of the academy so far?” Deacon asks.
I stare around me—it’s so much to take in. There’s so much detail, awe, and the magic within me pulls me closer to the door. “It’s a beautiful place.”
“I knew that you would like it. Wait until you get inside.”
I follow him through the door, and I’m impressed at the two massive staircases that curve along either wall toward the door, ending at the opening of a hall on both sides. In the center stands a large fountain with a stone tree rising high into the air. Behind that is a tapestry, embroidered in burgundy and gold, with the shape of a woman with antlers on her head. She’s holding her hands up high, reaching toward a giant golden orb above her head.
I glance down each hall. The one to my right cuts off short, but judging by the size of the castle from the outside, it’s just a turn. There’s so much more to the hall in that direction, I can feel it. The left is lined with windows and statues between those. Paintings of various scenes and people line the wall opposite of the windows. Doors interrupt the wall every so often, and the hall cuts off toward the back of the castle as well.
“This place is massive,” I say, unable to hide the amazement in my voice.
Deacon chuckles. “Follow me,” he moves toward the stairs to the right and I take them behind him, absorbing everything I possibly can.
Once we reach the top, we turn left and follow the hall that turns left again.
After a series of left and right turns, and a slight sense of this place being a maze that I may get lost in for the first few months that I’m here, we arrive at a door. Deacon gestures toward it and tells me this is my room.
I open the door, eager to see what’s inside and stop short at a guy who has his bare back facing me. He turns, showing impressive pecs and abs, and I force back the rush of heat filling my cheeks. Smiling, he says, “Well, I wasn’t expecting guests, but what the heck, come in and make yourself at home.”
I look at the professor. His face is a mix of expressions. From being less than impressed to completely outraged. “This here is Jesse Taylor. He’s your roommate.”
“My what?” I ask. My magic rushes through my body, refreshing and cool. I wonder what the hell is going on. My magic didn’t react to Deacon. It did pull me toward the castle, so maybe it’s just a nice side-effect? All of this is something I will have to figure out later.
“Your roomie! Aren’t you a lucky girl,” Jesse says and I swear I hear Deacon growl.
“It’s only temporary. For the time of the trials at most. And Taylor, you’ll do well to remember this and keep your hands to yourself. Lest you want to throw away your chance at acceptance with the academy.” He points a finger at the guy, and I sort of wonder if my “roomie” comes with a certain reputation.
“Relax, Professor. I can look but I can’t touch… yet.” He winks at me and I shake my head to keep myself from blushing again. First time was a mistake.
“I won’t be doing any touching,” I say. Besides, nearly everyone hates me, and I don’t expect it to be different with him. Though he is freaking hot, charming, and has a nice smile, it’s probably all a ruse.
“Challenge accepted,” Jesse says.
I roll my eyes as the professor changes the topic. “You are one of three girls who’ve accepted an invitation. Unfortunately, we only have five rooms available for initiates. If he becomes a problem, come to me and I will appeal a sixth room from the headmaster.”
I nod. “Thank you. But I can take care of myself. Just don’t blame me for any damage done.”
“Ouch. I love girls that pack a lot of spice.” Jesse smiles and pulls on a shirt. “I’ll cover the temptation, to put the professor’s mind at ease.”
I shake my head.
“Everything will be explained at breakfast tomorrow morning. Seven sharp. You should get to sleep soon so that you are rested. You’ve had one hell of a day.”
“You can say that again,” I say.
“Goodnight,” he says and leaves the room, closing the door behind him.
My magic rushes through me still, and I try to ignore that and Jesse as I move to the closet and find it stocked with clothing far more expensive than I could ever afford. They must be gifts from the school, which include several sets of school uniforms. I softly touch the fabrics. The nicest thing I had was a shirt I had outgrown long ago. It was the last thing my mother had given me.
“So, here for the trials?” Jesse asks.
I look at him from over my shoulder. He’s lying on his back with his hands tucked behind his head and his legs crossed at his ankles. He’s all relaxed and sexy and… I push that thought to the side. I’m here to learn what I can about magic, not get caught up with sexy guys.
“Looks like it,” I say, setting my gaze to a set of drawers in the middle of my closet. I pull the top drawer open to reveal comfortable, soft pajamas and pull out a matching t-shirt and pants.
“Well, I’m glad to share a room with you. It will be fun to see what trouble we can get into while we’re here.”
“I’m not getting into any trouble, least of all with you.” I continue to feel my magic rush through me, and I don’t want to say anything about it just yet. I need to see if it continues to happen. I face Jesse, and there is something sharp and intelligent about his eyes that has my intuitions flaring.
There is definitely more to him than meets the eye. That may be a good thing. Maybe not. I’ll have to see.
“You gotta name?” Jesse asks and I realize I didn’t tell him that.
“Wren Blackwood.”
He jumps up from the mattress and does an extravagant, over-dramatic bow. “Pleasure to meet you, Wren. Pretty name for a pretty girl.”
I lift an eyebrow. “Cool it, Romeo.”
“Just when I’m getting started? Come on now, I have much more up my sleeve.”
“I’m sure you do, but as Professor Lawrence said, we have an early morning and—”
“Eh,” he waves me away, “live a little. What’s wrong with getting to know who you’re sleeping with.”
“I’m not sleeping with you. I just happen to be sleeping in the same
room. That’s it.” I pick up my clothes and make my way to the bathroom, hoping he gets the hint. But as soon as I change and leave the bathroom, he’s there, expectantly.
“What?” I ask.
“I’m glad you asked, Wren.” He holds up his hand and counts off his fingers. “Yes, I’m an initiate. I come from a very rich family. I’m bunking with a crazy hot woman, and I’m a Capricorn. What about you?”
I shake my head, and though I try not to, I laugh.
“I lost my parents when I was fourteen and was kidnapped from my aunt’s house by a village of trolls, where I lived until a few hours ago. That pretty much sums me up. Goodnight, Jesse.”
His face turns into an expression of shock, but his eyes look like they are trying to piece together a puzzle missing too many pieces.
“Trolls don’t exist, Wren. I’m hurt you would tell me that.” He places a hand over his chest.
“Well, they do, and they’re assholes, so… if you have an issue with my story, I’m sure Professor Lawrence will vouch. He helped me fight them to get my freedom.”
“Really?” He says, and it’s all serious. I don’t think he’s accustomed to that.
“Goodnight, Jesse.” I crawl into bed and turn off my bedside lamp. The mattress is so soft, it’s like lying on a cloud. The day’s aches seem to fade away, and I’m pulled into sleep almost instantly.
Chapter Six
Seven in the morning came quick.
Too quick.
After pulling myself from bed, showering for the first time in years after bathing in rivers and lakes, I dress in the school uniform, which is a long sleeve, black button up with a golden B embroidered on the upper left part of my chest, just above my breast, and a black straight skirt that reaches my knees with burgundy tights and black shoes. Jesse and I walk to breakfast together. His uniform is similar except that he has a more preppy look with his black pants and a polo shirt with the same emblem and a burgundy tie.
Once we finish eating, all ten of us initiates are gathered together and given a tour of the castle. What I saw last night was just a fraction of the sheer size of the castle. The thing is massive. It’s like an entire town of its own. Four wings for the four houses, and the center of the castle is filled with classrooms, the kitchen, cafeteria, and arena (like a gym from a regular school, but this room changes its interior according to the desired purpose). Eventually, we end at a massive garden full of beautiful budding bushes in all colors imaginable lined with marble benches and square stones.
In the center of this garden is a life-sized statue of a woman dressed like a Greek goddess with a crown of antlers on her head.
“This, initiates, is Lady Alene,” the tour guide says. He’s got a soldier-esque feel to him, but with a kind voice and eyes that are bluer than anything I’ve ever seen before. He’s gorgeous. My magic doesn’t react to him though. I tested it by getting closer to him. Nothing. Jesse is the only one, it seems. I’m curious about that, though. But one thing I wonder is if it’s somehow a requirement to be gorgeous to attend here.
He continues, “She is our Patron Mage. Everyone, say hello.”
A cacophony of hellos ripple through the small crowd.
The statue moves—I jump, eyes wide and mouth hanging open.
“Hello, initiates,” Lady Alene says, her voice soft as a whisper but powerful and enchanting. “I’m pleased to meet our next group of hopefuls for this wonderful school.”
I must be the only one new to this concept as no one else seems impressed by this statue coming to life. Honestly, I can’t pull my eyes away. It’s hard to follow the conversation because I’m so floored by the sight in front of me.
Oh, I’m going to love it here.
The tour guide says, “It’s said that Lady Alene’s soul actually resides in the statue, but she isn’t telling, are you Lady?”
“Some mysteries are fun to keep to myself,” she says.
I giggle. Not only does the statue come to life, but she has a sense of humor.
“Initiates,” the guide says, “I’ll leave you in our Lady’s capable hands.” He bows to the lady, who in turn lowers her head in such a regal way that I’m mesmerized.
She turns her attention to us and says, “Gather around initiates, get comfortable, there is much to discuss.”
I sit on a bench next to Jesse who tries to put his arm around me. I narrow my eyes at him and shake my head.
He smiles and shrugs like it’s no big deal.
Though I’m grinning, I roll my eyes and return my attention to Lady Alene as she smiles at each of us. My magic rushes through me, cool and refreshing again. It’s puzzling, but I can’t focus on that right now. My attention is once again caught by the speaking statue.
“Your trials will begin soon. But before they do, I’m going to give you a history of the trials and let you know what to expect. I’m sure you all will have questions, but please refrain from asking them until the end of my story.”
She takes a moment to look at each of us and, once satisfied, she waves her arms in an arc. White light surrounds her and encompasses the whole garden. It’s like being shrouded by clouds. Before long, images start to play out before my eyes, and I’m lost in what I see.
Men and women are performing magic, battling strange and terrifying creatures I can’t understand or recognize as the images shift and move too quickly for me to process every detail. There’s a blend of darkness and light, and I can almost feel each blast of magic that the mages perform.
“Long ago…” the lady’s voice echoes, surrounding me in a live-action story, narrating the images before me. “Our predecessors were required to go through a single trial that was both dangerous and rewarding…”
An image of a mage stands before me, shrouded by a hood as a sword of fire arcs toward him. He ducks in the nick of time, but the hood catches fire. He manages to douse the flames but not before enduring burns on his forehead.
“These trials were reserved for those who wanted to become masters of their craft, to be one of the very few who would carry the label Master Mage. Many died…”
The images shift to scenes of mages who lay lifeless on the ground, succumbing to their multiple injuries, or falling to their deaths into a pit of endless darkness.
Chills erupt over my arms and I can’t help but wonder just what the trials here are going to hold for us. Are they just as dangerous? How many students have died taking these trials just to be admitted into this academy?
“But those who survived became masters…”
Pictures of men and women standing tall and proud, smiling, powerful, flash before my eyes. The images slowly fade, as does the white light that surrounds the garden. As the garden comes back into focus, Lady Alene looks to each student and says, “The trials of old are the basis of the trials that each of you will face. Because Blackbriar is the best academy for mages thus far, these trials were developed to challenge each initiate with four basic principles—knowledge, physical strength, mental endurance, and skill.”
Lady Alene steps forward, turning to face each student as she speaks. “The trials you will face are based off those you just witnessed. You must pass each trial in order to be accepted into the academy. If you fail even one, you will not be accepted into Blackbriar.”
Jesse whistles and shakes his head. “Man, that’s a tall order. Get into school or die trying. Talk about fine print.”
I elbow him and glare at him as I press my finger to my lips.
He holds up his hands as if to ward off an attack and smiles. “Got it, boss.” He presses his fingers to his lips and makes the motion of locking them shut and throwing away the key.
“These trials were developed in such a way that only the best and most promising student mages are allowed to study here, as it takes a great deal of devotion, study, and commitment to become a leading mage in your community.”
I’m still waiting for the catch. Surely, the powers that be wouldn’t let a school kill their potential
students. That’s a bit excessive. I catch glimpses of the other students who have turned pale and look seconds from vomiting up breakfast. I shake my head. There’s a catch, I know it, but dying isn’t it.
I hope.
“Though I cannot say specifically what your trials will be like,” Lady Alene continues, “as they are slightly unique to each initiate, I strongly urge you to take them seriously. These trials are, and will be, the foundation to your learning here at Blackbriar.”
This is it. We’re getting close to the catch.
“Any questions so far?”
I raise my hand.
Lady Alene smiles and nods at me.
“What’s the catch? Not death, right?” I ask.
She laughs under her breath. “Of course not. Students who don’t pass the trials are not allowed to attend Blackbriar. However, it’s a little deeper than just denied admittance. We take pride in the secrecy of our school. Though mages around the world know we exist, only those who graduate from here can know of the lessons, activities, and preparations that are specific to this school and only this school. As such, each initiate who doesn’t pass every trial will have their memories of this place erased and will be removed from the grounds.”
That is not okay with me. I don’t want anyone messing with my mind. Ever.
She settles her gaze on each of us once more as she says, “This is the condition that each of you must accept in order to participate in the trials.” She holds up a finger. “This brings me to the rules. No initiate is allowed to discuss the trials, as they are different for each student, and must be presented without knowing what to expect. Any initiate caught discussing the trials—believe me when I say there are ears everywhere—your admittance to the academy will be revoked.”
