Page 72 of Akarnae

“Heknows about that?” she asked, even more surprised.

“He’s the headmaster—of course he knows,” Jarvis said. “His position affords him the responsibility of knowing the truth about the Library, much like yourself.”

“And you?” Alex asked, wondering how Jarvis fit into the picture.

“Much like your friends—who I presume you’ve told—I’m not Chosen, nor do I have the access granted to a headmaster. All I know is that there are some who are able to discover the Library’s mysteries, and that you are one of them. Again, it is vitally important that you keep this secret.”

“I know,” Alex said. “I’ve already been given the lecture.” When he looked at her sternly over his glasses she tried to take back her flippant remark. “I mean, yes, I’ll be careful.”

“Good,” he answered, apparently satisfied. “Now, there’s one last matter I need to speak with you about. I’ve never mentioned it before, but your enrolment here lists you as a scholarship benefactor due to your… unorthodox circumstances. As such, you’re entitled to certain benefits.”

Jarvis reached into his pocket and pulled out a leather pouch, handing it to her. It was heavier than expected, and something inside jingled with the movement.

“Akarnae’s scholarship students receive a monetary support supplement in addition to having their educational fees waived,” Jarvis said. “I’ve been keeping track of your allowance since there was no point in giving it to you before now, but it’ll likely come in handy for you over the next couple of weeks. Especially with Kaldoras just around the corner.”

Alex’s eyes widened. He was giving hermoney?She’d never actually thought about how she would support herself outside of the academy. She hadn’t even considered how she would afford to buy Kaldoras gifts for her friends. But now she didn’t have to worry about any of that.

“The pouch is self-updating and accessible only by your DNA fingerprint,” Jarvis said. “Your allowance is deposited weekly and anything you don’t use will remain in a networked savings account for when you have need of it. Just be sure not to let anyone else put their hand in the pouch, as they’ll find themselves without their fingers.”

Medoran technology was amazing. Alex felt like she was holding her own little bank—a very secure little bank. “How much is in here?” she asked, weighing the bag between her hands.

“Enough to last you for a while, I dare say,” he responded cryptically. “You’ll find that we’re rather generous when it comes to supporting our students.”

He indicated for her to put the pouch away and when she tucked it into her pocket he asked, “Is there anything else you’d like to discuss before we return to your friends?”

Alex was going to deny it, but she figured it was better to finally get it off her chest even if she didn’t think there was anything to worry about anymore. “Actually, there is,” she said. “You know a few weeks ago when the academy security triggered the Lockdown?”

Jarvis froze and Alex worried if perhaps she shouldn’t have brought the subject up. But there was no going back now.

“Well, after it was all clear and we were allowed out again, I ran into a man on my way to your meeting. It was actually the second time I’d seen him, the first being the day I arrived in Medora.”

“A man?” Jarvis asked, his posture as tense as a brick wall. “What man?”

“He said his name was Aven.”

Jarvis showed no outward reaction, but his next words sounded strained. “Did he say anything else?”

“He was kind of weird both times,” she said, mentally replaying their conversations. “He mentioned that he used to be a student here, and I’m pretty sure he came to see Professor Marselle. I told him the headmaster was away but you were here if he wanted to speak with someone else.”

Jarvis seemed to be concentrating on her intently, and Alex wasn’t sure whether that was a good or bad sign.

“He, uh, said he didn’t want to bother you and that he’d just come back another day,” she told him.

“Is that all he said?”

“Yes,” Alex answered, before remembering something else. “Oh, wait, both times he went on about some kind of power he expected me to have. I thought he was referring to my gift—which I still don’t have, by the way—but he seemed to be talking about something else entirely.”

Jarvis was so still that Alex wondered if he was even breathing.

“And how did you reply?”

“I didn’t,” she answered. “The first time I was completely disoriented and just thought he was a complete wacko, and the second time D.C. interrupted us and he took off before I could say anything.”

Jarvis sent her a sharp look. “Your roommate saw him too?”

“No.” Alex shook her head. “At least, she said she didn’t.”

He seemed to think about that before he relaxed slightly and asked, “Why didn’t you tell me about this sooner, Alex?”

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