"Thank you, Pearsons."
"You are very welcome. And good luck,” he said, before shutting the door.
I went and jumped on the bed that had the window next to it. It was the most comfortable thing I’d ever sat on. The feathers in the mattress just let me sink into it. "I could get used to this." I jumped up and went to the walk-in closet. It had fresh leathers and other attire. "Too bad I was only going to wear these leathers. Those look comfortable." I shut the doors and sat at a small desk that was provided. "I can do this," I kept telling myself. Or maybe, I could get a sponsor, keep failing, and live here forever.
The ride here took all day and it was getting late. I didn't feel like getting lost and not being able to get back to my room. I changed into a simple tunic and soft bottoms that were provided. I even risked taking my wrappings off since I was alone tonight. I thought if I had a roommate he would have been there by now. My first night here might as well as be comfortable.
I awoke the next morning to an empty room. Judging by the commotion in the hallways, I must have overslept. I threw on a pair of the leathers from the closet. I certainly wouldn't be fighting on my first day. Just as I had assumed, the leathers were as comfortable as the beds.
I walked outside with nothing else, not sure of what to bring to the welcoming ceremony anyway. I went into the halls, gaining several bows and looks from other students. I guess the room I was in was reserved for sevens. How else would they have known who I was? I merely nodded back and followed a crowd to the auditorium. I wanted to eat, but I guess I missed out on that.
I entered the auditorium and it was packed with students of all ages. Old and young alike. You were never too old to learn, I suppose. There was no designation on where to sit, so I found a seat on the side. I sat there for another hour or so. Then, seven people entered, and the room instantly became quiet.
"Welcome. Please, find your seats." A man said who had just entered. He was silent for a few more moments until everyone in the room stilled. "I am Horris, one of the seven council members here. We welcome you and hope to have a wonderful year of learning at the royal academy. First, we will address the sevens for this year. Please stand.”
I looked around and a group rose from one section of the room.
So that’s where I should have been seated.
I decided not to stand to avoid gaining more attention.
"Everyone, give them the honored welcome they deserve."
Claps erupted in the room.
Horris held up his hands and waited for the room to quiet. "This year will be the greatest number of seventh sons we have ever had. It should be a fun year, to say the least. Throughout the year we will have a number of ceremonies for students and other activities. But to uphold the traditions of this school we need to maintain our honor and respect of the sevens." I yawned as he drowned on.
Right, so when can I eat?
Still, he talked. Then, I heard the magic words. "You may now return to your rooms and prepare for classes this afternoon. Lunch will be served before it starts. Don't be late. It’s your first day, after all."
He stepped down and the room erupted into chatter. Old and new friends coming together again. This school might not be so bad. I navigated the room and headed back to my room. The only reason I knew where it was already is that it was on the corner of a courtyard. So, I didn't have to traverse any vast number of stairs. I used my key to open my room and pushed the door open. This time however, the room was not empty.
There was a boy my age looking around the room in awe.
He whipped his head around and looked to me. "Something, isn’t it?"
"I'm sorry.” I stood in the door opening then slowly walked in. “I didn't mean to impose."
"You’re not." He was dressed in a mage robe, not in a sevens leather. "But why are you here?"
"Forgive me, I think there has been some mix-up. I live here as well." I had heard that sevens get their own living conditions. I was wrong. This just got a whole lot harder.
CHAPTER FIVE
The First Lesson
So, I lost my privacy, and not even to another seven. Gods, I hope my luck wasn't running out. I didn't much care about him being a mage. I just didn't want to stand out on the first day of school. Sevens didn’t usually associate themselves with mages if they didn’t have to. I walked to my side of the room and sat down, avoiding eye contact, trying to seem busy. It was just more awkward since I realized I sat on my bed and there was nothing to do.
"What’s your name?" I asked.
"Aster. And you?"
"Noah. You seem very comfortable around me, compared to other individuals. Why is that?"
"Oh, since you’re a seven and all?” He shrugged. “To be honest, I don't really care. I come from a rich family, so I've been around high-ranking individuals my whole life."
"Well, I’m tired of sitting here awkwardly. Want to get some lunch?"
He gave a deep bow. "Why, I thought you would never ask."
Great, he’s like me. Sarcastic.
We left the room and I followed him to the dining hall. I committed it to memory, considering I love to eat. It wasn't packed to the brim, but it wasn't empty either. We waited in line for our food and everything looked so delicious. Roast beef steamed from the serving line along with soups and roasted potatoes. My mouth watered. I couldn't wait to dig in. I had already skipped two meals.
Once our trays were full, Aster asked, "Where did you want to sit?"
I shrugged. "I suppose with the sevens."
He gave me a sidelong glance. "Are you sure?"
"Why? Scared?" I lifted my brow taunting him.
"Ha, not a chance. I was just worried for you."
My face scrunched together in confusion.
"You’ll see." He nodded towards the sevens section and I followed him over.
He led me over to the restricted area meant just for the sevens and we were already gaining attention. Gazes followed us everywhere. We sat down at a table at the edge of the seating arrangement. I couldn't even get one bite of food down before we were swarmed by people.
"I see you already have a mage servant for the year. Impressive." A boy with short black hair said to me.
"I could serve up my balls into your mouth, if you’d like?" Aster said.
I couldn’t help but laugh. No one else thought it was funny.
"You must not know who I am. But I will have to ask you to leave. Of course, with your seven’s permission." The boy said.
"No, I know who you are, Tye Rimlock. Who wouldn't?”
Tye went back into a defensive position.
"Easy. No need for that." I stood up, grabbing my tray. "We will leave."
Everyone, even Aster, had a confused look on their face.
"Wait, are you telling me you’d rather leave with this mage than remain here with us? Where are you from?" Tye asked through squinted eyes.
"Old Urn. What does that matter?" I stood holding my tray of food.
"Oh, a country seven. Let me explain something to you. We are better than mages in every way. Do yourself a favor and stay with us. We will ignore all that has happened and may even be lenient on this person or mage."
"Ah, that’s nice of you. I’m a person and a mage." Aster tried to turn and walk away.
Tye reared back and aimed to punch Aster in his face. I dropped my tray and kicked Tye in the chest. The whole room went silent. Even the teachers in the room did nothing. I tried to remember that fights were a regular part of the education here at the academy. But I really wanted nothing to do with it on my first day. Still, I am loyal like that. Tye got up slowly and I thought his eyes would pop out the way he was looking at me. His nostrils were flared and he was breathing hard.
Aster moved to stand beside me and I wiped the sweat from my upper lip. "Sorry. He is really the only person I know. I’d rather not have him beat up on the first day of school."
Aster sighed. "Don't say I didn't warn you."
&nbs
p; I sighed. "Yes, yes. I know. I'm agitated and hungry, so don't test me."
Aster smiled.
"Now, as for you three. I'm going to just go ahead and leave. Save you from more embarrassment.”
A teacher walked up between us. "Everything alright?"
"Why, yes professor. We were just sharing our different experiences in life. Tye here slipped... You know, five feet." Aster said through a smile.
"That’s enough out of you, Aster." The professor commanded.
"Have a reputation here already?" I whispered.
"I do try. My first year wasn't so calm as I would’ve liked it to be,” Aster whispered back to me.
"We were just leaving, professor," I said, grabbing Aster’s robe.
"I will forget this happened, but if this happens again you will all be severely punished. Rules are sparse, but meals are to be uninterrupted. Understand?"
"My type of rule, professor," I stated.
"One more piece of advice, stay away from that one." He nodded towards Aster.
"Will do, professor."
Aster and I left the hall. "Dammit, I am so hungry,” I complained.
"Here." Aster took out a piece of bread and handed it to me. "Not as fancy as the food we missed but should hold you over until dinner."
I snatched the bread away and shoved it into my mouth. "Oh gods... so good..."
He made a face. "When was the last time you ate?"
"Lunch. Yesterday,” I rasped over a chunk of bread in my throat. “But now I might choke to death. Where can I get some water?"
He pulled me to the side of the hall. "I’ll do you one better. Hold out your hands like a cup."
I did as he asked. Next thing I knew, ale was flowing out of his hands and into mine. I laughed and drank every drop.
He grinned. "Like it?"
I nodded. "Lumos, it was magnificent," I referenced the moons that light the night sky.
"Invented that spell myself. I just have to be hydrated for it to work, otherwise you get something like piss flowing out of my hand."
"I didn't need to know that last bit." I curled my upper lip.
"With me, you get everything."
"Great." I laughed as we continued walking. I seemed to have met my first friend. We ran back to our room and he helped me get what supplies I might need. Ink, paper, and books. Inside one of my books was a schedule. It was all in the same room but had different teachers’ names attached to it.
Aster snatched the paper from me. "Looks like we are in the same class as well."
"So, what you’re saying is we’ll never be rid of one another?" I asked.
"Pretty much. I hope you don’t mind if I sleep in the nude."
My face went flush.
"Just kidding. Come on, let’s go to class." Aster slung his bag over his shoulder.
I shoved my supplies into a satchel and followed Aster to wherever we were going. We went along some halls that held more classrooms. From the open doors, I could see some held special equipment, like tubes and glasses for alchemy. Some were just filled with weapons as an armory would be. We continued our walk and finally, we came up to a long set of spiraling stairs. We were in a school of magic, I was expecting levitating platforms at least.
"Why..." I mumbled to myself.
What was the point of having a school full of mages if nothing was going to be more comfortable? I forgot how many steps we climbed, but even Aster was swearing before we reached the top. I looked outside and we were right next to the mountains. I could throw a stone and probably hit the tip of one. They were a beautiful green due to the trees covering them. When I turned my focus back to where I was walking, there was a door at the end of the path.
"You know, this is a nightmare," Aster said as we paused.
"Why?" I replied, breathing hard.
"Every day we have to do this. It’s the only class that’s attached to the mountains. It’s a beautiful sight but does a number on the legs. The only benefit is that we don't have to travel to the fields for training. They built their very own platform into the mountains to avoid having to go up and down all day." Aster said.
"There’s that, I suppose." I stood up straight, ready for the end of the hike up the stairs of death.
We walked inside and set eyes on the rest of the students slouching in their chairs. So far, I was the only one in leathers, but I was still going to sit next to Aster anyway.
"Sevens are in the back," he whispered to me.
I didn't move. I wasn’t going to sit in the back. "Fun fact but no."
"Ballsy, I think I might like you, Sir Noah."
"Well, I have a habit of getting into trouble, so you shouldn't," I warned him.
"Same. So, we are screwed either way."
We laughed as the door opened again. To my dismay, Tye walked in with one other seven I didn't recognize.
"This day just gets better and better," Tye said as he raised his hands in the air. "You made the wrong move today, shit bag," he stared down Aster.
Aster pointed at me. "What about him?"
"Really?" I asked him.
Aster laughed, and I let out a huff in response.
"He is a seven and can do what he wants. Even if it’s the wrong thing. It will be addressed. But I’d worry about myself, if I were you." Tye said.
"I think I just pissed myself," Aster said to Tye. "Oh, no, never mind. I thought I was scared for a second."
"You and your mouth, boy." Tye’s friend said as he joined him in sitting down at the back of the class.
"Hey!" Aster stood up. "You take that back. I had my sixteenth birthday. I am a man in every right, I’ll have you know."
"You might die," I said to him.
"Take your seven’s advice. Sit down." Tye warned.
Aster did.
At least he was smart enough to know when to quit. Tye left us and went to sit down in the back with the more comfortable chairs.
"You might be an idiot. I had my sixteenth birthday?" I asked.
"It’s all I could come up with." Aster shrugged.
We took out our books for the first class of the day. Defense lessons. At least I wouldn't throw up from having a full stomach. The professor walked in looking as regal as anyone I've ever seen.
"I'm Professor Urani. It’s nice to meet you all.” She walked out from behind her desk and came up to me. In a whisper, she said, "Would you rather sit in the back?"
"No, I'm fine, professor."
"Your call." He stood back up. “Now, every other row, look to your right. This is your new partner for the year."
The professors paused between Aster and I. "Ah, Aster what a pleasure to have you again this year."
"I do aim to please," Aster replied to Professor Urani.
I lifted an eyebrow. He had a reputation, all right. I just hoped I had befriended the right person.
The professor moved on, walking along the aisles of desks. "Now, as far as today's lesson, it’s the same as every year. Defense without magic."
Everyone moaned.
I just smiled. I could handle that.
"So, everyone grab your partner and go out those doors to your left.” There were a set of double doors that led to a platform. This must have been what Aster had been talking about. On either side, large diagrams were set on the walls, one had the markings of the body and the other was a list of known magical affinities.
Aster and I stood up and I made sure my sword was strapped tightly to my side. I had seen few others wearing one which seemed strange to me. We walked outside into the fresh mountain air and formed a semi-circle.
"Now, who wishes to go first? It will be a spar without magic. I wish to judge everyone’s defenses." Urani asked.
"Twenty bronze. Tye fights and chooses me to be his opponent." Aster leaned over to me.
"Deal," I replied.
"I’ll go first," the seven I didn't recognize said.
"Ah, one of our sevens. Detrick, excellent. Who is your opponent?” The p
rofessor asked.
"Aster." The seven said.
"Where’s my money?" I asked Aster, holding out my hand.
He dug into his robes and mumbled incoherent words. The bronze went into my hand and I patted his back. Aster walked forward and picked up a training staff and swung it a few times. Like me, Tye and the other seven both had swords.
We all backed up, preparing for the fight to begin. Aster held his staff across his body while he waited.
Aster and he circled one another, waiting for the professor to start the match. The way he handled his sword in his practice swings, the seven knew what he was doing. His downwards strikes created a whistle in the air. I could tell by the way his feet moved his was the technique of Ridden. Opposed to mine, which was Faux. Not the best defensive form, but it would do. Aster swung his staff and his body was completely off balance. He swung once and he stepped forward due to his own force. He had no idea what he was doing. Both of their eyes met with the professor’s.
“Remember, no magic.” Both nodded. "Then begin," Professor Urani said.
Like a fool, Aster charged in with his staff over his head and swung down. With one hand behind his back, Tye’s friend Detrick sidestepped and kicked the staff out of Aster’s hand. My roommate backed up while Tye and everyone else started to laugh.
"Come on," I whispered.
Aster continued to put distance between them by backing up.
Detrick stopped smiling and pushed forward. Aster rolled to dodge a downward slash of his sword, giving him little time to think. It wouldn't have been a fatal blow, but it would have deeply wounded him. Aster jumped back to his feet. The only chance he had was if he got into a ground battle with Detrick. But even then, the seven was better built than Aster.
Detrick backed Aster to the edge of the platform. The seven was closing off all his escape options. Detrick thrust inward and Aster dodged and was able to get behind him. Aster pushed his advantage and tackled the seven off the side of the mountain.
Only thing was, Aster went down, right along with him.
I dashed to the side and both were floating in mid-air.
The Prisoner of Fate Page 4
