by c a king
“We need a spirit wand,” Cali yelled over the other voices. “That way only one person is speaking at a time.”
Franking pushed two fingers between her lips, pulling off a perfect soccer-mom whistle. “I’m all for freedom of speech, but this is ridiculous. I thought there would be at least one instructor present. Seeing as that’s not the case, I’m taking the lead. If you have a problem with that, file it on the way out, or else we’ll be here forever.” She glanced around for naysayers. “Since that’s settled, let’s begin. Who has the rules?”
Cali’s hand rose. “I do. They seem straightforward. There are two objectives to the games. First, to keep our treasure safe in the main building on our campus. Second, to steal as many treasures as possible from other academies.”
The room grumbled with questions. Frankie raised her hand in the air. “We’ll get to questions at the end. First we need to wrap out heads around the fact we are going to be in a fake duplicate area.”
“First year we had to go through a town that was completely empty,” Makayla blurted out. “I bet this is similar.”
“You’re probably right,” Leo reluctantly agreed. “An exact recreation of the entire academic world is hard to imagine, though.”
Cali nodded. “Participants are required to remain inside the area for the entire forty-eight hours. The whole zone sealed off. No one can enter or leave once the games begin.”
“What if someone is injured?” Sven asked, frowning.
“Nope,” Cali answered. “We have to tough it out. On the bright side, we can use any form of magic, or magical item, we want.”
“That’s great since we’ve been taught so many spells in the past two years,” Leo scoffed. “This place is a waste of everyone’s time.”
Frankie pushed him with two fingers to the chest. “We all need to try our best. Results from these competitions can follow a wizard for the rest of their life. Don’t bring us down, dude.”
“We’re allowed our helpers, too,” Sven blurted out, “and to use grave digger shovels for travel.”
“Did anyone have issues using the shovels?” Frankie asked. “Knowing our strengths and weaknesses is going to factor into any strategy we come up with.”
Thomas’s arm rose. “I’m still working on it. Every time I think of magic lately, it starts to rain, and not just water. The other day, green jelly was totally all over the headmistress’s office. You should have seen her face.”
“I saw it,” Cali admitted. “It wasn’t pretty... probably better than chocolate pudding, though.
“Thank you for that image.” Frankie rolled her eyes, turning to face her personal clique.
“Memorizing the map is going to be important,” a voice called out.
“Sorry,” Makayla replied to the boy speaking. “I don’t think we were ever introduced. What’s your name?” There was a sadness she could relate to in his almond-shaped eyes—one that she didn’t think ever left—loneliness resided there.
A grin formed in the corners of his lips. “I have told you before. You just don’t remember. I get that a lot. It’s Griffin.”
Frankie cleared her throat. “The map is important. We all need to know the location of all cemeteries, all academies, and all trouble areas.”
Thomas’s head bobbed up and down. “I wasn’t aware there were actual swamps in the academy district before seeing the headmistress’s three-dimensional model of the area. Do we have to worry about wild animals?”
Cali’s lips twitched from side to side as she glanced over the papers. “It doesn’t say. Most of this is about what we are allowed to bring... which amounts to one backpack each. It has to zip up, and contain no weapons, phones, alcohol, drugs, other electronics, tobacco, fire accelerator, or otherwise illegal substance banned by the Crones.”
“We’ll leave what to bring up to the individual packing,” Frankie declared. “Let’s move on. I think it makes sense to split into teams.”
“We’ll need at least two people to stand guard over our treasure,” Leo suggested. “Thomas and Cali might fit the bill.”
“Hey,” Thomas complained. “I’ve been training.” He strutted over to Leo. “You’ll want me on the front lines.”
“But staying on campus is so much more important,” Makayla said. “Keeping our home base safe is the biggest job of all. If you don’t want it...”
“I didn’t say that,” Thomas blurted out. “Okay. I’ll do it. I’m a team player and understand why you all rely so heavily on me.”
“Ideally, everyone else should break up into groups of two as well,” Frankie suggested. “That way we can cover different areas.”
“There are still unknown factors,” Makayla argued. “We don’t know if we all start at the same place, or even the same time. Over-planning could throw a wrench into things.” A laugh came out as a snort. “We don’t even know what the treasure is yet.”
“We know there be a map in the cafeteria. We could update the places we’ve been with pushpins,” Cali giggled. “I’ve always wanted to do that. It works since any stolen treasure must be returned to our campus immediately after being acquired.”
“That will have to suffice,” Makayla sighed. “None of us know telepathy. I’m sure that’s what the other teams will be using for communication.”
“Memorizing and packing is about all we can do to prepare,” Leo said. “We’ll have to take a chance on starting out in home base. We’ll use the map near Cali to decide specific routes and teams.”
“All right.” Frankie blew a bubble, making it pop loudly. “We have a plan. Meeting adjourned. If anyone wants to discuss further, feel free to hang around. I’m outta here, though.”
Makayla shook her head, walking over to take a peek at the map. “Huh?” She jumped at a tap on her shoulder. “Oh, er... sorry I forgot your name again. It’s really odd. Normally, I’m good with things like that.”
He took her hand, pulling her closer. “It’s Griffin.” He wrote his name on her wrist in black marker. “This way you’ll remember.”
“Um... thanks,” Makayla chuckled. “I’m sure I won’t need this. You are a part of the team, after all.”
“Just in case.” He fired off a wink, slinging his backpack over one shoulder. “See you later.”
“It’s going to wash off,” she called toward his back. He simply waved without turning around.
“Talk about embarrassing,” Leo said, move to her side. “That guy is trying way too hard.”
“Really?” Makayla scoffed. “This coming from Mr. Negativity himself? I think this is the first time you’ve said more than two words to me all year.”
“I’ve been busy,” Leo shrugged. “We’re going to be on the same team, right?” His finger alternated pointing between them. “We work well together.”
“Oh!” Makayla chuckled. “That’s what this is about. I haven’t decided on any details, yet... but I’ll keep you in mind when picking a teammate.”
Chapter Seventeen
“’Twas the night before academy games and all through the castle.” Makayla sighed, sitting on the ledge by her bedroom window, her eyes fixed on the small package in her hands. “Not a creature was stirring, not even a squirrel.”
At home, no one bothered with fancy wrapping paper and bows. Those parts were only going to be tossed aside within a second without thought. Presents were all about what was inside the box. There was no need for bells and whistles. In that way, this gift differed. It deserved admiration. That begged the question, if it should be opened at all. Ruining an artistic masterpiece seemed wrong.
Returning from supper, a reward was the last thing she expected to find sitting pretty on her bed. The tiny card attached read: Congratulations on breaking ground. That sort of cheesy humour had the headmistress written all over it, even if there wasn’t an actual name signed on the from line. Two years ago she wouldn’t have understood what it meant. For a smart, albeit strange, woman, the headmistress definitely needed a few lesson
s in reading the mood.
“The calm before the storm, huh?” Makayla mumbled, still fumbling with ribbon. No matter which way she pulled it, the bow popped right back in place, stuck in an endless loop and oblivious to its own uselessness. Only removing it altogether was going to change its destiny. It existed to shine brightly for a minute then disappear into the darkness. Perhaps there were people stuck in a similar pattern, created solely for one second of time, then cast aside and forgotten.
Woolly’s face flashed before her eyes. Was that his secret? Was he clawing his way back to the spotlight—for recognition... to silence destiny—to be the box someone didn’t open? She moved to the bed, flopping backward into a pile of pillows.
Monotony was an invitation for the brain to play, teasing with what-ifs and negativity. Her life was emptier than a crypt—pun intended. Her own humour even managed to crack a smile on her face, a fake one, but a smile nonetheless. She’d seen what the mask of falsehood looked like, hiding multiple faces. Now, those wearing them were easy to spot: the forced niceties, the fabricated meaningful banter, the bogus friendliness. There was no two ways about it; people were the phoniest creatures to walk the planet.
Nothing garnered attention quicker than something breaking. Her head whipped to the side, lamp lying shattered in pieces on the floor. One brow arched. “Hm?”
“Tee-he-he.” Ollie cocked his head, beady eyes staring into the depths of her doldrums.
“You too, huh?” Makayla chuckled. “Join the club. I know exactly how you feel. When there is nothing to do but wait, it’s frustrating as hell. I can barely breathe the air is so thick in here.”
Ollie tilted his head to the other side. Broken pieces flew back together, the lamp sitting back on her nightstand whole again. His eyes watched her carefully. One foot jutted out, sending the lamp into the land of oblivion once again. “Tee-he-he.”
Makayla chuckled, snorting. “I saw it the first time. Feel free to continue, though, if it makes you feel better.”
“Tee-he.” Ollie fixed the lamp for the second time, immediately tossing it on the ground again.
Pure, genuine laughter healed the soul, or so her mother claimed. Perhaps that was true. Quick gasps for air, boisterous giggles, tears gathering in the corners of her eyes: It had been a while since she felt so free.
“Thank you.” Makayla gently poked Ollie’s midsection. “You really saved me. I was heading somewhere dark.”
She sighed, grabbing the gift. There was no waiting to rip the wrapping this time. She tossed aside the glittering paper without a second thought, eagerly opening the top of the box.
Makayla blinked. It took a second for her eyes to register what they saw sitting before them and for it to actually sink in. She nodded, biting her bottom lip. “The bracelet.” She pulled out a second note. “These are all one way tickets.” Shaky fingers ran over four tiny replica shovels. “Of course. We can’t take any with us. Good job, headmistress.” It was perfect. She even had her own charms waiting to attach.
The two boxes lay side by side in her top drawer, waiting. She snatched them up in one fell swoop, tossing the packaging aside. She attached a scrying mirror first. It might have been a common magical tool, but it was also helpful when making hard choices. The second charm she’d purchased on a whim, having absolutely no idea what it was used for. A dragon’s belt dangled from the third link on her bracelet. A deep purple gem filled one of five slots. The rest were missing. There were endless combinations she could fit the item with, from birthstones to protection crystals.
She held her arm up, admiring the dangling accessory. It wasn’t that bad for someone who wasn’t overly fond of jewellery. “What do you think, Ollie?”
“Tee-he-he.” The lamp crashed on the floor again, his head cocked, searching for a reaction.
“Looks like we both found a bit of therapy tonight,” she chuckled. “All we have to do now, is survive tomorrow.”
Reality set back in, her thoughts wandering. The word tomorrow held too many meanings. None of them even knew the start time. It could have been midnight, or 12:00 a.m. in another time zone, or a minute before midnight the following evening. She never realized how having a specific set date meant so little. The only thing she knew for certain was she’d be dressed and ready when the time came.
Chapter Eighteen
Emptiness filled the space around him, shrouding him in a blanket of despair. The light inside him dimmed, but hadn’t yet extinguished altogether. He’d continue to draw breath. Given the chance to free himself from the curse of loneliness he’d gladly chose cruelty over kindness.
”I’m surprised you came,” a cloaked figure cackled. “I suppose everyone can be bought with the right price.”
“Don’t lump me in with common criminals!” Griffin exclaimed. “You have no idea who I am or what I’ve been through.”
The hood of the cloak fell back from his face. “We tell ourselves we can handle the burden of being alone. That’s a mortal fault in all humans.” Woolly sighed. “The truth is, we all need emotional connections. To starve ourselves of them is to destroy that which we hold dear in our hearts.”
Griffin licked his lips, legs nervously twitching. “I suppose that much is true. Still, I’m sure you have no experience with it yourself.”
“That’s where you are wrong,” Woolly snapped, stepping toward the young wizard. One finger poked him in the chest. “Necromancers all go through exactly what you are experiencing. The difference between you and us is, we overcome and accept, whereas you continually search for a cure. As time goes on you lose the very thing you are trying to hold on to, becoming a monster willing to do anything.”
“I’ve been cursed since birth,” Griffin huffed. “I’ve lived my whole life, never once making a connection to another person. Even my own parents have to leave themselves notes to remember me. Classmates don’t know my name.” Lines formed between his eyes, teeth grinding. “If no one ever knows who I am, what’s the point of living? Call me a monster if you must, but tell me your price and terms. You know what I want in return... break the curse.”
“Oh-ho,” Woolly laughed. “Breaking that curse isn’t an option. It can only be undone by the one who placed it.”
“If you can’t, why am I wasting my time with cheap negotiations?” Griffin snapped. “I’ll find someone else who can.”
Woolly waggled a finger, an unnerving grin growing. “You aren’t listening. I said only the one who cast the curse can remove it. As we both know, he is dead. While I can’t cure you myself, I can bring back to life the one who can.”
“Reanimation,” Griffin mumbled. “Will his body retain the power needed in that form?”
“Undoubtedly,” Woolly replied, rubbing his hands together. “With the technique I use, there actually won’t be much damage to tissue and muscles. Do we have a deal, then?”
“You haven’t told me your price,” Griffin said. “What is it you want?”
“Nothing much.” Woolly shrugged his shoulders. “All I want is one of your classmates, Makayla. Lead her to me during the Inter-Academy Games and I’ll bring back the one who can offer you salvation.”
“What?!” Griffin glanced down at the ground. “I can’t do that. She’s not involved in any of this.”
“Don’t act all high and mighty now,” Woolly scoffed. “I’m not going to hurt her... you have my word. I simply need her to locate a few lost items for me. Once she does, I’ll set her free again. Ironically, the treasure hunt is the perfect setting for you to deliver the goods.”
Griffin rubbed one hand over his lips and chin. “What do I need to do?” Perspiration beaded on his forehead.
“Bring her to the old Academy of Necromancy,” Woolly cackled. “It’s still on the map, albeit no one else will think to visit there. I’ll be waiting. If all goes well, we’ll both walk away with our own treasure.”
Chapter Nineteen
Vertigo was possibly the worst feeling anyone could experience. The
world spun out of control. She could see everything and nothing at the same time. The bedroom circled, whizzing by faster than her vision could keep up with. Then came waves of nausea, bile filling her mouth. Clenched lips refused to let vomit pass, cheeks filling to the brim. The gag reflex was fully engaged. It wouldn’t be long before she couldn’t stop the inevitable from happening. She grabbed the wastepaper basket just in time.
A tug on her arm from a backpack reminded her of the task at hand. She’d tied it on tight, in case her body was dragged away during her sleep. Apparently, that hadn’t been necessary. The day was starting as any other.
A quick glance at her night table confirmed it was eight in the morning; time to get up. Her vision locked on the lamp. She hadn’t known Ollie long, but he certainly wasn’t the type to fix things he’d gone out of his way to break, at least without having the intention of destroying them all over again. Was he changing?
“Only time will tell.” Makayla shrugged her shoulders. Already being dressed had its perks. The curious cat had time to beat that nasty bird for once. She hurried out the door. There were plans to set in motion.
Empty! Every last corridor was deserted. One might not have known classes were in session, if not for paper and books littering the common areas. Alarm bells rang in her head. Footsteps were approaching. She ducked into the closest janitor’s cupboard, leaving the door slightly cracked.
“I’m not opposing the need for teams of two,” Leo snapped. “I’m simply disagreeing with the pairings you’ve made up.”
“And why would that be?” the other boy asked. His face seemed somewhat familiar, but no name came to mind.
It wasn’t clear why, but she was certain the last thing she wanted or needed was to be stuck between those two right before the start of the Inter-Academy Games. She scratched her hand, an itch refusing to go away. The more she rubbed it, the worse it felt. Makayla sighed, glancing down at the red spot. A black letter appeared: G. Slowly the entire word former. His name was Griffin. How had she forgotten that? She chuckled under her breath, finally understanding why they were called magic markers.
