I landed with a hard crash onto the school grounds. I recognized immediately where I was. I had fallen into the Fen. I could have cried with relief for being in a physical body again, but I didn't have time. I could have had a much rougher landing if I hadn't ended up in the padded marsh. I pushed myself up as fast as I could. Where was he? I stood for a silent moment. The beat of my heart told the passage of time. It was an unfamiliar sensation after my months or perhaps longer in the Liminal World. I could hear nothing except my own breath. Phosphoros must have broken away and landed somewhere else on the school grounds.
I sprinted towards the school. I had to warn everyone about the impending attack. I couldn't rely on Lord Morningstar's confusion for long. He would know what I had done and call on his minions to attack the school. Every muscle in my body screamed for oxygen as I ran the path into the Academy. I could see students and faculty rushing around in the Quad. What were they doing? I started screaming as soon as I was in range. I had to get my message across.
"Get away from here," I shouted. "He's coming. Get inside a shelter." I shouted until my voice was raw. When I got closer I saw that everyone was already running. Students and Professors were carrying things out of the main buildings. Everything from books, to chairs and scrying glasses, was being hauled out of the buildings and into the library. That's where everyone was headed. I started to run towards the library when I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Aria. What was going on here?
"Esther," She started, staring at me with intense focus.
I cut her off, "I don't have time for whatever you're about to say. I have to find the headmistress. You're all in danger."
"I know," She said, clutching the stack of books in her arms more tightly. "We are taking everything of value and storing it in the library basement." She explained.
"Wait, you know already?" I said.
"Yes, they tracked the demon legions early this morning. Everyone has been working for hours to prepare the school for the attack." She said. "And Esther, they told us who you are." She offered me a knowing look.
"Is that right?" I asked, stunned.
"Yes. And I wanted to say, I'm sorry for how I've treated you. It was immature." She said.
I couldn't believe I was hearing this from Aria of all people. "Thank you." I said, "But I really have to move."
"I know," She said. "We're all going to stand with you." She said finally before heading towards the library. Stand with me? Did she mean all the students were going to fight too?
Just then, I saw Headmistress Malus walking across the lawn toward the dorm houses. I ran for her. She saw me after a moment and met me halfway.
"Headmistress, I need you to listen to me," I said as calmly as I could. "I just spoke to Aria and she told me you already know about the invasion of demons coming, but there's more." She raised an eyebrow and listened to what I had to say. "The one who sent the demons is called Lord Morningstar. It's kind of a long story, but he's here at the Mage's Academy. I am going to find him and do my best to bring him down, but we need to get everyone inside as quickly as possible." I said, trying to catch my breath as I finished.
"I'm glad to see you are back Esther. Yes, we are currently in the process of trying to prepare for the threat of the legions." She explained, matching my swift tone. "The professors are securing the perimeter and strengthening the enchantments on the school as we speak. I will trust your judgment on the issue of Lord Morningstar. All the students who have declined to be a part of the battle are safely locked in a protected circle. The students you see walking around are those who have chosen to fight with us." Her face grew more serious. "This is beyond anything the Academy has ever seen."
"I know." I said quickly, "But we have to hold steady. I have a plan."
"I hope so," She whispered to herself.
"Professor, I need to find Kairn," I said.
"Of course," She nodded. He is on the edge of the campus closest to the administrative building. He is helping with the fortifications. If you run, you can still catch him there.
"Thank you, professor," I called out, already running towards Kairn. I was thankful that preparations were already being made, but I had hoped when I finally returned I would be able to relax. Things don't always turn out the way you want.
On the other side of the school, a large magical wall was being arrested by the professors. It was electric with blue energy. I knew that the wall in the Liminal world was right here, even though they couldn't see it. Perhaps the protection of my mother could still help us, even though she was gone. I saw Professor Atwood, coordinating the effort of the faculty. I ran over to him.
"Can you help me find Kairn?" I asked desperately.
"He's just on the other side of the line." Professor Atwood explained, before drawing me
