1.1 Arrival...
The casted iron of the train waxed and waned, as its wheels clicked and clacked along the rickety track. Up and then left. Up and then right. Again, and again, and again. This serpent of industry has made the ascent, and descent, for centuries. There has never been any major change made to its one and only track. The only things that seemed to change were the seasons, and those that rode the train on its endless track.
From the gray fluff floating in the sky, rain fell, bombarding the mountainous terrain and the train below. Lightning splinters the warm spring air, racing to hit the train. Yet, everytime, before it could achieve the sweet metallic embrace of the train, it would divert to one of the hundreds of metallic rods that protruded skywards from the tracks. Each strike propelled the train beyond its limit along the hazardous path.
Those who have made this journey before know that there is no need to worry, but those who haven’t are casting silent prayers to the gods of their choosing.
XXX
“Vatun, please, grant us safe passage through your show of strength. I recognize your strength as being the mightiest of all the Gods. I am at your mercy.” My hands were aching from how tight I clasped them together.
A loud sigh brought my attention back to my cabin, “If you are going to pray, please go elsewhere. There is no room for gods here.” The coal eyes of the robed figure before me shot daggers my way.
What a blashapmeoust!
“I assume you are one of those self-proclaimed Renouncers,” I emphasized my burn by adding finger quotations, “So now what? Are you going to insult my intelligence for believing in gods, or go on a rant about the gods being for those who choose to live in ignorance?”
The Renouncer removed his hood, revealing his sickly appearance. Pale skin and mud-colored hair. He looked flustered, and his lips quivered with intensity as he thought of a snide retort.
A hearty chuckle erupted from my side, “For a first year, I must admit you have quite an ability to flame!” A young man with an impish grin and wild mane reclined in the nook of our bench. He wore neither a robe of the Renouncer, nor the standard uniform that I was given. He wore the traditional gray long coat of an imperial officer! The only difference between his uniform and a member of the Imperial Army were two night steel olive branches crossing.
I shot out of my seat. Left arm perpendicular to my spine’s base, right arm bent at 45 degrees, and my right hand pressed against my forehead. The Imperial Salute.
“I apologize for our behavior...” my eyes scanned him for an indication of rank.
He watched me, his smile indicated he was amused. “This is where you’d look to find the rank,” He pointed to his right shoulder with his middle finger, before letting out more laughter. “However, we don’t show our ranks till we arrive at the Academy. Please sit down, there is no need to apologize. I quite enjoyed your exchange with Alec. It is always amusing to see someone ruffle his feathers.”
He gestured towards where I was sitting, I followed his order.
“Now, for future reference,” he shot a glare at Alec, the Renouncer, “do your best to respect the beliefs of others the first time you meet them. I think discussing religious ideologies is very interesting and stimulating, but there is a time and place for every conversation. The train ride to school is not the place, and the first time meeting someone is not the time.”
He redirected his glare to me, “As a first year you should really be mindful of your standing before you snap at someone.” His eyes were as blue as the sky on the summer solstice, but harbored the coldness of the winter solstice’s blizzards. “You never know who they may be friends with, so let’s keep that in mind.”
I gulped.
He relaxed, releasing me from winter’s grasp, and placed his hand on my shoulder. Despite the friendly warmth, my soul nearly left my body. He laughed again, as did Alec.
“No need to be scared,” he removed his hand from my shoulder. He extended his right hand, “Cadet Addison Randall, rank Captain.”
A Randall? No need to be scared? I have every need to be scared!
Whatever he said next, I did not hear. My mind froze as I attempted to process that I was sitting amongst a member of the most notorious family in all of the Empire. My mind thawed from the combined heat of Addison and Alec’s laughter.
“Don’t worry, most people react that way when I introduce myself. It gets me every time. Now that your initial shock is out of the way, are you going to shake my hand?”
I placed my hand in his, and went through the motions of a handshake the best I could.
“Good, now what is your name?”
“Xabat Reyes de Dieserto, Initiate”
“From your accent alone, I had no idea you are from the Southern Kingdoms. You speak with a perfect Imperial accent and diction. I’m assuming your parents are diplomats. Is that correct?”
“Why yes, that is correct.”
If Addison’s observation skills are to serve as any representation of his family’s renowned keenness, then it must be all it is made out to be.
“Alec, your turn.” Addison retracted his hand and reclined back on the red cushions, leaning his head along the wooden panels lining the walls.
In spite of him withdrawing, his presence was still permeating in the air, ensuring that Alec and I act appropriately.
“Alexander Wilson, Adept of Arcane Science.” His robe covered our hands as we shook, “You may not call me Alec, that is reserved for friends.”
A Wilson as well!? A member of the family that started the whole Renouncing! Gods, what have I done to upset you? Why do you damn me to be in the company of a criminal and a radical?!
Addison chimed in, “Xabat. For your sake, I suggest you refer to me as Addison or Captain Randall, depending on the situation.”
*knock* *knock*
“Captain Randall? Adept Wilson? Are either of you in there?” A woman’s voice asked.
Alexander stood up, and made his way to the cabin’s sliding door, “Yes, Isabella. You know this is the cabin we ride in each year.” There was a slight tone of annoyance in his voice. Now that Alexander was standing, it was evident that his white robe that bore a pattern of crossing olive branches embroidered all over, was at least four sizes too big for him.
A radical with no sense of style, why am I not surprised?
Alexander slid the door open, but he was blocking my view of Isabella, “Hello Alec, it is such a joy to see you!”
The slender arms of Isabella wrapped around Alexander. She placed her head on his shoulder in their friendly embrace, she was almost one head taller than him. Her wavy almond hair concealed her face.
In a jesting tone, Addison quipped, “Prefect Windsor, can you at least wait till the year starts before you try to get us in trouble?” He got up and joined in on the hugging.
As the friends rescinded the shared physical contact, Alexander withdrew to Addison’s left. Reacknowledging my presence with a slight bow. Isabella fell along Addison’s right, locking her arms around his as she made way. The motion was done with ease and elegance. No nerves quivered with anxiety, no fumble in her gait, nor slouch in her back. For one to move with such poise, it was uncanny. Her head barely resting on Addison’s shoulder.
Hmmm….I know this from somewhere. I’ll look over my Imperial culture books later.
They exchanged further words, but my attention drew elsewhere.
Isabella’s prefect uniform was accented with a white robe embroidered with twisting vines along the cuffs and bottom finish. Underneath her robe she wore a crisply ironed white collar shirt, accompanied by a grey sweater. Despite her modest style of dress, her figure was still noticeable if one looked close enough.
“Sir Reys, would you mind accompanying me to acquire snacks for the cabin?” Alexander shot me a look that was demanding I adjust my attention elsewhere.
Isabella and Addison separated like two close friends, and turned to me.
Addison smiled impishly, “That’s a grand idea Alec. I’ll come with, and pick up a case of Strugun,” he went over to his seat and withdrew his bag to rummage for his wallet. “Also, before you say anything, I’m buying. I don’t want to hear any protest from you!” After finding his wallet he cast his bag back underneath, “Same goes for you Xabat!”
Did he really just say that he was going to buy booze in front of a Prefect?
Isabella placed her palm against her head, shaking in expected disappointment.
Alexander shook his head in a manner that conveyed that this was commonplace for Addison, and that Alexander would not be able to convince Addison of any other plan. “Whatever you say Addy. Maybe you and Isabella should go,” He turned my way, flashing the perfect face for a card game. “It will give Xabat and I more time to continue our civil discussion from earlier.”
Addison rolled his eyes, hinting that Alexander should do anything but that, “If you insist. All I ask is that you two keep it civil this time. Capiche.”
“We will do our best. Won’t we Xabat?”
“We will keep things civil,” bowing my head to Addison, giving him my word.
“Good,” Addison began on his expedition for snacks and booze, “Alec, I’ll snag some Sweene for you! Xabat, I’ll do my best to find you something with some heat!”
Isabella stopped him before he could move past her, “Excuse me initiate, but I don’t believe we’ve met. My name is Isabella Windsor, Prefect.” She gave a quick courtesy before extending her hand to meet mine. Her friendly gaze complimented her welcoming shake, “I must apologize on the behalf of the academy that you ended up assigned to the same cabin as these two.”
Addison and Alexander shared a look, before each of them flashed an egging smile at Isabella.
“I know each of their reputations might not paint them in the most flattering of lights, but I assure you these two are some of the greatest people the Imperial Academy has to offer.”
Honestly, I don’t know these two well enough to come to a conclusion. Only time will tell if these two truly live up to what others say about them.
“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Initiate Xabat Reyes de Dieserto.”
“That’s grand! You are assigned to our house and my floor! I didn’t want to ruin it, but welcome to the House of Spring!”
House of Springs?
“You spoiled the surprise Isabella!” Addison’s arms shot upwards in faux anguish, “You ruined the big secret of the First Dinner!”
Isabella joined in with Addison’s jest, “It is my first year as prefect! You know how excited I was for this, and he’s the first student of mine that I have introduced myself to!”
Before Addison and Isabella could continue their little skit, Alexander moved his hands to his ears, “Will the both of you please leave now! I despise when you two go ahead and spoil everything!” Alexander began trying his best to force the two out.
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Upon contact with Addison, he bounced back. Despite Alexander’s effort, Addison didn’t budge. Alexander’s futile actions caused Isabella and Addison’s snickering to evolve into gut wrenching laughter. The two left of their own volition. I couldn’t help but crack a smile, the sight was one to behold.
As soon as the two left, Alexander slammed the door, locking it behind them, “Depending on how long Addy talks to Crook-Shaw, and how many goblins he talks to along the way, we have anywhere from ten minutes to an hour before those two return.”
“Addison speaks goblin?” The only one who is verified to be able to communicate with goblins without druids is Addison’s father, Vice Lord Randall. As for the rest of the family, it has only been hinted at in gozzips.
I added, “I thought those were only rumours in gozzips?”
Alexander shook his head, showing his disappointment. Whether or not it was intended for me or the gozzips, I could not tell. “It is only logical that each member would speak it to some capacity, given his family’s history,” he brought a hand to his chin and raised an eyebrow, “It baffles me how that tidbit of news has yet to surface in the mainstream. Regardless, that’s irrelevant at the moment.”
He began to pace on the carpet made of nymph flowers. So exotic, so raw, and so beautiful. Varying unknown flowers of every color in a southern rainbow and magical origin, rhythmically spun according to the steps of Alexander.
The flower’s followed Alexander’s conduction, pulsating in unison. The different flowers lined up in rows of their own, bridging up and down with each step.
“You truly must heed Addison’s advice.”
“All he said was to be mindful of how I address people?”
What is he trying to get at?
“That is what he said on a surface level, but his true message was conveyed within that. He was trying to inform you to be careful about the actions you take here,” he shot another glare at me while not breaking his pacing, “I know you are rather capable of being visually observant.”
I diverted my eyes down to the nymph flower rug to escape his gaze. Alexander had stopped pacing, the flowers now began to bristle, moving up and down as if they were going to fly up at me. I knew he could see the red branding of embarrassment on my face.
The pacing began, and the flowers returned to the rhythmic marching.
“Everyone knows Isabella is quite the spectacle, but few pull the stunt you just did. Especially in front of Addison.” His last remark was spat with the venom of a teacher scolding an idiotic student. “Those that have, even when he was not around to witness it, have felt his wraith both directly and indirectly.”
I still couldn’t bring myself to look at him, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know they were a thing.”
“They aren’t, but those two have known each other before either could speak. Addison is very protective of her, and he does not tolerate anyone treating her with any lack of respect. I do not wish to stoop to the level of gozzips and partake in the murmuring of others’ relationships, but I do hate seeing one subjecting themselves to the devil’s torment.”
“Thank you for the warning. I will act with more tact in the future. You know I find it funny for one who rejects the gods to try to save me from being tortured by a devil.” Hopefully my joke can shift this conversation to a different topic.
Alexander stopped pacing and returned to his seat, crossing his legs and resting his hands on his stacked knees, “Your humor may work on others, but not on me. I do not need to warn you that you are teetering on a cliff and are one misstep from falling to your death.”
“Then why do you keep me from falling?”
Alexander moved his feet on to the bench, stretching them out, even though they didn’t even manage to breach his robe, “The easiest way I could put it is, things are quite tense going into this school season. It is nothing that you are privy to, yet.”
“We are in need of friends now more than ever,” Alexander cast his first glimpse of genuine emotion, “If you couldn’t tell, Addy has taken a liking to you, and despite my disdain for your religious beliefs I am willing to overlook them. It eludes me, seeing how Addy has an unnerving ability when it comes to judging the character of people. Like him, I am willing to give you a chance.”
The faint clanging of bottles and chatter, a mix of goblin and Imperial, emanated from the hall.
“We don’t have much time before they return.”
“Okay. I do have one question for you before they return.”
“What is it?”
“What is the House of Springs?”
“I’ll let Isabella answer that one. She’s the one who spoiled the news, I will have no part in spoiling anything for you.”
XXX
Five grueling minutes of absolute silence passed before the clanging of bottles grew louder. Alexander stayed reclined, fidgeting with some translucent cube he summoned in his hands.
I didn’t dare break the silence, instead I looked out the sole window of our cabin. Our journey up the mountain began early this morning, with no change in the weather. Lightning occasionally flashed, striking the track’s rods. Vatun’s shouts for someone to challenge him followed shortly.
“I have never seen a storm like this in all of my time in the Empire. Is this normal weather?”
“For Mount Traing, a storm of this caliber is a weekly occurrence. If you want to make the journey within two days, it is absolutely necessary to begin during one of these storms.”
“Why?”
“If not, we would spend one week cramped within this cabin, and that’s also assuming the gryphons don’t cause us any trouble.”
Gryphons, here!?
“Mount Traing has gryphons!?” I did my best to hide the childish glee I had for seeing the beast.
“I share your enthusiasm for the creature. Mount Traing is home to the largest breeding grounds of gryphons in the world. It may shock you, but the storms here help in the development of young gryphons into the apex predators that they are revered as.”
“Fascinating.” The thought of seeing a gryphon consumed my imagination as a child. The likelihood of seeing one is about the same as surviving an attack from one.
Before I could ask any more gryphon questions, Addison shouted from the hall.
“Alec! Xabat! We are back, please quit your great debate and open the door!” Each syllable he spoke was accompanied by the clinking of bottles.
Alexander disapparated the cube, and got up to open the door. He whispered to me, “Prepare yourself. Sit still, and remain calm.”
Before I could ask why, a green hand shot forward grabbing Alexander and pulling him out.
“Easy Crook-Shaw, Alec isn’t use to Goblin formalities.”
Some snorting and goblin jabber followed.
Alexander’s voice responded, “Crook-Shaw, I am happy to see you as well. How is the clan?”
A small goblin in a makeshift garb of cloth patches waltzed into the cabin with Alexander’s head held tightly in a choke, “Alec, my friend you, always with the Imperial formalities. When will you tell me about your breeding?” HIs beady black eyes locked with Alexander’s, and he showed a toothy grin made of jagged juts going each way but straight.
The red coloring of Alexander’s face was pushing the limits of his skin’s pigmentation. His mouth was agape, gasping for air, and his hand flapped on the goblin’s forearm.
“Crook-Shaw, will you please release Alec so that he may speak?” Addison asked as he stumbled in with a giant bag of snacks and booze.
Crook-Shaw released Alexander, who desperately gasped for air, “One of these days Alec you’ll say hello to me first!”
Say hello first?
Crook-Shaw, Isabella, and Addison laughed in unison as Alexander regained his breath.
I shifted myself closer to the wall, Crook-Shaw’s laughter ended. The loud snorting of air through a goblin’s snout shook the panel walls, “Fresh scent. Addy is this the fresh one?”
Addison ended the clanking of bottles and sifting of snacks by placing it on his seat, “Yes Crook-Shaw, this is Xabat Reyes de Dieserto.” Afterwards, he put his back to the window and slowly eased his bottom to the ground.
Isabella made her way past the group, sliding the snack bag from Addison’s seat to the middle of the bench before taking his spot. “He is the unfortunate Initiate who got assigned to the same cabin as Alec and Addy.”
Crook-Shaw dropped to all fours and began sniffing my feet, fervorously.
What in gods’ names!? My heart raced with each flair of the goblin’s nostrils. What is it doing? Am I safe?
“I must also add that he isn’t familiar with Goblin Ways, and is a member of the House of Spring. So please, take it easy on him.” Isabella gave me a comforting look, “Don’t worry Xabat, stay still.”
The goblin ended his nasal evaluation, and pointed to where Alexander was sitting. The dark pits it called eyes pierced mine, “Move. Now.”
Is this thing serious?
I held Crook-Shaw’s stare, “Why?” Its face contorted, lips retracted, and its teeth grew larger, “Alexander is-” I motioned my hand to him and broke eye contact to ask Alexander for assistance via an ocular exchange.
Alexander was no longer sitting there, he had moved down the bench, to the corner closest to Addison. When our eyes met, his look demanded I comply with the goblin’s order.
Addison’s face showed a hint of concern as he sat a little bit straighter against the wall.
Isabella’s hand began scratching Crook-Shaw’s head, “It’s alright Crook-Shaw. I don’t think Xabat heard you, ask him again. Nicely.”
The goblin’s teeth held firm, barely letting the words through, “Move. Now. Please.” The goblin’s muscles tensed, preparing to take action if I did not comply. I followed his order willingly.
Crook-Shaw turned to Addison, and pointed to where I was sitting, “Addy. Please.”
Without hesitation, Addison complied.
Crook-Shaw opened the door and barked something in goblin, before sitting at Addison’s feet. Crook-Shaw said something again. In goblin, to Addison, who responded in the same tongue.
I guess the gozzips were right, for once.
Addison’s eyes fixated on me as he began scratching Crook-Shaw’s head, “Xabat.”
The air grew cold, “Yes Ad-”
“Captain Randall,” the air grew colder.
“I apol-”
“Don’t apologize, just listen,” the air froze.
“Yes, Captain Randall.”
“You will never disrespect Crook-Shaw like that again,” his words sent a shiver through me.
“Am I clear?”
His diction was clear.
His diction was sharp.
His diction was domineering.
“Yes.”
“Isabella, would you mind taking Xabat to the social cabin?”
“I do not mind,” Isabella stood up and walked to the cabin door. Crook-Shaw began to whimper.
Addison spoke again, his eyes never leaving mine, “Alec, go with them.”
Alexander stood up promptly, and bowed with the utmost respect, before passing by Isabella to leave the cabin.
Crook-Shaw’s whimpering ended, and he joined in with Addison’s stare, “Miss Isabella, would you please inform Groak-Shaw to join us once you arrive safely at the social cabin?”
Isabella smiled, crossing her arms behind her back, “Yes Crook-Shaw. Would you like me to send him back with some rat as well?”
“You are too kind,” Crook-Shaw bowed forward to kiss her feet, “Only if it isn’t a burden.” His mouth was salivating at the mention of receiving the plague creature.
“It is no burden at all Crook-Shaw. Thank you for being our friend and using your power to protect us. You honor your clan.”
Crook-Shaw stood up, returning a bow to Isabella, “Your words, Isabella, honor Clan Shaw and myself.” Spittle dripped from his lips, being absorbed by the nymph flower carpet below.
“Let’s go Xabat,” Isabella turned to me and gestured towards the hall.
I dare not test Crook-Shaw anymore. If asking a simple question is enough to provoke a goblin to attack, no wonder why there are so many attacks.
As I got to the door, Addison stood up and grabbed some of the contents from the snack bag. He placed three tall bottles of Strugun on his seat, and various snacks I have never seen before, “Take the bag with you, make sure to offer Groak-Shaw one Strugun when you arrive.”
“As you say Addy.”
Isabella and I left, Addison slamming the door behind us. Loud barks of goblin began to come from within.
“Remind me to lend you my books and notes on Goblin customs and culture,” Isabella led the way up the hall to the social cabin.
As we made our way her slobber soaked shoes squished with each step. I followed in her wake, the clinking of bottles adding to the disturbance of silence.
XXX
“What did I do wrong to warrant such a response from Crook-Shaw?” I still couldn’t understand how me asking the goblin a question provoked things to escalate to the point that they did.
Isabella sighed, “You questioned him, in front of Addy. Your ignorance to Goblin Ways is not due to malice, just a lack of interaction. I’ve read your file. Your parents are diplomats stationed in Albion. Given your position, and The Capital City’s social setting, it makes sense that you wouldn’t have come into any contact with goblins.”
I’ve encountered one goblin before, but they were merely carrying the belongings of a dwarven scholar. Most of my time in the Capital was spent attending class, observing court, and socializing amongst the other children of diplomats and high society.
“You can speak with Addy later about Goblin Ways to your heart’s content, or you could even take his elective.”
A student teaching? How peculiar, I’ve never heard of a school that allowed that, “Don’t you have to be registered by the Empire to be a teacher in Albion?”
“For most schools, yes. However, at the Academy, it is expected of some of the older students to teach younger students on various subjects. Given Addy’s family relationship with the goblins, his enthusiasm about the subject, and issues between students and goblins in the past, he demanded the school administration let him teach the subject.”
A light winded laugh came out of Isabella, “He started teaching during our second year, and forced all of us to take his class. Addy always has at least one goblin involved in the lessons, which can make things rather interesting at times. His method of teaching is best described as unorthodox, but very engaging. The class isn’t house locked either. So it will be a good way of meeting other students from different houses.”
“If you think it is a good class to take, I will take it into consideration when selecting my electives. When you and Addison were getting snacks, I asked Alexander about the House of Springs. He refused to answer, saying he will have no part in spoiling anything for me.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less from Alec,” she shoved her right hand to the sleeve of her left and rummaged around. Within seconds she withdrew a folded piece of parchment, once it was in her hands she began to open it.
Her sleeves have pockets? Are there a lot? Or is there just one big pocket? What else does she carry in there?
“Let me carry that bag for a moment,” Isabella held the parchment out, and we exchanged items.
A smart move I guess, having the prefect carry the booze. She can always claim she confiscated it from some students.
Isabella stood behind me, looking at the paper in my hands as well. It had been split into four quadrants.
My eyes started at the upper left. This quadrant had a white background with a black sphere in the center. Two olive branches, one gold and the other silver, crossed at the center. A single word was orbiting the sphere, HOPE.
“That’s our house, the House of Spring.”
My eyes followed the transitioning gradience from white to pink. In the center of the quadrant in the upper right, two hands were opened, palm up, one silver and the other gold. Above it spun a rainbow sphere, imprinted with some lettering. As I watched it revolve, I read the word, PROSPERITY.
“The House of Summer.”
My eyes went downward, observing the transition from pink to brown. An orange cog spun at the center. The word, CHANGE, was embolden upon it. A golden heart and silver brain orbited around the cog, criss crossing at the center opening. Reminds me of a wedding ring.
“The House of Autumn.”
The last transition went from brown to black. A golden sword and silver hatchet clashed at the center, blue sparks jumping off the blades. A single white word sat above the logo, SURVIVE.
“The House of Winter.”
“Did you draw this Isabella?” She returned to walking alongside me, her green eyes and smile beamed with excitement. Despite the poor lighting of the train’s walkway, her beauty was radiating. Breathtaking.
“Yes I did!”
“This is amazing.”
“Why thank you Xabat. Your words are very kind,” we returned our items to each other.
“So how does House placement work? Was it how I answered on the entry exams, or based off of the administration's evaluation of my personal essay?”
I didn’t do that well on the entry exams. A 100 out of 150, average for students who get into the Academy. As for my essay, I couldn’t think of anything interesting to write about. So I decided to jot down my experiences of horseback riding in the woods last spring.
“It’s a little more complicated than that. Your scores and essay are only a small part of it. The main influencing factors in determining the House placement for students, are where you are from and geopolitical relations.”
So even at school, one can not escape the games of the courts?
“For the most part, students from the Empire are assigned to the House of Spring. Those from the Southern Kingdoms are assigned to the House of Summer. Students coming from the Independent Duchy's of the East are placed in the House of Autumn, and if you are from the Western Domain you will most likely join the ranks of the House of Winter.”
“Even though I was born in the Capital, my parents are diplomats from the Disertio Kingdom in the south, wouldn’t they put me with fellow student’s from my parent’s homeland?”
“When it comes to the children of diplomats, the administration makes a decision based off of what they believe will be best for maintaining the relative peace and overall stability of varying world powers,” Isabella pointed ahead at a glass door. Figures of varying heights and width made their way about the room it led to, “That is the social cabin ahead, I’ll explain more later. For now, let’s relax and teach you how to socialize.” She winked as she quipped about my lack of social abilities.
I managed to leak a nervous laugh, due to her blunt joke. Fair enough. I have so many questions, but I will not test my luck any further.
“Xabat a word of advice, do your best to avoid talking,” Alexander added as he passed by us at the door.
What? How!? He left before us?
Isabella noticed my bewilderment, “It will take some time for you to get used to that, but the simple, and complex, answer to how he did that is magic.”
She stepped forward, opening the door for me.
This is going to be a long school year.