There had been no new challenges thrown at them over the last four weeks, but the other novices used Franco as a champion in every challenge they could, keeping him from issuing any challenges himself. The Eternal Flame stopped all challenges without any seeming reason, and the Swift Wind clan lost a novice in a challenge against the Han clan. The healer had not been fast enough to save him during the brutal fight.
Gregory devoured law books about Krogga and Buldoun after spending a few days reading on horse care. Yukiko had dived through the rich lore on Aether, and Jenn struggled with the laws of the empire after finishing dwarven lore.
Daciana had taken to arriving at the archive to study a little after they did every day. Besides wishing them each a good day, she didn’t speak much with them, but Gregory knew she was watching them while she read.
~*~*~
Taking their seats in the archive, the group was excited. It was Jenn’s birthday, and they had plans.
“Remember, we’re having lunch at Stabled Hunger,” Yukiko said. “Elsa will be joining us, too.”
“She was very excited when we asked her last week,” Jenn smiled. “Reminds me of my youngest sister… so excitable and innocent.”
“Dedicated, too,” Gregory said. “Hasn’t wavered on her learning at all, according to Baylyss. She managed to get through all of the Peaceful Fist last week.”
“We’ll be starting a new game of Empire’s Gambit against the instructors soon,” Yukiko added. “Three games over four weeks and we haven’t come close to winning. Every time we get close, they have a new trick and the citations about why it’s a legal move.”
“It’s frustrating…” Jenn grumbled as she pulled out paper to start Magi Squares.
“And fun, because it’s difficult,” Yukiko said. “I’ve been enjoying it, even when we lose.”
“At the moment, it’s just learning, but we’ll need to know the game for next year and beyond. If we do end up commanding people in the field, we’ll be glad we have some knowledge ahead of time.”
“I understand that,” Jenn said. “I’d just like to win, even once.”
“We will before the end,” Yukiko said. “With the three of us helping pay for it, we can easily keep them employed until the end of the first year. I feel better that Greg isn’t paying for it alone, anyway.”
“Not like I’m spending the stipend on much else,” Gregory said.
“We need to look into getting clothing again,” Yukiko smirked, “but that’s after lunch. I have the day all planned, and I let the instructors know they have today off last week.”
“So that’s what that was,” Gregory nodded. “I saw you whispering to Lon just before they left. I’d been wondering.”
“I’ve arranged things,” Yukiko said. “Now, let’s focus on our task.”
“Good morning,” Daciana said softly as she moved to the nearby table.
“Morning, Daciana,” Gregory said. “How’s your studying going?”
“Slowly,” Daciana replied with a pained smile, “but I’ll continue to push forward.”
“That’s the only way,” Jenn said. “Just make sure you’re learning. Reading without comprehension isn’t learning.”
“I understand,” Daciana said. “Please, don’t let me disturb you.” She paused as she took her seat. “Might I ask a question? I’ve seen some novices starting to form groups… Is this approved? I made a friend, but we’re not sure if we can study together.”
“It’s fine,” Yukiko said. “If you have questions like that, the archivists here or the keeper for your dormitory can answer them for you.”
“I see. Sorry. Thank you.”
“We’re happy to help,” Gregory said, “but instead of waiting to ask us, there are others who can guide you, too.”
“I’ll bring her with me starting tomorrow. I’m sorry for interrupting you again. Thank you.”
~*~*~
Leaving the archive, the group briefly discussed the books they were currently reading. “I believe the eurtik history has to be more entertaining than your books,” Jenn said.
“Law books are dense,” Yukiko sighed. “Buldoun is heavily focused on commerce laws.”
“Yes, it took me longer to get through that than the empire’s laws,” Gregory agreed. “Limaz laws are different, though. They hold to equal laws, with no separation on station or power. Kill a person there and it doesn’t matter if you are a pauper or the most powerful magi— both are treated the same.”
“I can see the good and bad in that,” Jenn said.
“It’s decidedly different,” Gregory said.
“On a different subject,” Yukiko said, looking over her shoulder, “Daciana has been respectful, but do either of you feel like we’re being placed on pedestals?”
“She’s trying to mimic us,” Jenn said. “Not sure it’s being raised up so much as just being used as role models.”
“She’s going to have a hard time if she tries to copy us,” Gregory said. “I don’t think she can train like we do, and it might hurt her if she ends up on a path unsuited to her.”
“The rules of the academy don’t say anything about offering advice to lower magi,” Yukiko said. “We can still try to help her and her friend, whoever that turns out to be. We should warn her about people like Nick, too.”
“That we should definitely do,” Gregory agreed.
“She’s earth magic,” Jenn said. “Her magic wouldn’t be greatly hindered by one path over another. At least, not as far as I know. We don’t even know what she’s studying.”
“We can ask tomorrow,” Yukiko said. “For now, let’s focus on your birthday.”
“Yes,” Jenn grinned. “I should tell you both something, too.” Seeing she had their attention, she slipped her medallion out of her kimono. “I reached the tenth rank.”
“That’s another reason to celebrate,” Yukiko laughed. “We need to stop by Alvis Alchemy today to let them know to upgrade the ingredients again. Since you just rose in power, Greg and I shouldn’t be too far away.”
“We’ll all be into apprentice ranks by the time the next tournament comes. I wonder who will be close to us?” Gregory mused.
“Nick,” Yukiko muttered. “He’s undoubtedly pushing himself and Jason up. Maybe Michelle and Gina, too, depending on how much they are willing to do for him.”
“Rather cut my own throat…” Jenn shuddered.
“I’d rather you didn’t,” Gregory said, putting a hand on her shoulder. “Yuki and I would be sad if you did.”
Jenn’s lips quirked upward. “I can’t have that.”
“Good,” Yukiko said. “Besides, we’d never let that happen to you.”
~*~*~
The next couple of hours at Gin’s home passed by with meditation and exercise. The group split up to have a quick rinse off so they were fresh for the rest of the day. Elsa was all but vibrating with excitement when they finished bathing and said goodbye to Baylyss.
“We’ll bring her back before sunset,” Yukiko said.
“That’d be best, since you all need to be back at the academy by then,” Baylyss replied with a hint of a smile.
“We’ll bring her back with plenty of time,” Gregory assured her.
“I’d like to make sure of that,” Baylyss said, “which is why I arranged for something.” They were puzzled until Baylyss opened the door, revealing the carriage waiting for them. “The driver has been informed that he’s to bring Elsa back here if you need to separate.”
“But…” Elsa said before she shook her head. “That’s the right thing to do. I am a guest for their birthday lunch.”
“Thank you,” Yukiko said to Baylyss. “I hadn’t thought of that.”
“Of course. Consider it my gift to you,” Baylyss said to Jenn.
“I accept it. Thank you.”
“Let’s get going or we’ll be late,” Gregory said as he headed for the carriage. “We’re in your hands, sir.”
“I’ll getcha there safe,” the driver said.
The trip to Stabled Hunger was peaceful in the carriage. Yukiko and Jenn passed the time quizzing Elsa on different subjects. Gregory just sat with Elsa beside him, congratulating her on each correct answer and explaining the ones she got wrong.
The driver dropped them at the front door, telling them he’d be in the back while he waited for them. Leading the others into the building, Gregory went to greet Ramon, but before he could, he was interrupted.
“Novice, did my daughter find you?” Gufta asked.
“Daciana has spoken with us a few times,” Gregory replied to the father.
“She’s joined your clan?”
“No. She can’t join a clan until after the first novice tournament is over.”
“Ah, I didn’t know that,” Gufta sighed. “She’s okay, right?”
“She’s been studying hard,” Yukiko said, joining the conversation. “We see her most mornings at the archive.”
“Really?” Gufta was clearly surprised. “She hated studying.”
Gregory left Yukiko to speak with Gufta, making his way to the bar. “Ramon, we—”
“Is my daughter okay?” Ramon asked suddenly, staring at Gregory.
“Why wouldn’t she be?” Gregory asked, confused by the question.
“She’s at the academy,” Ramon exhaled. “We didn’t expect her to be gifted.” He rubbed at his face. “I’ve heard stories of the academy… how some novices die, and…” Trailing off, Ramon took a deep breath.
“We had no idea she was there,” Gregory said. “I’m sorry.”
“It should be fine,” Ramon said tiredly. “Just a father worried for his only child. I got a letter from her a week ago saying she had made friends with Gufta’s kid, Daciana. I just wasn’t sure what she’s experiencing right now or how dangerous it is.”
Gregory thought over his words for a minute. “She’s likely fine. The turmoil for novices doesn’t really start until classes do, and even then, they don’t get bad until the tournament ends. Some of what you heard might be true, though. Novices do die. A handful have since the start of classes for my year. If she joins a good clan, it isn’t as likely that something bad will happen to her.”
Ramon looked relieved and even more worried at the same time. “Can she join your clan? Gufta was saying that Daciana’s going to. You know her— she’s a good girl and she can be an asset.”
Gregory held up his hands. “Calm yourself, Ramon. She can’t join a clan until the first novice tournament is over. She has a friend and that makes it very slim that anything untoward will happen to her before then. If she speaks with the clan representative in the academy, she’ll be considered.”
“But you can speak for her, right?” Ramon asked intently.
Gregory held in his sigh, giving the father a level look. “If she asks for it— for herself— yes. Daciana appears to be focused on joining the clan, but I’m not sure if that’s her own desire or her father’s. Every novice has to find their own way forward.”
Ramon swallowed and looked away. “I’m sorry, Magi. I just worry for her.”
Gregory reached out and grabbed Ramon’s shoulder firmly. “I understand. If she asks, I’ll do what little I can for her, but being close to us also means that our enemies will look at her, too.”
“They’ll already hate her,” Ramon said, his voice hitching. “Those bigoted bastards…”
“That’s true, unfortunately,” Gregory said softly. “Other clans aren’t like that, though. I can’t promise anything, but she’s been kind to us here. I’ll return that kindness to her.”
“We will,” Yukiko said, coming to his side. “I sent Jenn and Elsa to the room. I overheard most of the conversation. My apologies, but my heritage is much like hers. If she needs aid, we’ll do what we can.”
Ramon swallowed and wiped at the single tear that escaped. “Thank you. Both of you. I’ll let her mother know that Nessa will have friends and allies to watch for her. We’ve been so worried.”
“My parents were just as worried,” Yukiko said softly. “Having a friend in your class makes it easier, and as I heard, she has one. Trust in your daughter. You instilled in her your values and spirit; she’ll do fine with those to help guide her.”
Ramon’s lips finally turned up into a smile. “Her mother did that. And yes, she’s a spirited one, but that’s one of our worries. I’ll let Vana know that you’re ready for the meal.”
“Thank you,” Gregory said, letting go of Ramon’s shoulder.
“No. Thank you, and your friend, as well.”
~*~*~
Their lunch was excellent— Vana went all out for them, stopping in to check on them multiple times and thanking them each time she did. Gregory made a silent promise to himself to do what he could to help Nessa, seeing how much her mother and father worried about her. What he was concerned about at the moment, however, was Elsa. She’d been quiet the entire meal, only talking when addressed, and was not as outgoing as she normally was.
When they finished eating, they went off to Lagrand’s next. As the carriage rolled down the road, Gregory broached the subject. “Elsa, are you okay?”
Elsa shrugged her shoulders, staying silent.
“It’s parents, isn’t it?” Gregory asked gently.
Elsa swallowed hard and wiped at her cheek, but not before Gregory saw the tear. “Don’t have any now.”
“You had them, though. I lost my mother when I was close to your age.”
Yukiko and Jenn watched them with concern, neither sure what to say.
“How?” Elsa asked, sniffling.
“No one’s certain,” Gregory said slowly. “I was the one who found her in the woods. There was blood everywhere…”
Elsa swallowed and more tears trickled from her eyes. “Momma…”
“It still twinges when I think about her,” Gregory said. “My father… changed when it happened. He wasn’t nice anymore.”
Elsa hiccupped a small sob. “Papa…”
“I understand. It’s hard,” Gregory said, putting his arm over her shoulder and gently hugging her to his side. “I’m here, and I will hear you.”
Elsa began to cry, deep hard sobs. Turning, she grabbed his clothing, burying her face into his side. Gregory remembered the pain of losing his mother and stroked her hair gently as she cried. Blinking back his own tears, he looked to the women across from them and motioned with his head. Both reached out, gently rubbing Elsa’s back and murmuring soft soothing words to her.
“Papa…” Elsa hiccupped the word, muffled against Gregory’s side. “Papa argued with a magi. The magi struck him once, and Papa went flying.”
“He died?” Gregory asked softly.
“Momma… she said… so. Told me it was my fault.”
Gregory felt his blood go cold. “She said that?”
“Yes,” Elsa sobbed harder. “Told me to leave… apologized to the magi…”
Yukiko shook her head in anger and disgust. Jenn’s face showed revulsion at what she was hearing. Gregory held Elsa as she cried and tried to not react.
“I tried… I tried to go back…”
Gregory could feel Elsa shaking against him as she cried.
“She told me… no daughter… I was trash…”
The coldness in his veins became fire as he visualized what Elsa said.
“Ran… slept in bushes… found flowers… sell to eat… met others… sell flowers so we all eat…”
“Where are the others?” Yukiko asked softly.
“Hiding.”
“You use your money to help them?” Jenn asked.
“Yes. They have no parents, either.” Elsa was slowly calming down.
“Have you told Baylyss?” Gregory asked.
“No,” Elsa shook her head, keeping her face to his kimono. “She might kick me out, even if she’s like them…”
“Like them?” Yukiko asked, but already knew.
“Eurtik. They’re all eurtik, except me. Their families kicked them out, not wanting…” Elsa swallowed hard. “Animals.”
“Will you take us to see them?” Gregory asked.
“They won’t like me if I do.”
“Okay,” Gregory said softly. “How do you get them your help?”
“I ran an errand for Baylyss on the second day. I told them to come at night. I leave things for them outside.”
“Can we help, too?” Jenn asked.
Elsa pulled back from Gregory a little, glancing at Jenn with worry. “Why?”
“Because we care,” Yukiko said. “For you, and your friends, just as we would for each other.”
“When family turns its back, you only have friends and the new family you make for yourself,” Gregory said with a tight throat. “I would know.”
Elsa looked up at him. Her eyes were bloodshot and she had a line of snot dripping from her nose. “You…” She trailed off as tears formed again. “Thank… you…!”
The carriage slowed, and the driver called out that they had reached the tailor’s a moment before it came to a full stop.
Gregory cleared his throat so he could yell back, “Once more around the block, sir. Please.”
“Uh, very well,” the driver said, clearly uncertain.
