But the academy itself… nowthatis exactly how I expected.
A stone structure that is so large I wouldn’t be able to see around it even if it weren’t a dark night. Two long windows have firelight reflect off their glass as they rise up over an equally large door that is so big that I think maybe one of the red dragons could fit through it. A white flag with a golden unicorn on it snaps in the wind, the emblem of the Gilded Academy, most champions take on their patron’s insignia, but some also find a way to incorporate this unicorn in their armor.
The sound of roaring water meets my ears. It’s too dark to see the source, but I’ve heard of rivers in Skyshire that spill out over the edge and fall down to lakes that have formed below in Commonweald.
A young man steps out through a crack in the large doors and scurries to Istaria’s side. She whispers a command to him, probably demanding that he summon her betrothed, meanwhile Marvin appears to be paying the stablemaster for the ride.
I hear a low whistle beside me and glance over my shoulder to see that Byron is now standing there. “It’s a sight, isn’t it?”
“I would have used the termmagnificent, grandiose, impressive… but I suppose you’re right. It’s asight.”
He grins and nudges my arm. “I can hardly believe that I made it this far. I always intended to attend this academy, but I guess I never actually thought I’d get here. Just like a child dreaming of growing up, the inevitable future always seems so far away until you’re living in it.”
I turn to him, my mouth gaping open. “You’ve dreamed of attending this academy since you were a child?”
“And you think I rolled out of bed one morning and decided to be a fae’s knight champion?” Byron lifts his hand and waves his arm out. “This is the culmination of a lifetime of hopes and dreams.” His mouth twists slightly. “Maybe not mine, but somebody’s, and now I’m here.”
He shivers, but I don’t think it has anything to do with the cool night air which picks up as the dragons take off again, leaving us here. “Can’t believe that I’m actually here,” he says, more softly this time.
“Yeah, me neither,” I say. I blink, trying to make out his expression in the flickering torchlight and the shine of the stars. “What do you mean—”
“It’s really too bad that I won’t be able to stay here longer,” he continues not seeming to have heard me, “but I need to be on the fast track for knighthood for my grandfather’s sake.”
Byron’s words cause my stomach to sink like a stone as I’m reminded that despite the fact that we share a dream, Byron is a problem. He wants what I want, and I can’t let him have it if I am to attain my own childhood hopes. I grapple trying to find something to say that might make that clear to Byron. That we aren’t friends, we can never be friends, even if I wanted us to be.
Which I don’t, of course.
Do I?
Just then there is a loud creak as the door is pushed wide open and in strides a tall fae with shining golden hair. The color is so bright that it seems to almost glow in the darkness. He is wearing a draping robe that flows down around him and a crown that appears to have been made out of the stars themselves. His eyes, however, are dark as the night as they look over us, briefly forming a judgement in a single second before they turn to Istaria.
A half smile forms on his lips but then it disappears. “Istaria, my betrothed, what has become of you?”
My pulse quickens. Lord Menavillion.
“Cultists,” she says, her eyes ever so briefly turning to a knight standing to the right of Menavillion. I startle a little when I see him, I had been so focused on the high fae that I hadn’t noticed that he wasn’t alone. The knight is decked in a suit of armor made all of gold, the visor of his helmet is closed concealing his identity, but who he is, is already clear to all. He’s a knight champion in service of Lord Menavillion. This silent figure in full armor is exactly what I hope to someday become.
I will admit, I imagined it to be a slightly more glamorous lifestyle. Not that I would become a person who some people might even miss entering a room.
Perhaps Byron is thinking the same thing because he is staring at the knight with a somewhat hurt and twisted look on his face.
Istaria continues, her tone completely even. “I was kidnapped by them; they must have cast a dark spell over me. I stand before you now only due to the kindness of these strangers.”
“You seem very calm, My Pearl, considering the atrocities that have been committed against you.”
“Would you rather I be a sobbing puddle at your feet?”
My eyes dart between both the fae as they stare each other down, neither of their faces showing a hint of emotion. I frown, wondering what their problems are. Are they incapable of showing that they care? Of embracing their future spouse? Is this what it’s like to actually be a fae?
If it is, then I don’t want it.
Menavillion finally breaks his gaze away from Istaria and turns back to us. “And these are the people I have to thank for your safe return?”
“My debts are my own, but your appreciation is free to be given.” Istaria folds her hands in front of her.
I step forward, opening my mouth. I’m shaking all over, but I’m not about to risk my chance to introduce myself to Menavillion. His eyes skip right over me and lock on Byron. “You’re a Coalbiter,” he murmurs. “You carry your family resemblance well.”
Byron dips his head. “I’m honored you would recognize me, My Lord.”
