by P B Hughes
Chancellor Harquist raised her brow at the rest of the crowd. “All students competing in the Grand Investiture will report to me on this side.” She motioned to her right. “The rest of you, have your citizenship identification ready. You will report to Judge Marriott on the other side.” She pointed to the tiny man, who scuttled to the other side of the arc.
The people grumbled and formed what might be considered a line in front of Marriott, leaving Mordecai and the students alone.
“Why hello, Chancellor Harquist,” greeted Mordecai.
“School?” she asked.
Mordecai gave her a confused look. “Littleton Academy.”
She scribbled on her parchment.
“State your name.”
“Mordecai. Chancellor, you know who I—”
“Protocol,” she replied, not looking up.
“I see,” said Mordecai. “Well, we mustn’t abandon protocol.”
Daniel detected a note of sarcastic irritation in Mordecai’s voice, though Harquist seemed oblivious.
She thumbed through her parchments, pulled one out, and held it up for Mordecai to see. “We have a list of your students—competing and otherwise. They’re all here I presume?”
Mordecai glanced at the list and did a head count of the students. “Yes, yes, they’re all here.”
“Good,” she said. She snatched the paper back. “Arrive at the registration center in the coliseum no later than seven tomorrow morning or you’ll be disqualified. Enjoy your stay in the Imperial City.”
They began to roll inside, wagons first, followed by Daniel and Shade.
“Stop!” exclaimed Chancellor Harquist, stepping in front of Daniel. “Just where do you think you’re going?”
“Into the city?” said Daniel, quite unsure if this was the correct response.
“False. All dangerous creatures—wyverns, bears, lions, gryphons, etcetera—will be housed in the city’s outer stables.” She rifled through her parchments, whipped out a list, and stuck it in Daniel’s face. Sure enough, gryphons were listed. “Gizzard!” she yelled.
A short, gangly man with large, bulbous eyes and a beaklike nose galumphed out from behind her.
“Take this gryphon to the stables. Make sure she’s fed and watered. And be quick about it! If I find out you’ve been lollygagging, I’ll have you flogged. Do you understand?”
The man grunted and reached out to take Shade by the collar.
“No! Leave her alone,” cried Daniel, pulling her away.
“What’s going on?” inquired Mordecai, hopping down from the wagon.
“They’re trying to take Shade.”
The Chancellor handed Mordecai the paper. Mordecai read it over. “I’m afraid they have to, Daniel.”
“But—”
“Rules are rules—no dangerous creatures inside the city,” said the Chancellor, growing impatient. “We can’t have her mauling anyone.”
“It’s best to leave her with them, Daniel,” called Mrs. Doppledodger from atop the wagon. “They’ll take good care of her.”
Daniel hesitated. “May I visit her?”
“You may visit her whenever you wish,” said the Chancellor. “Just show the guards this ticket when you come to see her and they’ll let you in.” She handed Daniel a ticket that he stuck into the pocket of his cloak. “Now, hand her over.”
Reluctantly, Daniel let the man take her collar.
“I’ll come see you as often as I can,” Daniel whispered in her ear.
With that, Gizzard led her away, and Daniel climbed up on the back of the wagon, feeling miserable as they rolled into the city.
The city was alive—school was out, businesses had closed, and the people were bustling in the streets. On street corners, musicians dressed in brightly colored frocks and pointed shoes strummed lutes and shook timbrels, in hopes that a passerby might flick a coin or two their way. In a circle, children joined hands, dancing and spinning to the music while dogs barked at their heels. Finely-dressed men and women congregated at tables, laughing and joking as they threw back heavy mugs of beer. Vagabonds slouched against lampposts while vendors hawked their wares.
“You’ll need a good night’s rest, boys” said Mordecai as they neared the hotel. “Opening ceremonies begin at one o’clock in the afternoon, so you must be at registration at seven in the morning—sharp!”
The road became wider, and the homes grew imposing—gigantic mansions sitting upon hilltop crests like squat toads, croaking to impress. Lanterns hung from the arms of tall, wrought-iron street lamps, and as the wagon proceeded forward, it passed more wrought-iron gates whose fanciful designs added splendor and glory to the illuminated path.
“Halt!” commanded Mordecai when they came to a fork in the road. “We need to turn right. This is the road to the hotel.”
The road was not, in fact, a road, but a driveway, winding through a grove of sweet-smelling cedar and up a hill. At the top of the hill sat a magnificent building with four white pillars supporting a porte-cochere. The sight of it made Daniel all the more self-conscious about his appearance. Windows to the floor wrapped the face of the hotel, giving it an elegant air.
Several fussy, wig-wearing valets stood on the sprawling front steps. They immediately sprang into action when the wagons pulled up—two men seized the horse’s bridles while two others scuttled to the back and began to unload.
“Daniel, Jude, Gregory, this is where you get off,” said Mordecai.
“This looks like one of those places where you can’t burp at the table without getting tossed out on your ear,” muttered Gregory, rolling his eyes.
“Stop running in the halls,” said Daniel, adopting a sophisticated tone. The three boys hopped out of the wagon. “Don’t put your feet on the table—Gregory, cease picking your nose at once!”
“All right—that’s enough,” barked Mordecai. “You don’t have a choice in the matter. Grand Investiture rules state that all competing students must stay in the same hotel, and this is the one they designated. Fortunately, it’s free for the three of you.”
“Does that mean you won’t be staying with us?” asked Daniel.
“We’ll be staying several blocks away at the Red Rooster Inn,” said Mrs. Doppledodger. “My great-great-great-great, grandnephew owns the place, and he is giving us a steep discount.”
“Oh!” exclaimed Mordecai. “You won’t get very far without these.” He stuffed his hand inside his shirt and pulled out three yellow tickets. “Just show the front desk these vouchers and they’ll take care of you.” He handed them down to Jude. “I will be here tomorrow morning to get you at six.”
The three of them nodded. Martha was in the driver’s seat of the other wagon, holding the reins.
“Martha!” said Gregory as he hurried over to her. He motioned for her to come closer and whispered something in her ear. A small frown formed on her lips and she shook her head no. Gregory whispered again.
“We don’t have time for this, Gregory,” said Mordecai. “Giddy up!”
They began to roll down the road.
“Just think about it,” called Gregory after them. He gave Martha a quick wink.
Gregory slid back in line next to the other boys, a gleam of mischief in his eyes.
“What was that all about?” asked Daniel.
“You worry about yourself, Danny boy,” Gregory countered.
Jude scoffed. “When it comes to you, Gregory, the only thing we worry about are your harebrained schemes.”
Jude made his way up the front steps to the hotel, but before he could place his hand on the door, it flew open, and he was met face to face with another boy.
It was the fire-throwing Apex student.
Chapter 15
Anger burned across Gregory’s skin at the sight of the boy and his smart, blood-red robes. Shiny black boots hit his knees, and his strawberry-blonde hair was tied back with a black ribbon. He stopped abruptly in front of Jude and scanned him up and down with a pair of pe
culiar yellow eyes. He took a step forward, expecting Jude to move out of his way, but Jude didn’t budge. A disgusted frown formed on the boy’s face as he looked from Jude to Gregory and then to Daniel. Upon seeing Daniel, his frown turned to a smirk.
“Well, well,” he snipped sarcastically, “we meet again.”
The door opened behind him, and out walked the blue-eyed girl who sat next to him in the carriage, dressed in a dark purple robe. She was a bit shorter than Daniel, slender and athletic.
“Ready, Caden?” she queried.
Caden’s eyebrows rose pompously as he stepped around Jude. “I’m always ready.” He presented an outstretched palm to the girl. She took it. “Excuse us, boy,” Caden said to Jude as they slipped by. “So tell me, Ari,” Caden said, giving Daniel the once-over as they passed, “is that what all the beggars are wearing these days?
Gregory could take it no longer. For whatever reason, ever since he’d taken a stand and battled the goblins, he felt emboldened. “Hey, you!”
Caden turned and gave Gregory an amused look.
“I’m sorry,” Caden said, “but to whom are you speaking?”
“You, you cowardly wad of conceit,” Gregory spat. “You’re the one who chucked a fireball at my friend.”
A hand went to Caden’s mouth, and he let out a tiny gasp. “Oh dear, was that me?”
“Yeah it was you, and don’t try to deny it.”
Caden cupped his ear. “Listen, do you hear that?”
Gregory cocked his head to listen.
Silence.
“That’s the sound of everyone who cares,” Caden mocked. He turned to walk away and then stopped. “Oh, and boy,” he said over his shoulder, “the next time you address me, you’ll address me as Sir. I’ll not have a low-born speaking to me as if we’re equals.”
Gregory’s eyes flashed red and he raised both his fists. Why should he be afraid of this kid, he thought, when they were both Ruby Miraclists? He was just as good as anyone—no, he was better. He had to prove he was better if he was going to make it.
“Now Gregory,” said Daniel, stepping in between them and placing a calming hand upon Gregory’s chest, “you can’t fight this boy—he isn’t armed. It would hardly be fair. Pampered rich boys like him don’t know how to brawl.”
Gregory smiled, glad for Daniel’s presence. If he did lose to the boy—which he wouldn’t—it was nice to know someone had his back.
Caden’s eyes turned to slits. “If you knew who you were speaking to, you would not be so careless with your insults, beggar—”
Ari grabbed Caden by the hand and pulled him back. “Caden, stop it. Let’s go—it’s not worth it.”
Caden’s lip curled. Begrudgingly, he took a few steps backward.
“Of course, Ari. I’m just having a bit of fun with these…foreigners,” he said, turning away from them and walking into the darkness. “We’ll meet again soon, peasants,” he called after them.
“Yeah?” shouted Gregory. “We’ll meet you in the arena—on the battlefield!”
Gregory growled with disgust and strode up the steps, feeling rather proud of himself. “If only I had a staff,” he said. “I’d have that kid up in flames! Who does he think he is?”
“Stop picking fights, Gregory,” chastised Jude. “I can’t have you getting us in trouble.”
“Me, pick fights? He started it!” Gregory protested.
“There’s too much riding on this for us to be fighting fools like him.” Jude turned around, opened the door, and went inside the hotel.
Gregory huffed and was about to follow when he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Daniel.
“Gregory,” he said, a somber look on his face. “I just wanted to say thanks for sticking up for me. And for what you did with the goblins. I’m sorry if I lorded having Shade over you. I just got caught up in my training and—”
“Think nothing of it,” Gregory said, reaching out his hand. “Friends?”
Daniel grinned and shook it. “Friends.”
Inside, the three boys were entirely out of their element. Daniel looked the worst of the bunch, Gregory thought— like a soot-covered chimney sweep that had decided to clean while the fire was still burning. He and Jude looked only slightly better. Their cloaks were stained, holey, and their hair hadn’t been washed in a week. So when they walked into the main lobby onto the polished, marble floors, a lady with a puffy, beehive hairdo standing behind the counter met them down her nose.
“What is that smell?” she said, sniffing the air.
Gregory sniffed his underarms, looked at Daniel and shrugged.
“No, no, no! You’re ruining my floors!” she wailed at Daniel, noticing the ash he tracked in. “Get out, out!”
Jude ignored the command and marched up to the counter, a look of determined protest on his face. He thrust the three vouchers under her nose.
She stared down at them, and then slowly lifted her eyes.
“Oh,” she said sourly. “Miraclists. You’re here for the Grand Investiture. In that case, I’m Ms. Prim. Follow me.”
She stepped out from behind the counter and led them into a side room. Inside were several stacks of neatly folded dark-colored cloaks—like the ones the Apex students were wearing.
“By the look of it, you’re a Ruby Miraclist, and you an Emerald,” she said, examining the red and green trim on Jude and Gregory’s cloaks. “But you,” she said, turning to Daniel, “are you some new type of…dust Miraclist they never told me about?”
“I’m a Sapphire,” said Daniel. “I got caught on fire earlier by a—”
“What school?” she cut him off short.
Daniel blinked with surprise. “Um, Littleton Academy.”
“You’ll need to bathe before you’ll be allowed on your beds,” she fussed as she picked up a dark red, forest green, and navy blue cloak for each of them. “The bath-house is that way.”
* * *
Daniel admired his beautiful new cloak as they made their way to their room on the second floor. The white trim, thick navy fabric—it was the nicest article of clothing he’d ever owned.
Their room was spacious, lit by twin oil lamps hanging on the wall. A window stretched from floor to ceiling, revealing the rolling landscape below. Their belongings were already stacked neatly in the corner when they arrived. Twin beds sat side-by-side, headboards against the wall.
“Only two beds,” said Daniel, annoyed. “Shall we inform them downstairs?”
“Dibs!” Gregory cried, flying stomach first on the mattress.
Jude slid past Daniel and claimed the second bed as his own. “I wouldn’t complain. We peasants should be glad to have a room at all.”
“So where am I going to sleep?” objected Daniel.
Gregory folded his arms behind his head. “Looks like the floor is going to be your friend for the next couple of nights.”
Daniel sulked over to a rug lying at the foot of Jude’s bed and flopped down. “I don’t care anymore. I’m too tired to argue.”
Gregory sat up. “Too tired? My friends, the night has just begun!”
“Uh oh,” said Daniel.
“No, Gregory,” interjected Jude. “This is not the time or place for carousing.”
“Gentlemen, come now,” Gregory countered, dejected. “Don’t you want to have a little fun before we’re forced to focus all our attention on the Investiture?”
“We are not going out there with all those people, you numbskull,” Jude retorted. “We’ll get into trouble—especially if we go with the likes of you.”
“Suit yourselves,” said Gregory putting his feet on the floor. “You two stay here. Meanwhile, Martha and I are going exploring.”
“Martha?” said Daniel incredulously. “You’re going to drag sweet little Martha all over town in that raucous crowd? Good luck.”
“She already said she’d go with me,” replied Gregory, though Daniel knew she hadn’t. “Besides, we aren’t going to stay out late—just for an hour o
r so.”
Daniel looked at Gregory for a moment, curiosity filling him. “Only for an hour?”
“Or so,” replied Gregory with a grin.
“All right,” said Daniel, “I’ll go—if Martha’s coming and it’s only for an hour. What’s the worst that could happen?”
“No,” said Jude, folding his arms across his chest. “I won’t be dragged along on one of your idiotic escapades.”
“Jude,” pestered Gregory, “out of all the students, you’re going to be the only one staying in tonight—all alone.”
“I’m perfectly fine with that. I’ll enjoy getting some respite from all these”—Jude shuddered—“people.”
“Come on, we need you!” Gregory pressed.
“Bah! Need me? Whatever for?”
“What if we run into that Apex boy and he taunts me into fighting him? You won’t be there to stop me. It’ll be all your fault.”
“If you want to get into a fight then that’s your problem,” Jude replied as he pulled a book from his cloak titled, Lethal Lilacs and Deadly Daffodils: the Guide to Fatal Flowers, and began to read. “I will not be sent home my first night here.”
“Fine then,” said Gregory. “We’ll go by ourselves. Come on, Daniel.”
Gregory hopped off the bed and tramped out the door and into the hall. Daniel followed, shutting the door carefully behind him.
“Let me try talking to him,” said Daniel quietly. “I saw something on the street when we were coming in that I think he’d be interested in.”
“Have fun,” scoffed Gregory. “I’d just as soon go without that wet blanket.”
Daniel went back inside and stole up to the foot of Jude’s bed.
“You know,” said Daniel carefully, “the vendors are selling some pretty bizarre plants out there— stuff I’ve never seen before.”
Jude’s eyes rose slowly from his book and locked on Daniel.
“I was thinking,” Daniel continued, “if you gave me some money, I could buy something that looks interesting and bring it back.”
Jude gave Daniel a hard stare, and then went back to reading his book. “You know nothing of foliage—if I gave you money, you’d squander it on something useless.”