by P B Hughes
The crowd of students let out collective groans and dispersed, heading off to their respective buildings. Daniel made a move to climb off the platform, but Mordecai stopped him.
“Wait,” Mordecai said. “Guardians—a word.”
Jude’s lip tightened and he uttered a curse, but he joined the others and climbed up onto the platform.
Mordecai scanned the six of them for a moment, and then spoke. “I have good news. A new High Chancellor has been selected. He wishes to meet you all tonight.”
Chapter 2
Ari’s strident footsteps clacked as the heels of her white boots struck the smooth stone path. Her arms were locked tightly across her chest and the tail of her violet silk robes slid behind her, brushing the scattered leaves asunder. Ever since Daniel’s spar with Marcus, she only spoke to him with curt, one-word sentences, and after several failed attempts at getting her to tell him what was wrong, Daniel gave up. And so he ambled beside her, but not exactly beside for she purposefully walked half a step ahead. He wasn’t quite sure if it was the chill of night or the biting cold of Ari’s guise that stung him more deeply.
A gale blew down upon them causing the treetops above to dance, dousing them in a sunset of dazzling fall colors. Daniel snatched an especially vibrant leaf by the stem and examined it.
“Now here’s a pretty one,” he said, holding the yellow star up for her to see.
She flit her eyes to the leaf, and then back to the path.
“Want it?”
“No.”
A movement in the shadows ahead caught Daniel’s eye. Amongst the black of the trees a figure crouched, spying on them.
“Ari,” said Daniel.
No response.
Daniel took Ari by the arm and pulled her to a stop. He pointed to the trees where the figure had been. Whoever it was had disappeared.
“Who goes there?” Daniel called.
“I don’t have time for your silly games,” Ari reprimanded. “You’re going to make us late.”
“I’m not playing games,” Daniel countered, craning to catch a look. “Someone was spying on us.”
“Rubbish—it’s probably the gardener and you most likely scared him off with your shouting.”
“I didn’t shout,” argued Daniel. “I simply asked who was out there.”
“Loudly.”
“All right,” said Daniel, stepping in front of her. “What’s the matter? Spill it.”
She studied Daniel a moment, blue eyes narrowed. “What’s the matter is that your behavior this afternoon made you look foolish. Freezing Marcus in front of the entire school—you did nothing but exacerbate the existing tensions between Miraclist and cadet. You embarrassed me and you embarrassed all of the Guardians.”
Daniel released a pent-up breath and turned away from her. “Marcus had it coming to him. You heard what he said to Jude.”
“I’m not saying he didn’t deserve it,” Ari replied. “I’m just saying you should have handled it better.”
“And how would you have handled it?”
“With poise and dignity,” she said, raising her chin into the air, “as a Guardian ought.”
“I don’t hold to your standards of behavior. Marcus vilified Jude in front of everyone—I couldn’t let him get away with it.”
Ari let out a derisive laugh. “Oh, so what you did was for a noble cause, then? You weren’t the least bit upset that Marcus bested you twice in a row? The dining hall was all abuzz about it, Daniel. Most believe that you used the mask of defending Jude as an excuse to blow off steam.”
“And I suppose you agree with most people?”
“I happen to know you loathe Marcus, and I know you hate losing even more.”
Daniel’s eyebrows furrowed. “I did what I did to protect Jude.”
Ari laughed, continuing on her way. “Protect him? Protect him from what? Ice runs through Jude’s veins. Nothing bothers him.”
Daniel opened his mouth to respond but quickly snapped it shut. They rounded the corner in silence, Daniel seething, and walked until they arrived at the gate that separated them from the Hall of Elders.
“Jude doesn’t let on,” said Daniel, jerking up the latch to the gate, “but I know he’s hurting.”
“What do you mean, he’s hurting?”
Daniel hesitated. “Nightmares,” he finally said. “Jude wakes nearly every night screaming like a lunatic. About Cythes, goblins, darkness, voices. And then he apologizes to the air—‘Sorry, I’m so sorry,’ he says. I’ve had to calm him down more than once. He’s suffering, Ari. He blames himself for what happened back in the arena. And when Marcus said those things, I don’t know, I just snapped. Everyone thinks he’s fine, that he’s strong, but I feel Marcus’ words cut him more deeply than we realize.”
Ari’s expression softened ever so slightly. “I…I didn’t know. That’s terrible.”
“And he still doesn’t know the truth. Mordecai won’t let me tell him about my meeting with Marriott: about Caden, the Nosfertu, his parents—any of it.”
“That’s so strange. Why would Mordecai insist on keeping it from him?”
“Every time I bring it up, he says the same thing: until we can prove Marriott’s claims are true, it’s best not to tell Jude. The more I ask, the more adamant Mordecai becomes.”
“But Jude has a right to know.”
“I agree. But Mordecai is so emphatic about it that I figure he must have a good reason. He told me not to tell a soul,” Daniel glanced at Ari from the corner of his eye, “including you.”
“Well, I haven’t told anyone. A secret is a secret.” Ari, took Daniel by the arm. She stared up at him for a moment, her former fastidiousness melting away into one of kindness. “Daniel, I want to apologize. I wasn’t aware you were looking out for Jude. You’re a good friend. Jude always seems so…put together, so aloof. I just assumed he knew what happened in the arena wasn’t his fault.”
At that moment, Daniel wished he could tell her everything Marriott had told him: the Cythes’ plan to release Vut’Al Choshek, of his pendant, Shade, and as absurd as it sounded, that he was the Emperor himself. Of all the people he knew, he felt Ari was the only person who would understand. Of course he told Mordecai and Tiberius of their plan to release Vut’Al Choshek, but his lineage he kept secret. That was not a burden he wished to bear. What was he going to do, put on a crown and pretend to be the ruler of the world? The idea was laughable.
“No one,” Daniel said finally, “not even Jude, could not be affected by what happened in the arena. He believes he’s the cause of it; that all the pain and suffering is his fault.”
Ari nodded. “I, for one, will be kinder to him. But I still hardly believe it. He’s said barely a word about what happened since he awoke.”
“Everyone deals with trauma in their own way. Silence and isolation seem to be Jude’s.”
Together they pushed through the gate and hurried up the path. Before them loomed the Hall of Elders, a sprawling structure covered with a coat of ivy so thick that the birds nested amongst its walls. Light peeked out from behind the curtains of just one of the many windows; the rest were black and empty of life. They trudged up the steep front steps that led to the oaken doors. Daniel reached for the knob, but before he could lay a finger on it the door flew open. There stood Mordecai, dressed in dashing orange robes, his white hair sleek and combed.
“Come in, come in,” he gestured. “The High Chancellor will arrive at any moment.”
They followed Mordecai down a hallway and into a large study, which was lit by a roaring fireplace that nearly took up the entirety of the eastern wall. Nera lay across the arms of one of the many wing-backed chairs that encircled a low table, a tome from the surrounding bookshelves in her lap. Her ordinarily messy blonde hair fell across her left shoulder in a thick braid. On the floor by her feet sat Mrs. Doppledodger, puffing blue and yellow smoke rings up to the soaring ceiling. Jelani stood in the corner, eyes fixed on the various paintings of p
revious High Chancellors—forty-one in all.
“Have either of you seen Jude or Gregory?” asked Mordecai.
The two of them exchanged glances and shook their heads.
“We haven’t seen Gregory since dinner,” Daniel responded. “But we haven’t seen Jude since this afternoon, come to think of it.”
Mordecai frowned. “Well, they’d best be quick. It will be most egregious if they’re late for our first meeting with the new High Chancellor.”
“That’s strange,” said Nera, not looking up from her book. “Jude’s never late for anything. If I had to place a bet—” she turned a page “—Jude’s off studying and Gregory’s forgotten the whole thing.”
“Sounds about right,” Daniel agreed as he flopped down into a chair and put his feet on the table.
“I suggest we reserve our accusations until we know their whereabouts,” said Ari, gracefully lowering herself into the seat beside Daniel.
Daniel noticed the way she took great care to sit slightly sideways, with her knees together and her ankles crossed. He took his feet off the table and placed them on the floor.
“Speculating will only lead to false conclusions,” Ari continued. “They know this is important; I’m sure they’ll be here.”
Mrs. Doppledodger pushed back her yellow wide-brimmed hat and gave Ari a close look. “This one’s got good sense, Mordecai.”
Ari blushed.
“What?” Mordecai asked as he peered out the window. “Oh, Ari? Yes, she does. They’ve all got good sense.”
“Some more than others,” mumbled Mrs. Doppledodger, pulling her hat back down.
Mordecai spun around. “He’s here! Nera, if you’re going to sit, sit like a normal person. In fact, everyone stand. Come on now, everyone line up! Oh, where are the others?”
Daniel cocked his head as the sound of feet approached. In walked General Tiberius, tilting the sheath of his broadsword to avoid denting the doorframe. He wore no armor, only a sleek powder-blue frock and white leggings that stood in contrast to his dusty leather boots.
“Like what they’ve done with the place,” he said, his hand thoughtfully on his squared jaw as he examined the room. “What do you think of it, Boquietus?”
In hobbled an old man stooping over a knobby cane that clicked against the marble floor. Everything about him drooped like a weary basset hound, from his cheeks to the bags beneath his eyes, to the oversized white robes that slithered behind him. Faded green eyes peered up at them from beneath shaggy brows, and his lip curled with disgust.
“Introducing,” announced Mordecai, “Boquietus Bubbs, Forty-Second High Chancellor to the Imperial Kingdom Miraclists.”
There was a cough from beyond the door.
“Oh, apologies,” Mordecai corrected himself. “And his excellence, Ambassador Gusano Sweeny.”
In slid another man, his beaklike nose raised. He was far more put-together than the Chancellor, his mauve robes falling perfectly about him, a gold ring on each of his slender fingers. He combed his hand through his oily gray hair and smiled a great, horse-toothed smile. “Salutations,” he greeted, “it is quite a pleasure to—“
“Perhaps my old eyes deceive me Mordecai,” interrupted Chancellor Bubbs, pointing the end of his emerald-studded cane, “but I count four, not six Guardians.”
Quite suddenly, Gregory raced in from behind them, nearly knocking Sweeny off his feet, and took his place next to Daniel, hands on his knees. He pushed himself up and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
“Sorry I’m late. I was practicing throwing knives with Kenneth. Well, suddenly, a thought popped into my head,” he took a couple more deep breaths and then continued. “Something’s going on tonight. Something important. And then I remembered—we have our meeting with the High Chancellor. I forgot about it completely.”
Chancellor Bubbs’ eyes grew to the size of lemons with outrage.
“So I ran back to my dorm room, got dressed—” he tugged at the frilled collar that stuck out of his crimson robes “—and ran here as fast as I could. I’m only five minutes late—I’d say that’s a record!”
Nera gave Ari a smug smile. “Told you,” her lips silently mouthed.
A look of recognition swept over Chancellor Bubbs, his wide eyes narrowing. “You must be Gregory McPherson.”
“The one and only,” replied Gregory with a little bow.
“So,” breathed Chancellor Bubbs, “you’re the replacement.”
He studied Gregory with a raised brow and wilted frown.
Gregory faltered, the chill of Bubbs’ words washing over him, leaving him blinking and blank.
“Oh, but do you prefer a different name? How about…Surrogate? Fill-in? Backup?”
Gregory’s mouth fell open but no words came out. Daniel knew that Gregory had limited experience with such brutality, especially from an adult, and clearly could not think of a response.
“Yes,” Bubbs continued. “Fate must be in love with you, boy.” His chest bounced with a cruel chuckle. “Oh, don’t look at me like that. We all know your story. Gregory McPherson, who was accepted into the University by a hair-thin margin; who slipped into the Investiture on a mere technicality; who clung so tightly to the ankles of his deserving peers that he was unceremoniously—and inappropriately—dragged into the final round.” The old man lifted his staff and stared into the emerald orb at the top. “Pity, it was, that the Baine boy was dethroned by war’s wake. For now we have nothing but a shadow of what could have been the greatest Ruby Miraclist to ever grace the steps of Brightcastle Hall. Alas, it is true—Gregory McPherson is a Guardian.”
Anger swelled in Daniel’s chest. The Chancellor’s face was twisted with a disgusted smirk. Gregory stared at him, stupefied.
“Don’t show contempt for your position again, boy,” the Chancellor snapped. “Or you’ll be thrown out with the rubbish. So prove me wrong. Prove you deserve to be here.”
“He’ll be the best Ruby Guardian there ever was,” Daniel blurted, almost unwittingly. “You’ll see—just give him some time.”
Chancellor Bubbs locked onto Daniel with hawk-like ferocity. “We don’t have time.”
“Boquietus is right,” Mrs. Doppledodger piped, giving him a sideways stare beneath the brim of her hat. “There isn’t much time left—for him, anyway. He’s so old he might keel over at any moment. Each second that ticks by could be his last.”
The old man gave a start and jumped backward. “Dorothy Doppledodger? What are you doing here?”
“I was reinstated as Master Gold Miraclist when Ms. Fussin met her unfortunate end,” she said, and blew another ring to the ceiling. “I see you’re looking as ancient as ever, you old bag of bones.”
Chancellor Bubbs flapped his cheeks with displeasure. “Well, we’ll just see about you being reinstated now that I’m—“
“You have no choice,” she said, loosing another puff. “I am the only Gold Master left.”
Chancellor Bubbs stamped his foot, his face turning bright red.
Mrs. Doppledodger watched him with amusement. “Bubbs and I were Guardians together back in the day. He still hasn’t gotten over the fact that I was made Alpha and he wasn’t. Isn’t that right Bubbsy?”
“You were an Alpha?” asked Nera.
The old man gave a mighty huff. “Odious woman! It should have been me. It should have been me and you know it.”
Mrs. Doppledodger threw her head back and let out a ringing laugh. “You sure are one to hold a grudge! It was nearly two hundred years ago. You and your elephant memory need to move on.”
The Chancellor glared at her with burning hatred while growling deeply in his chest. “Very well,” he said finally. “Just don’t go causing me any trouble else I’ll have you thrown out on your ear! I can do that now, you know.”
“I’d like to see you try,” she replied with a silent scoff.
Before Chancellor Bubbs could respond, Jude stepped into the room. All eyes locked on him. Jude’s expression sp
elled apathy as he collected the gapes of the onlookers. He was dressed in equal indifference, as he had neglected to outfit himself for the occasion, instead sporting his usual forest-green school cloak. The room collectively braced themselves for an explosion from Chancellor Bubbs at being so insulted, but much to their surprise, he met the boy with the first real pleasant look he’d given any of them the entire evening.
“Ah, there you are,” sang Bubbs, spreading his arms in welcome. “Jude—our infamous Alpha.”
“Where have you been?” snapped Mordecai.
“Studying,” Jude replied, unabashed.
Daniel looked over at Nera who sported a wide grin.
“I told you,” said Mordecai between gritted teeth, “to be on time.”
“The boy was practically on time, Mordecai,” said Bubbs waving a dismissive hand. “Besides, he was studying. What else would you expect such a talented and brilliant boy to be doing?”
The rest of the Guardians exchanged confused glances, Gregory’s mouth slightly agape.
General Tiberius stepped in between them. “Alright, Boquietus,” he said, his voice like deep thunder, “we have business to attend to. Let’s sit down.”
Each of them took a seat around the little table while Mrs. Doppledodger remained cross-legged on the floor. Mordecai tossed another log on the fire and stood behind Daniel’s chair.
“So…how was your trip?” Daniel asked, feeling the tension in the room.
“Mm?” grunted Bubbs. “Cold. And wet for a good portion. You’re Daniel then, by the color of your robes. And Ari Celeste, Nera Gallagher, and you’re Jelani Uboko—I’ve been informed you are from the Nuvo tribe to the south?”
“I am,” replied Jelani.
“Hm. It’s good to have more southerners join our ranks.”
“It is good to be among you.”
Bubbs smiled in return and turned his gaze to Jude. “And of course, our Alpha, Jude,” he folded his hands in front of him. “You’ve been the talk of the Empire ever since your performance in the Arena. Extraordinary, simply extraordinary. I was mightily impressed with your cunning, child. I’ve witnessed many an Investiture in my day but none as thrilling as that one. I don’t know how you did it!”