Needless to say, that backfired when the secret hunt for the most evil artefact in existence gathered pace, leading to a sudden crisis in the Society, and a realisation that secrecy and marginalisation were counterproductive. In the end, it took a group of kids and the marginalised species in the Society to defeat evil, restoring peace.
Beauty and unity has become the S.P.M.A.’s motto ever since, meaning you’re as likely to see a young wizard as you are an ageing giant. You’ll also find magical creatures in all faculties: spectacular, shape-shifting birds along with tiny, luminous insects known as Quij.
The sky urchins are still learning the ropes, refusing to replace their black rags covering their scar-ravaged bodies for something more fitting. Their scars are marks of war, they argue — wars fought for the Society’s survival and something that should never be forgotten.
The morning mist rests over Society Square, washing Founders’ Quad with muted light. It’s my favourite vantage point, partly because it’s a reminder of the old days when innocent wonder dominated, but also because it’s become a meeting point for romantic flight.
The romantic part is linked to Conrad — the boy I slowly fell for on our journey towards a maelstrom of danger two years ago. I remember how quiet he was at first, appearing in The Cendryll with a sullen expression, struggling with a sadness hanging over him.
He didn’t have the best introduction to the S.P.M.A., bumping into Erent Koll in his first few days: the evil wizard who came unstuck in the final battle. Conrad’s a different prospect now: tall, confident and handsome — the mild scars running across his chest and arms adding a reminder of what he’s lost: a father’s sacrifice to save the Society.
He’s learnt not to dwell on the past too much, realising the importance of appreciating the wonder of the magical world we’re blessed to be part of. From my vantage point on top of the church roof, I’m reminded of the life I once had, walking with the crowds through the streets of Founders’ Quad, grasping for moments of excitement to counterattack the boredom of my life.
The eight children selected for entrance to each faculty are about to experience the same awe and wonder, soon to be stunned by the impossibility of the universe they’ve been granted entrance to — a universe that is multi layered, offering portals to all things magical. Portals are called Periums in the S.P.M.A., and I wait for the boy I love to arrive through one hidden in the sky.
Conrad is about to appear in the sky on the back of a beautiful, turquoise, bird: a majestic, shape-shifting creature called a Williynx. Like me, he’ll be hidden from view with an invisibility charm, knowing the consequences of using magic above ground. Conrad’s a sky rider now, joining me on my evening pursuits as a Night Ranger.
We keep an eye on things from the skies, the trick of invisibility is created by the Verum Veras charm: a glimmering curtain of protection, allowing undetected movement. As I wait behind my curtain of invisibility, I feel my bracelet vibrate on my right wrist — my penchant allowing me travel through a world of wonder.
Conrad appears seconds later, spinning through the sky above me as a glittering curtain of gold light surrounds him, gliding down on his turquoise Williynx for our morning rendezvous. The burning sensation inside returns every time I see him: the boy with copper-blonde hair and a dazzling smile.
I barely noticed boys before Conrad but, then again, I barely noticed anything until I stepped into The Society for the Preservation of Magical Artefacts. My mum mastered the art of neglect a long time ago, so it was just me and Jacob keeping ourselves entertained at home.
Now, there’s entertainment at every turn from, a simple utterance of word generating showers of light or a vanishing act to another spectacular space. Night Rangers need their fun too, though, the reason Conrad and I meet here each morning. The morning meetings give us our ‘alone time’ before duty calls, ready to transport us to other magical realms.
“Hey,” he says as his Williynx touches down on the church roof — the shimmering curtain of protection keeping a unique vision hidden from view. After all, a boy appearing out of the sky on the back of a huge turquoise bird would be pretty hard to explain.
I give Conrad the once over, always drawn to the scar lining his neck … the scar I know runs diagonally across his torso … gained from an attack of vampiric birds in a land once housing evil. We survived that battle, recovering in our own way, ensuring every available moment is spent experiencing new wonders.
I’ve got my own scars, decorating my wrists and lower legs. Conrad says he likes them ... that it reminds him of how we met and the unique things we’ve gone through. I doubt that, but it doesn’t matter. He’s here and he’s mine and, for now, that’s all I need.
“Where to?” he asks, running a hand through his hair. The white T-shirt, grey coat and jeans do little to protect him from the cool temperatures, but he’s long been conditioned against the elements.
“You choose,” I reply, kneeling to place my right hand on the ground, whispering ‘Expandeus’ as I do so. The charm causes my invisibility charm to stretch outwards and upwards … the glimmering, golden curtain of protection expanding with my powder-blue companion … the small bird buzzing near my shoulder now shape-shifting into a glorious form more fitting for a Williynx.
I climb on as my Williynx settles, resting its head on the concrete floor of the church roof. With
