Page 4 of Validus Vale Academy 1
My current theory is that I have a genetic quirk, some throwback gene that shouldn’t exist.
But even so, I’ll never tell a soul. The fear of being a lab rat for WMO scientists haunts me down to my bones. Shudder.
—She’s an odd duck, that Theo. Not quite right in the head—
I don’t need to hear Mrs. Turnbull's inner opinion of me right now, so start thinking of all the words I can make from SHUDDER: Udder, red, reds, due, dues, hue, hues, rush, rude, dud, duds…. Ah, great, the rubber glue has set.
After putting my bike back together, I give the Turnbulls one more wave and head off.
Six hours later, my bike—now with the sandwich cool-box attached—and I are leaning against a wall. I’ve found a shady spot to catch a breath and quickly munch down the tofu-delight special. The tip of my nose is burning, and so are my thighs; good thing there aren’t any hills in this town.
With all the physical effort this job takes, you’d think I wouldn’t remain so puny. But my arms and legs are like skinny string beans.
The sub-shop was extremely doubtful I’d be up to the task of being their third delivery person, but I hadn’t failed yet, as long as you don’t pay any mind to me getting lost and muddling up deliveries. Having to suppress other people’s thoughts taxes the crap out of my poor brain.
In truth, I don’t see myself holding down this job much longer; my mistakes are becoming more frequent, and I don’t need telepathy to know old Oliver is getting less and less patient. It’s yet another thing to worry about.
Chugging most of my water, I pour the rest over my head, trying to relieve my pounding temples, and decide to give myself another five minutes in the shade before hitting the road again. Going back to scrolling, a few cat videos make me laugh. That shit never gets old.
Checking my email, something catches my attention.
The subject line is ‘Guggenheimer Scholarship’ and the email address is ‘[email protected].’
Dear Theodora,
I hope your last year has been full of magic and wonder.
I am writing to offer you a unique and exciting opportunity: the prestigious Guggenheimer Scholarship for the full-time academic program at Validus Vale Academy.
This scholarship is awarded annually to one exceptional young person and covers up to four years of tuition at Validus Vale, including accommodation, board, books, and uniform. Congratulations!
We understand this is a short time frame for you to consider this offer and make arrangements, as the school year begins in just ten days, so apologies. However, I sincerely hope you will give us your serious consideration. We believe you would be an excellent addition to our student body.
Attached are the details and contracts for your review.
Yours in expectation,
Acting Dean, Larrisa Crankshawe.
c.c. Validus Vale President; SolitaEudoxia.
Validus Vale Academy
What the eff? Seriously? I mean…
SERIOUSLY?
I sink to the hot pavement, my legs suddenly not able to hold me up. Never in a million years did I think I’d be anywhere near a magic academy again, let alone Validus Vale.
Shit-balls. I’d needed a miracle, but this?
Going to Validus Vale again?
Last time it nearly killed me.
2
United States of Havengard
