Page 35 of Into the Isle

I nodded diligently. “Yes, sir. Of course.”

Does that mean I’m in?

“Eirik Halldan, you will be reprimanded for your transgression. A week in the Tomes, gathering duty.”

Eirik let out a small sound. “Yes, sir. I understand.”

It hurt to hear he was being punished for helping me. I wasn’t about to open my mouth again, though I could tell why Eirik was dismayed at this news: For a man of action and consequence, a week in the library—not sparring or getting stronger—must have been an eternity.

I would prefer that, though. A week away from assholes like Ulf Torfen? Sign me up. Plus, it would help push my cause. At least I thought it might. I really didn’t know enough about Vikingrune Academy yet to know if that was true.

After writing a few more things down, Hersir Ingvus threaded his fingers on the table, lifted his head, and stared at me. “If you thought you could come to this academy to escape your name, Ravinica Linmyrr, you thought wrong. Regardless, you will be permitted to attend.”

I lifted off my seat unknowingly, face breaking out into a smile. The rollercoaster of his words hit me square in the chest, my shame blooming into gratitude. “Thank you, Hers—”

Another raised finger stopped me cold.

“Your admittance will be of a time-sensitive nature, however, to give you a chance to prove yourself. It will be predicated on your ability to wield the runes.”

My heart thumped in my chest, filling me with confusion.

Ingvus put his glasses onto the tip of his nose, staring over the rims at me in his most serious, damning face yet. He leaned forward in his chair, as if trying to make sure I heard him loud and clear.

“If, after your first year, your inherent magic has not revealed itself, and you have shown no progress in runeshaping, then your admittance will be retracted and you will be expelled.”

Chapter 11

Ravinica

THE PRESSURE WAS ON. I had a year.

I can do a lot in a year.

I left the Hersir’s office feeling numb. A whirlwind had just ripped around me, with insults, compliments, and begrudging acceptance all being thrown about.

Somehow, through it all, I had been admitted into Vikingrune Academy. It was official.

On the way out, Eirik told me, “Hersir Ingvus Jorthyr’s word is as stone. In a perfect world, you won’t be challenged by other professors and tutors now. The same can’t be said about your peers, however.”

I nodded fiercely. “I know. Thank you, E.”

“For what?”

“For getting my back. I’m not used to that. I appreciate it.”

---