Page 1 of The Gargoyle's Glade
Chapter 1
Merry
“Have I said thank you for telling me about this place yet today?” I teased my friend Hailon as we made our way away from the bustling city market, arms full of her purchases.
“Only once or twice.” She smiled broadly.
Hailon and I had known one another all our lives, though our friendship had truly blossomed in the last couple of years. Ravenglen was home to us both, but she’d traveled here to Revalia with her man not all that long ago, and I could see very plainly that coming here had done infinite good for her. They’d mentioned the city to me before leaving Ravenglen behind, providing an invitation I hadn’t initially considered accepting. In fact, many hours had been spent debating before I’d decided on leaving my entire life behind. My horse, Jacks, aside of course. He would never have let me—he’d have chased me down on the road, stamped his hooves, and told me off about my audacity. Compared to this sophisticated, thriving city, my hometown seemed incredibly provincial and lacking in every way. I had no regrets about my decision—Revalia had already far surpassedany dreams I could have had about it in the few short weeks I’d been in residence.
“Well, I mean it just as much as I did an hour ago. Maybe more.”
“An hour ago, you were eating a muffin the size of a small melon and drinking some of the most decadent hot chocolate I’ve ever seen.”
I closed my eyes, still tasting the velvety drink on my tongue. “My point stands.”
Hailon laughed and linked her arm through mine as we made the final turn toward d’Arcan. The main stone building of the magical academy was already majestic, but the tower reaching into the sky with an observatory atop it was an excellent navigational point from anywhere in the city.
I was still reeling in many ways from simply how much I’d learned since my arrival. Back home, magic was a fleeting concept talked about in hushed conversations when it might be of benefit or cursed when it was being blamed for a problem. Here, it was an integral part of life, though still largely a secret to most of the city’s residents. D’Arcan was a place those with magical talent could go to learn about their gifts and other related skills and was run by several members of my friend’s new extended family.
“Let’s see how Jacks made out with the other horses.” Hailon smiled as she opened the iron gate for us at the edge of the collegium’s property.
Since our arrival, Jacks and I had been staying with Ophelia, a kind old woman who lived in the forest outside the city gates. Jacks had taken us directly to her house when we’d first arrived, unwilling to change course no matter how hard I’d tried. I’d quickly learned that she was far more than an old woman who liked her privacy. Indeed, Ophelia was a stone kin sorceress. My horse seemed reluctant to leave her hut, but I was feeling asthough we’d overstayed our welcome despite assurances from her she didn’t mind our company. The last thing I wanted was to abuse her hospitality, and I was ready to move along—I just wasn’t sure where I was moving alongtoyet.
We walked through the courtyard and past the main building as well as a small section of garden. Off to one side of the campus, a large section of forested land had been cordoned off. There were wide swaths where the trees had been cut down and construction of several new structures was well underway; the division between the existing grounds and the new stark. The air smelled familiar, like freshly turned earth, but unlike back home, it wasn’t because it was planting or harvest season.
There were two girls playing near the horse paddock, chasing one another with little wooden swords while a pair of men who could not have been more opposite from one another watched on, occasionally giving instruction.
“Sara, mind your elbow,” Vassago, the one with white hair and silver clothing, said.
“Jana, don’t be afraid to strike upward. She’s taller, but that doesn’t mean she’s always got the advantage,” the one with dark clothes and black hair added. His name was Rylan, and he was the headmaster of the school. “Ladies, welcome back.” The corner of his mouth tilted in a gentle smile. He inclined his head as we approached in greeting.
“Did Jacks behave himself?” I asked, unable to keep myself from smiling as I watched the girls smack their swords together and shout “Ya!” over and over until they collapsed into giggles.
“He was a perfect gentleman,” Vassago assured me.
Having spotted me, Jacks ambled over, snorting amicably as he approached the split rail fencing. The other two beasts paid us no attention, too consumed by their grazing.
“Glad to hear it,” I replied as I scratched my horse’s nose. “I very much appreciate you offering to stable him. I’ll admit Ihadn’t quite thought all the details through when I decided to come here.” That was an understatement. I’d left home with only Jacks, a few clothes, a regrettably light purse, and the hope of a fresh start.
“It’s our pleasure.” Rylan’s eyes turned briefly to the sky, where a large black-feathered owl and a raven chattered and played on the breeze. “The other horses could use some company, and there are plenty of empty stalls besides.” He turned away from me and waved a hand. “That’s enough for today, girls. Bring us your weapons, please.”
“Awww,” they whined. “Can’t we keep them in our room?”
“We could practice after we’re done with our schoolwork and chores if we had them in our room!” The younger one turned on every bit of charm she had in her adorable little face.
I exchanged a look with Hailon. Her mouth was quirked into an amused smile. She’d been an only child, but I’d heard that same tone day in and day out with my younger siblings.
“You’ll have to discuss that with your sisters,” Rylan said, hand held out for his student’s sword. “Until then, practice blades stay in the stable if you please.”
“But they’ll say no!” the older girl protested, a mighty frown on her face.
“Can’t imagine why,” Vassago muttered with a smirk.
“Then the answer is no, I’m afraid. At least for now. Perhaps when you no longer share, hmm? Stella will be getting her own apartment soon, and Bridget won’t be far behind.” Rylan patted the girl on her head and gestured toward the main building. “Go on, I’m sure Grace is waiting for you by now. Be sure to tell her it’s our fault you’re late.”
“She doesn’t say naughty things as much when we do that.” The younger girl nodded sagely, her serious expression forcing me to hold in a laugh.
“Precisely.” Rylan winked at the girl and they took off running, giggles floating on the wind.
