I already said goodbye to my family so I stood beside Legacy and Taz. My mother waited at the front of the room beside my father. They’d given us a speech about our behavior and what they expected from us. Nothing I hadn’t heard before.
While waiting, I looked around to see if I knew any of the students. There were several I recognized, Connor Goldheart, a warlord’s son being one, and another familiar face belonged to Finnick. My memory brought back the vision of his death, and the blood that pooled on the stone beneath him. My lower back beaded with sweat. Something about that vision other than the obvious death, disturbed me. I had the feeling that whoever killed him wasn’t entirely natural. That this person was dangerous beyond being skilled with a blade or magic. Perhaps cursed by dark magic? While I watched Finnick laugh with a friend, I told myself I should say something to him—tried to work up the courage but my feet stayed planted as if rooted to the ground.
“It’s time,” Mother said, then did a feat only she was capable of with her limitless power. Unlike other magic-born, she drew her strength from outside of herself. The rest of us were limited by our own energy and stamina. With her hands outstretched, a long black rip opened in mid-air. It slowly grew, at least ten feet high, the same wide, and the portal to the Allied Kingdoms Academy opened. There seemed to be a collective deep breath among us as we laid eyes on the towering structure made of a gray and white marbled stone. It resembled a castle with three turrets, one flag for each kingdom waving at the peaks.
The Gap of Freeole was typically a desert tundra with not much vegetation except dry grass, sagebrush, and littered with huge boulders. Yet, surrounding the academy were lush green plants, short clipped grass, and an abundance of various trees. Through the spiked wrought iron fence, the blooming flowers were visible along the edges of the property.
“You won’t be completely isolated,” Mother said stepping before the portal and blocking the view. “A growing town is ten miles south, where much of the supplies will come from. Also on the property is a fruit and vegetable garden which the students will upkeep. As well as chickens, goats and cows, also your responsibility. There are some horses but they are only to be used with permission.” She stepped to the side and waved a student forward, a fourth year by the look of her. “You first.”
The girl’s eyes widened but she pulled her large trunk, bowed to my mother and stepped through.
Legacy, Taz, and I were the last in the room. My father nodded toward the portal. “Stay out of trouble you three.”
I smiled, wrapping my arms around his torso. “I’ll miss you.” I moved to my mother and squeezed her tight. “See you for the fall festival.”
She kissed the top of my head. “Make us proud, my dear. I love you.” Just before I stepped through the portal, Mother said, “Madison and Jordane are already there. They’ll escort your group around the property. And Bindy will be there sometime after lunch.”
When the portal closed behind me, a weight settled on my shoulders. Standing outside the gates of the academy grounds, I looked at the guards. Three men and one woman. The men on the left side wore Hesstian colors of blue, white, and gold. On the right, the man and woman wore red and black, Delhoon colors. The sun was rising, still a few hours from noon, but the temperature would’ve suggested otherwise. With it being summer and further south than I was used to, it was much hotter in this location.
Our group moved through the high gates, and I spotted my grandparents at the head of the group, leading the way.
Legacy took in a deep breath. “Now that we’re here, I’m a little nervous.”
The fumbling of my stomach agreed. “Me too,” I murmured and we followed the group forward.
My grandfather being magic-born, looked young and strong for a man of nearly seventy. I called him Papa. He pointed toward the stables to the right. “Beyond that are the gardens and orchards. You can see the trees from here. If you go to the edge of the property to the west you’ll find the farm animals.”
In the distance the cows roamed. This property was at least three miles wide and more than that deep. The academy was a town of its own.
He continued, “To the north behind the building are the archery ranges, sparring grounds and an outdoor arena. There is even a lake that a small river runs into, which is why we chose the location. We needed a nearby water source.”
When we reached the ten-foot high front doors of the academy, they were pulled open from the inside where more guards awaited, and a group of about thirty professors gathered to welcome us. They all wore maroon-purple robes, and each had a badge on their chest signifying which kingdom they belonged to. These would be the academic professors. The skills or fighting instructors wore more practical attire for their lessons. With her hands behind her back, my grandmother Madison, said, “From here you’ll be shown to your dormitories and then everyone will gather at noon. Most of the other students have already arrived.”
Taz leaned over, “I thought we were the first group.”
“So did I.”
Perhaps overhearing, Madison said, “Most of the
