Travis looked up from the table. His mouth dropped open, and he frowned at the grinning mage. “No more mischief, Marcus.”

“On my hand to the gods, that’s what the message says,” Marcus said, laughing hysterically and holding out the rolled piece of parchment. “Those two took the fort by themselves.”

Travis groaned. “If anyone asks, this was the battle of the ages.”

“Agreed,” the commander said. “And all the soldiers were here.”

“Gods, this is a new low,” Travis said, standing up and walking to the door.

Marcus laughed. “I think it’s a new high. Who takes a fort with two people? They deserve a medal.”

“How did they do?” the commander asked.

Marcus wiped his eyes and looked at the paper, an eager grin spreading across his face. “The troops were off vacationing in the nearby villages. Sound familiar?”

The commander groaned. “It was an epic battle that lasted hours; that’s what happened.”

“We’ll see if Lady Riley agrees.” Marcus laughed and walked out the door, heading to the mage tower.

Travis paused in the doorway. “Commander, I need your men here now. I don’t care if there is a blizzard. Get it done.” He turned and headed to the mage tower.

Walking briskly across the yard, Travis entered the tower and looked at the dozing mages. “Rise and shine!” he bellowed. “We have bridges to build.”

Summer came racing down the stairs. “Say what now?”

Travis turned toward her. “Somehow, Riley got them to surrender. We need progress on the bridges now. Ideally, we have the fortified bridge up before the storm ends.”

Summer spun and started barking orders at the mages.

Travis turned and walked to the door. He looked at Marcus. “Can you send me across?”

“Gods no. I almost killed Riley.” Marcus laughed nervously. “It’s far harder than you think. That’s the reason they didn’t try to come back.”

“So we’re stuck waiting for the mages?”

“Yes, but it’ll be quick. I’ll help.”

Travis sighed and rubbed his brow. How did I end up with a noble who helps and is capable of doing this?

~~~

Riley stood on the wall. The wind billowed, and the sun shone brightly. She looked at the wall of clouds. “Think that’ll bring more snow?”

Nicole sighed and scooted closer, pulling Riley’s cloak around her. “Probably.”

The looming clouds slowly moved forward. The wind gusted, and Riley looked toward the river. Stones ripped from the ground, building together and merging.

“Commander, where are our earth mages?” Riley asked. “We need to build a bridge.”

“They are back with their families in the villages,” he muttered, shivering.

Riley frowned. “Back inside then.” She turned and looked to the south, seeing a field of white. I can barely see the river. Rolling her eyes, she turned back toward the river and watched. “Can you build a bridge, Nicole?”

“Gods, no. I’m not a Druid or Earth Mage.” Nicole pulled the cloak tighter.

Riley turned. “That’s my cloak.”

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“And it’s warm.” Nicole smirked and continued using it as a blanket.

Riley frowned and watched the river. We really do need that bridge. She turned and looked the other direction. What if all those soldiers march here? She searched the horizon, searching for any sign of encroaching troops.

“Just wait. They’re making progress,” Nicole said, gesturing.

Riley turned and studied. Pillars of rock began forming in the river, poking up out of the water. Like watching a potter work clay, the mages slowly molded the stone. It grew out of the water, slowly building into large columns.

“That’s amazing,” Nicole said softly.

Riley nodded. Imagine what we could make if we weren’t fighting. She watched the pillars slowly expand and rise above the water’s surface. I guess that’s in case it floods. How high does it need to be, and how much mana does it take to build a bridge?

The pillars stopped growing. They sat in the water, ice bumping against them. Riley frowned. Are we stuck here without help? She sighed and turned, looking at the gawking soldiers on watch.

“Hey! High alert!” Riley barked at them. She turned to the giggling girl next to her.

Nicole smirked. “That’s right, order them around, Lady Riley.”

“I should have been a thief,” Riley said, sighing loudly and sending a billowing cloud of steam into the wind. She looked at the clouds and groaned.

“Riley.” Nicole bumped her.

Riley turned and looked. A bridge of ice rippled across the river, forming between the pillars. Travis and a group of men charged across it, quickly slipping and sliding on the makeshift bridge. Their speed plummeted. Several scooted across the ice, and Marcus started shouting something.

Laughing, Riley watched them have similar trouble. A burst of water shot the ice forward and tossed them on the shore. Burning some bardic inspiration and mana, she healed them and turned. “I should make some potions. We’ll probably need them.”

Walking down the steps, she headed inside.

~~~

The academy glowed warmly as the blizzard roared around it. Emma walked to the lunchroom. The surrounding students chatted, and she swallowed. The front? Like Riley? She’s probably dead. Sitting at a table, she straightened her dress and looked around the room.

Seeker Holt stepped forward. He took a breath and looked at the group. “I know that rumors have spread regarding a visit to the front. This is an important learning step for all of you. Some of you will have territory along the front. Some of you will have territory near the wild. It’s important to understand what it’s like.”

“But there’s a blizzard outside,” Randalf said with a growing frown. “We’ll never make it there.”

“The troops have to move. Why are you above it?” Holt asked, his face turning stern. He looked at the group. “We will be headed out tomorrow morning.”

“But what about the dance?” Lin asked. “And the ceremony?”

“The assignment will be temporary, though some of you will return over the break.” Holt turned and studied the group.

Emma swallowed. Will they let us back in? She raised her hand.

“Emma?”

“Will we meet with Riley?” Emma asked. She looked around the room and listened to growing whispers.

Holt sighed. “Yes, Lady Riley was knighted. Yes, she is a Void Mage now. I can understand the desire to have her nearby. That is the goal, barring a reason to have her move elsewhere. Do understand that she is to be given the same respect you’d give any knight.”

Emma felt the tension drain. If I can join with her, maybe I won’t die. She nodded.

“Where exactly are we headed?” Randalf asked.

“Riverfront.” Holt paced back and forth. “Bring what you need to survive. Those of you seeking an exemption will need to submit them before tomorrow. It will increase your taxes, and I advise against it.”

Silence fell on the room. Students turned toward each other.

“Any updates on the status of the war?” Lily asked, crossing her legs and drumming her fingers on the table.

“A group of knights is headed to Riverfront. We’ve had limited contact due to the blizzard but have had several successes. The hope is to cut inland and take the northwest region before striking for the heart.” Holt looked at the group.

Emma swallowed and raised her hand. “Next term?”

“There will likely be changes to the price. The palace will confiscate tuition for those behind on taxes. If you wish to serve, you can work down the debts.”

And my second term is gone. Emma fought the growing desire to slump down and cry. She turned and saw several fidgeting people. A few were slumped in their chairs, staring at the ceiling.

I don’t think we’ll be able to afford the mayorship. Emma swallowed. Maybe Riley can help.

“I’ll leave you to your meal. Afternoon classes are optional for those who need to get their things in order.” Seeker Holt spun and walked to a table.

Lin leaned over. “What are we going to do?”

Emma looked at the two boys who’d joined them. She shook her head. “Talk to Riley? Maybe she can help.”

“She is a Void Mage,” a boy with short, brown hair said. “She’s probably making a fortune.” He looked at Lin. “Can you talk to her for me? Maybe I could move to her barony?”

Lin turned and grimaced. “Maybe? She’s only a potential baron.”

“We’ll try.” Emma leaned back in her chair and watched the servants approach the nobles. She waited for whatever meal they’d get while looking at the other nobles, trying to spot another who might help.

Heads were slumped. Several children from baronies were frowning and staring at the wall. Emma grimaced. How bad is this? Is Riley in debt? She turned back to her table and sighed. I need to get ready.