Chapter 2
Climbing the stairs towards my chamber, I passed several students who knew me and dozens who didn’t. In all my life, I had never seen so many people—young people in one place. Hundreds of students attended the academy, not just Ryders. All children with magical ability or training in the Arts of Sword, Magic, History, and Lore attended, even non-magical children came to Draeos, the Dragon Ryders Academy Educating Open Sorcery, a place where, Wizards, Witches, Swordsmen or Alchemist can come in safety to learn, and make friends. I was the one person who didn’t have friends. Most didn’t bother making eye contact with me. Some had questions, usually the swordsmen or archers, but most avoided me. The majority heard the rumours, and all of them believed everything that slime-ball, Bronson said. I knew none of them, unless it was in class, and the few who did try, had all turned away from me in the past two months, regardless. Apart from La’Kera, I was alone. Since I wasn’t going to EzRah for the following two months, I was completely alone. I lived for so long in tunnel vision, direction and aim was my code.
I shouldered my loneliness for the better part of five months when it all went sour for me. The day after I decided to get all body connections with Bronson, he dumped me like a fireball—fast and painful. I pressed my lips together in irritation, remembering that night. I had slipped into his room, claiming I had an assignment I needed help with. Course one thing led to another, and then it was a tangle on the bed … sadly; he wasn’t as much fun as I had been led to believe. He was lame and ashamed. Lying there in the dark, I was a little unsure; thinking, maybe it will take time. A relationship should take its time. But he just wanted me for his … collection, as I discovered. He told the whole 1st year senior in moments of our encounter, making out I was the worst person he’d ever slept with, which was completely different in my eyes. It was worse, because I didn’t actually realise what everyone was whispering about. Most were laughing; small smiles reflected wherever I went. The boys all snickered, and slowly the bad joke became painful when Amber Bernet pointed her finger, laughing between breaths of—you didn’t waste any time—like that was a way to say, he couldn’t do right by me, spreading lies to everyone, and hours after our encounter. Sadly, I ran from them, and wished I could keep running. La’Kera was the reason I couldn’t leave. She had dragon friends to keep her company at least. I didn’t hate her for it. I just hated I was here, with them.
The most frustrating thing about the whole situation was that he turned around a week later stating he was sorry, he didn’t mean it, he was just being stupid. Course, I believed him. I was so caught between the idea and the reason; I didn’t see him for what he was. A complete low life. He turned around the next day and told a whole heap more lies, adding to his tale with colourful exaggeration, which I realised too late; he was a jerk. I hated myself for being swayed into thinking he was the sweetest guy, and he wasn’t. What a loser!
The first time he tricked me; I thought he was, lost, shy, willing to make something of it. He was a fool. Ugh. I was a fool for giving in to his … charm? I slept with him that once, and he treats me like crap? I knew all about courting and intimacy prior to him. I was disappointed, ashamed I’d allowed myself to be taken advantage of. I wasn’t like other girls, I knew that. I had Milton; my steady boyfriend back in Plumridge, who showed me a few things; not a lot, but enough. And sadly, Bronson was completely shy about his own nudity. He used me until he got what he wanted. Trying to be my secret friend, meanwhile, he used everything I would say in one conversation to turn around and have me look like I was stalking him. Tugh!
I once liked him, before we tangled on the bed. He was sweet, talking to me, chatting to me; showing us all kinds of things those first few weeks, even spending time with La’Kera and me. Now it was all for nought. I had written him secret notes, hoping he’d forgive me, and sadly, I put a little too much creation in my letters. The stupid idiot placed a flyer around the academy, stating I was to be all alone in the city. Anyone was welcomed to cheer me up for free, only need to come by my chambers before they leave. What an ass. Anger boiled at the memory of reading the parchment. I discovered six on my way towards my room after combat, and there were more around the grounds I’d never see or find.
I exhaled heavily, trying to manoeuvre my way higher to my sleeping chambers. It so happened, the staircase wasn’t narrow. Spacious enough for six people to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, and of course, everyone wanted to do that. Maybe I should have stayed on the lobby floor. The museum held countless artefacts, paintings, and fake Fallen Ryders, dummies of wizards and witches, dotted the area. Least there, I wouldn’t have to shoulder my way through a thickening crowd of students. I came free from one crowd to have another. Most were going downstairs, while I was trying to get to my chamber on the ninth floor of the Main Building.
“Hey Rehema?”
I paused between level seven and eight. Three boys were smirking widely. Wizards had a scrawny look about them, easy to pick in a fight. They had nothing but height to aid them. At present these wizards were teens, at five foot nine, they were still growing. Worse, they used the wrong sound to my name.
“It’s Ree-Mah, not Re-He-Ma.” I spat at them.
“Well, ReeMah—not our fault your folks don’t know how to spell.” Teased the first. Getting half pats on his back as they laughed with insult, since my name wasn’t spelt the way it sounded. “Where did you want to meet in EzRah?”
I rolled my eyes, taking in the smug look from his friends for being so forward.
“Climb into a pile of dragon dung,” I snapped.
“Awe … that’s not nice,” taunted another, pointing to the parchment. “It says you’re supposed to be curious, kind, and considerate—”
“Move! Stick users,” I seethed. The rage from earlier was seeping forth. Several girls passed by with giggles of my insult.
“Hmmm. Seems we have to do this in secret,” said the third wizard.
They were not budging, and I doubt they would give up without a fight.
“You want a secret?” I clenched my fist, knowing I couldn’t use magic—shouldn’t. I shouldn’t use magic on a student. Damn. Why were there so many witnesses.
Careful Rehema … you don’t want to clean all the toilets do you?
She had a point.
Why were they so eager to believe Bronson?
One wizard leaned in. I snagged his shirt, making him gasp in surprise at my sudden attack. It wasn’t much; just a brotherly rough I learnt from Milton, making the wizard squirm was the best I could do.
“You want to join Bronson in the infirmary?”
His eyes popped at my words. With a nod, he stepped aside, against his friend’s protest. I was free to go to my room.
Damn. I hated being so mean. I’d never had to be so mean, but here, there were so many of them. I wanted to hide away forever, but that wasn’t going to happen. I grumbled inwards as the echo of laughter and taunts finally died away, and I wasn’t so crowded. Annoyance crept into me. Not because I was alone, mostly because I couldn’t leave Draeos for the holidays, I was looking forward to EzRah.
The grand city was the most luxurious in the lands. To know I would be missing out on markets, stalls, endless foods, clothing to buy; things I’d never seen, tasted, or touched were there, and only those in passing, mentioned such things before. Staying in EzRah all those months ago was limited in adventure. It was over before I could even think—this is EzRah!
Least for now, I could rest in my room for the remainder of the day. Class was over and after all the bad news I heard today, the thought of curling up and crying for a while was a possibility. It wouldn’t happen until later this evening when no one was around, I didn’t like to cry in front of others, and right now, I was still fuming with anger.
Entering into my room, I inhaled with agitation. I pulled the parchments from my pocket, taking in the scribbles, the comments that I had written all those long months ago; when I was wishful, happy, and ready to believe anything was poss
ible. I was so stupid.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
I bit my lip and shredded them into tiny pieces, watching as they floated into the bin beside my small desk. I was one of the few students to have a room to myself. A simple bed, with wooden drawers to the left, a desk to the right, and a round window to gaze to the east. At around twelve foot long, my room was the best place I’d call paradise. I missed my old life, my dangorian life. Before I was chosen, before the glove, before the pain and tears, and the abandonment. I missed it all so much. The ache in my chest swelled as I blinked the tears away. I will not cry. I will not cry. Not today.
The only downside to my old life was that it couldn’t be the way it was either. Six months ago, I had the worst tragedy in my life, and while La’Kera is my blessing, I was torn. I glared at the bin filled with the shredded parchments. I hated him with a rage. I never had so much hate for one person before. I wish I did hurt him, I exhaled deeply. Lying on the bed in a heap, I stared at the ceiling above. I closed my eyes and felt La’Kera’s mind near me. She was never far away. She was always there, soothing words, images and on some occasions, songs. Her throaty purr was a rumble inside her, which had me feel that little bit less-sad. She was my light.
I rolled my head over and stared at my bath towel and bag. I needed a good soaking after today, with all the bad news, the pent up rage I released, and discovered not moments ago. The loneliness was eating at me. Stuff it. I snatched my towel and bath bag, and headed to the bathing room.
Taking the third cubical, I hung my towel on the door hook and stripped off my clothes, I dropped them in a pile on the bench beside my bag. The metal taps were rusted, but not leaking. The pipes made a distinct thump that I had become accustomed to over the past six months. Indoor plumbing was a new way of life for me. Least showers were completely new. I’d spent all my life with baths, and not the kind with taps, but boiling the water in buckets to fill into the bath hours before I could have one. Here in Draeos, things were a little different. So I kept telling myself when I discovered something new. For everyone else, it’s the way things are.
I positioned my head under the spray of the water; the heat warmed my muscles, lathering the soap over my slim body with ease. I was annoyed I had yet to tan. I was barely sun-kissed. Since becoming a Ryder, I had slimmed more, toned in area’s I had no idea could tone, not as much as the other Ryders. I was still too plain, too simple, and small busted. Leaning on the smooth stone wall, lost to the thoughts, I relaxed under the shower.
The thunk of the pipes had me twist the taps off. I reached through the small curtain area for my towel, wrapping it around my form; I pushed the curtain aside, glancing to my clothes.
They were gone.
This is just not my day. My heart sank as I glimpsed the unlocked latch on the door. I listened to the shower room; it was empty. La’Kera couldn’t offer any option. She didn’t sense a threat from her end, so there was no alarm needed. Someone had deliberately come in here and taken my clothes. I was so preoccupied getting out the hurt from all the bullshit this afternoon; I didn’t pay any minds to someone attacking me. Wasn’t it enough already? I tightened my grip on my towel.
Least you have that with you. La’Kera was right.
Why they left it, was odd. Seems they didn’t want to be completely cruel and make me walk the hall naked. That would be too much. I’d have to wait until dinner started before I could leave the shower room, but that was hours away.
I opened the door, peeking along the hall. Ugh. Why did my room have to be at the other end? Several girls walked from different chambers. It wasn’t dangerous territory; we’re all girls on this side of the academy. I’ve seen plenty of girls walk the halls in their towels, sometimes in just their undergarments. That had me blushing just thinking about it. I wasn’t one of them, regardless of what rumours Bronson tells.
I inhaled deeply, and summed up the courage to step into the hall. My toes touched the soft carpeted rug. A tingle of excitement run through my body as I darted along the hall, keeping my head low; one hand held to my bath bag, the other; my towel. I would hate to have this slip in my haste. I glanced up just as a door smacked straight into my face.
Ouh!
I fell on the stone floor, missing the rug by inches. My mind blurred, trying to figure out what just happened. Worse, in my state, my hip wore the brunt of the fall as my legs sprayed in the air for several seconds too long. The laughter of the students told me too much. The towel had slipped; exposing my nudity for the tenth of a second before my hands automatically pulled it down. I realised too late, all the chamber doors, turn inwards. Why was I struck with one opening outwards?
I pulled myself up, red faced and ready to run, ashamed of my exposed position on the floor. I glared at the door still in my way, to be greeted by the smug face of Amber Bernet. She gave the door a hefty shove, grunting at the action to say it wasn’t easy to open.
“Oops! Didn’t see you there.”
“You—” She saw me, everyone saw me. Running down a hall with a towel—visible? I think so! I glared with double anger from today. Why is this not my day?
She fluttered her long made-up lashes. “Funny thing these doors. You just never know when they will open.” She flicked her perfect blonde curls, fluttering her eyelashes. Why she did it, was annoying. I didn’t feel the need to blink constantly, though watching her for the past few months. I thought she had something stuck in her eye. That’s what started this rival in the first place. I spoke too soon to realise, she thought I was being mean. I had no idea that it was a girl greeting, to show how nice they appeared. Odd, it didn’t look appealing or that welcoming. She was a pretty girl. Perfect blonde hair, blue eyes, five foot three inches; and she even had dimples to go with the girly look of hers.
“You took my clothes!”
“Nooo.” She smiled wide, showing perfect straight teeth, while brushing dust off her silk blue dress. She always went to too much trouble for a simple meal at Draeos. “I didn’t take them, why would I take tattered garments made from a frog swamp.” Her voice would suggest otherwise. “But I did find them for you.” Again, with the fluttering eyes. She shifted them behind me, and I turned with wide eyes. My clothes! Hanging from a low banner in the middle of the hall were my light breeches, my tunic, and my undergarments.
“You are a—”
“Save it Dy’Monian. This is for messing with Bronson and me yet again.” All her fluttering eyes and cute girly looks vanished. Here stood a Ryder, of Em’Adels. She was a complete and utter bol’horn, or as Walt would call it, a cow.
“Messing with you and Bronson? Please. I don’t mess with him.” It didn’t matter how many times I tried to tell her that he’s a jerk, she didn’t believe me. She believed him. Because he’s a Creet, and that’s important in the lands.
“You attacked him, you couldn’t handle one simple little joke. He was helping you find someone else to be with over the holidays. But since you can’t let him go, you didn’t have to be so mean to him.”
“Mean? He’s the one that tried to barter for a kiss.”
Her cheeks flushed for a second before she composed herself. “You openly used magic on him. That’s cause for a sound lashing.”
“And he’s the one that started it. He should have gotten a sound lashing.”
“You shouldn’t have attacked him. When are you going to get it through your thick head—he doesn’t want you.”
“I don’t want him. He’s a jerk. And maybe you shouldn’t be so eager to want him either.”
Her eyes widen with that comment, taking in her fierce pose, hands on her hips, her perky lips mashed together with a glint in her eye.
I didn’t back down. “And you should stay away from me.”
“OH, I will,” she half turned with a side look, posing like always. “And come the start of my final year. I won’t even have to put up with you in class.”
My mouth dropped open.
How in the dragon herds did
she find out so soon? I had only left Crofts office half an hour ago at most.
“Oh, did I ruin your surprise.” She flashed a smug smile, fluttering her eye lids. “Not to worry. My holidays will be so much better, since you’re not going to EzRah and repeating your eleventh year, I’m better off.” She rolled her blue eyes slowly and squared her shoulders. “If you didn’t go chasing after boys that didn’t want you, maybe you would have passed. But I’m not complaining now that EzRah is a Rehema free zone.” She flipped her blond curls over her shoulder and promenaded along the hall, leaving me staring after her. I was in too much shock to give a comment.
Taking in my clothes above the banner, I cringed. Great. I’ll get them later. That’s if the house elves hadn’t been notified, though I secretly think they believe Bronson, and are out to make my life just as miserable.
After rummaging through my dresser for another set of clothes, I simmered in my room, stewing over everything that’s happened. La’Kera soothed me as best she could. In the end, I just stared at the stone floor, thinking over and over, what a stupid mistake. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Not to her of course, she wasn’t the mistake. The situation. By now, she was used to my thoughts and understood most of my reasons. She hummed to help soothe my sadness. I sulked on my own; my hip ached from the fall, my nose, and wrist; more importantly, my pride. Thinking, just maybe … maybe I could do one thing right today.
I waited a further ten minutes after the bell trilled out, announcing dinner was ready before peeking into the silent hall. The hall was empty of anyone. I walked (down the middle) of the hall to my clothes still tossed on the banner for all to see. My light grey leggings were easy enough, and I used them to dislodge my shirt and my unmentionables. Of course, my brassiere wanted to be stubborn. I jumped several times and contemplated the summoning spell for air. Hmmm … how did it go again? I flexed my fingers, held my palm out—nothing. Stupid, I hissed inward. It doesn’t work like that. And right now, I needed action. I jumped, and landed with a defeated grunt. Tan hands reached up and unhooked my brassiere just as my out stretched hands caught it. I blinked to the amused smile that flashed wickedly.
Darn it.
“If you wanted to hang your clothes out, you could have used the courtyards clothes line.” His voice sounded genuine, velvet maybe.
No. It was just a voice.
Staring at Karson Albury, my face flushed. His smile held, as if waiting, a mixture of amusement and softness touched his features. I closed and opened my mouth, to close it. I quickly folded my undergarments in my other clothes. This was so embarrassing. My new teacher sees my undergarments.
“I didn’t do this,” I managed. “Someone was playing a joke.” I dropped my gaze warily. “What can I do for you Master Karson?” I didn’t want to look into his eyes. Not right now.
“I came by to let you know that I would like to see you in the morning, for your training.”
“I’m starting tomorrow? But there are two days left until the end of classes. Can’t I wait until everyone leaves?” I didn’t want everyone watching me train with him.
His expression was calm. “I’d like to get into it as soon as possible.” He dipped his head, I blushed at the way his hair touched his brow and neck line.
Oh, so handsome face of a defined statue. My eyes fluttered suddenly, I couldn’t stop them. He was a good six foot four inches tall with a muscular body of a true warrior. Built for wielding swords, axes and clubs—my body. His green eyes held with amusement at my dreamy look, which was fast turning into an Amber onslaught. Get a hold of yourself. Hello. Wake up. He’s a Master Ryder. A good looking one, yes. But he has decades of age on him. He might look the standard twenty-five years all Ryders slowed their age at, it was near impossible to tell how old he was. I couldn’t hide the smile that twitched my lips. Licking them, I redirected my wagon of thoughts.
“Where do I meet you for … training?”
“In the Combat Yards. At six,” He added smoothly.
“Six? I don’t know if the sun gets up that early.”
“Sure it does. And now’s your chance to greet it.” His tone was laughable. “Once I test you in all areas, I will decide if heading into the Guild for the holidays is a better option or not.”
“The Guild?’
“The Ryders Guild where most EzanGuard train.”
“I’m just a student. To be a guard of EzRah takes years.”
“Yes. And training to be a Ryder of the lands first…” He left it hang.
Soon to be. He had hope. Wow. That is interesting.
I felt sheepish standing in the hall, wanting to head to dinner, only to realise, I still had my clothes, I turned towards my room. “Why are you doing this?” I blurted out.
“Doing what?” His face was neutral.
“Um … training me … personally.”
“Hmmm.” He pressed his thumb to his chin, while watching me.
“You are the first Ryder of the Dy’Monian. We all want to make sure that you and La’Kera are provided with the best start. La’Kera will bring back her lost herd and with luck, you will go on to be one of the most talked about Ryders in history since Sy’Rah.”
“Oh,” was all I could manage. I didn’t want that to happen. I was already talked about for all the wrong reasons. Possibly just like Sy’Rah. I narrowed my eyes. “But why you in particular?” I rephrased as I walked towards my room.
Karson followed.
“You’re behind in your studies. I was meant to come two months ago, but I was held up in the south. As of now, I’m your mentor and you are my apprentice. I’m to train you, now until you graduate. It is a great honour to have a personal trainer.” His voice was lecture like.
I frowned unsure if I liked the tone and I nodded, as I absorbed his words. I heard of Ryders taking on apprentices before, it was an honour to have a mentor. That’s how all the other Ryders saw it.
“Which kin is Blade’Dur from?” I had to ask, since Darcia had forgotten to mention that.
Karson smiled, hiding a laugh.
“Roo’Bineyes.” He dipped his head, which had me take in the red cloak around his shoulders. Damn, I had missed that. Strange he was a fire element. He seemed so calm. Most of the fire uses were angry, and fired up, like Bronson. I studied Karson’s smooth face, taking in the small tell tail sign of a clenched jaw. He wasn’t that much different to Bronson’s hot headed attitude, just a lot more self control. Probably because he had age on his side.
I gazed at his muscular form and shivered a little at the thought of training with him, by ourselves, in the morning. I forced myself to step away.
“So, six in the morning. Were you going to do the afternoon session as well?” I asked as we stopped at my door.
“As soon as you finish your classes, you can meet me at the gardens on the south-east of the Combat Yards. Three-thirty.”
I rolled my eyes. Everyone knew what those gardens were for: meditation and relaxation.
“I supposed I clean the toilet and kitchen tonight, right?” I scoffed at the idea.
“Yes,” Karson smiled as he turned away. “I supposed you do. You should head to the Dinner Hall before you miss out.” He was several feet away.
“You’re looking forward to training me, aren’t you?” I raised my voice a little.
“Sure, seems like a good way to spend the summer months.” He paused in mid walk. “But I don’t think you will like me much after tomorrow,” he added, unbothered as he continued walking.
My heart was fluttering with excitement as he walked away. This was extra training time because I was so far behind. And he was willing to teach me, all by himself, for two full months. He definitely had good looks for me to be motivated.
You need another motivation … he is a distraction. Her tone suggested I was being foolish. Maybe I was, maybe I wasn’t. Though deep down, she was right.
I needed to find another reason to focus. For her. Otherwise, what good was I as the only Dy’Monia
n Ryder in three hundred years?