As soon as he came through, the room fell silent and every student inside stared at him. He very much wanted to dart back into the hall. Subduing the urge; he took a deep breath and walked farther into the room. Whenever he came to an unoccupied bunk, a student would slide into it and say it was taken. Just as he began fearing he would be spending his nights on the hard floor, he found a bed at the end of the room. By now, most of the students had tired of looking at him, but he still felt an uncomfortable amount of eyes watching him, and he heard the other boys whispering about him as he made his bed.
“This where you’re going to be?” a familiar voice said. Hyroc turned to see Thomas leaning against the bunk’s bedpost. Hyroc felt a wave of relief. At least there seemed one good thing about his predicament. “It looks like we’re going to be bunk mates then.”
“You’re on top?”
Thomas nodded. He shot Hyroc a mischievous smile. “And don’t worry, I don’t wet the bed.”
Hyroc smirked. “You had better not, because I don’t think we could be friends if you peed on me.”
Thomas repressed a laugh. “I know it’s probably not as comfortable as the bed in your room, but they’re still soft enough to sleep on.”
“That’s good.”
“Anyway, I’ve got some studying to get done for Miss Duncan’s class.”
Hyroc frowned ruefully. “Yeah it’s a bad idea to fall behind with her.”
That night it took Hyroc what felt like hours to eventually fall asleep in the unfamiliar surroundings of the dorm. He was violently shaken awake as he began drifting into sleep. When his eyes focused, he saw an older boy who he recognized as the head prefect, Simon, holding him down. Behind Simon were three boys a few years younger than he was. The prefect released his grip, pulling back slightly, then the other boys moved closer.
“You don’t belong here,” Simon said coldly. Hyroc could smell his breath as he spoke.
“This is where they told me to go,” Hyroc said confused, trying his best not to sound intimidated. Showing weakness would only make them think he was an easy target.
“Look at his eyes,” another student said. “He looks scared.”
Simon grinned. “And he should be. Do you know what The Ministry does to freaks like you? They burn them alive. But in your case, I bet they would burn your fur off to see what was underneath. Then they would skin you like a rabbit and then –”
“Leave him alone!” Thomas said from above Hyroc.
Simon scowled at the interruption. “Shut up Thomas,” he glowered, smacking the side of the bed frame. “Anyone who shows sympathy to deviants like him will share in the punishment.”
“Will you shut up,” another student growled from a nearby bunk. “I’m trying to sleep here.”
“You’re not welcome here and you never will be,” Simon hissed. He hovered menacingly over Hyroc a moment, before shoving off from his bed and heading away with the other three boys following.
“Are you all right?” Thomas whispered, sticking his head over the side of the bunk.
“I’m fine,” Hyroc lied. Those four boys had frightened him much more than he was willing to admit. He was afraid if he showed any signs of fright, it might encourage others to harass him. He knew it would be better just to feign bravery, even to Thomas.
“Don’t let what those idiots said bother you. No one in town would ever do that.”
“I know.” Hyroc wasn’t convinced it was true even as he spoke. He knew there were people who would.
“You’re sure you’re okay.”
“Yeah.”
“Okay.” Thomas pulled his head back up.
A tear ran down Hyroc’s face. He missed Marcus now more than ever. He began to sob silently. Remembering the wooden bear he had placed in his pillowcase, he pulled it out. He clutched it tightly with both hands. Holding the bear made him feel better and he was able to make himself stop crying. This will do me no good, Hyroc thought to himself. Marcus is gone but I need to be strong, strong like a bear. They want me to cry. If I cry, it will tell them they’ve beaten me. Marcus would not have wanted them to beat me and I will not let them. From now on, I will be strong and not cry ever again. Hyroc closed his eyes and with his newfound strength, went to sleep with the bear still in his hand.
• • •
CHAPTER 9
“Your request is denied!”
“Denied?” Keller said, his expression turning to a scowl. His request had seemed relatively straight forward and easily carried out. He wasn’t expecting any resistance toward it. In fact, he had thought many would be relieved by it. He had believed safety would be of a much greater concern.
“Yes, we see no evidence at this time for such actions,” the ministry official said from the other side of their desk.
Keller stared in disbelief at the man. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. How could there be no evidence for his proposed actions.
“No evidence! I should think the mere presence of such a creature near civilians should be reason enough.”
The man interlaced his fingers, giving Keller a look of mild irritation. “We have been closely monitoring the creature for any signs of danger and it has yet to manifest anything of concern.”
Keller shook his head. “And what of the report where the creature injured a boy? Surely that should qualify as a danger.”
The man repressed a laugh. “Injured is hardly the term I would use for that incident. All the boy came away with was a bloody nose and a black eye. No lasting harm came to him. And the situation was swiftly dealt with and nothing has occurred like that since.”
“No lasting harm came to the boy this time, but how do you know it won’t be worse for the next person that sets it off? How do we know that boy didn’t just get lucky?”
The man shook his head dismissively. “You make it sound as if we are dealing with Feygratha himself? It seems doubtful after only a single mild disturbance the creature’s ferocity would increase to such a level without us recognizing the signs first.”
“I thought it was our duty and that of The Ministry to ensure the darkness of such creatures is never allowed to do harm to others, no matter how small of a possibility that may be?”
“Your examinations of both Marcus and the creature failed to reveal any evidence either possessed any traces of witchcraft. I may agree that the creature’s appearance is baffling considering that, but as I already indicated, I am certain it does not pose a danger to the students at the school. And if it’ll put your mind at ease, the new headmaster has been apprised of the situation and will be on the lookout for such dangers should the creature begin showing any troublesome behaviors. The students will be safe under his vigil.”
“Safe?” Keller scoffed, a sharpness seeping into his voice. How could this man possibly believe such preposterous things? “No one at that school has been safe since that fool Marcus decided to bring such an aberration there.”
The man’s expression turned stormy. He spoke with a biting tone. “I would watch what you say about Marcus in my presence, Keller. Have you forgotten how much of his work we still utilize? He knew more about the darkness of witchcraft than both of us combined. Yes, I agree his decisions regarding the creature were unusual, but if anyone knew how to handle that creature it was he. And if I understand correctly, under his guidance the creature had even begun providing a service to the school. If such a creature could be made to lighten the burden of others, I must agree with his judgment.
“That should then make clear to you why your proposal was denied.” The man’s expression darkened further. “And I would warn you against anything that could be construed as an attempt to sully the reputation of a good man or harassment upon his remaining family during this time of mourning.” Glowering, Keller nodded. “Good. You are dismissed.”
Keller rose to his feet, gave a respectful bow to the man and left the room. The other man’s thoughts were absurd, but unless he wished to risk his position and his ability to
successfully deal with threats directed at innocents, he had to obey his superiors. It would not be on his head when the Hyroc creature inevitably showed its true dark nature. And when it did, he would finally remove its threat once and for all.
• • •
CHAPTER 10
Hanging Tree
Hyroc was thrust awake in the darkened boy’s dorm when a hand pressed down hard on his chest while another closed over his mouth. He tried yelling but his call only came out as a muffled groan. Thrashing to free himself, he made a fist and punched toward the outline of his attacker’s head. Another hand caught his arm before it could make contact, forcing it down to his side. More hands grabbed his arms and legs to restrain him, then a loop of rope was cinched tight around his snout. Unable to offer any meaningful resistance, he was dragged out of bed in nothing more than his breeches and hauled through the dorm’s door. His assailants carried him through the dark halls of the school, eventually stopping outside in the chilly autumn night air. Hyroc shivered as they set him on his feet. His fur lessened the bite of the air, but enough of the cold still reached his skin for it to affect him.
A single torch illuminated the faces of his kidnappers. Among them, Hyroc recognized the head prefect and several other students he had seen in the dorm. He tried bolting away from the group, but one of the nearest boys grabbed him and struck him in the stomach before he made it more than two steps. With a gasp, he doubled over, clutching his abdomen.
“Hold him,” Simon snarled. “We can’t let him go free.” Two boys grabbed Hyroc by the shoulders and stood him up straight. Simon motioned for everyone to follow him and the two boys forced Hyroc to obey. They led him to one of the school’s trees near the corner of the wall behind the dining hall. One of the boys threw a long length of rope over the branch of the tree into Simon’s waiting arms on the other side. The two boys pushed Hyroc toward the tree. Hyroc realized with horror the group planned on using the rope to hang him from the tree.
Digging his feet into the ground, he struggled to stay in place to no avail. He watched helplessly as a boy tied the rope to his ankles. Then with a hard yank the ground and black sky, lurched together in a dizzying clash as Hyroc was pulled off his feet. His necklace slipped from his neck. He reached out to catch it, but in the chaotic swirl of motion, he missed. The world slowly calmed, settling upside down. Simon scooped up the necklace. Hyroc groaned angrily, trying to tell the prefect to give it back, along with something more vulgar.
Simon examined the necklace and grinned up at Hyroc. “This is nice, I think I’ll keep it as a souvenir; something to remember you by.” Hyroc scrabbled furiously at Simon’s face, wishing very much to do something harmful to the older boy. Simon stuffed the necklace into his pocket. He turned halfway toward the group of boys. “I think we’ve upset him.” The group laughed mockingly. Simon shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know why, I heard he liked being in trees.” The group laughed again. Simon paused, his expression turning thoughtful. “Maybe this has gone too far, maybe we should let him down.” Hyroc gave Simon a perplexed look. After everything they had just done, why would they let him down? Simon looked up at him with sincerity. “Do you want to come down?” Hyroc nodded eagerly. As confusing as this was, he still wanted down. “Ask nicely and we’ll let you down.” Hyroc did his best to speak his request though his words only came out as differently toned moans. Simon shook his head. “I didn’t catch that.” Using two of his fingers, Simon pushed on the back of his ear to show he was listening closely. Hyroc tried speaking more clearly through his closed mouth, but his efforts didn’t seem to make much of a difference. Simon shrugged his shoulders, turning toward the group. “I guess he wants to stay there.” The group laughed. “It would be rude of me to make him leave, so I’ll give him what he wants.”
Simon made a mock salute to Hyroc before turning and heading off. The rest of the group followed. Hyroc began yelling after the group as loud as he could. The boys continued on their way, showing no signs of reaction toward his sounds. He watched the torchlight fade until it vanished completely, leaving him alone in the darkness. He yelled for what felt like hours, until all hope of anyone hearing him had been exhausted. Hot tears dripped out of his eyes toward the ground and his breathing began shuddering. No one could hear him. He would be out in the cold night until morning at the earliest.
He now missed Marcus more than ever. Marcus would have never let something this horrible happen to anyone at the school. This place had felt so much better while he was around. Now Hyroc was starting to hate it. It didn’t feel like his home anymore. Why did everything have to change? Nothing ever seemed to work out for him. Everything seemed bent on preventing him from being happy. Why….
A cold pinprick materialized on the bottom of his foot, followed by a second and a third. Hyroc’s breathing instantly returned to normal and his tears almost completely stopped welling up from his eyes. More pinpricks struck his skin. Dread washed over him; those pinpricks were raindrops; it was starting to rain. He couldn’t spend an entire night outside in the rain in nothing but his breeches, he would freeze to death before morning! His teeth began to chatter. He needed to get down and he needed get down fast.
He tried sitting up to grab the rope. Despite a determined effort, he didn’t have the strength to do so. He racked his brain for another way out of this situation, but his mind was muddled and he found it difficult to think. The memory of climbing the apple tree flashed into his mind. If he could grab a hold of the tree’s trunk, he might be able to walk his hands up to the branch the rope rested on, haul himself onto it, and untie it from his feet. Then he could simply climb down. He reached out with one hand as far as he could toward the outline of the tree’s trunk in front of him. His fingers touched only air.
The trunk seemed just barely beyond his reach. He began throwing both his arms from side to side and started swinging. After an agonizing length of time where every second he got wetter and colder, the tips of his fingers bushed something rough. Then a few swings later, he was barely able to grasp the tree bark with the ends of his claws. His hand felt leaded and with the added pull of the rope in the opposite direction, he barely maintained his tenuous hold. Grasping the trunk with the claws on his other hand, he pulled himself closer to the tree allowing for a more solid grip. He carefully walked both hands up the trunk and across the branch the rope hung on. He then started pulling himself up onto the wet branch. His arms burned severely and tiny slivers of wood dug into his fingertips and up underneath his claws. Straining every muscle in his body, he fought through the escalating pain and managed to pull his upper body onto the branch. Using the natural downward pull of the rope, he swung his legs on top as well. He lay there panting until the temporary warmth of exertion faded and the returning wet chill spurned him to work at untying the rope.
His fingers felt like blocks of ice and they were clumsy and slow at working the knot free. Slivers protruded from his fingers, stinging as they caught on the rope fibers. Slowly he undid the knot, letting the rope slip off his feet. After getting into a more stable position with his back against the trunk, he eagerly removed the rope from his snout. He sat there a moment working some of the soreness out of his jaw then carefully lowered one foot to the part of the trunk below his branch, digging his foot claws into it. He tested his footing with a stepping motion. His footing held and he put his other foot on the trunk, followed by his hand. When he shifted his weight to grab with his other hand, his numb fingers slipped. For a frightening moment, he thought he would fall, but his claws caught on the bark. The sudden stop nearly tore them from their beds in his fingers and toes. The muscles in his arms screamed with an angry burning pain. Once his breathing slowed from the shock, he continued down the tree. He made it a foot from the base, but with his remaining strength now depleted, he fell. A dull pain permeated his leg as he landed, though he barely noticed it through the euphoria of finally making it down the tree. Fighting through the pain of using his arms, he clambered
to his feet. A faint point of light out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. Turning toward the light, he froze in place with terror as he saw two eyes peering at him out of the darkness. He locked his gaze with the watching eyes for a startling moment, then regained enough of his wits to turn and hurriedly limp toward the front door of the school.
He fumbled at the door handle with his numb fingers, envisioning whatever creature those eyes belonged to was creeping up behind him. He entered the building, slamming the door shut behind him. The normally cold floor felt warm under his feet as he stood there panting with his back pressed against the door. Dreading something was about to come crashing through it, while he simultaneously fought the urge to immediately collapse onto the floor for warmth, he made his way to the teachers sleeping quarters, leaving behind a trail of wet footprints as he went. He wasn’t going to give those boys a second chance at harming him. He entered the common room that connected the hallway containing the teacher’s rooms. The room was empty and faint embers glowed in the fireplace. He made his way into the adjoining hallway. After counting the doors, which was a strangely difficult task for him despite his countless hours of work in his arithmetic class, he located the fourth door on the right-hand side and knocked on it.
“Who’s there?” June’s voice answered groggily.
Hyroc’s teeth were chattering so badly he was unsure if he could even speak coherently so he knocked again. He heard a quiet sigh. “I’m coming,” she said in a grumpy tone. “But if this is some prank, I swear I’ll –” the door opened. June’s hair was unkempt, her eyes bleary; she wore a white nightgown and held a freshly lit candle in one hand. She stared down at Hyroc with an uncomprehending expression, then her eyes widened with alarm. “What happened!” she exclaimed. She rushed back into the room, yanked the blanket off her bed and wrapped it around him. The soft feel of the warm blanket was an extraordinary sensation. June hurriedly led him into the common room, where she quickly reignited the dying fire with a tinderbox. “Sit over here by the fire,” she said, gently leading him closer to the fireplace. He was still sopping wet but the warmth of the fire helped subdue his discomfort. June shook a brass teakettle from a nearby table and set it on a hook in the fireplace. Hyroc began to doze in the overwhelming warmth and comfort.
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