Page 62 of The Holy Academy of Witches

“Wilma?” I called.

Douglas came running from down the hall, the stout ghost at his heels. He jumped up on the island to watch while Wilma inspected us both as she leaned against the wall.

“I see you’ve not stopped straggling, but why have you brought the Headmistress’ daughter with you this time?”

“I was wondering if you had any sweets we could raid to celebrate?” I glanced at Adeline who was visibly drooping from exhaustion. Dark circles had appeared under her eyes at a rapid rate. “Miss Alva needs to replenish her stores after the Trial, at the very least.” I stated, with a bit more firmness, before looking back to Wilma. The matron’s eyes looked between us both before settling on me. I mouthed the word: “Please,” not daring to look back at Adeline.

“Aye, I have some cakes and chocolate that won’t be missed if you’d like.” She said, bustling to grab a basket before filling it so full of tarts and cakes and sweets that I could kiss her.

Placing the basket in my hand she leaned in to whisper, “Fatten her up a bit for me child, and tell her Douglas enjoyed the bit with the nails.”

I smiled my agreement before backing up, tapping the near sleeping Adeline to follow me to the one place I thought she might enjoy. Her music room.

We walked in and Adeline activated the wards by what must have been muscle memory alone. Striding to the Piano she sat, I placed the basket near her before summoning one of the curtains from the large window to create a barrier between us.

“How many more steps are there in this game of pretend you have planned?” She deadpanned.

“Just eat a tart, Adeline. They’re not gonna eat themselves,” I said through the curtain.

Lighting a few Candles, I channelled their light into my best cursive. I erased the effect several times until I got the desired look. The quiet munching behind me telling me that at least that part had gone well.

Dropping the curtain, I made one of Theo’s famous flourishing bows, the words “Congratulations Adeline” hovering above me. Rather than focus on her reaction I grabbed a tart and sat facing the letters. TheEwas still a little crooked, but that was fine. Right? Nervousness had me wondering if she’d prefer silence or stories. Previous experience said silence, but before I could stop myself I was launching into a story.

“I’ve never been much into sports, my brother though… he’sverygood. My parents were at practically every event. Even though my mom isn’t big into violence, pretty squeamish actually. But she was always there. I know that not every family is like that… I do, But… I think it should be. And if it’s not, then… well, fuck them you know? There should always be someone. Or several someone’s who are. There for you, I mean. And I know you don’t like me to ramble or do any kind of small talk, and we don’t have to talk any more tonight if you don’t want to. But well, I just thought you should know that you deserve more… more than what your mom gives, or your friends. Or whatever they are. ‘Cause you’re insanely talented. Really. Just so impressive out there with the Bang and the speed and all that. My brother would be impressed for sure, and he’s a hard ass. But yeah, that’s all. Just… congratulations.” I bit into the tart, waiting. Waiting for something. I looked over at Adeline and she just nodded. The dark circles a little fainter, her skin a bit less pale, and what could be the ghost of a smile hovering around her lips.

Looking back at the cursive she stood from the bench, summoning a set of large wing-backed chairs. Sitting in one, she motioned I take the other.

She never said a word, but we ate the treats in amiable silence. The same silence followed us to the dorm where she walked with a familiar strength. No goodbyes were said, but I slept soundly knowing I’d done what I could. And sometimes that had to be enough.

Thirty-Four

Sage

The next few trials went off without nearly as much action, most of the contestants working together to pass the trial so that most, if not all, qualified for The Run. I’d had to up my training with Theo and my body was sore from the extensive workouts, spells, and vision binges I’d done to prepare for this.

I adjusted my hood and leather utility belt over the Forest Green equivalent to Adeline’s skin suit. The hood to help darken any glowing I’d unconsciously do, and the belt for a larger kit than some drawstring necklace. I rolled my eyes in disbelief that Adeline really had fit everything she needed, not just for a large ritual but for traps and spells throughout, into such a small space.

Unlike Adeline’s trial, I knew all three of my co-competitors. Marsha, Melody, and one of Adeline’s room mates, all of whom were unfailingly focused on the wall of white fog that concealed the brand new hell-scape the faculty had created for us. I set my sight on it as well, palming a shield stone I’d made for the occasion, as long as I maintained contact it would maintain a shield by taking the magic it needed from me, allowing my mind to focus elsewhere. It wasn’t perfect, but it would have to work. So long as I wasn’t hit by anything too big I’d be fine.

The signal rang out and they all shot into the mist. Lagging behind, I walked through the hole Marsha had left in the stagnant grey fog. Jogging swiftly, I cast Theo’s silencing spell, crossing my fingers that this gamble was going to pay off. When I found the first trap disabled I could have kissed Marsha for her stupidity. Grinning, I began to sort through all the things that I could do with my kit and a full reserve.

Splashing filled the air before the mist fully faded, great… a water trial. However, when I did exit the fog all that met my eye was a long stretch of muddy hills, each one slick and without handholds. Before I could doubt the source of the sounds I saw three drenched figures scaling the second hill. .

“Play the long game,” I whispered Theo’s advice while dismissing the spell. Casting a water repellent on my clothes, I summoned thin spiky vines to wrap around my shoes.

I maintained the same pace, one hill behind the others, patiently using their freshly made handholds and ignoring the random slur or sneer they tossed back breathlessly. They were already exhausted, though not so exhausted as to forget to jinx the odd patch of mud. I avoided each, having three paths of holds to choose from and years of rock climbing to back me up.

Following Marsha into the mist was even easier as she left large muddy footprints to follow, however it looked like she was either getting wise or too tired to disarm the traps fully. Using a scrap of my own power I put on a bit of speed to catch up, making my own way out of the vapour only to find a present instead of an obstacle: A large wooden A-frame draped in cargo nets.

Grateful no one had the skills or the reserves to try Adeline’s disassembly spell, I began climbing at full speed. I passed all three contestants within minutes. At the top, I grabbed some vertical ropes before somersaulting and descending facing forward. I made it to the bottom without issue and sent a channel of air into the fog before jogging forward.

As soon as the haze kissed my skin, I closed the gap behind me, casting the soundless charm to prevent anyone using my path, and to improve my own hearing. Now that I had the lead I needed to keep it. Clearing my mind, I closed my eyes drawing theAnsuzrune over my forehead, hoping the fog and hood would be enough to muffle my glow, I channelled my heightened visions toward sensing danger.

A subtle hissing filled my head, and despite remembering my current location, I couldn’t help but anticipate the whistle of a kettle. I’d been in England too long, apparently. Finally the hissing met my ears, along with the soft whisper of scales, A pit of snakes. When the pit came into view I took the long way around, unwilling to see if I could jump high enough to avoid their bites. Some unassuming sticks and stones strewed along the path were jinxed, their bits of green and blue sparked in my mind which I disarmed in a word, several pits of mud were the only obstacles I allowed to really slow me down, since drying them out would take too much time and help any that found my route.

The smell of salt water and iron met my nose and I stopped. Rubbing out the rune, I held my hands in front of my face till the blue light faded.

Exiting the fog, I took in the final obstacle. Ahead was a long pool of water with four lines of trapeze-like swings. Each line of swings ended with a large bell above the finish line. I really needed to thank Theo’s obsession with arm and core workouts. Taking a page out of Adeline’s book, I inspected each line of swings, drawing and concealing a rune on each swing but the last. Grabbing that metal bar I began swinging. Keeping my arms up and hands open. I kept my core tight as I grabbed the next bar. I was halfway through the course when cheers went up, not daring to look back I continued the pattern. A collective groan rose following a large splash and I let out a small laugh. It wouldn’t slow them for long, but there was something to be said for the mental game, wondering if every bar would shock you or not. Pretending to convulse at random points, I continued my mind game, rewarded with several more splashes and cursing as few were able to dedicate themselves to the full arc needed to complete the course. By the time I was at the last swing my shoulders were screaming and sweat was dripping down my brow. Perhaps the convulsing was a bit much. Letting out a cry of hope, I leaped one last time reaching for the bell that would end the trial. It’s ringing filled my heart and I allowed myself a small smile. Maybe I hadn’t taken down an entire building, but I’d won. And according to the Medic now checking me over, I’d won unscathed.

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