"Yes, she was killed by the bandits roaming the Eastern Kingdom," Grace replied, clenching her fingers together. "My father was stabbed in the arm trying to protect her. Thankfully, the knights of the city arrived and killed the bandits."
"That's horrible," Bridget murmured, so no one else in the library would overhear them.
"Yes, it truly is." Grace looked down at the ground. "I must continue to focus on my studies. Father paid my way through planting produce for the kingdom. Making the most of my time is essential. I must not bring shame to my family."
"At least you still have your father by your side. Both of my parents died when I was young, during the Second Great War, or at least that's what was told," said Bridget.
Hours passed as the girls conversed about everything from which teacher was the worst to what dreams they wanted to achieve in the coming years.
"It's almost closing time. I can talk to you for hours," said Grace looking at Bridget with a smile. "Off to the dorms then, shall we?"
"I'm going to hang out a little bit longer and put the books back. I'll catch up with you."
"I'll see you in a few minutes then," Grace said before waving goodbye.
"I will never understand magic." Bridget sighed, returning Magic for Those Who Don't Like Magic to the shelf. "I guess the title explains it all. I'd rather brawl with my fists or an axe rather than cast a spell."
Bridget placed the book neatly on the shelf before walking out of the library. A cool night breeze greeted her, stroking her cheeks. The peaceful sounds of evening time seemed to caress her, as though the evening kissed her softly. Bridget smiled. It was time to turn in for the night. She headed for the women's dorms, trudging slowly up the long stairway to a long night's rest.
Like a thief in the darkness, without warning, a hand grabbed her from behind, covering her mouth. A sharp blade touched her throat.
"You scream and you will suffer worse," a voice whispered in her ear. Two men dragged Bridget into a dark back alley. Looking frantically around, she didn't recognize where they were taking her. It didn't look like anywhere in the school, though the smell still reminded her of school.
Where are they taking me? she wondered in panic. What is going to happen to me?
Bridget's eyes couldn't concentrate fast enough to see where they were going. The thought of yelling crossed her mind, but the sweat from the hand over her mouth reminded her she would be punched or knocked out. She wanted to be awake if something horrible happened.
The two men carrying Bridget stopped moving and knocked on a strange door. It opened, revealing a dimly lit room. The two men chained Bridget up against the wall by her wrist.
"Thank you, gentlemen," a voice murmured from the darkness.
"You thought you were going to get away with this, young Bridget," Paul said, emerging into the light. "You have been a bad little girl. You must be disciplined for your disrespect. I will punish you for embarrassing me in front of the headmaster."
Paul walked up to Bridget and eyed her whole body. He got near her face, breathing on her neck before licking her.
"Get away from me!" she yelled, her heart pounding.
"Oh, the taste of young meat," Paul said softly. "You're quite the catch, young one. I am going to enjoy lusting on your flesh today. Your spirit will be broken by the time I am done with you. You will be nothing more than a sack of flesh for my pleasure, without purpose or meaning."
Paul ran his hand through Bridget's long hair, rubbing her scalp in the process. He licked his lips before staring into Bridget's eyes.
"Yes, my dear, you will be my treat tonight."
"Paul proceeded to violate me by molesting my upper body and rubbing my thighs," Bridget tells Sodina and Slash. "It was horrible. He would have gotten farther, but Headmaster Anna found me after a student reported me missing and I was rescued. I was powerless to do anything to stop him. Ever since that day, I vowed to never be powerless again. To become the most powerful warrior in Esteria."
That morning, Paul was taken by the military police. An assembly was held to see if any other girls had been victims. Seven girls came forth. All of them had been assaulted by Paul but were too scared to say anything, for fear of being cast out of the Academy. Headmaster Anna called the eight to the middle of the room and walked down the stairs.
"Let us pray for those afflicted by this monster," Anna started.
Goddess Astra thank you for loving our students
Thank you for your guidance and uncovering this evil
Keep us protected and safe in your love
Heal these young women from the pain they feel
Guide them as they grow into womanhood
We ask for swift justice for those involved
Amen
Anna lifted her head, and a single tear streamed down her left cheek as she brought the eight students close to her and looked them all in the eye.
"I love you all." Anna sobbed. "I am so sorry I could not protect you. Priests will be available for anyone who needs counseling or a shoulder to lean on. We will continue to investigate these crimes and bring any others who have hurt you all to justice. You're all dismissed now. Take it easy today."
Instant chatter broke out as Anna walked back to the stage.
I wonder what is next for us? Bridget asked herself.
Slash and Sodina look at Bridget with wide eyes.
"That event happened during my third year. Now you know why killed that dragon to get this cloak. I graduated from the Academy at twenty years old. After that, I decided to become an adventurer making my claim in this world. I have been roaming the four kingdoms for the past seven years Now that I am twenty-seven years of age, I still wonder when my true love will come. That is why I got so excited when you walked up to me, Slash. It felt like there was someone who understood me, because the dragon scales did not react."
"Yeah. That was a crazy situation," Slash replies.
"Let me explain," Bridget says. "Several years ago, I was on a quest with an advanced group of mages and warriors. There were fifteen of us. Seven people died while searching for the dragon. It was deep in a cave nestled in the Northern Kingdom. I delivered the killing blow, striking it in the neck after I climbed on its back. Those left alive after the battle skinned the dragon's scales. Some sold them, while others fashioned weapons. Since have a hard time gaining speed, I wanted a great defense, so I had this cloak sewed together."
"Such bravery," Sodina says, smiling.
"Thank you." Bridget blushes slightly. "I then took the cloak for a trial run to see how much punishment the scales could take. It was then I felt a sensation like none other. I was traveling one day when a fierce solem attacked out of nowhere. The scales in a sense warned me. It was like they were one with my skin. I knew that I needed to dodge an attack. I guess in a way it was like a preemptive defense. I still do not understand it fully. One of these days, I want to travel to a magical blacksmith to see if they can uncover the true mystery of these scales."
"To think there are weapons like that around Esteria. It sounds truly legendary," Slash says, leaning back in his chair. Maybe I can find a magical weapon soon to increase my swordsmanship.
Bridget leans in toward Slash. "You're kindhearted, and I will follow you to the end of the Astra. I do not give my loyalty easily." She giggles. "You don't even have to pay me."