by Martha Carr
Raven laughed and felt a tremor of excitement pass through her. “Hang on, great warrior. It may take a few classes to get there.” She took a step back and looked up at the building, the tall windows stretching down the sides. It was the most fantastic place she had ever seen. “It is the start of something,” she whispered.
“I heard that,” crowed Henry. He jumped off the step and wrapped his arm around Raven’s shoulders, sweeping his hand to take in the other buildings. There were four tall, ornate buildings clustered at an angle around the old castle that was known as the main hall. To the west were the dormitories—the boys’ dorm to the left and the girls’ to the right, separated by a circular garden in the center.
The entire array stretched over several acres surrounded by grassy swaths of land that ran to either side to carefully managed groves of trees.
“This is the coolest place I’ve ever seen too, but, old friend, that is not the point. It’s not the brick and mortar, it’s what’s inside.”
“Henry Derks, are you making a case for studying?” Raven laughed, clasping her hands in front of her chest.
“I’ve got a new strategy this year. Besides going unnoticed and joining the elite squad, I’m going to just say yes.”
“I like it,” said Raven, nodding. “Better than last year’s ‘wear the same thing all week.’”
Henry kept his arm around her shoulders, turning her around to look in every direction. “I admit that one had some flaws. Every great plan needs some tweaking…”
Raven wrinkled her nose. “And a hot bath. You smelled like a rabbit hut.”
“You kid, but that idea saved me a lot of time picking out what tunic to wear.” He took in a deep breath. “Do you smell that? It’s potential! The barns are just behind the buildings,” said Henry, his excitement growing. “It’s where they keep the dragons. Just behind that is the arena for student matches and dragon testing and just beyond that are the great woods. I scoped the place out all summer. Even got a few tips from one of the trainers.” He rubbed his hands together.
“You know, for someone who wants to stay invisible, you are doing a good job of showing up.”
“Just say yes and run low and silent. Dual plan.”
“Mixed message, Derks. This year should be fun.”
“I totally agree.”
Hundreds of students were milling about, talking to each other, and trying out small spells on the sly before heading into the main hall.
Sheep grazed on the grass, followed closely by two dogs. Upon the hill, a shepherd kept close watch, leaning on a crooked walking stick.
Henry and Raven didn’t bother waiting, opting to go into the main hall. Once inside the building, dozens of rows of red wooden chairs with padded seats stretched out on either side of a central aisle. They walked down the center until they were smack in the middle. Henry looked around before leading them down the row.
“What are you doing? This is your plan at work, isn’t it?” Raven asked.
“Let’s sit toward the front.” Henry stared at her, stone-faced.
Raven laughed and tugged at his arm. “I’ll compromise. Third row. How’s that? You can slouch; maybe no one will notice you.”.
“Funny. Maybe…” He followed her, nodding at a skinny boy from a neighboring city who was slumped in the back rows. “Lucky,” he grumbled as he followed Raven up near the front.
“You’re full of mixed messages, Henry.” Raven sat down next to a girl with long blonde braids.
The girl stuck out her hand and smiled. “Murphy. Anne Marie Murphy, but my friends call me Murphy.”
“Raven Alby, you must be from the north side of the kingdom?”
Murphy nodded. “Yeah, I’m staying in town for a semester and then moving into the dorms. What about you?”
“I’m local. I live on a ranch with my grandfather.”
“Ooooh, we can hang out in town and practice spells.” The girl made a fist and knocked it against the palm of her hand, opening her fingers slowly. A small glowing orb bobbed in her open hand. She opened it a few inches and showed a watery mirror with a little silver dragon inside. “It’s not real. This is a telescope spell. My best trick,” Murphy whispered. “That’s one of the dragons in the barn out back.
Raven peered over her shoulder, mesmerized by the sight of a dragon. “So beautiful!” On its back was a leather saddle. Murphy looked at her. “That’s what I want to learn how to do—ride a dragon.”
Something stirred inside Raven. “Ride a dragon,” she repeated. She looked down at the silvery scales along the small dragon’s back, its leathery wings rustling, just as Murphy squeezed her hand shut, startling Raven.
“What are you doing?” Henry was on his feet, trying to slide by Raven.
Murphy looked at him wide-eyed and then at Raven.
“It’s okay. This is Henry, and he’s with me.”
Murphy smiled at him and blushed as the seats around them were filling up with more students.
Henry sat next to Raven and said hello to a few boys nearby, exchanging magical sparks, jolting each other in the arms and legs and laughing. He turned to see Raven had a book of spells out and was scanning through it, her finger moving along the page.
“Studying already?” Henry nudged her with his elbow. “Maybe you should be in the front row.”
“Zip it.” She lifted a finger and sparked him in the arm, jolting him flat against the back of the chair.
“Ow,” he said, grabbing his arm. “Learn to take constructive criticism, Alby.”
A hum of anticipation built throughout the crowd as a tall man in black robes with deep lines along his face, long white hair, and a cropped salt-and-pepper beard, strode to the front of the stage. He turned and folded his hands behind his back as he stared at the students and waited for them to pipe down.
“Welcome to Fowler Academy.” His voice thundered loud and deep with youthfulness and with a vigor that contradicted his aged appearance. “I am Headmaster Flynn. I head this institution that will be guiding your young minds on your path to becoming powerful witches and wizards.”
“Wow, it’s like he’s looking right at you, Raven.” Henry slid down in his seat, leaning aside.
Raven canted toward him as he tried to turn away. “You know that guy’s been in combat. Look at that scar,” she whispered. A long, thin scar was etched into his skin from his right eye, down his cheek, and to his chin.
“You should see the other guy.” Henry snickered.
The headmaster cleared his throat.
“I think he’s looking at you, Henry.”
The headmaster raised a thick white eyebrow and seemed to be waiting for Henry to sit up.
“Your plan is failing,” whispered Raven.
Henry sat straight and tall in his seat, frowning. “Just going to plan B.”
Headmaster Flynn took a deep breath and started again. “Your time in Fowler will not be wasted. Here, you will learn a vast array of useful cantrips, along with the history of magic in this kingdom. You will learn how to use them, and more importantly, when to use them.”
Raven sat on the edge of her seat.
“Today, you are all on the same footing, but this will change. As the weeks and months go by, different tracks will arise for students. Those of you at the top of the class will be trained in warfare. Others will follow different paths, although everyone plays an important role here. Some will go to medicine, depending on your magical strengths, and others will run daily activities within our town.”
Henry whispered. “I’ll be on the front lines, and they’ll probably make you a dishwasher.”
Raven scowled, snapped from her daydreaming. “Everybody knows dwarves wash the dishes, oh, and students with enough demerits. Don’t break anything when you’re back there. Shhh, he’s looking this way.” Raven turned from Henry before he could answer, smiling as she looked up at the headmaster towering over the front row.
“Many of you are wondering what kind of po
wer you will develop here at Fowler. Of course, there are flashier uses for spells, such as those used in conflict. However, we take pride in developing complete control over your environment.”
The headmaster glanced at the shadowy corner of the room where three feral cats were wrestling, growling and hissing, their claws out. He reached out his hand with his long, bony fingers spread wide and shouted, “Veni ad me, et pedes ejus intellexerunt!”
At once, the cats stopped and slinked to the front of the stage, lining up in a straight row and sitting properly beside him in a neat line, facing the students. They looked to him intently, as if awaiting further instruction.
A few students applauded.
Headmaster Flynn smiled and lowered his chin. The children quieted. He looked back up, still smiling. “This is a rather simple spell.” He pointed in the air, his billowing sleeve hanging down from his elbow. “But it demonstrates the power that we have over nature as wizards and witches. This is what each of you will learn to master during your time here.”
Henry shrugged. “So he can herd cats. What’s the big deal?”
A girl sitting ahead of them turned around with a surprised look on her face. “Seriously? Cats are notorious familiars. They don’t always listen to those kinds of magical commands; they do what they want. It takes a lot of power to do that!”
Henry held up his hands. “I sit corrected.”
Raven sat forward, watching more intently, observing the cats sitting motionless in front of the assembly.
Headmaster Flynn raised his arms, and the cats snapped out of it, meowing loudly and scampering off to the shadows once again. “What you just saw was not an advanced spell. It was a simple spell that isn’t easy to do well. It takes training, patience, and practice. When done right, casting spells should look effortless. Most of you will learn this…eventually. You will work with a familiar and bond with them enough so the spell can work.”
He paced the front of the stage, hands still clasped behind his back. “All of you should have chosen your familiar over the summer, as instructed, and you will introduce them at the Harvest Festival. If you have not, you have exactly one month to remedy that and accomplish the first real goal of your wizarding career. Fail…!” He barked the word, startling everyone. Raven slid into her seat, biting her lip. “Fail, and you will have to reapply next year.”
A tall mage in the front row with gray hair piled atop her head stood and clapped her hands. Murphy nudged Raven and whispered, “That’s Professor Gilliam. She teaches basic and advanced spells. My older sister had her and swears she keeps a list of students, good and bad. Once you’re on it? Whew!”
“Alright, students, all rise.” She held out her arms, waiting. “Now, please.” Her lips were pursed together as she waited. “You are excused for a short break. When you hear the crow, senior students disperse to your classes. New students gather in the front for orientation. Everyone should have already received a schedule and have it with them. Today is a shorter day, and tomorrow, there are no classes while we get ready for the Harvest Festival. But after that, we start in earnest and with your familiars. Be prepared. Already, head out. Single file, orderly fashion.”
The circular front hall buzzed with anticipation as the assembly dismissed. Raven remained in her seat, staring at the empty stage. Murphy was following a knot of girls out the tall double doors into the wide hallway.
Henry paused in the aisle. “You just going to sit there? Come on, we’ve got a break. Let’s not waste it!”
“One month,” she said, looking at the stage.
“Yeah, but that’s the case every year. No one ever fails that part. You just have to figure out what creature is calling to you and choose. Easiest thing you’ll do all year. Come on, let’s go.”
But Raven kept her eyes fixed on the stage. “Go on out. I’ll catch up.”
“Whatever. I’m going to go meet people. Maybe I can make some friends who actually want to socialize.”
“Okay, I’ll be out in a minute.”
The hum of activity faded until Raven was alone in the great hall next to the stage. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure nobody was in the room, then turned her attention to the cats, who were again wrestling and snarling in the shadows.
She got up and went to the edge of the stage, which rose to just beneath her shoulder level. Resting her arms on the platform, she peered across the floor at the animals, who hissed and clawed at each other, their ears pressed back.
“Not very friendly, are you?”
Raven hoisted herself onto the stage and brought her legs around into a seated position. She approached the cats slowly, crouching to their level. The largest cat, black with a white belly, hissed at her and reached out with a paw, claws extended. The others froze in place, one on top of the other, while the black cat moved several feet away, cleaning itself.
They locked eyes with Raven, watching her every move. She extended her hand a few inches away. The yellow tabby on the top hissed and swatted at her hand, clawing two of her fingers.
Raven jerked away. “Ow! You’re feral, all right.” She pinched her skin, letting the blood seep out. “Sana me.” The wound closed in a straight line, healing until it disappeared. “First spell Grandpa taught me.”
She stood and walked to the far side of the stage. Raising her arms, she said in a firm and steady voice, “Veni ad me, et pedes ejus intellexerunt!”
The three cats stopped what they were doing and rushed over to her, sitting at her feet. Raven giggled, waving her hand around and watching the once-angry beasts follow her every move. “Now that’s power!” she said in a hushed tone.
She raised her arm, changing her intention, and released the cats. They rushed to resume their razor-sharp activities. Raven turned to hop off the stage and froze at the sound of a booming voice.
“Very well done!”
Raven spun and observed Headmaster Flynn standing just off the side of the stage with his arms crossed.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I was just…”
“Just testing your new limits. A good and bad habit. I’m impressed, Miss…?”
She put her hand on her chest. “Alby. Raven Alby, Headmaster.”
He nodded. “Miss Alby, you’ve got something. Either you are a natural, or someone who knows their spells has been instructing you.”
“My grandfather.”
“Alby…ah, yes, I recognize that name now.” A black crow landed in a high window and squawked. The headmaster pulled out a brass pocket watch and glanced down. “You had better get going. The break is already over. Enjoy your orientation.”
“Yes, sir.”
Raven strode confidently from the hall. I can do this. I know I can. “It’s going to be a good day.”
Headmaster Flynn watched her walk out. “You have a lot to live up to, Raven Alby.” He shook his head, his hands behind his back as he walked backstage. “I’ll be keeping my eye on you.”
Raven rushed down the front steps and found the other first-years already circling a short, flustered mage from the office. “Back up, back up!” She clapped her hands three times, flitting at the students. “My name is Mrs. Feldman. I am head of administration and will be leading the way to the next location. Form some kind of line, four across, and we’ll make our way to the arena that’s been set up as a welcoming center.”
Henry wove his way through a cluster of students until he got to Raven. “Where have you been? I’ve been making friends, telling stories. I thought you were going to be my wingman.”
“What’s going on here? You look happy and sweaty. The break was fifteen minutes. How much could you have accomplished?”
“I’ve never seen so many people our age in one place,” Henry said excitedly. He turned around in a circle, looking over the crowd. “I wanted to get that first impression before classes start in two days. That way, no matter what happens in class, they can remember this moment.”
Raven laughed, hooking her arm with her best friend
’s. “That’s actually kind of smart. Come on, let’s get oriented.”
“Did you know I have an unusually good sense of direction? I can close my eyes and turn around and still know which way is east.”
“I did know that. I’ve known you your whole life. You have a lot of interesting qualities. Save it for the other newbies. Follow me. We’ll make our way to the middle of the pack. You can shake more hands that way.”
“I love it when an idea comes together!”
Mrs. Feldman raised her hand, clutching her wand firmly. “Keep the chitchat down to a roar, please. We have a lot to cover today before we send you on your way.”
The woman waved her arm and made her way toward the arena beyond the main buildings and dorms. The teenagers flowed behind her, talking all at once, pointing at different structures and getting to know each other.
“You think we’ll have any classes with the older students?” Henry nodded, saying hello to a tall girl walking next to him. She blushed and nodded at him before turning away to huddle with her friends. “I can’t tell, was that positive feedback or not?”
“I’d say that was pretty good, my friend. That was shy girl speak for ‘you’re hot.’ Come on, we’re almost there.” Raven grabbed his hand and pulled him with her as she moved ahead and into the vast arena.
Mrs. Feldman went and stood in the center, her heels sinking into the fine silt. She waved her wand, shouting, “Magis clamabat,” amplifying her voice. “Go in both directions and visit each station until you’ve been to five.” She held her hand up. “Count it on your hands, people. If you haven’t been to five, you don’t have everything you need.”
“Let’s go this way.” Raven tugged at Henry’s sleeve and darted toward the first table piled high with books.
“Take one of each,” said the teenage mage with curly dark hair behind the table. She put her hand out to Raven and smiled. “Hi, I’m Avery. I’m a senior running for student council and a mage.”
“Raven Alby, and I suppose I’m a mage in training.”
Avery laughed and batted at the air. “You’re here, and you can do at least two decent spells, right? Okay, then you’re a mage. Make sure you take a book from each pile.”