Page 44 of Into the Isle

“What’s Eir Wing?”

“The healing residencies. A hospital, bunks, that sort of thing. It’s a bit southeast of the Tomes, near the Twine Rivers. That means ‘two.’”

I punched him in the shoulder. “Ass.”

“Close to Fort Woden, northwest, is Gharvold Hall, where you’ll be training for combat. It’s the garrison. South of Eir Wing is Vala Chamber, where you will learn runeshaping.”

My eyes lit up. “Really?”

“It’s near Nottdeen Quarter, which you’re acquainted with. Southwest is Nottdan Quarter, the men’s lodgings. You only have to dwell in campus dorms for the first two terms here, though many people stay longer out of convenience.”

“I feel like I should be writing this down.”

“No point. You’ll memorize it soon enough, once classes start tomorrow. Or you won’t, and you’ll die.”

My eyes bulged.

“Just kidding. You’ll struggle, though. Ease up, sister.”

“You’re one to talk, two-face.”

Eirik’s features twisted with a grimace. “What?”

“Never mind.” I waved him on as we kept walking. “Continue.”

“If I haven’t been completely cordial, Ravinica, it’s because I’m stressed. There are expectations for me to keep being a second-year Drengr. I don’t take my duties lightly. You being here only exacerbates my problems.”

I let out a small hiss. “All hells, E, what did I do?”

“Existed.” He stopped for a moment, putting his hand on my arm again. “You’re my baby sister, Vini. It doesn’t matter how strong or capable you’ve become. I’ll always think of you that way.”

“Aw,” I said. “Is my big brother worried for me?”

He rolled his eyes and continued walking, shaking his head. “You’re incorrigible. And annoying. Anyway, separating the four sectors, as you’ve likely noticed, are thick woods in every direction. They’re thickest near the center of campus, and trickle off near Tyr Meadow to the north and the two sleeping quarters to the south. Don’t get lost in the woods at night.”

I reeled again. He had a knack for throwing surprises at me. My head was starting to hurt from the influx of information. It truly was a crash course.

Before I could answer, he saw the look of surprise on my face. “The woods are the least-watched place. Not many Huscarls—academy guards—frequent the trees. Parties are thrown there after tests and for celebrations, but also shifter rituals. It’s stomping grounds for the wolf shifters on campus, specifically.”

I quirked a brow. “No one regulates that?”

“You’ll come to find out the shifters have a lot of influence here. Has to do with family names, political ties, donors. The worst thing you can do, Vini, is disrupt the flow of hierarchy here. Keep your head down, okay?”

I nodded firmly. “Got it.”

“For instance, I have a thin alliance—let’s call it acquaintanceship—with many of the shifters here. I cultivated my connections through my first year. I’d recommend you try to do the same.”

I definitely should have been writing this down.

I made a point to create a mental checklist of all the important families here, so I wouldn’t get caught with my pants down by any of them. Also so I knew who I could piss off without repercussions, and who might give me problems later on.

We had walked along a cobblestone road for over ten minutes, passing longhouses and some trees to the right. Just over a small landbridge ahead, which traversed a babbling creek, stood a structure that looked like it belonged on the Greek islands rather than the magical Isle. Roman pillars kept the stark-white, multi-storied library upright. A long staircase led up to its doors. Height-wise, it seemed to be the tallest building in the academy, though I couldn’t be sure yet. It reminded me of the Parthenon—or at least what I’d read of it in history books.

“Mimir Tomes,” I said, pointing ahead.

“Astute, Vini.” Eirik stopped. Other students passed us. My brother looked around. “I’ve got to get going. You have it covered from here?”

I scratched the back of my neck. “Yeah, I guess I’ll have to.”

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