XI. The Street Crime
The Mages Guild had refused to help them that day. To be more specific — Solas had refused to help them, but they were lucky enough not to run into the Ragnan monsters outside. The good thing was, at least according to Aedan, that the spooky shadows of the dark clouds above kept the novices in good behaviour for a while. He strode briskly across the small square in front of the Mages Guild and the children were barely able to keep up with him. Usually they shuffled in the back, not rushing anywhere, even if they got scolded ten times. But now they were following their tall teacher hastily, like a line of scared ducklings.
Aedan led them safely through the square to a nearby inn. It seemed, upon looking, that the whole square was devoted to mages and people who supported magick, although most of them were not allowed to use it. For instance, this inn was called “The Mage's Sanctuary”. At least that's what was written on the wooden banner hanging over the door that creaked ghastly. It was the only sound they could hear in the entire square.
The druid bashed on the door with an iron knocker. Shortly, a small window slid open, a terrified eye emerging behind it. It surveyed Aedan as much as space allowed. It seemed that he wasn't considered a monster, because just as soon as the window closed, they could hear opening of several locks and bars. It was quite clear what the man behind the door was thinking — “One poor pilgrim, we can't make him stay outside in such a perilous time!”
The door creaked and in the next second it swung open as the herd of shrieking children bolted inside, slamming the door against the inn-keeper's nose. His groaning was lost in the shrill screams and jarring chairs. Before Aedan could even step into the tavern, the novices were already sitting at tables all over the room. They were now impatiently waiting for their meal, as though they had completely forgotten that just seconds ago they were in grave danger.
Aedan closed the door and gave the moaning man a compassionate look.
“I have this every day,” he said with a faint smile.
There was a woman standing behind the front desk. She was holding a cloth and a large mug that she had been polishing before the children bounded in, but now she was staring at them wordlessly. At this time, they were the most unexpected guests.
Aedan didn't let them wonder for long. He ordered lunch for all of his novices so the inn-keepers and cooks in the kitchen had to start working immediately. He caught them a little unprepared — from peaceful chatter and sitting around, the inn turned into a busy workplace.
When the novices adjusted to the environment a little, Magnus had finally noticed that this inn was completely different from the one he slept in when he first came to Ragna. The atmosphere of this place was very serene and it was obvious that not everyone could afford a meal here. The ceiling was coffered and the walls were painted with ornaments of blue and gold, covered with carved wood at their lower half.
There were a few musicians sitting in the back of the room, talking in low voices. Soon after the children settled down, they picked up their instruments and started playing a slow, soothing melody. The guests felt as though they had been transported to a completely different world by merely swishing a magick wand. It was a world of serenity, peace and safety. After all, the name of this tavern spoke for itself.
It was all very lovely, but even now, Aedan wasn't fully satisfied. He didn't want the children to sit all over the place. He asked the inn-keepers if he could move a few tables into one row, so that his novices could sit together with him at one of them. None of the novices were pleased by this as they wanted to use the size of this place for splitting into groups, but they all forgot about it when the bartender started serving meals of an irresistible scent right under their noses. Finally something tasty and filling!
As they were eating, the only sounds in the whole inn were those of a flute, a harp, bells and silver-ware chinking against the plates. As soon as the novices finished their meals and the bartender started taking away empty dishes, the peaceful moment was over.
“What caused that earthquake? That was something unnatural, wasn't it?” Serena asked curiously, swinging her legs under the desk so much that she was kicking Lars' feet.
“There was an attack at the police station,” Aedan said grimly, a serious expression on his face. “It seems that they have something the Ragnan monsters want. You were lucky it turned all their attention away from the Mages Guild. Since Solas had completely forgotten to lock the windows, you could have been roasted chicken by now,” he said simply and went on with his tea.
For a while, none of the novices spoke. They certainly didn't expect to hear something like this.
Then Maren's voice broke the silence, “Is there a chance it would settle down today? My mum lives near the police station and I'd like to make sure she's okay –”
“No one will go outside today,” Aedan interrupted her, “We can't risk anything. We'll stay here till the evening and then you'll all go to sleep in the rooms upstairs. Is that clear?”
“But what are we supposed to do here? It's a long time until tomorrow morning,” Magnus said.
For a while, Aedan remained in thought. Then he looked up finally, speaking out his verdict.
“That's correct, Magnus. You can take out your books and study.”
There was an outbreak of muttering at this.
“What?! Study again? All we do is study!” some shrieked. There was also a less audible, “Oh man, give us a break!” And they didn't forget to thank the one who brought this doom upon them, “Thanks Magnus, that was just awesome.” They were now shooting him hateful looks as if he was their worst enemy.
Suddenly, Aedan's face had brightened.
“Come on, I was just kidding! Go play everyone, have some fun. But no fights!” he said, a joyful grin breaking across his face.
At these words, a few scarves and gloves flew into the air, accompanied with a victorious cry. Everyone had left the table in less than five seconds. Everyone except Aedan and two of his novices.
“You don't want to play?” Aedan said curiously, gazing at Fjalldís who was sitting on the other side of the table.
For a moment, Fjalldís looked up from her book about horses.
“I... I think I'll just study some more,” she said bashfully, but that was just a half-truth. Aedan knew that she had no friends among the novices.
He decided not to interfere and pulled out a small book of druid poetry that he carried in his robes at all times. He then gently opened it and started reading with a peaceful smile.
Somewhere on his right, the Black Squad was still loitering.
“Let's play cards,” Rodrick said resolutely. Everyone was ready to go, but Darius didn't move.
“Darius, wake up! We are going to play cards,” repeated Viktor, snickering.
“Not this time. Go play without me,” Darius said shortly.
“What?” Viktor said, an unbelieving expression on his face. There were a few more attempts to convince their leader to leave the table, but they were all unsuccessful.
“Come on, what are you going to do here?” said Henry.
“I'm going to read,” replied Darius, pulling his books out of his backpack.
“What? Are you crazy? Come play with us, don't be such a bore!” said Viktor in a booming voice.
“Did you hear what I said?” snarled Darius impatiently, “I want to study.” Upon these words, he opened his book and placed it right in front of him in such a way that its cover was displayed to anyone who was sitting opposite him. It was a book tied in dark brown leather and on the front cover there was a bold title that read: “Ravens — their mysteries, legends and communication”. So, maybe his book choice wasn't random at all.
As his disgruntled friends left to play cards, he noticed that Fjalldís was looking at the cover of his book, but as soon as their eyes met, she lowered her gaze. It seemed that after the morning yelling, she was afraid of him again.
“Hey,” Darius spoke to her quietly, as though
she was so fragile that a louder voice could break her into pieces. When Fjalldís looked up, he closed his book and slid it slowly on the table towards her. “You like ravens, right? Do you want to exchange books?”
It took a moment for Fjalldís to realise what he had said, but she could not deny that she would love to read about ravens. She closed her book and wordlessly pushed it towards Darius, carefully reaching for his, as though she was afraid that it was some kind of a trap. But as it seemed, it wasn't.
Darius reached for the book about horses and acting like a passionate reader, he covertly watched her expression as she carefully browsed the brownish pages. It appeared that this was the book she wanted to find in the library, but someone was faster. And that someone took it because he wanted to give it to her himself.
Aedan smiled warmly, without looking away from his poetry.
“I am so glad there are at least two pious students here,” he said delightedly, almost shedding a tear.
The whole inn was filled with genuine joy. Given the danger outside, there was no one else in the tavern at this time. Some of the novices decided to use the divine music and the empty dance floor, like Serena who didn't want to sit around. She was a wild spirit — she cast herself into the crowd on the dance floor, stealing partners from the girls. Magnus was chatting with Maren and his housemates — Elmar and Lars, but there was no mention of the black tome that was hidden in his backpack. For now, it would be wiser to keep it a secret.
They were having great fun, but Aedan didn't let them stay up too late. As soon as the evening hours came, he sent them to their bedrooms, saying that at least they would sleep longer. Of course, he didn't allow girls to mix with boys, so Maren and Magnus had to part. But not for long.
Everyone departed to their rooms, leaving the inn in complete silence. The Black Squad, just like many others, didn't feel like sleeping yet. The five of them were sitting on the floor and playing an exciting game that required a special card deck, when suddenly they were interrupted by gentle knocking on the door.
They froze as if they had been petrified. Could it be that Aedan heard them? It was long after the lights-out and they shuddered thinking what would happen if it really was their teacher behind that door. But what to do now? Should they open or just play dead?
Well, it was too late to act like obedient sleeping boys. Whoever was outside their room, they must have heard them talking. That was obviously the reason why they knocked on the door. Darius leaped to his feet to open the it a bit, letting the visitor see nothing but himself, but he couldn't hide the surprise reflected in his face when he saw who was standing there. It was Serena.
Darius gaped at her wordlessly, but she started asking him questions before he could even recover.
“What are you doing up so late? How come you're not sleeping yet?” she said bravely. Combing her fiery hair with her fingers, she fixed her green eyes on him.
“Well, we... we're playing Magiker,” Darius said blankly, but when he caught himself answering questions that were none of her concern, he scowled. “And what's your excuse?”
“Me? I came to play with you!” she said joyfully.
“What?” Darius breathed incredulously, “Sorry, there's no room for girls here.” And it was the truth. Their gang had various rules and this was one of them — from the very beginning.
Serena innocently poked at the floor with the tip of her shoe.
“What a pity. That means I won't be able to share with you what I saw last night...”
“What could you possibly know that we might be interested in?” Darius said in a reserved voice.
Serena looked up again, her expression clearing.
“It's about Magnus, the Lord of Ravens,” she said teasingly.
Darius took a deep breath as he heard Magnus' name and the “title”.
“I don't care about Magnus,” he said curtly, and although it wasn't the truth, he tried his best to use these words to get rid of her.
Somewhere behind him, one of his friends said, “But I do.” Darius looked around his shoulder to see who said it. When he realised it was Viktor, Serena pushed him aside, slipped into the room and took a seat among his friends — and precisely at his place.
While Darius was standing by the door for quite a while with his mouth hanging open, Rodrick smiled from ear to ear as he collected the cards from the floor.
“All right, let's start a new game with six players,” he said calmly, shuffling the Magiker cards. The others didn't seem to have any objections. They contentedly waited for the game to start.
Darius quietly closed the door, but he wished he could have slammed it with all his strength.
“What's the matter with you, guys? Have you forgotten? No girls!” he whispered angrily.
“We haven't, this is an exception,” said Viktor calmly, taking his share of cards.
“Actually, I think it's a silly rule,” Rodrick added, arranging his cards in his hands and looking covertly at Serena. Neither was Giselbert against it.
“Yeah, why should we be a boy's only gang? I think she fits in,” he said.
“Are you serious?!” objected Darius fiercely. It was hard to believe, but it seemed that Serena's sweet face had charmed all of his friends in less than one minute.
“Chill out, Darius, it's no big deal. Just take your cards and let's play,” said Henry.
Although Darius wasn't ready to accept Serena as a new member of their gang, he had no other choice but to sit down. He grabbed his cards with one fierce move, casting venomous glances at Serena in order to show everyone his disapproval. But the girl didn't lose her enthusiasm.
“This is so exciting! I can finally learn to play the renowned Magiker!” she said brightly.
“That's the last drop! She doesn't even...” Darius muttered desperately, clapping a hand to his forehead.
While the Black Squad and Serena were playing cards (although according to Darius, it could hardly be called playing), the other novices were already sleeping, except for two. Aedan didn't seem to be anywhere around and just like Serena easily made her way to the door of the Black Squad, Magnus easily made his way to Maren's room. It was a perfect moment to search the mysterious book and investigate it further. They were both sitting on the floor, the black tome before them and a burning candle encased in glass illuminated their faces.
“Let me be the first to read it!” Maren implored with an insisting glare, the orange candle light reflected in her eyes.
Seeing her excited expression, Magnus couldn't say “no”.
“All right then,” he said quietly. What harm could it do? But as soon as Maren opened the book to the first page, the window blew open with such force it broke the bar that kept the shutters closed. One half of the bar flew right above Maren's head, landing in a corner with a racket.
They both jumped in shock as a strong wind bounded inside. It turned at least fifty pages of the book.
“Maybe you left the window open. I forgot to close mine,” Magnus said immediately, his voice quavering.
“No! It was locked!” Maren cried.
“It seems you are right,” said Magnus, picking up a piece of wood from the floor.
“Are you waiting for the monsters to get inside? Close it!”
Hearing Maren's terrified voice, Magnus didn't wait any longer. He closed the window shutters against the wind, locking them with an iron candle-stand. For a while, he was surveying them, although he knew there was no point in searching for a logical explanation.
Even though the wind had stopped, Maren was still shaking violently. She fell to her knees before the tome.
“Maybe we shouldn't read it after all,” she said and then she paused for a while. After a long stare at the open pages she added, “Actually, we can't.”
“What? Why?” asked Magnus, rounding on her.
“Come and take a look for yourself.”
As soon as Magnus jumped to her side, he understood what she meant. The whole book was
written in strangely shaped characters of a language that did not belong to any race in the whole of Aria. In the middle there was a nine-pointed symbol drawn in black ink, some of the strange writing and a few splotches.
Then Magnus' voice cut the silence.
“Once you find this book, follow these instructions. You must be careful and you must not fail — only then can we be reunited. Learn the spells I left for you here and let no other match you in power.”
Maren looked deeply mystified, “Wait a minute – you can read it? And you understand what it says?”
When Magnus realised that he had read three sentences from the strange book, he heard heavy steps issuing from the hallway. As he exchanged horrified looks with Maren, they both almost jumped out of their skins. Aedan!
Blow out the candle, stuff the book into the backpack, swoop into the bed and hide in a safe place — all this was done in a matter of less than ten seconds. As the door opened quietly, a wild-maned head peeked in. Aedan surveyed the whole room with his strict gaze, but found nothing unusual. Then he realised the scent of a freshy extinguished candle.
That was a reason enough for him to make a detailed investigation. He checked all the corners of the room. He gazed at sleeping Maren and then he shot a suspicious look at a closet near the wall. It was big enough to hide someone in and Aedan was almost certain he would find someone inside. He strode to the closet, opened it with a swish and —
— found a couple of white pillows.
Aedan grumbled quietly as he left the room and slowly closed the door behind him.
As Magnus scrambled from under Maren's bed, he finally breathed out, holding his backpack and its precious contents.
“He's going upstairs,” Maren whispered, her eyes bulged. It wasn't over yet.
“He's going into my room!” said Magnus frantically, “If he doesn't find me there, it will be the end of me!”
“But how do you want to get there? You can't outrun him! Maybe you could go downstairs and say that you had to go to the bathroom,” Maren said swiftly. Magnus didn't think that would be a good excuse, but then the lack of time forced him to do something very spontaneous.
Drakonika (Book 1) Page 20