by Jessa Ford
Though it was long past close, a faint light shone on the third floor. Expecting to find Dari, Xave turned the corner and stopped himself short when he discovered it was Cora who was still lost in her work. Remaining hidden, Xave watched her for a few moments. They’d been working together for a few weeks now, but Xave had purposely been avoiding the girl who was deeply engrossed in her reading before him. She sat with her legs pulled up to her chin in a chair as she poured over a book whose title he could not make out. As she read, she furiously took notes on the paper she had spread out on the small table in front of her. Tempted to step closer and see what she was working on, Xave thought better of it and turned to leave.
If Dari was correct, it was possible Cora would notice any attempts he made at moving unseen. Their earlier conversation made him second guess his original assessment. Though he still doubted the librarian’s theory about Cora, he had witnessed a few interactions between the two women which caused him to pause. Given the way things were going with his extracurricular errands, even something as small as a pause was worth pursuing. At the same time, Xave hoped Dari was wrong about Cora. If things were going the way they seemed, it was better she remained at Starbury and became a nameless addition to Telgrian society.
NINE
Exactly five months to the day since her last Reading, Cora awoke before the sun was up and dressed quickly. She’d already laid out her clothing the night before in anticipation of the day that lay before her. Skipping the dining center, she almost jogged down the path to Starbury Academy’s main building. The hallways were empty, save for a few faculty members arriving to open their classrooms. Cora double-checked the offices listed on the first floor and made a beeline for Headmaster Keenly.
Expecting to wait, Cora was pleasantly surprised to see that she was the only person in this wing of the building. His secretary had not even arrived yet. Cora walked up to his door and knocked twice. She heard some shuffling behind the door, and it was opened by the kindest looking man she’d ever seen. Martin Keenly was in his early sixties, with thoughtful, light blue eyes that shone behind wire-rimmed glasses. He had served as headmaster of Starbury Academy for the past twenty years. Cora couldn’t help but smile after being greeted by the old man before her as he eagerly beckoned her into his office.
The walls were a rich amber color lined with bookshelves. The worn leather chair that sat on the opposite side of his large desk indicated many years of late nights pouring over papers and documents. Cora had a seat in one of the smaller wooden chairs opposite Headmaster Keenly. “How may I be of service to you today, miss…?” “Vaunderly. I’m Cora Vaunderly, sir,” Cora held out her hand of the headmaster who shook it and smiled warmly. “Well, Miss Vaunderly, what’s on your mind at such an early hour?” Cora took a deep breath. “I would like to request a second Reading. Today marks five months to the day from my last Reading and if possible, I would like your endorsement to request one.”
Her voice shook on the last few words. Martin turned around and pulled out a file marked First Year. Finding Cora’s file, he scanned the contents of her admission letter, her original Reading, and reviewed her faculty analysis. “It seems you’ve done quite well in your courses thus far,” he commended her. Cora simply nodded, “I’ve been studying since before I arrived. I’m sure I’m prepared for any placement I may receive after my next Reading.” Martin shook his head in agreement. “I am inclined to agree with you, Miss Vaunderly. It would be my pleasure to request a Reading on your behalf. I’ll have my office alert you when it’s time. The School of Knowledge will send someone to gather you for the Reading when it is approved. They will conduct the Reading on site.” Beaming, Cora turned to leave. “Thank you, sir,” she said breathlessly and shook his hand once more.
✽✽✽
Martin Keenly turned at his desk and began writing a note to the headmaster of the School of Knowledge. In the note, he commended one of his student’s accomplishments during their short tenure at Starbury Academy, and recommended her for a second Reading as early as possible. Juniper Sniels was a stickler for tradition, and Martin read and reread the letter to ensure he had not missed anything. Confident it was free of error, he slipped it into an envelope.
Upon leaving his office, he handed the letter to his secretary and instructed her to send it at once. Looking back, Martin would always wonder if this was the catalyst that set everything in motion. If only he had waited a few more days to send the letter, maybe it would have been different. If only he had checked in with Dari before requesting second Readings for any students, maybe he could have bought them all more time. In any event, what was done was done.
✽✽✽
Cora was in a daze as she rushed to her classes that day. She daydreamed about taking her second Reading, and ignored everything in her lectures. At any rate, she was well-versed in the topics they were covering. When it came time to head to the library, she was walking on air. “Dari,” she beamed when she saw the old woman at the information desk, “Headmaster Keenly approved my second Reading. It’s going to happen!” She hugged the woman and left in the direction of the second floor to find books to reshelf. Once the gravity of Cora’s words hit her, Dari began to panic. She immediately left the library. In record time she arrived in Headmaster Keenly’s office. “Oh, Dari, what a surprise. I didn’t hear you walk in,” his secretary looked up from her desk. “Is he in? It’s urgent I speak with him.” “I’m afraid he’s just stepped out for lunch. He usually eats at home.” Dari thanked the woman and left briskly.
The door to Martin’s small home swung open and he was pleased to see his old friend standing in the doorway. “Oh, Dari, join me for--” he began, but stopped when he saw her face. “Please tell me you didn’t request a second Reading for Cora Vaunderly.” “Why yes, I sent in my recommendation just this morning. She has proven to be an exceptional student.” Dari’s expression reflected fear. “Is there a problem?” Martin stood and motioned for Dari to join him in his sitting room. She continued pacing near the doorway. “Martin, I think Cora Vaunderly may be a Time Bender.” Martin stopped in his tracks. “Are you sure?” “I’m as sure as I can be without seeing a blood test or coming right out and asking her if she wants to be tested by another Time Bender.”
Martin closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “In that case, we need to continue with the request. We’ll need it to appear as if she doesn’t have any knowledge of her gift. They won’t do a second blood test, but they should almost be finished updating the Telgrian Register with this year’s results. If you're right, they're going to find out one way or another.” “She can’t do the Reading. They’ll take her, and once they learn she’s a Time Bender they won’t let her go.” “I imagine her proctors from the School of Knowledge will arrive in the coming weeks to administer her second Reading. I’ll have an excuse ready, and we’ll reschedule. It isn’t so uncommon for students to get cold feet; some think they need more time to study, and some get nervous. As long as they haven’t finished testing the blood, we’ll have time to figure out a way to protect her.”
Dari picked at her nails, a habit she’d nearly kicked except in times of extreme stress. “I hope you’re right,” she murmured, “because even the air feels heavy, like we’re on the precipice of something.” “Xavier’s results don’t necessarily mean it’s happening again,” Martin offered, but he knew better. “As much as I want to believe that, I think we all know there’s only one explanation for these inconsistencies. His work just proves our worst fears.” Dari leaned against the doorway and closed her eyes, as if she could block out everything that she knew in her bones had surely begun.
✽✽✽
That night Cora wrote a letter to her parents informing them of the good news. Like clockwork, her mother and father sent a letter each week. Cora was always pleased to see that life at home had not changed much. Her parents stayed busy with work, and often wanted to know every detail about Cora’s weeks at Starbury. As Cora began to
write, she paused and thought about the conversation between Xave, Dari, and herself. For a moment, she thought of her mother.
Cora’s mother was an accomplished Healer and a valued member of their community. She also happened to be an expert cook. She could make anything, and Cora could always tell she enjoyed making food for others. She wondered if her mother would have been happy as a chef. Because of her Reading results, Cora’s mother, like her father, went to the School of Healing. There had never been another option; it was a very cut and dry career path.
Cora also thought of Soph. Soph had no desire to begin her future immediately, and seemed perfectly content without any gifts. She didn’t feel the pressure of school and a career, so she was free to spend her time how she liked. Though Cora enjoyed her schoolwork, she had never just existed without the pressure of her future path breathing down her neck. Until recently, she reminded herself, as she glanced at the Starbury emblem on her desk.
The next day dragged on for Cora. Each minute that passed felt like an hour. She found she could hardly stand waiting. Work, too, was longer than usual, and she was not working alone. Xave was present the entire time she was in the library. Cora couldn’t be sure, but she thought she noticed him warming toward her, if only a little. Ever since the day in Dari's office, they had quasi-conversations, so it made him a little more bearable.
“Why don’t you ever read?” Cora looked up at him as they were sorting books in the non-fiction section. “How do you know I don’t read?” “I never see you with a book. You don’t even glance at the titles.” “Maybe I’ve read all these books,” Xave smirked at her. Cora laughed, “Even I couldn’t read all these books in four years.” “Fair point.” Cora couldn’t help but notice the group of girls studying near them who kept looking up at Xave and giggling. “It seems you have a fan club today,” she quickly gestured toward the table. Xave rolled his eyes, “Their time would be better spent on studying.” It was Cora’s turn to smirk. “Agreed. Plus, if they knew how grumpy you always were…” She made as face as if she had smelled something foul. “I am not grumpy,” Xave retorted and ran a hand through his dark hair. He reached out for a book as Cora handed it to him.“Okay, cranky.” “Not that either.” “Cantankerous," she placed anohter book in his hand. “No.” “Sullen.” “Are you just going to list synonyms until I agree to one?” Cora grinned, “Maybe you do read a little.” Xave gave an exasperated sigh and left her alone to finish the last piles of books.
After leaving the library Cora walked slowly to the student living quarters. The sun began to set and hues of pinks and reds filled the sky. A memory pushed its way through to her mind and she paused. When they were children, Cora and Willem tried to climb to the tallest points along their hilly streets, vying to be the last one to see the sun before it set. They would play hide and seek in the dark on the way back to their homes. Cora felt a twinge of sadness remembering this. She hoped their friendship wasn’t ruined, but she didn’t even know how to begin to repair it. Her heart still ached, of course, for reasons that she was hopeful would fade over time. She had more important matters at hand in the meantime. Cora sighed and rushed to meet up with Soph so they could walk to dinner.
“You can’t have another Reading. Who will I sit through dinner with?” Soph clung to Cora’s arms dramatically, as if Cora would be whisked away at any moment. “I can’t stay here, Soph,” Cora said quietly. She didn’t want to offend anyone, but she also couldn’t imagine anyone would be happy here. “I know, I know,” Soph frowned into her food, “I suppose we’ll all end up somewhere else eventually.” “Who knows? Maybe I’ll become a social butterfly at my new school?” Cora smiled at her friend who laughed in return. “Oh, Cora, I think wherever you are, you’ll be the girl with her nose in a book who knows all the answers in class. That mysterious bookish thing works for you.” Cora smiled. At least she had something figured out.
✽✽✽
Three days after requesting her second Reading, Cora was stopped in the hallway by a woman she didn’t recognize. “Cora Vaunderly?” The old woman looked her up and down. Cora nodded and clutched her books to her chest. “You are requested in Headmaster Keenly’s office. Your escort is here for your Reading.” “So soon?” Cora had butterflies in her stomach due to both nervousness and excitement. “It seems to be that way. Please deposit your belongings in your living quarters and return to Headmaster Keenly’s office.” With that the woman left down the hall and Cora nearly ran back to her room.
Martin Keenly walked as quickly as his old legs would carry him toward the library. He was cursing himself for sending that letter. He could not let go of the feeling of dread that crept over him when the two faculty from the School of Knowledge showed up in his office minutes prior. He'd never received an answer so quickly when requesting a second Reading. He was nearly certain they already knew about the girl. When he entered the library, Dari saw him and knew instantly what was happening. “So soon?” “I don’t understand it either, but they’re here.” “Where is she?” “I sent my secretary to find her and instruct her to take her books back to her room. I thought that may buy us some time to get to her first.” Dari nodded and was gone a moment later.
TEN
“Xavier!” Dari appeared in the back of the library, fear lining her features. “What’s wrong?” Xave stopped and looked at his aging mentor, her grey hair standing on end due to the speed with which she arrived. In all the years they’d known each other, he had never seen her truly scared, not even when they discussed what their futures would likely hold. “It’s Cora,” Dari started. Xave paled in response and grew visibly tense. “What’s wrong with Cora?” He instantly thought of all the homes he’d visited in the past weeks only to find no evidence of the person he was sent in search of.
“They’ve called her to retake her Reading. Under no circumstance can she have another Reading. They’ll know and they’ll take her.” Xave nodded and disappeared from Dari’s side. Even if he hadn’t seen proof of any gifts, he knew there was something about Cora. She would serve some purpose, whether she had magic or not. She was too perceptive of magic to be completely ordinary. When Xave was out of sight, Dari sat down slowly and sighed. She ran her fingers over the spine of the nearest book: Tales of the Caslyan Empire. It was possible her past was coming back to haunt her sooner than she hoped she’d have to face it.
Cora was back in the hallway of the main building as quickly as she could cover the short distance from her room. She had nearly turned the corner toward Headmaster Keenly’s office when she suddenly felt herself being whisked backward. Seconds later, fewer if it was possible, she was in a dark room. A hand was clasped over her mouth, and another held her arms to her side. She tried to wriggle out, but the hold was too strong. She heard a familiar voice speak into her ear, its owner standing much closer than she first realized.
“Don’t say a word, Cora,” Xave slowly removed his hand from her mouth. Cora, infuriated, ignored his request, “What in the heavens are you-” Xave turned her around to face him as quickly as he could, given the circumstances. They stood chest to chest, she realized, as her eyes adjusted to the dark thanks to a small crack of light from the doorway. Cora gathered they were in a closet, which accounted for the lack of personal space. Remembering her chance at a Reading, Cora kicked Xave in the shin, hoping to loosen his grip.
“Cora, what are you doing?” “I have to go take my Reading, what are you doing?” Cora’s eyes bore into Xave’s with fury. “You can’t.” “I can’t what?” “You can’t redo your Reading.” Cora couldn’t help it when she responded with laughter and exclaimed, “Excuse me, but why can’t I redo my Reading?” “You just can’t. Trust me.” “Do you hear yourself? I know you’re not the most adept at socialization, but have you actually gone mad?” She tried to shift back what few inches the space allowed, but his grip held firm. “You’re acting crazy!” “Cora…” Xave’s eyes gleamed with fear as he looked down at her with such seriousness it caused Cora to pause
. She had never seen him display such emotion, and she was surprised how quickly she allowed herself to consider what he was saying. “How do you even know about my Reading?” she eyed Xave curiously. “Dari sent me to stop you.” “Dari? Why?” Cora suddenly felt some of the fear she saw in Xave creep into her. “Xave, what is going on?”
He couldn’t bring himself to say it. The knowledge of this would spark a reaction Cora could never take back. If Dari was right about her it meant her life would either be in constant danger, or she would lose all control over it entirely. In that moment he reazlied he only wanted to keep her from the truth--to protect her. “Xave, please let me leave,” Cora reached for the door, but Xave was faster, pulling her hand back from the door handle. “You can’t redo your Reading, Cora.” His eyes were pleading with her. “You’ve said that, but you won’t tell me why. I don’t understand what’s going on,” Cora met his gaze and refused to drop it, challenging him one last time.
For a few seconds the only sounds in the room were the increasing heartbeats from the two inhabitants crammed amongst the cleaning supplies. Cora was growing impatient, and she wasn’t sure if it was for her Reading or her conflicting reaction to her situation. On the one hand, Xave infuriated her. He was stubborn, arrogant, and quite possibly the most aggravating person she could have ever imagined. On the other hand, Cora was startled by how a tiny voice in her head told her she should trust him. She was also surprised by how little it bothered her to be in such a close space with him. His hair hung in his eyes again as he looked down at her, and he smelled faintly of mint and soap. He had a hint of a beard visible on his face, and dark circles highlighted the skin under his eyes. Cora wondered if his other work had kept him busy. He usually didn’t have anything but his hair out of place.