Wyntier's Rise (Creatures of the Lands Book 3)

by Natalie Erin

  “Because you’re too lazy to help me up, Federin.” Daren snapped. “We were trapped in a locker, and you were busy thinking about Creator knows what.”

  “Again? That’s the fourth time this year.” Federin yawned and walked back into the bag, where he curled up and began to rest.

  “Oh no you don’t, Federin!” Daren yelled.

  “But it’s nice and warm in your bag,” the Changer complained.

  “I don’t care. Get out here right now!” Daren ordered.

  Soran laughed. He and Zorna walked away, leaving the pair to argue. Federin spent most of his time resting, and hardly ever went to class. Soran was pretty sure Daren was crazy for trying to convince his Changer to do anything other than laze around.

  “Soran, we need to get going. We’re going to be late,” Zorna said.

  “Crap. You’re right,” Soran said, breaking into a run. Helping Daren had slowed them down, and now they had to hurry to make it to the class before the bell rang. As they were sprinting, the loud bell went off and the sound echoed down the empty halls. Too late. Soran swore, but kept running.

  He made it to the classroom two minutes later, Zorna right on his heels. “Sorry I’m late, Professor,” Soran said, apologizing quickly.

  “So nice of you to join us, young man,” the Accompany replied kindly, and Soran caught a better look of him. The professor appeared scruffy, and a little frazzled, but his soft hazel eyes seemed to speak of kindness. Word around school was Professor Moorock had lost his Changer in the Great Siege Wyntier brought down upon Nesting’s Haven over ten years ago, but he was one of the few Accompanies that didn’t go mad from it. He continued to teach, but never really got out much. “You may take a seat next to Cameliyon.”

  “Excuse me, Professor Moorock, must someone sit with me?” a voice asked nervously. It was the same girl from earlier. She sat in the front row at a table meant for two students, and was the only one sitting by herself.

  “There is nowhere else for him to go, Cameliyon. He has to sit with you,” Professor Moorock told her. “Take your seat Mister…”

  “It’s Soran,” Soran told him. “Just Soran.”

  “Then take your seat, Soran, so we may begin.”

  Soran sat down next to Cameliyon. She scooted her chair as far away from him as possible, a look of mistrust on her pretty face.

  “Welcome to The Art of Teamwork,” Professor Moorock began. “In this class, you will learn to work with your Changer and with other Accompanies. Your partner is the person you’re sitting with. If there are any problems, well...” Professor Moorock chuckled. “You’ll just have to survive.”

  Cameliyon moaned quietly in despair as Professor Moorock continued. “You will learn how to plan an attack with others, and how to execute it flawlessly. Let’s start by introducing yourself to your partner. You have ten minutes to talk.” The professor sat at his desk, leaned back and watched as the students began to converse with each other, focusing an eye on Soran and Cameliyon.

  “I’m Soran.” The Accompany offered his hand to Cameliyon to shake. She took it, but quickly pulled her hand back as soon as the gesture was finished.

  “Cameliyon,” she said dismissively, turning to face away from him.

  “So, what kind of things do you do for fun?” he asked, trying his best to ignore her strange behavior. Zorna was attempting to talk to Martin and Pumpkin underneath the desk, but her Changers seemed just as distant as their Accompany was.

  “Why are you trying so hard to get me to talk?” she asked.

  “Because we’re partners,” he said. “We’re supposed to talk to each other.”

  Cameliyon sighed. “I guess you’re right. If we have to work together, might as well get to know each other.” She straightened up in a very proper way, stating her next words like she was citing a passage from a textbook. “My favorite thing to do is write poetry. What do you like to do?”

  “Uh...I like to go flying with Zorna,” he told her. The coyote at his side perked up his ears at hearing his name. “And when I’m at home I enjoy teasing my cousin, Kennu. He’ll be sixteen soon.” He laughed, as if it was something he was already looking forward to.

  “Sounds like fun.” A soft smile appeared on her face. “So, where do you live?”

  “Well, technically I live here with my sister. But it’s not really home. Home is back in the Verinian Forest, with my aunts and uncles and all my cousins,” Soran replied. “And the wolves, they’re my family too. What about you?”

  “I live with my godparents, but I know they want to get rid of me. They think I’m a challenge to deal with, probably because I don’t really trust them, and partially because I do what I want.” She rolled her eyes and looked up at the ceiling. “My dad died when I was six, and I never knew my mom. It’s just been me, Pumpkin, and Martin for the longest time.”

  “If it makes you feel any better, my parents tried to drug me. When I ran away with my sister they didn’t even care.” Soran stroked Zorna’s head gently.

  “They did worse things to me, Sor,” his Changer put in. “I’m glad we got out of there. Life is better without them.”

  “Wow. My parents never hated me. They just died.” Cameliyon reached out and took his hand in hers. “It’s okay, Soran. I understand what it’s like to be abandoned by your parents. I’ll be here if you need me.”

  As she said this, Soran realized the entire room had stopped talking, and was looking at them as if they couldn’t believe her eyes. Cameliyon looked at the floor and put both her hands in her lap, reclusive once again.

  “What’s the big deal?” Soran whispered to Zorna, completely confused.

  Professor Moorock was staring at him. “I’ll talk to you after class, Soran,” the professor told him. “Continue on, class.”

  Soran turned to look at Cameliyon. A small tear fell and struck her hand. “I hate this,” she said. “I told my godparents I didn’t want to come here. I wanted to stay home.”

  “Why are you crying?” Soran asked softly, feeling upset himself at her tears.

  “Everyone treats me like some sort of freak. They always have,” she sniffed. “I’m just something to stare at.”

  “Don’t cry, Cam,” Soran said comfortingly. “So they all looked at you. Who cares what they think?”

  She looked up at him and smiled. “You called me...Cam.”

  “Do you like it? I won’t call you that if you don’t want me to,” he told her quickly.

  “No! I love it.” She giggled at his reaction. “It’s just...no one’s ever called me anything other than Cameliyon before. It’s nice to have a friend who can call me by something other than my full name.”

  “Oh. Okay then.” Soran just smiled, not knowing what else to say.

  “Can I call you Sor, like Zorna did? Or is that reserved for Changers only?” She laughed.

  “You can call me anything you want to.”

  “It’s nice to have a friend.” Cameliyon said. “It feels good to know that I won’t be alone anymore.”

  “Are you sure we can trust him, Cameliyon?” The small brown ferret named Martin jumped up on her knee, placing his paws on her stomach.

  “Of course we can trust him, Martin. Otherwise she wouldn’t be talking to him,” the orange ferret said in near blind devotion. “Cameliyon is always right.”

  The bell rang. Cameliyon grabbed her bag, scooping up her Changers.

  “I guess I’ll see you later,” Soran said.

  “Yeah. Look for me in the entrance hall later. We can talk more then.” She smiled and left the room, seemingly waltzing out after the rest of the students.

  Soran walked reluctantly to Professor Moorock’s desk, Zorna dragging behind. “So you wanted to talk to me, Professor?”

  “Yes. About Cameliyon.” Professor Moorock began hesitantly, appearing bothered. “I’ve known her for quite some time, and she hasn’t trusted anyone since her father died. She’s under the impression that everyone is out to get her. She ev
en hates her godparents. I don’t know how you did it, but you somehow managed to gain her trust in a matter of minutes.”

  “Wow,” Soran said. “I wasn’t trying to. I was just being nice.”

  “Don’t misuse the trust she has given you,” Professor Moorock said solemnly. “Be kind to her, and if anything happens to make her angry at you, run.”

  “Wait...run?” Soran asked.

  “Yes. Run.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?” he asked, staring at the teacher.

  “Just remember to run.” Professor Moorock shifted back in his chair. “Now get moving. You don’t want to be late again.”

  Soran left the room and then looked at Zorna. “Any clue what that was all about?” he asked the coyote.

  “None at all,” the Changer answered.

  Soran managed to get to his next three classes on time, and he found he hated all of them. The first was Mathematics, which he despised because he didn’t understand it. Next was Geography, something he’d always been horrible at.

  The final class was Battle Technique. He loved this class, but when the teacher refused to teach him, his entire attitude about it soured. She took one look at him and sent him into the hallway for the remainder of the class, excluding him from the group. When the hour was over Soran stomped angrily down to the headmaster’s office, to argue about the unfair treatment.

  When he got there, the professor that had done him wrong had beat him to it. She paced back and forth angrily in front of the headmaster’s desk.

  “I will not teach that boy!” she screeched. “The last time I instructed someone from his family, he tried to destroy Nesting’s Haven! What’s to stop his son from doing the same? His father was bad to the core, and I’m willing to bet that he will be, too!”

  “Professor Smithton, you must teach him.” The headmaster replied, folding his hands together on his desk. “You don’t have a choice in the matter.”

  “I can always make him sit in the hall for an hour!” Professor Smithton yelled back. “I’m not above such desperate matters!”

  No one had noticed Soran standing in the doorway. The boy took a step forward and Zorna snagged the boy’s pant leg with his teeth, holding him back.

  “Don’t I get any kind of say in this?” Soran asked, walking up to the desk. “I’m not my father, and I never will be! He’s cruel and heartless! I’m kind and compassionate. Just ask anyone who knows me!”

  “I will not teach someone that looks like him,” Professor Smithton hissed. She turned on her heels and stormed away back to her classroom, shaking her head.

  “You will continue attending the class,” the headmaster told him. “Forgive Professor Smithton. Wyntier killed several members of her family. I hope you understand.”

  “I get it,” Soran said, but his chest burned with the injustice of it all. When was the world going to learn he was nothing like his father?

  “I’m absolutely certain she’ll give in eventually,” the headmaster nodded, oblivious to the situation. “Now go and enjoy your free hour with your friends. This will all sort itself out soon.”

  “Thank you, sir.” Soran turned out of the headmaster’s office, proceeding to the entrance hall to meet Cameliyon and her Changers.

  He opened the large door and slipped inside. Rows and rows of tables dominated the hall, surrounded by dozens of chairs. The walls were painted with murals that depicted the history of the Accompanies and Changers. The ceiling had glass panes in it to let the sunlight filter in. Accompanies and Changers of all kinds sat at the tables, playing games or doing homework. His stomach rumbled, but Soran told himself he’d eat later. His fairy blood might require him to eat, but he hated being the only one besides his sister who had to. He mostly ate alone in his dorm, when nobody but Zorna was around to see.

  He looked around for Cameliyon. She sat alone with Pumpkin and Martin, at a table towards the back of the hall. Soran quickly made his way toward her, but Daren caught him.

  “Hey buddy. How were all your classes?” Daren asked.

  “Pretty good.” Soran shrugged. “Actually, no. They were terrible. Hey, follow me. I need some help with something.”

  “What do you need help on?” Daren trailed his friend towards the back of the hall.

  “Mathematics. I have no clue what’s going on,” Soran replied.

  “You know, I’m not all that great at math,” Daren said.

  “Yeah, but you already took the class last semester so you’d be better at it than me,” Soran told him. “Come on.”

  “Why are we going back here? Vivi’s over there somewhere,” Daren said, pointing to the other end of the hall.

  “Yeah, but we’re not looking for Vivi,” Soran said.

  “He’s looking for Cameliyon,” Zorna teased, nipping playfully at his Accompany’s fingers.

  “Zorna...” Soran said, a blush starting to rise in his cheeks.

  “You know it’s true, though,” the Changer replied. “It’s only been a few hours and you already have a crush on her.”

  “Don’t waste your time,” Daren said. “That girl wouldn’t trust herself if she didn’t have to.” He laughed.

  “Soran!” Cameliyon noticed them from across the room. She jumped up from her seat and ran over to him. “I knew you’d be here!”

  She smiled and took his hand. “Come on, let’s go sit down.” She pulled him toward the table she had claimed eagerly, as if no one had ever done such a simple thing as sit with her before.

  Daren stayed standing next to the table, dumbfounded, while Soran introduced them. “Cam, this is Daren. He’s a good friend of mine,” Soran said.

  “I don’t know if I trust him. He looks suspicious,” Cameliyon said, tapping her chin and gazing at the boy.

  “You don’t have to trust me,” Daren said in a flat tone. “I’m going to go find Vivi.”

  Daren took off toward the other end of the hall as fast as he could without causing undue attention to himself.

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare him off,” Cameliyon said, apologizing.

  “Don’t worry about it. Anybody could scare him off. He’s a very timid person, just like Federin, his Changer.” Soran grinned.

  “Thank you for really coming to find me,” she said quietly. “I was afraid you wouldn’t.”

  “I had to go talk to the headmaster for a minute,” Soran explained. “That’s why I wasn’t here sooner. “

  “What did you have to talk to him about?” she asked.

  “Just a professor who has decided not to teach me,” he grumbled. “All because of my father.”

  “Oh. I see. Who’s your father?”

  In a small voice, Soran replied, “Wyntier.”

  “Wyntier? The Wyntier?” Cameliyon repeated.

  “Yeah,” Soran said, fearing she would leave him. “That’s him. I hate him. I haven’t seen him in years, but I’m glad he’s out of my life. He’s tried to kill my family, too. Everybody in Nesting’s Haven seems to forget that.”

  She took his hand. “It’s okay. I don’t care who your dad is. I’m sure the teacher will give in eventually.”

  “Maybe you’re right,” he said. His cheeks once again blossomed when Cameliyon took his hand. “I think that would be great if she did, because I really want to take that class.”

  “What class is it?”

  “Battle Technique. It’s my favorite.”

  “Wow. That kind of sucks.” She let out a huff, sticking her lower lip out. “Just give it time. Things will get better.”

  “I believe you.”

  At that moment, the bell rang. They got up slowly from their seats. “I guess I’ll see you later, then,” Soran said, looking at the floor.

  “What do you have for your next two classes?” she asked him.

  “Next I have The Art of Writing,” he replied.

  “I have that writing class next too!” she exclaimed cheerfully. “We can walk together.”

  Soran smiled broadly. �
�Yeah! That’d be great,” he said. “Come on Zorna, let’s go.”

  “I’m coming Sor!” The coyote got up. Cameliyon’s two ferret Changers were perched on his back, looking particularly cheerful. “I think I like these guys!”

  “We like you too, Zorna!” Pumpkin and Martin said in unison, wiggling on the Changer’s back.

  Soran and Cameliyon laughed and walked toward the door, the three Changers following in their stead.

  “See. I told you,” Daren pointed to Soran and Cameliyon as they passed, his voice a whiny whimper. “That girl hasn’t even been here a day, and she’s crawling all over Soran.”

  “Wow. I guess you were right,” Vivienna commented, staring at her brother. “I never thought Soran would be able to get a girl to like him. He’s just so shy.”

  “Well, he did,” Daren grumped, crossing his arms. “And it’s the prettiest girl in this whole place. He didn’t even give me a chance to get with her.”

  “I’m sure they’ll be other girls for you, Daren,” Melodi hooted from Vivi’s shoulder.

  “Yeah. I agree with the owl.” Federin peeked out of Daren’s pocket to voice his opinion before tumbling back inside the boy’s jacket to rest.

  “Why did I get stuck with the one Changer that’s constantly just lying there to think?” Daren whined.

  “I doubt that he thinks. He probably just lays there.” Vivienna giggled. “I mean, he doesn’t have much of a brain to think with, right?”

  “You’re right about that,” Daren replied. “Well, I have to get going. I’ll see you later, Vivi.”

  “See you Daren.” She waved as he walked away, wondering why Daren was so upset. Sure, Soran had gotten to Cameliyon first, but so what? There were plenty of other girls in the school. Daren would just have to find someone else.

  “Welcome to the Art of Writing. I’m Professor Rose.” The young woman at the front of the classroom smiled at them, her rat Changer perching itself on the top of her desk. “I prefer you use Rose rather than my last name. It’s so boring.”

  The professor giggled, and Soran spared a glance at Cameliyon. This teacher was barely out of school herself, and was particularly girly. He didn’t know if he could take her class seriously. But Cameliyon seemed pretty interested in it, so he supposed he should at least pretend to be, to try and impress her.