The Student

by Darin Niemann

  Once my plate was full, I sat down at a table nearest the door. Erik followed me once he received his own food. He was about to sit down when he was interrupted by a group, nobles by the look of them.

  The forerunner of the group dipped his head and displayed a charming grin.

  “My prince, surely you would prefer to sit with us noblemen. It is only proper to associate with others of station.”

  As he spoke the last, he glanced at me and gave me a glare that said clearly he believed I was unworthy.

  Erik rolled his eyes before turning to face them.

  “I thank you for the invitation, but it would be extremely rude of me to leave my current company.”

  The nobleman looked shocked that the prince of Erelith would decline an invitation from someone such as himself to sit with a nobody like me. Erik proceeded to sit at the table and eat with his back facing the young nobles, openly ignoring them.

  Clearly they had been dismissed, but didn’t know exactly how to respond.

  The speaker for the group belatedly inclined his head ever so slightly, “Another time, perhaps.”

  His eyes glared daggers at me once more before he turned and left. Not realizing I had been holding my breath, I exhaled with a large sigh.

  Erik grinned, “Those are the ones I have to look out for the most. They want to be my ‘friend’, but truthfully it is simply a boon to their reputation if they are personally acquainted with me.”

  I shook my head in response, “It must be unsettling to be constantly wary of those around you.”

  He nodded, “It can be, but I have done so for long enough that it almost seems natural. My father tells me it is one of the burdens of nobility.”

  After a brief pause, the prince clapped his hands, “Enough chatter, let us eat.”

  We finished the rest of our meal in silence, wholly focused on our plates.

  I stood and was about to take my plate to the kitchen when a girl appeared and took both of our plates, bowing as she left. My eyebrows rose in surprise as I looked at Erik with my unsaid question.

  He shrugged, “It is the way of nobles and those of station to have servants everywhere and for everything, even here.”

  We left the lunchroom and made our way to the dorms. I turned to the prince, “Those three from before… were they nobles too?”

  He placed his hand on his forehead and sighed.

  “Ah, the three foolish brothers. Max, Olund, and Willum. Their father is a silk merchant that makes a fortune in trading. My father granted their father noble status years ago in exchange for a large amount of ‘support’ for the kingdom. Since then, they are always at any event that I have attended and have been trying to gain my trust for quite some time. I have done my utmost to avoid them, but they are nothing if not persistent.”

  I marked their names well, as I had a feeling it was not that last time I would see them. It was not an encounter I looked forward too.

  Upon arriving at our room, I layed down on my bed while Erik started unpacking. Having already done that earlier, I pulled out a book that Enelo had said was necessary material for one of my first subjects. Brushing up before tomorrow's classes could only improve my understanding. Erik must have had similar thoughts about his own lessons as he quietly left later, sword at his side.

  Hours passed as I read the book, jotting down notes and key points that I wanted to memorize. I was sure the information would be useful someday. Eventually, Erik returned. He was dirty and sweaty, but stood confidently. Youthful vigor and whatnot, or so Enelo might say. That night I dreamt of swordplay, lectures, and silk.

  Chapter 8

  The next morning I awoke to find Erik already gone. I dressed, grabbed the books I would need for my classes, and left.

  My first class was herbalism. Herbalism covered the different types of plants and their uses. On the other hand, Mixtures, my second class, was about actually mixing ingredients together to make medicine. They were my only two classes for today. Enelo had said that even though the number of classes is minimal, the workload and length of each is not. He also said that some classes would last the entire year because they covered a lot of information and it all still fit under the same classification.

  On my way to the classroom, I spotted the three nobles from yesterday’s lunch. From the looks of it, they seemed to be looking intently for something or someone. I made sure to steer clear of them. Nothing but trouble would ensue from that encounter.

  Even though I took longer than expected, it seemed I still arrived early. The room was only half full of students with no teacher in sight.

  I took a seat near a window in the back and studied my classmates. A few were already into their books, patiently waiting for the teacher, but most were clearly wishing they could still be in their beds.

  The master arrived a few moments later, assessing the state of his students. I heard from the students around me that his name was Willard. For a healer, he had quite a mean glare that sent shivers down my spine. His eyes seemed to rest on me a bit longer than the others, but perhaps that was my imagination.

  “I would bid good morning, but clearly, for some of you it isn’t.” He rolled his eyes as he spoke. “We will begin with the book ‘Basic Herbal Remedies’ and the list on page seven.”

  I turned to the page and the list was roughly thirty plants. I knew them all. Enelo had trained me in their uses long ago. The teacher went on to explain each of the plants in detail, describing their usual locations, uses, and adverse effects.

  About an hour or so into the lecture the teacher asked, “Does anyone know what Drudagae is and what it is used for?”

  I checked the list in the book again and Drudagae was not there. Thinking back to a past lesson with Enelo, I recalled him mentioning that the plant was used to treat a rare venom from a snake only found in the desert.

  “Anyone?” the teacher asked impatiently, tapping his foot on the floor.

  Even though I was reluctant to draw attention to myself, I answered. “It is a plant found only in deserts and is used to counter the effects of the Ikozu’s snake venom.”

  The master, interest apparently piqued, moved towards my seat. He studied me for a moment before asking, “Who was your master, boy?”

  I replied, “Master Enelo.”

  He smirked, hearing my response. “So you’re the street rat Enelo took pity on.”

  He shook his head and made his way back to the front. The classroom was now buzzing with gossip while the teacher watched it with a satisfied smile. He had purposely made sure that everyone knew about my upbringing and that word would spread. It angered me that a person in such a position would attempt to belittle others so needlessly. I purposely ignored the rest of the lecture, knowing all of the basics already. Perhaps Enelo would disagree, but some people don’t deserve respect.

  When the class period was over, I left feeling more than a few fingers pointed my way along with many wary glances. Knowing that enmity would not help me, I decided to try and walk it off. There was still some time before my next class, which I wasn’t looking forward to due to my latest experience.

  Leaving the campus grounds, I thought about going to see Enelo but quickly realized how shameful that would be. Rushing back home every time something untoward happened was impractical and laughable. I was fourteen now and, according to Enelo, smarter than the average fourteen year old. I could deal with my own problems without involving Enelo every time something came up.

  Moreover, since my days in the streets had ended, I had changed immensely, grown and molded into something more.

  Nevertheless, there was one aspect of life that I kept from those days. Survival. I was a survivor and remembering that calmed me. I breathed deeply and withdrew all thoughts of classrooms, students, and teachers from my mind.

  Without paying much attention, I had wandered quite close to the city gates. I made a quick decision to risk being late for class and left the city. I strolled a short ways into the woods
at a brisk pace. The air was fresh and the place itself seemed to have a soothing influence. I felt comfortable within the confines of the trees.

  ~

  The walk back to the school was uneventful. I happened to pass by the tavern where the brawl had taken place years before. I wondered briefly what had happened to the man I had patched up. Albeit drunk, he had been a masterful swordsman from what I could tell.

  Soon enough, the Academy appeared before me once more. No matter how many times I laid eyes on it, it never ceased to amaze me. However, I realized that looks can be deceiving. Even though it may look pristine on the outside, those that the school consists of might not be.

  My second class of the day consisted of mixing together herbs, plants, and other elements to make medicine. The classroom was filled with everything one needed to craft remedies; vials, herbs, mortar and pestles, and even small heated plates resided on shelves and tables.

  Wanting to draw as little attention to myself as possible, I took a seat near the back of the room and quietly listened to the instructor. His name was Master Marvin and he was a fine instructor who, at first glance, taught equally and fairly. While I was preparing a simple remedy for an common ivy rash, he stopped by my desk and told me that my work was impressive and quite precise for one so young.

  Glad to find that this teacher differed greatly from my first one, I started to think that the school might not be all that terrible. I suppose it was the norm to have a bad apple in every bunch.

  As the lesson began to wind down the instructor spoke aloud to everyone, “Much of the work that we do in this class requires ingredients, but that is not all this class is for. The school grounds boasts a garden that has the various flora which we require for our cures and remedies. It is now up to you, the students, to gather what you need before each class session. Other sources outside the school garden are acceptable as well, though most, if not all, of the ingredients required can be found here at the school.”

  I was glad that multiple options were available. The garden here was nice, but it could not compare to the natural allure of the forest. After we cleaned up any messes, the master dismissed us from the room.

  The first week of school seemed to fly by as everyone was busy with classes, studying, and gathering. The prince and I did not even see each other much besides the occasional meal and at night before we slept.

  According to Erik, the three merchant sons were on the lookout for me, as they had recently found out about my upbringing. Apparently, they did not think I belonged at the school. For that reason, I did my best to steer clear of them and focus on my studies.

  The week’s end had me looking forward to visiting Enelo. I awoke early, excited for the day. The prince still slept, having practiced his sword skills late into the night, so I did my best to ready myself without waking him.

  During the week, if I had a spare moment, I would watch a few of the sparring matches of the combat school, so I knew how tiring his training was. It was interesting to watch the most promising swordsmen fight. A small part of me wanted to try it for myself, but I continued to focus on my own studies.

  Careful to avoid making sound, I closed the door softly behind me. Instead of heading directly to Enelo’s place, I made a quick jaunt to the market for some peaches; they were his favorite fruit.

  The vendor had only two left when I got there. Clearly they were a favorite of many, not merely Enelo. I paid for them both and hummed as I walked. The tune was one that Enelo always whistled to himself.

  Not really paying attention I suddenly felt hands shove me from behind. Unable to stop my fall, I braced with my hands.

  Squish. The moment I heard that sound I knew Enelo wasn’t getting any fruit today. I got up off the ground, looking to see who had done this.

  Standing there a few feet away with a smug look on his face was Max. His two brothers were chuckling at his side. Clearly this had been no accidental collision.

  I brushed the dirt from my clothes as I prepared to run. Having been in situations like this before, I had no absurd notion that I could win a three on one fight.

  I was about to dash when the leader spoke angrily, “Stay away from the prince! Gutter-born filth such as you have no right to be in his presence.”

  Unable to contain myself, even though I knew it would anger him further, I replied thoughtfully.

  “That will be difficult, considering that we share the same room.”

  I grinned as I spoke. In front of his lackeys, I had portrayed him as an idiot.

  Furious now, his face as red as a tomato, he charged me. Prepared for this, I was already moving; sprinting to a side alley, careful not to take a direct route to Enelo’s home. It didn’t take me long to lose them in the narrow side streets, as I had quite a bit more experience in chasing and running than some prim nobles.

  Glancing down at my shirt, I noticed the giant smear of fruit. I sighed as I walked the rest of the way to Enelo’s house.

  I opened the front door and called out, “I’m home!”

  Figuring he would be in his study, I attempted to wash out my shirt in the kitchen. Enelo came out and commented on my stained clothing.

  “That looks, and smells, quite similar to an extraordinarily delicious fruit. What happened?”

  Sighing yet again, (it seemed as if it was becoming a bad habit of mine) I told him the truth. Enelo was the one person I couldn’t lie to. He had always been accepting of me, and I knew I had no reason to skirt the truth.

  I started at the beginning of the school week, and told him of my first class experience, the students reactions, and the run in at the market.

  At the end of it all, Enelo had a look that made me glad that this time it wasn’t directed at me; I knew that look, as I had seen it more than a few times in my younger years. It had taken me some time to understand that stealing was unacceptable.

  “I still have some connections at the Academy. I will have a word with them about this teacher and these miscreants.”

  I balked at the thought.

  “Please, Enelo, let me handle my own problems.”

  Enelo’s face slowly lost its harshness.

  “Your problems are my problems, Kayne.”

  Inwardly, I was happy that he thought that, but I knew that his interference might only make things worse.

  “I am grateful that you have raised me as if I was your own son, and I truly feel as if you were my own father. This is something I can manage on my own. If I could not, I would ask for your help.

  It was now Enelo’s turn to sigh, “As you wish, but you must tell me should this become too great to manage alone. Remember this one thing. I am, and always will be, on your side.”

  Knowing full well the truth of those words, I replied in earnest.

  “I promise.”

  ~

  I left Enelo’s home feeling rejuvenated. After discussing my frustrations, our conversation had switched to a much brighter subject. Academics.

  We stayed up late discussing my classes and the mixing of medicines. The night passed swiftly and I decided to sleep at Enelo’s rather than make the late trip to the dorms.

  The following morning I awoke early, eating a small breakfast and departing before Enelo had roused. I had a few things to work on before classes began anew at week’s start. Once I was back inside the dorms, I grabbed some notes that I had written down in class and began making my way towards the library.

  As I was walking, a girl in the school’s merchant attire approached me. I was a bit concerned because thus far my experiences with other students had not gone well.

  “Excuse me, are you perhaps Prince Erik’s roommate?”

  Her voice implied no sarcasm and her bearing suggested that her intent was genuine.

  She stood just a bit shorter than me, with a bright red ribbon adorning her straight brown hair. The ribbon was clearly meant to match the red of the merchant school colors.

  “Yes, I happen to share a room with Prince Erik. Wh
y do you ask?”

  At my questioning her cheeks turned a shade of pink, “Well, I was wondering if you might introduce me.”

  I frowned, not understanding what this encounter was about.

  “I see,” I said, though in reality I did not. “I am busy at the moment and do not know exactly where he is. Perhaps another time.”

  I bowed slightly and made to excuse myself when she responded.

  “Until then.”

  She smiled at me, curtsied slightly, then proceeded back the way I had came. Inwardly, I was curious. What did she want with the prince? As I would get no answers now, I put the thought aside and continued on my way.

  The library was not far off and was quickly becoming one of my favorite parts of the school. As the largest library in the city, it contained knowledge on anything from trade routes along the western seacoast to the details of historical ruins in the eastern mountains. Always one to love a good book, I would most likely be spending a lot of my time here.

  My first week had been fairly busy so most of my time here had been spent studying class subjects and not simply reading for pleasure. Sadly, today would be no different.

  I grabbed a book about the origins of a common yet easily treated disease and sat down at a small table with nobody near.

  Plenty of time passed as I poured over the contents of the ancient tome. It slowly became apparent that this book did not have the information I needed. I sighed and shut the book, already thinking of the next book to delve into.

  “Ah, yes, for all the words in that book, it contains surprisingly little knowledge.”

  I jumped, startled at the sudden voice behind me. I turned to see the librarian standing quite close and looking over my shoulder.

  He was an old man, much older than Enelo, and a skinny one at that. His hair was mostly white with a few black and grey streaks. As I stood, I also noticed that he was quite taller than I was, at least by three or four fingers width.