Rakarthen Academy

by Clara Hartley

  I let out a weary breath before spinning around to regard my new lodgings. I’d been too shocked earlier to note that there was only one bed.

  Kaji had clearly made the same observation as me. “You’re taking the bed, I suppose.”

  “Where will you sleep?” I asked.

  Kaji glanced down at his feet. “This is as good as spot as any.”

  The sun was still up. We had a ways before bedtime, but Kaji had already decided to make himself comfortable. He lay down on the dusty ground, sniffed, brushing dirt off his face, then closed his eyes.

  Unbelievable. I strode past his lazy form, the floorboards creaking beneath the weight of my boots. “You’re really going to sleep now?”

  “Why not?” Kaji mumbled.

  “Because it’s a new place and not even close to bedtime yet. Don’t you want to have a look around?”

  Kaji paused, as if he were thinking. “Nope.”

  “You’re no fun, you know that?”

  “Stop lugging me around with you, then. Look at where you have led me. The fae lands. And half the people here want to kill us.”

  I rolled my eyes and stopped in front of the cupboard. “Cendri said they have uniforms for us.”

  “And you’re going to put them on.”

  “What’s wrong with that?”

  “Kind of strange to wear the clothes of people who hate you so badly.”

  “I have to win them to my side, right?”

  “You can go home.”

  “Back to the boredom?”

  “There’s another word for boredom.”

  “And what’s that?” I asked, opening the cupboard. Its hinges were made of intricately carved wood. Right. No iron allowed. The fae didn’t like metals.

  Kaji wrapped his hands behind his head, propping it up. “Peace.”

  “Ugh. Peace. There’s no winning in peace. I’ve had my fill of that. Plus, haven’t you heard? The teramarth, Lysunth, whatever, will come for us next if the fae fall. Peace isn’t going to last long if I don’t do my job as emissary properly.”

  “Nothing lasts forever.”

  “Stop sounding like a bitter old man and come take a look at this.”

  “Is it ingor dumplings?”

  “You don’t get that except in Kainrya. I don’t even know what the fae eat.”

  Kaji yawned. “Then you don’t have my interest.”

  I was focused on the uniforms, neatly folded in the cupboard. They looked like the ones worn by the students outside. I lifted the shirt closest to me. It was attached to a white scarf, and beside the uniform were the pins I’d seen students wear.

  I looked around. The decrepit building had a door that led somewhere else. I guessed that it was the bathroom. Maybe I could change there.

  “We’re going have to share that,” I said. “I’ve never had to share a bathroom with anyone before.”

  “That just goes to show how spoiled you are.”

  “I am a princess. I have the right to be spoiled.”

  “Considering how much the fae hate you, you’re going to have a hard time here.”

  “Won’t you?”

  “I don’t mind sleeping on the floor. How do you feel about the moldy-looking bed?”

  “Horrified.”

  “I’ve slept in far worse places than this floor.”

  “Should I applaud you for that?”

  Kaji snorted. “Go ahead. Nobody really claps for me. Comes with the whole you’re-not-that-important package of being a lowly guard of the princess.”

  I began clapping, just wondering if I’d get a reaction from him.

  I didn’t.

  That failed to surprise me at all.

  Nine

  I had no mirror to look at myself after I put on my outfit, so I had to use Kaji to help gauge my appearance. “So?” I asked, spreading my hands out as I stepped out of the dingy bathroom. It had proper plumbing, at least.

  Kaji had finished changing when I was in the bathroom. He sat on the floor, playing with his flames. He was the only dragon-kind I knew who could shape his flames differently. Before him, a small image of a horse galloped in a circle. Kaji clicked his fingers, and the image dissipated before him, leaving behind a few sparks.

  I ran my hand down my outfit, straightening it. “Careful with the flames. Everything around here seems to be made from nature, and we only have this sad excuse of a building to sleep in. Don’t want to lose it.” I regarded Kaji. He wore a shirt—that was new. Hidraes like him usually didn’t wear shirts. It was a sign of their power. It also allowed for easier shifting. Due to the school’s rules, however, Kaji had to subject himself to covering his torso.

  He lifted a brow. “Hm. It’s one of the less extravagant outfits I’ve seen you in. Princesses don’t really belong in uniform.”

  “So, I look bad?” I asked.

  He pushed himself to his feet. “No. Just different. Less like royalty, more like a soldier.”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment. I’ve always wanted to be a soldier.”

  “Wishful thinking,” Kaji said. “You’re the princess, Ly. You were born to be protected by soldiers, not the other way around. All that training, practice with the sword, the theatrics… It’s all just for show. We’ll defend you in battle should it ever come to war. The evaradraes will have to throw their lives away to save yours because you’re more important in the grand scheme of things.”

  “Nonsense. What of my father, Kael, then? They say he’s the best fighter in all of the drae lands.”

  “How often do his skills get put to the test?”

  “Every week,” I replied. “With me.”

  Kaji scoffed. “Not like that. I mean properly. An actual fight. One with high enough stakes that his skills matter.”

  “He gets to defend his reputation. Wouldn’t be good to get his butt beaten by his own daughter. I’m guessing dragon-kind wouldn’t respect him as much if that happened.”

  “That’s all that matters with his skills, right? Protecting his reputation. If he doesn’t want to, he doesn’t actually have to thrust himself into battle.”

  “But he did. Have you not heard the stories? My fathers fought against orcs in the realm of the dead just to save my mother.”

  Kaji shook his head. “Your parents went through all that bloodshed so you won’t have to.”

  “You’ll never know when war strikes. The teramarth are coming.”

  “You make it sound like you actually want war.”

  “The stories—”

  “They’re glorified. You focus on the tales of heroes and grandeur. How everybody gets saved in the end. But those stories you keep telling me… they don’t cover the messy bits. The loved ones lost and the dead bodies that must be cleaned up after guts are spilled and villages burned down. They don’t speak of the pain and suffering and hardship. The longing for peace.”

  My shoulders drooped as I gave Kaji a heavy look. “Back then, when you were still a teenager, what did you go through?”

  Twelve years ago, the region Kaji had come from, Kainrya, had been through a civil war. Kaji spoke of it only briefly every time he brought it up. The memory seemed to pain him.

  “Enough to I know that I don’t want you to go through whatever I did.”

  He always acted aloof, but Kaji did care very much for me. I was grateful to have a friend like him.

  Kaji sighed. “Enjoy being a princess. It’s a good position to be in.”

  “I refuse,” I said, straightening.

  “What?”

  “I reject the idea of sitting around and being protected when trouble comes. You’re one of my own, Kaj. I’m not going to let you risk yourself and die while I live in the comforts of the palace. What kind of ruler would that make me? When battle comes, I’ll be there by your side, joining your ranks so that we might have a better chance of living.”

  Kaji sniffed.

  “You don’t believe me? Why do you think I train so hard?”

 
; “Because you want to beat your father.”

  “That’s one reason. But I also want to be part of a team. Together with the evaradraes.”

  “Shouldn’t have offended the lot of them, then.”

  “Yeah, maybe I—”

  Kaji’s stomach grumbled, interrupting our serious conversation. He placed a hand on his belly. “Hm. We haven’t eaten since we left Raynea, come to think of it.”

  “I’m famished, too. When are they going to give us food?”

  As if answering, a loud, sharp sound chimed in the air. I moved toward the door, my heartbeat quickening. “Aland told us to attend the lessons after the bell chimes. He didn’t mention where.” I was growing peeved at the lack of explanation. They’d dragged me all the way here, and yet there was no clarity in their instructions.

  A rapping on my door interrupted my annoyed thoughts. I opened it, expecting to see one of the triad, but it was a tall man with a sharp beard. He had a cut on his brow, edged cheekbones, and golden hair bunched behind his head.

  “Cheery morning,” the man said, saluting me with two fingers. He reminded me of a cat. Maybe it was the way his eyebrows were angled. High and arched. “How is your stay in Rakarthen?”

  I paused, then looked upward. There was a hole in the ceiling. “Quite terrible.”

  “Sorry to hear that.”

  “This place looks like it might fall any moment. The bed’s creaky, and the shower’s barely running any water. I’m wondering whether I should return to Constanria.”

  “I wouldn’t blame you if you did, though you might find it difficult to get out of the fae lands. You’ll need to know how to spin fae magic to escape the fog that shrouds Thesnan.”

  I folded my arms across my chest. “Kaj and I were discussing that the whole night. We have no idea how to leave even if we wanted to.” I leaned closer to the stranger. “Who are you?”

  He placed a fist on his chest. “Ah, pardon my lack of introduction. Hmmm. My name is General Erutan Lexus Pretrovar.”

  I bit my lower lip. “You fae need to shorten your names.”

  He chuckled, a throaty sound. “You can call me Charmingface.”

  “Sorry?”

  “General Charmingface. You can even leave out the ‘general.’”

  I took a step back. “How did you end up with such a name?”

  The man lifted a comb—a comb?—out of his pocket and ran it down his trimmed beard. A lazy smile curved his mouth. “I didn’t come up with it myself, if that’s what you’re thinking. Hmmm. The students gave me that title. I don’t blame them. I am quite charming, I must say.”

  “Um, okay. So, uh, why are you here?” And did he know anything about my schedule, or where I was supposed to attend my first lesson? Neither Kaji nor I had any clue.

  “I’m here to welcome you to Rakarthen. I’m the principal of the school, and every student is my responsibility. I shake the hand of every newcomer who arrives, and I haven’t done that with you.” Charmingface offered a handshake. I accepted it gingerly. “Come on, nothing to be shy about.” He snatched my hand and shook firmly. His skin was much cooler than mine. Too cold, almost.

  When he let go, my first inclination was to wipe my palm on my pants, but etiquette lessons from Raynea had taught me not to be rude. I stiffened my posture and tried re-calling those lessons.

  “Hmmm,” Charmingface said. He liked humming a lot, especially while combing his beard. “So, what can I help you with to make your stay as comfortable as possible?”

  “Can I not sleep here?”

  He waved his hand over his face, laughing. “I’m sorry but that’s not within my jurisdiction. The triad and king have listened to the request of the other students and have decided that this is where you reside. It’s not up to me, really. I could send for more pillows?”

  “Kaji could use one or two extra.” I’d given him my blanket and pillow last night, so he didn’t have to sleep on just the cold, hard ground. He mentioned it not being’ necessary, but I had insisted.

  “Yes, I will see to it.” Charmingface nodded, placing his comb back into his pocket.

  “Food would be nice.”

  “Oh,” Charmingface said. “I’m afraid that will have to wait until lunch. We maintain a strict schedule here in Rakarthen. Meals are eaten at set times and since the bell has gone off, you’ve already missed breakfast.”

  “We’re famished.”

  “Surely two strong dragon-kind can last till lunch? Your stomach can withstand fire. What’s a little hunger to it?” Charmingface laughed, acting as if he’d told a joke. Both Kaji and I gave him flat expressions. He cleared his throat. “Speaking of schedules. Lessons have probably started. You should be attending one now.”

  “I have no idea where to go.”

  “The triad didn’t tell you?”

  I shook my head.

  Charmingface thinned his features. “The three of them are so irresponsible.” He pinched his nose and released an exasperated sigh. “They’re always strutting about, giving orders as if they own the place. And then it’s up to me to swoop in and clean up their messes. They probably just dropped you here and walked off.”

  “Pretty much,” I said.

  “Your first lesson is Teramarth Orientation. You’re already late but I’ll send a word to the teacher to let you off. Come to think of it, I think Nemreth’s teaching this class.”

  “Nemreth?” I balked.

  “You should be well acquainted with him. He brought you here, after all.”

  “I’m acquainted all right.” I knew that he was a deceitful cunt. “And I’m not interested in knowing any more about him.”

  Charmingface lifted both his brows. “That’s a surprise. He often gets along with everyone. Moreso than Aland and Cendri, that’s for certain. The teachers don’t hate him as much because he doesn’t push his weight around.”

  “Does he also backstab those people later?”

  “Not that I know of.”

  “Don’t trust those who smile too much.”

  As if on cue, a smile spread across Charmingface’s lips. “You sound bitter for a princess.”

  “You’d be too if you have to live in this pigsty.”

  “Hmmm. Makes sense.”

  Charmingface made way for me as I left the building and walked outside. The sun here shone the same as in Constanria, but it wasn’t as hot. There was a slight overcast to the academy. Back home, the heat could sometimes get unbearable. Dragon-kind had hot body temperatures, and with so many of them gathered in one city, temperatures increased.

  Charmingface turned to me. “You don’t know where the orientation is, do you?”

  “I wasn’t so much allowed a tour of this place.”

  “Hmmmm. It’s on the outskirts of the academy, closer to the mountains. It’s faster if we travel by flight.”

  “As in, our dragons?”

  “I won’t have to carry you, do I? I hear you’re a hidrae.”

  “I can shift, yes.”

  “Good, good. It slows me down when I have passengers.” Charmingface strode away, adding more distance between us. He looked to the sky. Bright light shone from the tips of his fingers and spread around his body, growing and expanding and surrounding him. Was he shifting? Dragon-kind glowed yellow when they turned, but the light that circled the principal was an opalescent rainbow. It wrapped around Charmingface’s form. A minute later, a glossy, dragon-shaped being stood before me.

  “Can dragon fae shift, too?” I asked Kaji.

  Charmingface responded from his dragon form. I was surprised to hear his voice reverberating through the dragon, coming in low octaves. Dragon-kind like me, when in dragon form, could only speak to others in the same form. “Well,” he began. “What are you waiting for? You’re already late for class.”

  Ten

  “What in Aereala’s teats is that?” I asked Kaji, who glided next to me, his red wings spread out from his back. We had both shifted to fly behind Charmingface. Dragon f
ae were fast. They conquered the skies like hawks, their wingspan wider than my kind. When Charmingface flew, it felt like he was one with the wind instead of fighting it, his magical form blending with the breeze. In comparison, Kaji and I lumbered through the clouds, our heavy forms dragging us behind.

  Kaji turned to what I’d been referring to. A wall of thorns spread across the distance. It was a jungle of black spikes. They hugged the sides of the mountains, twining around each other in an angry mess. I sensed power from that place. I didn’t want to touch it. That power felt angry, vicious, like it couldn’t wait to swallow everything whole.

  Turn back, a small voice inside of me seemed to say, willing me to fly from the spikes and back to Constanria, keeping myself in the safe, bright sun and among my own kind. I spat in the face of fear, determined to not let it waver my confidence.

  “It’s ugly,” Kaji said, his dragon voice sounding much lower than the one he had in human form. “Looks like a god’s handiwork.”

  “It’s where the teramarth are coming from,” Charmingface replied, descending toward the ground. He could hear us, too. Dragon-kind couldn’t hear each other when in human form. In our different shapes, our ears worked differently, so we couldn’t pick up the varying frequencies of voices.

  I’d attached a satchel of my clothes to my talons. It was how hidraes often transported their garments after shifting. If we didn’t save our clothes, we’d run through too many of them too quickly. The satchel swung around as we lowered our bodies.

  “The wall of thorns?” I asked, chasing after Charmingface. I hated that he flew so fast. I enjoyed unnecessarily turning everything into a competition, and in this one, I couldn’t seem to flap my wings fast enough. “Are they also made by that dark power I sense?”

  “You can sense it?”

  “Why not? Don’t you feel it too, Kaj?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Kaji replied.

  Charmingface landed on the ground, in front of a bunch of students who were gathered around Nemreth. Nemreth glanced at me when we landed, barely regarding my presence. I snorted, smoke puffing out from my dragon’s nostrils. Dust billowed around the feet of Charmingface’s dragon form. As soon as he landed, his dragon form flashed, and Charmingface was back with his beard and human stature, hands on his hips. He was fully clothed, too, without needing a satchel to put his garments in. The process of how the dragon fae shifted struck me as being awfully convenient.