School of Deaths

by Christopher Mannino

  “This is the World of the Dead?” she asked. Cronk nodded.

  “Can’t be,” she continued. “This seems like home, even nicer than home, in fact. And it smells like strawberries.”

  “This is the La-La-La-land of Deaths,” said Cronk. “A ni-ni-ni-nice place.”

  “But where are the skulls and fires and stuff?”

  “Wou-would you ra-rather have those?”

  “No, of course not.”

  “Come on,” said Cronk. He led her away from the forest and down a hill. They were on a path, leading away from a small stone on the spot where they had first appeared. The moon above shone bright, and though nighttime, she could see.

  Cronk led her beside something shimmering. The reflection of the moon glistened on the water, probably a pond or small lake. Cronk held out a finger, pointing.

  She leaned over and let out a gasp. A girl stared back at her: her reflection, yet, unlike the one she had seen at home for months. The girl staring back was fleshy but not plump. Her features were pretty. Her usually stringy black hair looked thick and smooth, hanging like silk around her lightly freckled cheeks. Her cheeks were full; the skin didn’t cling to her skull. Even her gray eyes seemed to shine. The skeletal girl she had come to expect in the mirror was gone.

  “Is that me?”

  “Yes, your tr-tr-tr-true self. This is your home now.”

  She gazed again. She wasn’t her old self, she looked better than she ever had. She smiled, but glanced up. The smile faded as she remembered.

  “I’m only here for a year. Then this nightmare will be over.”

  Cronk shrugged. “Few p-p-pass the test. Too ha-ha-hard.”

  “What’s on the test? What makes it hard?”

  Cronk shook his head. He either didn’t know or wouldn’t tell her.

  “You can’t tell me?”

  Again, he shook his head. He motioned her to follow and they walked along the shore, climbing a rise, moving away from the water. They reached a flight of marble steps and Suzie followed. Small lights stood on either side of the steps. They lit up when Cronk walked near them, and turned off behind Suzie. She peered closer, bending down, and realized they were flowers. Each flower glowed brighter the closer she got; the lit ones shined like hot flame. Cronk coughed and she kept moving.

  They climbed higher and higher. From the top of the steps, a vast plain opened, stretching beneath them. A path was lit with flowers, and many men in black robes walked beneath two enormous mountains. Or were they towers? The two pillars stretched for miles into the sky, like enormous stalagmites: great columns of twisted, gnarled rock pocked by thousands of tiny lights. They stood taller than any skyscraper Suzie had dreamt of, yet were far too narrow to be mountains. The pinnacles of the rocky towers were lit as well; two of the brighter stars she had seen earlier were actually those tips.

  Between the well-lit towers stretched an elaborate maze of long, rocky mounds. A strange, fiery white light filled the area, with occasional darker squares amid the mounds. Around the entire complex, a ring of arches glowed. Cronk started walking down the hill, toward the arches.

  “The C-C-C-College,” he said, gesturing with a hand.

  “College?”

  “The C-C-College of Deaths.”

  Suzie didn’t ask more, but looked around in apprehension and wonder. She climbed down step after step, until they got to the plain. The air still smelled of strawberries: not a fake strawberry smell like when her mom made sandwiches with jelly, but the delicious smell of fresh-picked strawberries in spring. They were Suzie’s favorite fruit. Her mouth watered and her heart calmed.

  Cronk led her down the lit path toward the glowing arches. As they approached, Suzie realized the arches were blades: pairs of oversized scythe blades, like Cronk’s. The steel on each blade glowed, and each pair formed an arch. The arches stretched over twenty feet high, but seemed tiny compared to the strange stony formations beyond, which in turn were dwarfed by the gargantuan towers. Cronk stopped before the arches.

  “Only D-D-Deaths can p-p-pass,” he said. He walked under two of the glowing blades. Suzie wondered if they were sharp.

  He raised a hand, beckoning her forward.

  “But you said only Deaths can pass,” said Suzie.

  He nodded and waved her forward again. She took a deep breath and walked through the arches. Nothing happened. Cronk smiled and continued walking.

  Suzie wondered why Cronk had told her that. Was she actually a Death now? Was that what she had signed?

  They continued into the complex, and she passed more men in black robes. Some were her father’s age, like Cronk, while others seemed ancient.

  “Billy, get a load of that.” She turned and a group of robed boys, no older than herself, stared and pointed. Others looked as well, until every figure around them gawked at her.

  “Keep wa-wa-walking,” said Cronk. Suzie turned her face down, but felt the cold stares of a hundred boys and men.

  “It’s a girl,” somebody shouted. “I don’t believe it.”

  Everyone seemed to talk at once. Suzie glanced up. The area was packed, and more men and boys were pouring in from every direction. They stood on their tiptoes to try and watch her.

  Cronk pulled her to the side, and they entered a doorway in one of the stone mounds. He ushered her through a hall and to another door, where he knocked.

  “Come in,” said a gravelly voice.

  Cronk opened the door and Suzie stepped in. She glanced behind her at two robed boys peeking from behind a corner. Cronk closed the door.

  “Hello,” said the gravel-voiced man. He extended a hand, which Suzie shook.

  “I am Hann,” he said. “A teacher here. You are Susan Sarnio?”

  “Yes,” she said. “Please, Mr. Hann, what am I supposed to do here?”

  He laughed. “You are supposed to go to school, to train as a new Death. Surely the old goat told you that? He may be a ’Mental, but it’s his job.”

  “You mean Athanasius?”

  “Yes, that’s right,” replied Hann. He smirked. Was he mocking her?

  “He said I have to be a Death for at least one full year. This is where I train?”

  “This is the College of Deaths, Susan. This will be your home for the next year, and probably much longer.”

  “I’m not staying.”

  “Of course, of course, everyone says that, and yet everyone stays. Funny how things work out.”

  Something about him bothered her: something mocking, almost predatory. He smiled down at her. Hann wore a black robe like the other men. The hood was pulled back, revealing a thin face with short hair. He had a dark goatee and dark, piercing eyes.

  “I will not be here more than a year,” she said.

  “Perhaps, but I guarantee the year won’t be easy. No, not easy for you.”

  “Because I’m a girl.”

  He shrugged. “We have not had a female Death in a million years. The College is built for men and boys. You saw how they looked at you.”

  Suzie let out a long sigh. This was real. The nightmare wasn’t ending anytime soon. She had to survive in this terrible place for a year. She had no one to help her; she was completely alone in their world. Tears formed in her eyes.

  “Wait a moment.” Hann put his hand on her shoulder. “Don’t cry.”

  “You’ll b-b-be okay,” stammered Cronk.

  Suzie wiped the tears away. Hann frowned but Cronk smiled, trying to reassure her.

  Cronk pointed to her pocket. She nodded, but didn’t pull out the cake. She forced herself to grin, squinting to hold back tears. She wouldn’t show weakness here.

  “I should be g-g-g-going,” said Cronk. “You b-b-be okay?”

  “I’ll be fine,” her voice surprised her, she sounded full of conviction.

  “Nothing to worry about, Cronk,” said Hann. “Why don’t you go fetch the next one, always a busy job, busy indeed.”

  Cronk gave her a final pat on the shoulder. Suzie did no
t turn to say goodbye. He walked out of the room and shut the door behind him.

  “I’m ready,” said Suzie. “What do I need to do?”

  Hann smiled. “You have the right attitude, Susan. Maybe you’ll do better than I feared.”

  “I have to get through the year. Just one year.”

  “Yes. We’ll see in time.” He opened a drawer and pulled out a file. “At any rate, you’re only thirteen now. This shouldn’t be too different from school. You’ll take three primary classes: Theory, History, and Applications. You also get to choose one other class, an elective of your choice.”

  “What are my choices?”

  “Music, Literature, Gymnastics, or Art.”

  “Art,” said Suzie. It didn’t sound too bad, classes like school back home, even art. She had always enjoyed painting, though she was never good. But was this a school? It stretched like a maze of rocks, huddled under two oversized stalagmites. Where were the classes?

  “All right.” Hann made a few marks on her file. He glanced up and gave her a form.

  “Here is your schedule. Classes begin Monday at precisely nine. Time is rigid here, you’ll notice hourglasses everywhere. I’d learn to read them. Meals are noted on the schedule, and are served in the Lower Hall. You’ll be at the Junior College until you are eighteen. Yes, yes,” he said holding up a hand to stop her protests, “you don’t plan to be here that long. But if you are, you’ll move to the Senior College, where Deaths become fully licensed.”

  “Deaths need to be licensed?”

  “Of course, this is a profession.” Hann seemed offended. “Yes, each Death eventually needs licensing. Those are the ones who work alone. As a Junior Death, you’ll be in a group and won’t start for some time, all under your teacher’s guidance. I’m getting ahead of myself; you’ll learn the details in your classes.”

  “Where will I live? There are no other girls.”

  “It has been arranged. You will have your own room, but will have to share a dwelling with two other Junior Deaths.”

  “With boys? The ones who were staring at me?”

  “Yes, I’m afraid we don’t have enough space for you to have your own house. Keep the schedule, and make sure you’re on time. Today is Friday. You have the weekend to get acclimated. Ask one of the boys in your house to show you around.”

  “What if they refuse?” asked Suzie.

  “If you absolutely need help,” said Hann with a sigh, “come back here and ask. Helping young Deaths is my job. And take this.” He pulled out another sheet of paper.

  “A map of the Colleges, both Junior and Senior.” He circled a few things, before handing it to her. “I’ve circled this office, your house, the Halls, and your four classrooms. Couldn’t be easier. You’ll be in my Applications class.”

  Suzie stared at Hann. Had she misjudged him? He seemed to be helping her, yet his smile still seemed mocking.

  “I’ll show you to your room now.”

  Chapter Four

  The College

  When they left Hann’s office, most of the men outside were gone. She wondered if Cronk had told them to leave, or if they’d gotten tired of waiting to stare at her. A few black-robed Deaths watched from behind a corner.

  Hann led her through a long corridor of weathered stone. In front of her, one of the enormous rocky towers shot into the sky like the gnarled finger of a stone giant. Hundreds of the flowers flickered like fireflies on the tower’s outer walls, while windows glowed with light from within.

  They came to a wall with a picture of an eagle holding two scythes in its claws. Its red eyes seemed to watch her as she approached. Suzie glanced at the map again.

  “Here,” said Hann, pointing to a small mound marked “Eagle Dormitory Two” on her map.

  Hann opened an iron door and led her through a well-lit hallway. He stopped at a blue door with a large number VI painted in white.

  “This will be your home for the next year,” he said. “Eagle Two, room six. When you fail your test. If you fail, I mean,” he added, noting Suzie’s frown. “This will become your home until you leave the Junior College.”

  He reached into his cloak and pulled out two narrow keys, one silver and one gold, which he handed to her.

  “Gold opens the front door, and the silver is for your room.” Hann knocked. The door clicked and opened.

  A shy-looking boy of about twelve peered out. He wore a colored T-shirt, shorts, sneakers, and a pair of wire glasses. He coughed and blinked at Suzie.

  “Jason,” said Hann. “This is Susan Sarnio, she’ll be living in the blue room. You got the notice earlier, I hope?”

  “Yeah,” said Jason.

  “You and Billy will need to show Susan around this weekend. Remember, you two are being held accountable.” He raised his voice. “Especially you, Billy.”

  “Gotcha,” said a voice behind Jason. Hann frowned.

  Jason coughed, wiped his nose on his sleeve, and shuffled his feet, looking down. A second boy hovered behind him, a taller, older boy with sandy-blond hair, freckles, and piercing blue eyes. He smirked and turned away.

  “Here,” said Hann, turning back to Suzie. “This is where I leave you. What you need is in your room. Your housemates, Jason and Billy, will help you this weekend. Remember the schedule and use the map. If you need anything else, come and ask me. Otherwise I will see you in class.”

  Hann closed the door and she heard his footsteps echoing down the hall. She surveyed her new home, which was homey enough. Large lamps stood in each corner; she wondered if they had real light bulbs or more of those weird flowers. A lumpy brown couch sat in front of a window, next to a short table. A bookshelf in the corner had a few books she didn’t recognize. The room smelled like potato chips, and was quite warm, a change from the cool strawberry-smelling air outside. After walking through the strange College, she’d expected the Deaths to live in stone caves.

  “Jason, don’t stare at her, show her the room,” said the taller boy.

  Jason wiped his nose with his sleeve and walked past the couch, his eyes fixed on the tan, crumb-covered carpet. Suzie followed him inside. The living room ended at a small hallway, with three doors, each a different color.

  Jason opened the blue door and gestured, before ducking behind the taller boy. Suzie went inside. Her room was cozy with a bed, closet, and bathroom. The walls, curtains, and carpet were shades of blue. She breathed an inward sigh of relief at the bathroom; at least she wouldn’t have to share that. On the bed lay a pile of clothes, a towel, and some books. Two long black robes lay next to the books.

  “You’ve caused a lot of trouble,” said a voice behind her.

  “I didn’t want to be here,” she replied. She turned. The tall boy stood in the doorway eyeing her with a mix of disdain and something else. Curiosity?

  Suzie and the boy watched each other in silence. He was lanky but cute in a way. His eyes were brilliantly blue, like shining sapphires. The side of his lip curled up in a smirk, but deepened into a broad smile.

  “I’m Billy,” he said. “I’m in the green room. The yellow one is Jason’s.”

  “I’m Suzie.”

  “Never been a girl here.”

  “I’ve heard.”

  “It’s not bad here. I’ll show you around, if you like.”

  “Have you been here long?”

  He shrugged. “This is my second year. Jason arrived a week ago; he’s a first-year like you.”

  “Didn’t you want to go home? I thought we only had to be here a year.”

  He hesitated. “I failed the test. Everyone here past first year has failed. But life here isn’t too bad. You get used to it.”

  “What is the test?”

  “Ha, can’t tell you that even if I wanted to. The test is different for everyone. But you’ll find out eventually.”

  “Will I pass? I want to go home, Billy.”

  His faced darkened, and his expression grew serious. “We’ll find out. Please don’t ask more, or
worry every day. Honestly, you have too many other things to worry about, especially being a girl. I would focus on getting through the year.”

  “Right,” murmured Suzie. She wasn’t sure what to make of Billy. Jason seemed afraid of him, never looking at Billy, but never looking at her either. He hovered in the living room, not watching them, but paying attention to every word they said. Billy was a different story. He was a kid like her, but had been here a year. He had failed the test. Yet he wasn’t depressed. He lived in the world of Deaths, but still smiled and seemed happy. Suzie wouldn’t stay, but maybe he could help show her around.

  “You still in there Suzie?” asked Billy.

  “Sorry, just thinking.”

  “It’s your first day in this world. It’s tough for anyone, and I’m sure it’s even harder for you. Why don’t you get some sleep? I’ll knock on your door tomorrow morning if you sleep too late. I’m showing Jason around and can take you around too.”

  “Thanks,” she said.

  “Get some sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” Billy went into his room. Jason sniffled and hurried to the yellow room, peering out the door. Suzie watched for a moment then closed her door.

  She walked to the bathroom. A shower, sink, toilet, and mirror. An unwrapped toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap. This was definitely not a cave.

  She walked back to the bedroom. The black robes each had a yellow patch on their front shaped like a skull. She put them away without trying them on. The other clothes were casual, jeans and shirts, socks, panties, and bras. A long purple dress hung in the closet. How had they known what sizes to get? Where had they found girls’ clothes? She moved the clothes to her drawers.

  Three books sat on the bed. The first book was large and had a black cover, which said Methods in large elaborate letters. Suzie put the heavy book on a table in the corner. The second book was even heavier. Its title was Michael Darkblade’s Theories on Deaths.

  The third and final book was A History of Deaths for Beginners. Suzie sat on the soft bed and flipped through the pages. Pictures of black robed men holding scythes stared lifelessly out at her from between the lines of text. She turned to the index and searched for Lovethar. She found the page.