by Melody Rose
The stone golems stationed held up their hands, letting me know that the arena was off-limits to anyone not on the team. I held up two Bouclier entry passes, shaped like small, iron shields. The two guards gruffly nodded and waved us in.
I ran over to the team with a cheerful smile and played the part of the devoted culinary witch for the crowds. All the mage-athletes, on the other hand, were worse for wear. Even Fey, the stunning elf who never crumbled in the face of pressure, was totally disheveled. Everyone looked as though they didn’t know what a hairbrush was, and their usually impressive robes were in sore need of an ironing. The other academy, on the other hand, smugly sized up their competition. There was no sign that the Lahkegaze school saw us as a threat at all. I couldn’t blame them there.
“Alright, everyone!” I began my pep talk. To the team, my voice was projected and confident, but my auditory charm ensured that no one else could hear me. “Remember, all is not as it seems. Be prepared to run through all the possibilities we went over. Don’t worry about being underestimated. And most importantly… eat up!”
I snapped my fingers and summoned a sterling silver platter, kneeling down ceremonially and laying it on the ground. It stretched out to a size that would have looked laughable in my hands but grand and dramatic beneath me. At this size, it was able to accommodate all that I prepared for the mage-athletes. I worked long and hard all night in the kitchen labs, brewing up an elixir with an intelligence buffer and ritual cakes laced with time-released courage. My intent was to keep playing up the “haggard contenders” angle until it was the right moment to throw away the illusion.
Everyone groggily picked up what was masked as fluffy butter croissants and cafè mochas, chewing and sipping mechanically. This looked like pleasant but standard fare, and the audience probably waved it off as a human bringing her sentiment into the mix. Lahkegaze’s team dined on an extravagant breakfast buffet, glorious smells and condescension wafting from their general direction.
Once everyone was finished eating and both schools were about half an hour into the match, it was obvious to the audience that just because Bouclier also decoded the pre-tournament clues didn’t mean we weren’t in over our heads. Even armed with advanced bows and arrows, ranging from longbows to crossbows, we were trailing behind in performance and low on victory points.
The trick of Arcane Archery was to be quick with the draw and on one’s feet, ready to react to sudden changes. Tiny, swift “wily” wisps flitted around in the mountain range, frustratingly difficult to spot. Sometimes they just looked like pebbles kicked around in the sky, while other moments they mimicked all manner of magical entities.
One of the warlocks on Lahkegaze’s side was a perfect example of how to win in these conditions, hopping from boulder to boulder with a hawk eye. He wasn’t at all thrown off by the wily wisps fairweather forms, fluidly shooting hydro-arrows at a blazing phoenix. Kyo groaned at the arrogant mage, irritated that his trademark dexterity was kicking in. Even when he correctly loaded a crossbow with flaming quivers, he wasn’t able to shoot the tanglevine beast in front of him before it changed shapes. By now, it was a cracking thunder jaguar, a Raijū, that was only emboldened by the enhanced heat.
As our opponents leapt effortlessly around like manic acrobats, Bouclier’s team members paused and panted, all winded from trying to keep up with the wily wisps. The tables were suddenly turned, though, when the whole arena began to quake, and rifts began to crack open in the ground below us. The wily wisps giggled tauntingly and fluttered away, dipping into the molten mouths. When they reemerged, Lahkegaze’s witches and warlocks fled, screaming in unholy terror.
First came the talons, black as obsidian and sharp as daggers. The audience didn’t need much to put two and two together, making quick calculations of the deathly claws and the fact that they reached out from underground. The whole arena rang out in screams, only Becks left, who pulled up her hood and slinked behind a pillar to watch Nate and Serafina. The dainty dean wasn’t bothered at all. Instead, she leaned forward with casual interest, her elbows planted on her thighs and her head cradled in her hands. It was as though she were enjoying a laid back Sunday show.
The hellions began foaming out from the abyss, their leathery skin branded with a sickening collection of infernal markings. Each demon had distinctive sets of horns, spiraled or needle-straight, but all had unnerving eyes and frozen grins. While the other team had already conspired to teleport out of sight, Bouclier stood its ground. Finally, the “courage croissants” kicked in, and every mage’s posture perked, the challenging defiance back in their expressions.
Every time the massive beasts tried to take swipes at the mages, all the will and mana my peers kept in reserve played in their favor. They hopped away like self-assured gazelles, clearing enough distance and finding cover long enough to throw off their enemies. This is where I reunited with them, clutching onto an angelite orb to prepare. Meanwhile, Becks bowed her head and murmured softly enough to remain imperceptible. She provided the perfect diversion, hacking into the golem guards’ energetic systems and provoking them to charge after the demons.
The infernal assailants pivoted around without hesitation. Apparently, the demons were more interested in taking down official guards of Bouclier instead of a gang of overly enthusiastic, hotheaded students. While these highly skilled and robust minions duked it out, the team and I merged our will, amplifying our intentions. Our focus on our angelite crystal helped us scry the deity that would rescue us from this debacle. It seemed like a stretch to get out of this without divine intervention, even with ornery rock golems on our side.
Once we looked into the skies and spotted a cloud formation of Soteria, the goddess of daimona, protective spirits that were the antithesis of demons. The shape above us was unmistakable, with her maidenly veil and long gown. We took our chances and bounded out from hiding, raining down upon the hellions with beaming arrows. They were coated with angelic energy, desolating the infernal intruders so easily they dissipated into the ether. They never even had the time to howl in pain.
There wasn’t any fanfare, any technicolor fireworks, any flamboyant wizard who floated out to heap medals and praise onto us. A din of tense confusion took over the now cracked arena, and Serafina stormed off.
27
Joan
Before I could either celebrate or commiserate with the team, I was immediately teleported out. My first guess was that it was probably Abelard, as he had greeted me during my very first victory as a culinary witch. After that, though, I guess it became old hat because he never bothered again.
What struck me was that, even though he was a more seasoned wizard than Theo, his spellwork in this area was shoddier. At least it wasn’t as sickeningly psychedelic as Serafina’s method, but it was still nauseating and time-consuming. I felt as though I were endlessly drifting through a tunnel of fog, only confused chatter piercing the dreariness. While I bided time wondering who I would see, I considered the possibilities.
Since this didn’t seem to be the scheming dean’s enchantment, where was I headed? Was I going to be ripped to shreds by one of her lackeys? Maybe that snooty hall monitor? Or could it be I was paranoid? This route had all the hallmarks of a tired old man who may have realized his mistake. Could Abelard be summoning me to congratulate me? To possibly apologize? Surely my part in conquering demonic sabotage was enough to win him over. Maybe this victory could be my ticket to convincing him to listen to my concerns.
All of that wishful thinking went out the window once I was face to face with the headmaster. He glared at me coldly, and I was glad that looks couldn’t literally kill in Lemuria. I opened my mouth to defend myself, to turn his attention to the tournament’s outcome, but he interrupted me with a flat accusation.
“News may not reach me as quickly as I’d like, Joan,” he began, “but once it does, I deal with it accordingly. I am removing you from all Bouclier affairs, from matches to classes. I have no desire for our mages’ mi
nds to be as infected as our noble dragons’ water hole.”
I immediately launched into my defense. “You can’t actually believe that!” I begged. “Have you even spoken to the dragons? Performed a thorough investigation? Searched for energetic signatures? No one has ever seen me perform this completely heinous act!”
He paused for a moment, his lips stiff as he closed his mouth. He looked into my eyes searchingly, but I could tell he was actually scanning my aura. At this very moment, I was radiating an intense violet, the color of high-strung sorrow. The very idea that I would willingly harm an animal, earthly or Lemurian, was a stab to the gut.
“Alright,” he reasoned with me. The hesitance didn’t entirely escape him, though. “How can you be trusted, though? I cannot simply let you loose in the academy when I have no proof that you aren’t the culprit.”
I nodded in agreement. I wouldn’t have asked that from him. As much as I wanted to pretend everything was normal, that wasn’t wise. It would just be taking advantage of my connection with Theo to try to ask for special treatment. I had to level with Abelard and make some compromises.
“Think about it, Headmaster,” I said with formality. “I didn’t come knocking on your door begging to be let into Bouclier just so I could bring it down. I’m not even sure I could’ve found Lemuria even if I wanted to as a human. I mean, I’m still not even sure how interdimensional travel really works.”
I made one last-ditch effort to redeem myself. “You and Theo brought me here, and at first, I was really suspicious,” I explained. “But I did my best to make the most of it, and I’ve done nothing but try to build my empathy here and offer support. It’s been exhausting cooking for the Arcane Combat and Contests team, but worth it.”
A flicker of lucidity flashed in Abelard’s eyes, inspiring me to continue.
I ended with complete sincerity, my eyes gleaming. “I’m so, so very grateful that you and Nascha believed in me. I would never do anything to cause harm to the very academy that gave me so many opportunities.”
And just like that, his sympathy was snuffed out, replaced with coldness and distrust.
“Nascha?” he spat out. “The succubus that tried to lure me into a series of poor decisions, using our recruitment process to tear Bouclier down from the inside. I cannot believe a word that comes out of your mouth, nor will I be misled and sacrifice the well being of my students. You must leave at once. Please be advised that you are under lock and key. I won’t abide by any fugitives.”
And just like that, he was done hearing me out. As he spirited me away, I thought I spied a flash of a red cloak, or maybe it was a particularly dark red aura. Before I could get a good look, I was already sent to my room like some common criminal.
28
Joan
“Retirez ce glamour!” I screamed as I stood in front of my vanity. “Remove this glamour!”
My eyes were already bloodshot from crying my heart out, my face was puffy, my nose crimson, and my lips contorted. I was tired of hiding. I never asked for any of this, and yet I thought I made a hell of an effort to evolve as a witch. Now, all that I loved and stood for was being warped against me. I adored those dragons. My heart was tied to animal and beast welfare, and I wished sorely that I could find who did this. But I wouldn’t be able to, because I was stuck here.
Instead, all I could do was wait this out and occasionally stare at the scarlet script on my eyelid. Maybe I’d be put to death for it. Both Nascha and I, most likely. Then, that ice queen with the plastic smile, Serafina, could reign with Abelard as her puppet. A real tragic comedy this all turned out to be.
My blood went cold as I read the letter I found on the furniture’s surface. I was being sentenced to a trial, but that didn’t give me any comfort. All the cards seemed stacked against me. There was a wealth of evidence that I wasn’t the culprit, that I only had the best intentions, and yet I still somehow ended up the prime suspect.
“There’s no way that I’ll--” I began, ruminating over how bad this all was. For once, Joan MacKenna wasn’t going to find her way out of a deadly corner magically.
“Ever be harmed,” Theo finished my sentence. He materialized behind me more quickly than I could react, using his stealth to kiss my neck. “By the way, Joan, may I say you are lovelier than ever. I am glad to see this glamour dropped yet again, and the passion for justice emanating from you is magnificent.”
“Gee, thanks, Theo,” I deadpanned. Even though this wasn’t a great time to be flirting with me, I reached behind me and took his hand. I would always want his company, even, or maybe especially, because I was on the brink of death.
He chuckled, clear about my frustration. “I’ll regain Bouclier’s trust on your behalf,” he promised. “Unfortunately, rumors about the dragons are floating about the castle, and mages are beginning to speculate since you haven’t been attending classes.”
I groaned. “Of course. It’d be stupid for me to hope otherwise.”
“Keep your chin up,” he teased and lifted my head with a finger. I had taught him the human idiom months ago, but he was only now using it. “Becks will deflect as much gossip as possible as she has been close to you. She has a knack with glamour magic, and will win over the allies we need.”
“Not to mention…” he continued. “You have been besmirched before, and your radiant light has always shone through. There were those who Lydia turned against you that eventually learned the real truth. They are even now singing your praises. Particularly Kara, the valkyrie. You have quite the ‘fan base,’ Joan. Even now.”
That actually made me smile weakly. True, I had been through the wringer, and yet somehow, it always turned out alright. Maybe I really did have some deity looking out for me.
“A third party, a neutral wizard, will have sentinels with the strongest wills guarding the dragons as Bouclier investigates this matter,” Theo told me as he stroked my hair. “How I wish you could speak to them and hear how much these creatures trust you, but it simply won’t be permitted.”
This time, he glowered, rage finally breaking through. “I would demand this, as I know you have been stewing in here with only the worst thoughts plaguing you. Alas, everyone will say I’m charmed…”
I hung my head again to hide my disappointment. “It’s okay, Theo. You don’t need to stand up for me. I know you believe me in your heart of hearts, and I don’t want you dragged into this mess.”
Theo turned me around, holding my shoulders and fixing me with a sincere look. He seemed genuinely hurt that I doubted his protectiveness.
“I don’t care what anyone else thinks. Even if I cannot sway all of Bouclier and make the decisions I know are best, I will always maintain your innocence,” he insisted. “In fact, I have already released an official statement saying as much, even if I lose favor in the eyes of some. I, and your allies, will prove to all of Lemuria that your heart is clear. As it stands, all the amazing beasts of Bouclier know you are a true Tamer.”
Aurelius bounded up and barked, vouching for me and nuzzling my leg with fervor. I was glad that they kept him with me, at least, and I tried my best to open my heart to Theo’s vision.
I had already spoken to Kara and her posse of selective witches and learned that Serafina was not universally liked, despite her innocent facade. These mages were so loyal they visited both Lydia and Nascha in their cells. Either that, or they were addicted to gossip, but they provided me with excellent intel. As for Becks, she continued to chat with any student willing to listen to her, and the general opinion was not as dire as Joan may have thought.
This evening, I decided that it might be best to seek out Damian. I didn’t have the deepest connection with animals and beasts, so I wasn’t aware of what it would take to bypass the enchanted barriers of dragons. Joan’s newest comrade, however, who had protected her in the circle of eternal death, was fairly well known for his finesse with familiars. He had even trained his own, Bast, so well that the bat was able to shift into a flurry of
forms depending on the situation. This was truly the mark of a mage adept in taming, and I was certain he may instill me with important insight.
Though I was insecure in my ability with animals, Remul, the black kitten who’d recently bonded me, was rather fixated with my presence. In fact, I had to carry her in my arms as I progressed through the haunted woods where I believed I could find Damian. I was unsure about bringing such a small and delicate creature out here, but I reasoned that it had managed to survive the evening I found her.
Just as I suspected, Damian was further in the forest that any Bouclier student had any right being, but it wasn’t truly my place. He could handle his own matters, and I had no reason to distrust him. The odd mage sat cross-legged in a summoning circle of salt with various skulls scattered about. This wasn’t so alarming and was, in fact, an ancient ritual to convene with the dead. That was apparently a penchant of his and another unusual talent he possessed.
Rather than being startled by my arrival, or the sounds of my footfalls upon damp leaves, he raised his head casually. His expression was entirely lucid, as though he had been expecting me.
“Oh, hello, Theodore,” he greeted me. “It’s been a while. Thanks for the fine dining last time. I’m really sorry about your girl. It’s not fair, is it?”
My cheeks burned in the darkness out of embarrassment. I hadn’t taken the time to get to know him, even after his nobility, so he still used my full given name.
“No, it definitely is not,” I said curtly, but sighed and decided that I should let my frustration ease up a bit. “Do you happen to believe the gossip? Mage to mage. I know that you are underestimated and yet have a strong intuition. Based on your instincts about beasts and the underlying spiritual nature of mages, do you think Joan is capable of committing such an act?”
