Appointed to my position as Baron, my newfound nobility weighed heavily on my shoulders. As Raven escorted me, I felt eyes upon me. The stony walls of Rosefield, adorned in cold elegance, mirrored the haughty glares of the young nobles as we passed on our way. I did my best to make a good impression, cordially acknowledging anyone glancing in my direction, though any attempts to make acquaintances were dashed as each person swiftly averted their eyes away. Some with a disgusted sneer on their faces. Others were less obvious in their distaste for my presence, but I sensed it all the same. At glance I had been labeled an outcast, no doubt scorned for daring to be born 'common.'
"From this day forward, the name of Wolfried has been bestowed to your household. Do not worry about the others. You are here for one thing and one thing only. You must learn to act as a noble. Eventually you will have to learn to play to the courts favor, but first you must pass as one of them if you are to be acknowledged." Raven advised as we exited into the courtyard, walled in on all sides by meticulously built ramparts. The Academy's grounds felt more akin to a fortress in a place of learning.
Looking out across the sprawling rose gardens, I scanned over the young men loitering about the grounds. All of them cleanly shaved and freshly preened, their hands uncalloused by manual labor and hair dapperly coiffed. Some attended to by valets, others by young attendants who stood by with their master's books in their arms. Anyone who met my gaze either beheld me with a look of skepticism or outright ignored my presence, tearing their eyes away the moment I took notice of their wandering eyes.
Out of place but undeterred, I asked Raven. "What will my lessons include?"
"Literature, philosophy, stately affairs, swordsmanship, and the cultivation of magic."
"Magic?" I froze. Yesterday's events flashed through my head.
"Yes, you'll be privy to secrets jealously guarded by the aristocrats. Magic is a myth amongst the commoners, for good reason. Only nobility or those contracted by noble houses are given the privilege of manifesting such abilities," Raven explained matter-of-factly. Glancing over a broad shoulder at me he continued. "You will learn this in time," but he mentioned nothing further, avoiding judgmental glares.
"Magic is real…" I muttered to myself, still somewhat in disbelief, though it was difficult to refute such as I had witnessed inexplicable events. "Yesterday, two men attacked me on my way as I set out for the carriage. I think they were using magic. Well, one of them was." I spoke in a hushed tone, informing Raven of my run in with the King's thugs.
Raven's eyes darted around, his voice lowering in warning. "I'm aware. Do not discuss what happened in the open. His Majesty has eyes and ears everywhere."
My throat tightened—mouth dried. I glanced around in the same wary manner and followed behind the old knight closer. "Princess Rose healed me," I mentioned.
Raven nodded, continuing in a low tone as well. "Yes, Her Ladyship is a powerful caster. Do try to stay on her good side."
For now, I agreed, but my focus shifted as new possibilities entered my head. "Will I be able to use magic?"
"Eventually. For now, you'll learn the basics—aristocratic etiquette and conduct, swordplay, writing, arithmetic, philosophy, and so on. A keen mind makes for a keen caster."
A chorus of trumpeteers broke the tranquility in the garden. The fanfare heralded the beginning of a ceremony, drawing the attention of all. Exchanging a puzzled look with Raven the old knight gestured to the heart of the garden, uttering, "this way to the Academy's Chamber of Rites. Your initiation awaits."
Following in Raven's wake, I fell in line as a crowd formed. A procession of nobles marched towards the heart of the garden towards a statue of a Griffin, the royal family's familiar. It stood sentry over a portal that led down to an underground chamber. Young nobles filtered in, making their way to a massive torchlit chamber hewn from a network of ancient caverns. Odd electricity tinged the air as I continued onward after Raven.
The students shuffled into tiered seating surrounding a subterranean amphitheater. Flanking the circular stage were thirteen statues of recognizable deities—save for one pedestal where the statue had been badly damaged and all but removed. Glowing vines of wisteria hung from the cavern ceiling, lighting the chamber with a haunting shimmer of purplish petals.
In the pit of the amphitheater stood a row of stoic looking men surrounding a pool of water. The water within stirred with a ghostly light as one of the men stepped forward. "It is my duty and honor to welcome our newest members of the uninitiated elite to Rosefield Academy. May your days here lead you all into a prosperous future as this magnificent kingdom's leaders and visionaries." He spoke with a booming voice that echoed over the gathered acolytes.
As I took my seat focusing on the speaker, I made note of his oddly colored eyes, deeply set pools of onyx punctuated by gold irises. His long, wispy hair, a pale, almost silver gold that matched his lavish robes. An upright posture and solid jaw hinted at his status.
"Who is that?" I whispered to Raven.
The old knight leaned in, imparting his knowledge. "That is Lord Edgar Tywin, the headmaster of the Academy. Behind him, the Academy's mentors, and professors, all of them are from the highest ranking households."
In quiet intrigue I listened intently to the Headmaster's welcoming speech. There was an unearthly aura surrounding him, as cold and mysterious as the halls of the Academy itself.
"Today you all have taken your first steps as true heirs to your families legacies. I look forward to observing the greatness that is to come from your endeavors here, at this sacred Academy. I congratulate you all as you complete the ceremony of Birthright, officially marking each one of you as a chosen champion of the people, hand-picked by the gods themselves." The headmaster gestured over to the pool. The water reacted to the motion of his fingers, swirling into a vivid whirlpool of brilliant stars. "As your households are called, each member shall step forward to claim the pact granted by that houses' lineage."
My eyes trailed over to Raven full of questions, but the old knight stood with stony resolve, nodding at the center stage, redirecting my attention to the stage as the first names were spoken.
"House Hilliard."
Two young men rose and marched towards the chamber's center. Draped in rich Forest Green, the two bore striking resemblances. Brown skin and high cheekbones. I suspected they were siblings. The taller of the two carried himself with the rigidity of a soldier, his hair tightly cropped, shoulders broad and sturdy. A faded scar traced down his left eye. The other carried himself with a softer gait and a bemused look in his coppery eyes. His hair thick coils braided with gold thread.
I observed in tense awe as the brother stood before the pool. Headmaster Tywin held out a ceremonial dagger. The larger brother bravely accepted and without hesitation drew the blade across his palm before passing it to his brother. The smaller brother licked his lips to chase away parched unease, then took it and with less determination, did the same—splitting his palm.
Reclaiming the dagger, the headmaster gave a curt bow of his head, eyes fixed on the swirling vortex in the pool. The two nobles held out their opened palms, allowing droplets of deep crimson to trickle and mix into the spinning spring. A sudden rush of wind rolled from the pit of the theater, up and over the tiered seats. Some unseen force seemed to fill the room, though I could not see.
Glancing at the faces of the other attendees, I could tell they were witnessing something I could not perceive. The headmaster smiled and bowed his head. The other nobles in the room mimicked him. Silent reverence fell over them, even Raven, as he too bowed his head as if in prayer. Then, all at once it was over. The young gentlemen looked proud as they returned to their seats.
The sequence repeated itself again and again, each time with the same rush of air and moment of reverent silence as every noble was summoned and handed the blade. I didn't dare speak in fear of slighting the sacredness of the ceremony, though I had no idea what was happening.
"House Mistbourne."
"House Ignet."
"House Firenze."
One by one, each noble house was called—some singular sons, others groups of siblings, all of them performing the rite by slicing their hands and dribbling their precious blue blood into the glistening pool.
"House Wolfried."
My heart jumped and began to pound against my rib cage. The tranquil quiet in the room shifted, becoming stifling as a wave of confused mutterings rippled through the gathered crowd. Raven set his steely eyes unto me and motioned towards the pathway down, urging me to take the center stage. Heads turned in my direction as I moved—questioning eyes bore into me as I dropped my head and proceeded to march towards the pool.
I did my best to focus solely on performing the rite, but my perked ears picked up the angered hisses as I approached.
"Who is he?"
"I've never seen him before…
"The new Baron…?"
"A commoner."
"Peasants shouldn't be here…"
"What a mockery…"
The voices grated on my ears as each word escaped through gritted teeth. I did not bother searching the rows of young men for the speakers, but briskly continued on my way, never lifting my gaze until I was standing before the headmaster himself.
"So you're the new Baron? How quaint…" The man spoke in a gravelly tone.
My eyes met his and my stomach sank. Disdain reflected in his dark orbs. Almost begrudgingly, he handed me the dagger, the glow of pride vacant from his expression as he stepped back, allowing me to proceed.
The palms of my hands were suddenly clammy as I stared at the dagger's edge. It was as sharp as the eyes set upon me. Undeterred, I drew the chilled edge along the cushion of my palm, ignoring the pain. The small wound wept red, gathering into a puddle, and flowing between my fingers.
Scarlet pearls tumbled into the pool. Its waters rippled. A powerful pulse shook the chamber, and a familiar gust passed through me. It was then I saw it—drawn in threads of light, a sigil formed above the pool, taking the shape of a creature I had seen many times during my hunts. The regal silhouette of a wolf's head, surrounded by delicate flourishes crested the swirling waters. Then doused the poor in harsh light, blinding me momentarily.
Something stirred in the churning depths. Then, abruptly, delicate fingers emerged, followed by a crown of flowing ink like tresses. The face of a young maiden appeared as the divine being rose from the Oculus, her skin as pale as snow against her lustrous jet blue locks. Fierce violet eyes danced over me as the maiden beheld me in her entrancing gaze. Her modesty scarcely maintained by scant ebony garments. Outstandingly, her form hovered above the pool as onlookers hung their heads in devout respect. A haughty smirk played at her lips, reminding me of the Princess Rose.
"Such audacity to think of a mortal woman while standing before me." The mysterious maiden sounded amused as she taunted me.
"Who—…" I began, but my throat tightened, and the words died on my tongue.
"Silence. Speak only my name and receive my gift." She commanded.
My mind was invaded with an unknown knowledge, and the urge to call out to her overcame me. As if in a trance. The name fell from my lips. "Saki…"
At its utterance, an extreme chill frosted my limbs and hooked into my chest. Then a burst of electricity shuddered through my being.
"How intriguing… I'll be watching you," the mysterious deity tittered and dissipated into a mist of a lace snowflakes.
My eyes unfocused for a moment as the influence swiftly left. My body felt different, changed somehow, though I couldn't put my finger on it in that moment. As I came to my senses, the headmaster watched me, eyes narrowed and still full of disfavour, however, now tinged with interest.
Relinquishing the dagger, I returned to my seat, my head abuzz and body alight with odd energy. I barely took notice of the looks of repugnance from some of the other young men—too bewildered by what just happened. From that point onward, the ceremony took on a new intensity, as I now could perceive the phantom threads of light scrawling symbols into the air, and witnessed the divine beings emerging through the gateway of the shimmering Oculus.
In awe, I watched the rest of the ceremony carried out with unflinching focus. Recognizing each of the faces of every emerging figure from the immense towering statues surrounding the amphitheater. Among the stony humanoid pillars was the visage of the young woman I called out to.
As the last households were summoned, and the opening ceremonies concluded, I followed Raven out of the chamber, my head bursting with questions. Once back into the outside air, Rav led me through the garden at a leisurely pace, no doubt expecting a torrent of inquiries from me.
First and foremost, "what was that ceremony about?" I asked, still half shocked by what I had witnessed and experienced firsthand.
The old knight had a slight smile on his face as he did his utmost to answer. "The ceremony is to established pacts of nobility. And the beings you saw rising from the scrying pool are sacred deities that watch over the royal families. It is they that bestow magical abilities onto their conservators, which you are now a part of."
"And the woman who rose from the pool when I was summoned? She was…"
"She was a goddess," he confirmed. "Saki, the lady of storms and blizzards, a very powerful deity that only a handful of houses are fearsome enough to form a sacred pact with." A twinkle of pride appeared in the grizzled knight's eye. "I'm pleasantly surprised she chose you."
"Chose me?" I dwelled on what that meant. "Does that mean I can use magic now?"
"It means you can see magical influence now, but if you, yourself, can wield it? We'll have to find out, won't we?" Raven gave a level smile. "You'll have to put in the work."
My mind bubbled with more possibilities. Excitement ballooned in my chest. I wanted to know everything right away. "So how do I learn to use my magic?" I was impatient, altogether eager to use my newfound powers.
Raven sensed as much. Chuckling softly, he patted my shoulder. "Relax Pup, This is a bridge to cross when you get there. For now, you must acclimate to your new environment. And let us not forget, your other lessons are just as crucial. Your duty as a Baron comes first, before all else understand?"
Disappointed, I frowned but didn't argue. Raven was right. I was there to be molded into a Lord. My supposed powers were only one facet to my new title.
"For now, I suggest you acquaint yourself with your professors." The older man advised as we crossed the courtyard into the adjacent tower. "Your morning lectures will be spent in Willsboro Hall with Professor Lesombre. He'll instruct you on Noble Households, protocol within Rosefield and Court Assembly."
Willsboro Hall was a yawning circular chamber furnished in the Academy's colors. A spiraling staircase climbed high into the tower and at each floor at were quarters for study and learning. The main floor was decorated with hanging silks, paintings, marble busts and sturdy oak desks. Several different coats of arms adorned the surrounding walls, lit up by the skylight at the very top of the tower.
"Lesombre's lecture chambers can be found on the second floor," Raven stated as he took me to the stairway leading me up to the hall in question.
Many young men had already arrived after departing the Chamber of Rites. Several of them chatting cordially until I appeared. The atmosphere shifted as I entered.
"Remember, keep your wits about you and study hard. I will return to collect you after your lessons here have concluded." The old knight uttered as I left his side. Bidding me farewell, he took his leave.
I was on my own now, and as the young nobles took notice of me, I suddenly felt as though I had been thrown to the wolves.
"Well, well, well—if it isn't the new Baron." An unfamiliar voice purred venomously.
I turned to face the man addressing me. He was tall, looming over me with a dark mahogany gaze that glinted with a ruby sheen. His hair long and straight, fiery red and flowing passed his lower back. Though dressed in the Academy's uniform, he accentuated it with a bright red ascot. Flanked by a set of blonde twins and a daunting stocky fellow, the unknown man addressed me once more.
"Baron Wolfried, correct?" The red headed noble pinned me with a look of superiority. His thin lips curled slightly at the corners cockily. Dark eyes burrowing into me as if attempting to gauge my own expression.