Last night, sleep came heavier than it has in days. No shadows swallowing me whole, no hand stroking my cheek. Just a dream of me standing in an open field well after dusk. The sky is dark and endless and a forest looms over the horizon. In front of me lay three things. A cot, small and tired. Forgotten. A candle, with no wick burning the brightest blue, and lastly. The Book. From the archives.
A heavy howl filled the air, like a warning. A wolf lay flat, watching me as I inspected the items laid at my feet.
I could not move, only looked into the eyes of the beast. It was huge, bigger than any creature I know of, eyes the same colour as the flame burning the candle. Were these items offerings, or warnings. Is the creature waiting for me to claim them? The wolf lowers its head and then I wake.
The dream dissolves and I sit up instantly, alone in deafening silence. Wondering why nightmares are leaving me feeling more alive.
I ready myself for the day with a confidence I have never known, I feel stronger. Not literally but mentaly, like I'm looking at the world through someone else's eyes. As I enter for breakfast the hall is bustling, same conversations and same debates which last a lifetime. I was early, Orien is still collecting the morning's fuel as he turns around with wide eyes. ''Good morning.'' I chirped.
Orien looks with surprise flickering through the soft lines of his face but resting in his beard and with a faint smile he gestures me over to the table, placing a bowl down for me too. He tells me to sit and eat.
The smell of the fresh broth and bread claimed my sense of smell, but stirred no hunger. My stomach gives no answer and I feel no need to eat. ''You've barely touched it.'' Orien says. I tell him I'm not hungry and his eyes search my face out of concern, suspicion and something unspoken.
''Dreams again then?'' He questions.
I hesitate to tell him, not wanting to bother him with the strange dreams my mind conjures. I tell him of the field, the woods and the items left in front of me. I do not mention a wolf. Not today.
He once again tells me it's my age, my mind is still growing and my subconscious can play tricks making reality out of stories. ''Dreams are best left in the dark, making sense out of them will only drive you crazy.'' ''Anyway, Headmaster Aldross has sanctioned an expedition.'' He continues.
An expedition? I ask him, confused. Apparently we are to travel to the forest of sin. North of Crownspire and South of Wrath. It will take a day or two to reach depending on the weather and I am to accompany him to help document any findings.
''I have been asked to lead a team of scholars attending, I need you with me. Although it will not be easy, far from it.'' He says.
My fingers press into the table, scarless among the scarred. Out of the academy. I voice to Orient that I will go, for him. He nods once, as though the decision had been made before I even opened my mouth.
The rest of breakfast Orien fills me in on the details, who will be going and what we will be doing. Nightmaw's have been seen recently, around the edges of the forest which is unusual. Instructor Athea will be leading as the commander, accompanied by members of the Beasthold, hunters and scouts. Students are also permitted to join, for experience in the real world and lastly healers, in case of emergency.
I walk with Orien to the prayer hall, where the announcement will take place. I stress to him my abilities will not be of use, but he shuts me down telling me they are useful to him. The hall is alive with voices and footsteps heading in the same direction. No one will insult me with Orien around and for that I'm thankful but it doesn't stop the stares. Which today doesn't bother me, I feel nothing towards them, no envy or hate. Just like my hunger this morning, It's simply gone.
We enter the prayer hall at the centre of the academy, the 7 statues gleam with lights of sin as students and faculty alike wait for the announcement. Orien has left towards the dais at the front, leaving me to my own devices at the back. I stand shoulder to shoulder with strangers waiting on the orders of the headmaster, they all look excited, like this will be their chance to prove something. Obedient dogs wagging their tails in anticipation.
''By the decree of the honourable Headmaster Aldros Veyth, an expedition has been sanctioned. Hunters and scouts have reported suspicious activity and the Nightmaw has been spotted. The rumours of the greater beasts must be quelled, recorded and confirmed. The following will be in attendance.'' The herald bombed across the vast circular hall.
Whispers prickled before he announced the paticipants, students guessing the nature of the trip and shadows too close to the Crownspires walls.
Then he shouts the names, loud and clear. Enough so his words would enter the ears of anyone who listens.
'' Students first, he proclaimed.
Marrek Dune, Flame bearer of Wrath. Fourth Year.
Seras Doirneach, the Wrath Crowned. Daughter to Valkaen Doirneach, Crownlord of Wrath. Second Year.
Kaelin Thrum, Light bearer of Pride. Fourth Year.
Rell Arcrest. Son of Virginia Arcrest, Crownlady of Deceit. Second Year.''
People are surprised, two potential heirs of two old and noble houses. The herald continues.
''Ellis Veyth, niece of Headmaster Aldros Veyth. Mirrorborn of Pride. Third year.
Lucien Solbrax. The heir of pride, adopted son to Calten Solbrax, the Crownlord of Pride. Second Year.''
That must have hurt Lucien slightly, the herald put emphasis on the adopted, letting the world know power can always be taken away.
''Thorne Gowensen, the mountain of Greed. Second Year.
Lira Kallos, the chronicler of Deceit and Mirror mage of Pride. Third Year.''
The whole room freezes, whispers fill the hall with talk of double crowned. Awe and unease knotted in equal measure.
''And lastly, the herald announces. Veyrin, scholar's assistant. Scarless.
The word struck like flint. Heads turned. Pity. Mockery. Whispers cutting sharp: scarless, pity-choice, shame of Orien.
The herald begins to roll the parchment closed, ''The scholars will be led by Orien Ashfall, theShard bearer of Truth. Instructor Athea of Sloth shall take command of the field and all students and faculty. They will be accompanied by members of the Beasthold of Crownspire, lending hunters, scouts and a retinue of healers. We leave at dawn.''
The hall emptied in waves, people disappointed and some congratulating their friends on being chosen. Voices spilled into the corridors and I followed, not waiting for Orien who must be busy with preparation. One of the students stops in front of the door, eyes gazing at me like daggers thrown. Lira Kallos, the double scarred student. I've seen her before, helping Orien with a few tasks. Orien tells me to be careful what I say around her, as one of her abilities is that she is able to record moments through her eyes and remember every detail with perfect recall.
I look away first, exiting the hall and making my way into the courtyard for some fresh air. The incense in the hall makes you feel like you're swallowing scented candle wax. The courtyard was bustling with students who had the same idea as myself. Usually I would run straight back to the archives, but today. I feel like getting some fresh air.
''Well well well, the Scarless assistant is marching with us, did you hear that gentlemen?'' I don't even have to turn around to know who's face that performative voice belongs to. Lucien Solbrax steps into my path, his smile bright and cruel. His Lightscar manifests onto his fingers and hands, chains. Moving and looping over themselves, bright and gold.
My old reflexes stir, bow. Bow low. Bend before the blow, but the weight just wasn't there. No fear, shame or anger exist inside me. Only stillness. I stood straight, met his eyes with absence. I will bow no longer.
The brightness in his smile fades, he doesn't understand. Golden chains constructed from his hands fall to the floor with intimidation. I stand unbothered. He just laughs and pushes past me. ''Careful worm, you might break your back standing tall.'' Unknown to me Seras was watching, just outside of my eyeline watching the confrontation unfold. For a moment her mouth curves into something that looks like a smile, she nods then turns. Her strides unbroken.
A voice rumbles beside me, his body dwarfing my own as he speaks. ''The names thorne, I'll see you in the morning Scarl…'' He caught himself, then grinned. ''Veyrin.''