by C. A. McHugh
When he stepped out of the study, he collided with the very same girl he’s been talking to Master Binnius about.
Before he could say anything to her, Seroney whirled around and disappeared down the staircase.
He chased after her, calling out her name, but when he reached the bottom of the shadow-draped stairs, he saw nothing. The eerie silence of the corridor gave no indication of footsteps, and the only sound that disturbed it was his breath.
She had vanished into thin air.
I think it’s time to update the Lone Wolf on all this.
Chapter 16
“Wake up, Seroney,” a voice whispered in her mind.
She sleepily brushed it away and buried herself deeper into her blankets. It was the first night of peaceful sleep she’d had in days, and she refused to have someone pull her from it.
But the voice persisted, and a searing pain bit into her hand.
Seroney jumped up with a yelp and thrashed wildly at her attacker.
A small form dodged her blows and said, “Good, you’re finally up.”
Stupid cat.
“Bhasha, I want to sleep,” she whined and fell back into her cocoon of pillows and blankets.
The cat’s tail thwacked the side of her face. “Then I suppose you don’t want to know that there’s a strange man in the common room talking with Aerrin about you.”
Seroney opened one eye and glanced toward the other bed. Nyssa had fallen asleep with a book across her chest.
She envied her.
“Are you serious?” she asked Bhasha silently.
“Would I bother waking you if I wasn’t?”
“Who is he? What is he saying?”
“Why don’t you get out of bed and find out for yourself?” As she crawled out of her warm, inviting bed and stood on the drafty stone floor, her familiar added, “And you might want to disguise yourself.”
Seroney sighed but did as was suggested after she opened her door. There was always something wonderful yet disturbing about using the Meritis family trait to transform her appearance. The ancient magics flowed through every inch of her skin, and she always marveled at how quickly she shrank and morphed into another form. It was as much a part of being as the air she breathed, and yet it was something so rare and powerful that it was frightening. Before she’d gained control over this power, it often overtook her in times of strong emotion, frightening those around her. But as her skill in magic grew, so did her ability to control her gift.
And yet, there were still times she feared her gift might one day overpower her again, especially if confronted by the Raven Bringer once more.
Outside, thunder rolled from an approaching storm, something quite odd in the land of Arcana. Seroney crept down the stairs to the common room, hiding in the shadows. She peered through the railings into the dimly lit room and the two figures below. One was Aerrin. The other was an older man with broad shoulders and a few inches of height over the king. It was hard to see much more than that for he was as fond of keeping to the shadows as she was.
She moved down another step to get a better look. His black cloak dripped on the carpets, and he hadn’t bothered to wipe the mud from his boots before entering the room. His shaggy hair had strands of gray mixed in it and was still damp from the rain outside. When she caught his profile in the light, a jagged scar streaked across his stubble-covered cheek. His rough appearance immediately put her on guard, but Aerrin didn’t seem the least bit intimidated by him.
“You should have seen her with the demon, Ceryst,” Aerrin whispered. “It took five masters to subdue it once it reached the Great Hall. She was alone and somehow managed to keep it at bay all the way from the North Foyer. I’ve already told you about the damage they left behind. She had to be using some powerful magic to cause all that.”
Ceryst rubbed his chin. “She’s your age?”
“Supposedly. She looks to be about fifteen, but she has these eyes. They’re almost like cat eyes—big and green and always staring at you. If you stare at them long enough, you get the feeling she knows something you don’t. And I still haven’t figured out her accent.”
“Hmm.” Another roll of thunder rumbled outside, and Ceryst’s gaze darted around the room as though he had heard something. “Are you sure we’re alone?”
“Of course. Everyone else is asleep. You know I wouldn’t ask you to come if there was any chance someone would catch you.”
“I feel like we’re being watched.”
“And people say I’m paranoid.”
“There’s nothing wrong with watching your back.”
Aerrin relaxed in a nearby chair. “So, any news since your last report?”
Ceryst sat as well, although he chose a seat more in the shadow than the light. “Plenty. There are reports of trouble brewing north of the Craigars. Some of the more remote mines have been attacked by what appear to be demons. And Highmounte isn’t the only region with trouble. It looks like the recent death toll in Sauvegny might be linked with demon and undead sightings there, and I suspect it has something to do with Naisibus Kalmoon’s escape.”
He escaped? Anger boiled through her veins at the news. If she was in her normal form, she suspected her expression would match the one on the king’s face.
Aerrin gripped the arms of his chair. “Why haven’t I heard any of this?”
“Because just like they did fifteen years ago, the Privy Council would prefer to confirm these reports ten times over before they dare acknowledge that the Raven Bringer still lives and that his power is growing once more. They think it’s better for innocents to die rather than warn the kingdom’s citizens of the coming threat and create general panic.” A touch of bitterness laced his words as he added, “Besides, they still believe he’s dead, and even if we could convince them he was back, they already have their suspect. As far as they’re concerned, I killed your parents.”
Seroney sucked in a breath. She finally realized who the man was. Ceryst of Klone. The question was, why would Aerrin be having a friendly conversation with him?
“They’re wrong.” Aerrin sat forward, his expression hard and determined. “I would pardon you in a heartbeat if I could, but until I am old enough to rule without them, I have to have the consent of my uncle and the rest of the Privy Council.”
Ceryst laughed. “I know you would, as would Master Binnius. But the rest of those pompous bastards…” His voice trailed off, growing even more resentful. The one hand Seroney could clearly see formed a tight fist. “Well, they would never admit they were wrong unless I brought the real Raven Bringer to them. And one day I will, even if it means I draw my last breath presenting that fiend to their arrogant pampered asses.”
“I wish I could form a group of people to investigate all these sightings. Then I would have some idea of what’s really going on out there.”
“You have me and Raimel.”
“I know, and I’m grateful to the both of you for risking your lives to gather this information for me, but to be honest, I’d rather have you nearby, especially knowing Naisibus has escaped. I wonder when Master Binnius would’ve informed me of this.”
“We just learned ourselves less than two days ago. Be patient with the old man—he’s filtering information for a reason.”
“Yes, but as king, I need to know these things. How many more of the Raven Bringer’s servants are hiding within the Academy?”
“I agree. I’d rather be closer so I can keep an eye on you, Aerrin, but I trust Master Binnius, even if he is a mage.”
Lightening flashed, illuminating the whole room, followed by a gust of wind. A loud bang sounded at the top of the stairs.
Ceryst produced a dagger from beneath his cloak and dove deeper into the shadows. The only clue to his position was the gleam of bright steel reflecting another bolt of lightning that streaked across the sky.
Aerrin dashed for the staircase.
Seroney had never been more thankful to be a Meritis than at that moment. A
errin took one look at her and dismissed her before peering into her room.
“That was her?” Ceryst asked.
“No. She’s not in her room. But her cat…” He paused and looked down at her once again.
For an instant, Seroney worried that he could tell the difference between her and Bhasha. The Meritis family trait had been diluted by so many generations that she could only take one form—a black cat—but she could still vary her size from a panther to a simple house cat. But on closer inspection, there were enough differences to note between her and Bhasha. Her face was leaner, her ears longer. And then there was that one white toe on her left rear foot. She tucked it under her and hoped he wouldn’t notice.
After all, the law to kill all shifters on sight was still as dangerous as it was to her ancestors centuries ago, and she had no idea if Aerrin knew the spell that would reveal what she truly was.
Aerrin finally turned away. “Her cat is up here, though.”
The sound of metal sliding against leather indicated that he’d sheathed his dagger. “It’s just a cat.”
“Maybe so.” Aerrin glanced down at her one more time before descending the stairs.
As soon as he was downstairs, Seroney returned to the railing, hoping to learn as much as she could from Ceryst. So far, he’d given her a wealth of information that would help with her mission.
“My advice to you is to keep your eyes open for anything strange and stay close to those you trust.”
“I will, Ceryst. Thanks again for coming tonight.”
“It was no problem. I enjoy seeing you when I can. Remember—”
“—watch your back,” Aerrin said in unison with his protector.
Seroney snuck back into her room after the door to the common room closed. This was getting serious. The Raven Bringer was growing in power, and she was no closer to completing her mission than when she’d first crossed the Great Divide. Everything she’d done had backfired on her. She was risking her life to be here, and her list of potential enemies continued to grow.
She watched the thunderstorm outside while she fought the urge to give up and return home.
Chapter 17
Aerrin sat in class and wondered how much more of this he could take. Master Philgus had become more and more aggressive toward Seroney since the day she’d corrected him on the healing potion. He knew he should be studying for the next set of challenges rather than watching the master mage bait Seroney once again, but there was something quite entertaining about the way she coolly put him in his place each time he tried to trip her up.
He gently thumped his quill on the table and glanced over at Leandros. His best friend was staring straight ahead with eyes slightly crossed. He was familiar with this expression. Leandros was trying to read someone’s thoughts, and he prayed it was the one person he’s been asking his friend to spy on.
Aerrin nudged him. “Who?”
His concentration broken, Leandros scowled. “Why did you have to interrupt me? Things were just becoming very interesting.”
“Who?” he repeated, irritation creeping into his voice.
“Seroney. You should hear the things she’s calling Master Philgus in her head. It’s hilarious. I need to write some of these down before I forget them.”
Aerrin peered over his shoulder as he began scribbling away. Slimy leech. Disemboweled contents of an ogre. Troll lover.
Both boys had to stifle a giggle over that one.
“What are you boys laughing about?” Nyssa whispered from behind her book. “Shouldn’t you be studying?”
“You should hear some of these,” Leandros whispered back, ignoring the glare the master mage was giving him. “They’re wonderful.”
“No, thank you. Unlike some people, my class rank is something to be proud of, and I desire to maintain it.” She turned her back on him and went back to reading her book.
Leandros was in the process of mimicking her when Master Philgus approached.
“It seems Leandros doesn’t have enough to do. Let me see what you’ve written so far.” The tips of Leandros’s ears matched the same red hue of Master Philgus’s face as he read the list. “Obviously, your creativity is being wasted here at the Academy. You would be wiser to invest in a career as a fool as it’s obvious you’ll never amount to much else in magic, much less in life—”
A flash of indigo magic burst from behind Philgus, and all the color drained from his face. He gulped several times, but no words came out. Snickers from the students behind him followed, and when Philgus whirled around to tell them to stop, Aerrin saw why.
The master’s bottom resembled two large melons with a long, thin tail thrashing back and forth violently as he yelled at the students.
Philgus marched directly to Seroney, the massive cheeks of his buttocks bobbing up and down with each step. His whole body shook with rage. “You did this. I know you did. You’re nothing but a troublemaker, and I will personally see to it that you are expelled.”
Seroney blinked a few times and stared blankly at him. “Huh? I don’t know what you’re talking about, Master Philgus. It’s awfully hard to read with you ranting hysterically like this. May I please be excused to go to the library?”
“No, you may not. Fix it. Fix it now!”
“Fix what?”
“Don’t play dumb with me. You know what you did.” He turned around and pointed at his new deformities. “You will fix this now or I’ll—”
Seroney stood and glared coldly at him. “Or you’ll what? Master Philgus, if you’re really so worried about me and what I might do, then perhaps you should try not to piss me off. And I see nothing wrong with your ass. Please stop shaking it in front of my face because I’m not impressed. Besides, I’m way too young for you.”
“You arrogant little bitch! How dare you talk to a master mage that way!”
Seroney gathered up her books, maintaining the same calm and distant demeanor even though her eyes flashed with anger. “How dare you talk to me or any other student this way. I don’t have time for this. I’m going somewhere else to study. I know I’ll learn more there than I ever will in this class.” She walked out of the room while Philgus shouted insults behind her.
The students were quiet for a moment, but then their snickers became gradually louder than before. Again, Philgus screamed over the collective sound of their laughter for them to stop, but to little avail. Leandros laughed so hard that tears formed at the corners of his eyes. Even Nyssa was covering her mouth, trying to hide her giggles.
“Fine. Laugh now. You’ll all be sorry once it’s time for your next set of challenges.”
The students kept on laughing.
All of them, except Aerrin. He’d initially found the situation amusing until the gravity of it hit him. No student had ever dared to strike back at a master before. What his classmates viewed as a hilarious prank appeared to be direct attack on an authority figure, an act of defiance, a gesture of rebellion. And as king, none of that sat well with him.
The master mage yowled in pain as his wildly thrashing tail kinked up into a knot. The students howled with laughter even louder than before, and his face went from red to purple. “You’ll all be sorry for this.” He frantically tried to unknot his tail as he ran from the room, shouting obscenities.
Leandros wiped his tears away. “I haven’t laughed that hard in years. I can’t believe Seroney did that. Hey, why aren’t you laughing, Aerrin?”
“Seroney is going to be in some serious trouble for that. There’s a good chance she’ll be expelled.”
Leandros stopped laughing. “Well, based on your paranoid suspicions of her, that should make you happy, shouldn’t it? As for me, I’d like to see her stay. It took some kind of courage to give Master Philgus what was coming to him.”
Nyssa caught herself laughing and suddenly halted. “Oh dear, I’m laughing because a student attacked a master.”
“It shows you actually have a sense of humor. Imagine that.”
&n
bsp; “I do have a sense of humor, Leandros, even if it isn’t as base as yours.”
“If you say so. I’m going to see if I can find Seroney in the library and offer my praise.”
“Are you sure it won’t irritate your allergy to books?” Nyssa asked.
“It would be worth the risk.” Leandros grabbed his things and left the room, followed by several other students who’d decided to go look for Seroney.
The laughter died down, and the room buzzed as the other students discussed the incident. Aerrin moved closer to Nyssa and lowered his voice. “What do you think possessed her to do that?”
“I don’t know. Perhaps she’d had enough. I know I would never attack a master or even leave class without permission, but then, I’m not her. Maybe she just snapped.”
“Mages who snap are not a good thing.”
“She could have done something much worse, Aerrin. If I remember correctly, I think the spell she cast will only last a few hours. Master Philgus will soon be back to his normal disgusting self.”
“Normal disgusting self? As compared to his new disgusting self?”
She giggled involuntarily. “I can’t believe he tied his tail into a knot.”
“Me neither.” He paused. “So, do you think you’ll have your room to yourself by this evening?”
“I don’t know. Do you think Master Binnius would expel her that quickly?”
Aerrin shrugged. “Who knows?”
“Master Philgus has tried to have her expelled before, but Master Binnius came to her defense.”
“But that was because she had fought a demon and saved someone’s life, Nyssa. This prank didn’t help anyone out, unless you consider that she spared Leandros from getting into trouble for writing down all those insults.”
“Then we’ll just have to wait and see, Aerrin. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve lost valuable study time. Remember, we have our second block of challenges in a week.”
Nyssa returned to her book, but Aerrin couldn’t dismiss the event so easily.
And if he wanted the answers he sought, he needed to find her and ask the questions mounting in his mind before she snapped again.