“What?” Said Phineas, shocked.
Maeve shrugged. “You didn’t see him this summer in his duel. He’s gotten pretty good and we all know I think Kash is a wuss.”
“I’m with Maeve,” said Abraxas. “Especially about the wuss part.”
They reviewed the rest of the sheet and discussed their projected winners. There were few others Maeve was willing to bet on. Abraxas bet on every single duel, even the first years.
Mal emerged from the crowd and made his way towards them. His eyes found Maeve but his cool expression never faltered.
“Evening, Sinclair. I wasn’t expecting to see you here,” he said, collected as always.
“What else is there to do on a Tuesday night?” Maeve said cooly.
“Read the same book for the millionth time?” Abraxas snorted.
Maeve smirked and shot him a look as the rest laughed.
“I have no idea what you’re laughing about, Roswyn,” said Maeve. “Based on your Alchemy test I saw the other day you could stand to read at least one book.”
“Oooh,” said Abraxas, covering his mouth and grinning ear to ear. Roswyn scowled at her and turned away. He was a brutish boy, tall and broad shouldered. Bright green eyes and a dirty blonde under-shave.
Presley Barton, who played on the Volaticus Fencing Team and the Harpastum Team, came around and took their bets.
“Fawley? Yikes,” said Presley, shaking her head.
There were a few laughs.
“Maeve,” said Presley, “We thought for sure you’d end up at try outs finally this year. Everyone says your brother was the best fly-half Vaukore ever had.”
A cold sensation filled Maeve’s stomach at the mention of Anthony Sinclair.
“Hurry up Barton,” said Lavinia Roberts. She seemed to appear from nowhere. “We can’t start until you’ve taken all the bloody bets.”
She pushed Presley along.
The group of Serpentine students, and Lavinia, knew better than to make any comment, but their sudden silence spoke volumes about the uncomfortableness of the situation. Maeve was admittedly grateful for Lavinia’s quick action and change of conversation topic.
Lavinia pulled up a seat next to Maeve, offering her a bar of chocolate, which Maeve happily accepted. Lavinia also had a large bag of sweets which was getting passed around.
Professor Larliesl made his way atop the dueling stage and urged them all to quiet down. He was a broad shouldered half Magical half Elvish man with blonde hair braided down to his waist. His ears were pointed at the tips. Once a member of the Magical Militia, Larliesl was now a retired educator and head of the Dueling Club.
“Welcome to another year of Dueling Club!” Larliesl clapped his hands excitedly. “The customs are the same and I trust you all know them, if not best of luck. Tonight we’ll start with our new comers and make our way up to the undefeated third year Serpentine Paragon: Malachite Peur!”
There were a few hollers of praise and clapping among the students. Maeve rolled her eyes and suppressed a smile as Abraxas whistled loudly. Mal was undeniably well liked.
“Let’s begin!” Shouted Larliesl.
Two first years took the stage timidly. With much encouragement from Larliesl, they did well.
As the night went on, and the skill level rose, the duels became more grand. Lavinia was very impressive against Randolf Grisham, a Draconem boy who, rumor had it, was always talking down to specifically the girls in his classes. The two bested each other at the same time, calling for a draw.
Kash didn’t disappoint, losing to Fawley, and earning Maeve twenty rubies, about sixty euros of human money. Fawley had a very strong Deterioration Hex that slowed Kash down completely.
Larliesl had even asked for Fawley to demonstrate the Hex once more on his next opponent.
“For educational purposes of course,” said Larliesl.
Mal praised Fawley as he walked by and Kash sulked.
