“Hey kid.”

Taní winced as the voice reignited a dull ache in his temple. He tried to ignore it, but the longer it lingered, the hotter it became until he believed boiling blood to be trickling down his face.

He wiped away the heat, but instead of meeting liquid, he found only a tender bump. The moment his fingers brushed against it, he let out a sharp, low hiss as a stabbing-throb threatened to burst from the bubble.

“Can you not? It was a hassle getting the swelling down. I don’t want you aggravating it.”

Taní pried his eyes open, but instead of being met with a kind face, he saw only the backside of a woman. Judging by her bright blue and white attire with a red teardrop insignia on her shoulder cape, she was a healer.

Taní sat up, but the moment his head left the cushion, the world revolted in a screech of colors. His strength escaped him, and he crashed back onto the bed, the pain reigniting like a forest fire.

“Kid…” The woman turned to him, her amethyst-onyx eyes displaying nothing short of complete disinterest mingled with dark rings. “Do you want to walk out of here with all your motor functions intact, or do you wanna turn into an amnesiac?”

“Uh…”

“You know what, don’t even answer. You’d only hurt your brain at this rate.”

Taní grunted as the acute ache in his temple worsened. God, he never knew processing the world could be so draining. He just wanted to sleep again. Wait…

“Misses?” Taní’s voice wavered.

“Don’t think I won’t seal your mouth closed.”

“What happened to me?”

She sighed. “They caught you breaking into the academy, and though you were partially successful, your Sedd must’ve given out.”

A rush of confusion drowned out Taní’s discomfort. “Sedd…? But I can’t use it.”

“You most certainly were, unless you mean to tell me that stick of yours is—in truth—a blood-stained relic.”

Taní laughed, though the act left him lightheaded. “Yeah, that’s not it…still doesn’t explain how I got here.”

“Oh, that? Dragoncheeks said the barrier rejected. Y’know, ill-will.” Her slightly tired eyes sharpened. “Right, you can’t even use Sedd. Rejection’s when the Firmament resets an item. Usually, weapons and abnormalities. Your blade must’ve been pretty close to your head during the orientation of your swing, so…” The nurse lifted a chilled pouch to her side. “You gave yourself a nasty bump. Still, I’m surprised you can even talk. You’re pretty lucky, kid.”

Taní bit back a scream as the chilly touch of the bag sowed icy needles into the throbbing heat’s advance. It helped, but the agony it wrought made him wish otherwise.

In a thin voice, he asked, “How long was I out for?”

“Four hours.”

Taní groaned. It was already the afternoon, and he had yet to meet the Deputy Headmaster? The man probably didn’t even know he existed.

A rhythmic tapping drew Taní’s attention to the large window at his side. The partially sealed shutters limited his vision, though he could still make out the oppressive grayness of the storm, as well as the droplets of rejuvenating rain that sang as they struck the transparent seal.

Well, at least the day looked as poor as it had gone.

Reassured by Valeço’s mood, Taní sank into his bed. “When can I leave?”

“Once I deem you fit for release. For now, you should rest,” the nurse answered, turning away.

“Yeah yeah…”

The minutes turned into hours as the afternoon dragged on. Sitting around and doing nothing was bad enough, but knowing he couldn’t do anything? That was worse. He needed to learn! Wasting his time imprisoned would serve no one.

Taní reached for his sword but felt nothing. Not even the loop of the makeshift scabbard. A quick inspection revealed that the pants he was wearing hadn’t been his old pair. Mother of… Stuffing down his embarrassment, he felt for the straps of his knapsack, though they weren’t there either.

Nothing was.

Taní shot up, his mind racing with questions as to the location of his belongings, though he quickly came to regret it as the full weight of his agony came crashing down like an unholy lance forged from the hottest thunderbolt. It split his head in twain, reducing his vision to a red flash. He fell back onto the bed with a low, long groan, feeling worse for wear. God, how could the pain go away but still be there?

“Misses…” he moaned.

“Can’t you just be quiet?” she hissed, sounding like she was close to breaking whatever it was she was holding.

“Where’s my stuff…?”

“Of course you’re just going to ignore me… You can find your belongings stored in my office. Once you’ve made an adequate recovery, you can retrieve them, but for now, rest.” The sound of approaching footsteps grew louder until he saw her looming over him. Her broad, plastic smile stitched to the corners of her cheeks. “And if you keep talking, your stay will be extended, and I know neither of us wants that. Understand?”

Deprived of his will to fight, Taní gave a reluctant nod. Thankfully, that didn’t aggravate the ache.

The woman flashed him a genuine smile, then returned to her station. More silence, more rain. God, Taní hated when nothing happened. He couldn’t idle! Not while he was a Juneacão.

Taní required all the training and equipment he could receive. Except a horse. He didn’t want to rely on those unsightly beasts ever again.

Perhaps the Juries might show him mercy and ignore his past. Not that he wanted to join the northern ones. They were too strict, especially Ilaçel. Then again, they were probably only like that because they were royal guards.

I wonder if they get paid good.

Taní shut his eyes and imagined a world where he was a full-fledged Juneacão. The legendary quests they’d task him with, the fair maidens that would fawn over him, the songs they’d sing in his honor… Yes, from Tyrem and back, his deeds would be praised! Just like all the old Juneacão he admired.

He only had to try. Like Voen and Eleusted.

Time must’ve passed faster than he anticipated, as by the time he next glanced outside the window, the world had gone dark. The nurse was nowhere to be found, and the unreal light fluctuating upon the ceiling had dimmed to a comfortable degree. He slowly shifted to the edge of his bed, waiting for the nausea and heat to return, but when they didn’t, he threw his legs off the bed.

The exhaustion was there, but a good night’s sleep would fix it.

Righting himself, Taní hesitated. He had no real accommodations here, nor a uniform or whatever a “Brand” was. Good blood, he didn’t even have a schedule yet. Maybe he could walk into any class he wanted and learn from there. That didn’t sound like a bad idea.

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A harrowing ache split his stomach as his body scrounged for nonexistent leftovers to nibble on. The ghastly growl followed suit, filling the nurse’s office with the terrible roar of an ancient, cranky evil. Right…he still hadn’t eaten that day.

“Nurse?” he called, his voice ringing off the walls.

Twenty seconds passed before he repeated the call, but there was nothing. His “room” was little more than a set of partitions walling off the rest of the nurse’s office, save for a slot that three people could fit through simultaneously. Once he grew restless, he peeked outside his little haven and found the place littered with rooms on either side. They were all empty, which meant…

Taní sighed. She was on break, wasn’t she? God, now he’d never retrieve his knapsack. That blasted thing held his only source of nutrients on this moon-ridden island. Sure, they were mostly saltines and jerky tougher than a boot, but something was better than nothing.

Taní’s heart froze as the sound of air pushing through the cracks of a door shattered the calm. Panicking, he bolted back to his bed, hoping that the nurse hadn’t glimpsed him as she entered. He stubbed his toe against the metal of the bed, cursed, and fell onto the plush cushion, his back facing the partitions. All the while praying he hadn’t made too much noise.

The echo of descending footsteps grew louder with every second, and while he entertained the idea of pretending to be asleep, he was tired of being alone. A conversation with the nurse didn’t sound too bad. Maybe she’d even—

“Young Taní, correct?”

“Yeah, I—” Taní paused. That voice didn’t belong to anyone he knew. He rolled over and faced the speaker, which so happened to be the old man accompanying Eleanor. “Wait, who are you?”

“I’m the man who saw you knock yourself cold. Rather impressive feat, or foolish. Most folk ain’t brave enough to go through with the choice.”

Taní tossed an exasperated glance at the ceiling. “Yeah…wasn’t my first choice.”

“But to nearly tear through the entrance like it was nothing… You’ve got a deep Well, kid.”

“Thanks, there’s only one issue.”

The man cocked a brow. “That being?”

“I can’t even use Sedd.”

“But you did.”

“No, that was just my sword,” Taní admitted with a low whisper.

“Normal weaponry won’t work on a rejection unless it’s blood-stained or powered by Sedd. So, either that thing’s graced, or you Awakened,” the old man reasoned.

Taní squirmed. “A stick of wood being a blood-stained relic?”

“Stranger things’ve happened. Wouldn’t rule out the possibility if I were you. Odd choice of material, but people are quirky. Who knows, might even have a story attached to it.”

“A happy one?”

A thoughtful glint shone in the man’s eyes. “No…unassuming things like these never have good stories.”

Taní propped himself on his elbow. “What makes you say that?”

“People choose real things to love. Even people comfortable with a counterfeit always long for the genuine article. Just means they wanted something more than anything else.”

A resonating pulse inverted the world, and who he saw appeared neither old nor young. Just…alive. Present.

A nostalgic heat emanated from his peripheral, yet that girl would not show. Maybe he deserved that.

The old man drew closer to Taní, dispelling the vision. He used a cane in the guise of a striking serpent with feathers to move around. Similar to the old gods of Déqom. A slight jut near the handle denied the otherwise seamless design.

“You really don’t think your Sedd works, do you?” the man asked, a faint scar etched across his weathered nose.

Taní adjusted himself until he was sitting cross-legged on the bed. “Not really. It’s never worked before.”

“That’s the funny thing about Sedd: Bloody thing’s a mushpot. Won’t Awaken until it knows you’re true, but you get inklings along the way. Especially if it’s something you want.” The man leaned on his cane. “Might not seem like it, but trust me. You’ll know when you feel it.”

“I just felt really hot.”

“But not tired or sweaty?”

“Yeah…” Taní looked at him, skeptical. “How do you know?”

“Cuz that’s how Sedd feels. Doesn’t explain how you tore through the barrier… He’s a sturdy bastard. Not even a third-year can put a dent in it.”

Taní blinked. Him? Put a dent in it? If a third-year couldn’t damage it—someone with traditional training and greater potential than he—then where would that put him? “H-Has this ever happened before? You know…someone tearing down the barrier.”

The old man grunted. “Can’t say it has. We test the walls every few years. Y’know, make sure they’re running optimally. Not saying they can’t be broken, but intruders don’t like us. Let’s keep it like that.”

“What—” Taní’s voice fell to a murmur. “What does that say about me?”

“Don’t know, so why don’t we find out?”

“Huh? Sure, I guess, but you aren’t really a teacher.”

“No, but I am the Deputy Headmaster, so overseeing your education is a part of my duties.”

Taní gaped. “You’re the guy who made me wait two hours?”

The Deputy Headmaster barked with laughter. “Sorry about that. I was roped into some faculty drama.”

“Did you seriously have to make me wait that long?”

“No, but this was something that required my immediate attention. Try to understand.”

As much as Taní wanted to dismiss his terrible apology, he knew it wouldn’t be wise to get on the man’s bad side.

With an air of reluctance, Taní sighed. “Sure, I guess…”

“Thank you. Now, introductions. My name’s Sierez.” He held out a hand. “Sierez de Adena.”

Taní perked up. “De Adena? That’s where Danza’s from.”

“Mm. Good man. Had plenty of brothers growing up, but he was the only one outside my family.” Sierez waited until Taní took the cue, and once they shook hands, he continued. “I’m glad we’ve finally met, Taní. I can see that Danza wasn’t lying.”

Taní tilted his head. “About what?”

“Said you were a hard worker, just didn’t know it. Like I said, not many kids can bring down a barrier. You’ve got talent.”

“Yeah, I was—” A terrible growl cut Taní’s response short. In the confined space of the nurse’s room, it was deafening. Just hearing it made him hurt worse than the physical discomfort of hunger.

“Right. You haven’t had lunch yet, have you?” Sierez asked.

“Unfortunately.” Taní looked away sheepishly. “Got caught up in moving around and I never got the chance to eat.”

“Were you never offered a meal on the ship? It’s courtesy of the academy.”

“I…no,” came a shy third voice.

Taní turned his gaze to the slot, discovering an almost timid Eleanor barely peeking around the corner. Her eyes hidden by her gilded locks. “I’m ashamed to admit I did not extend this courtesy to our esteemed guest, Master.”

“Ellie,” Sierez’s voice took on a sharp edge, “your actions reflect that of the academy. Do you truly believe Taní, a student rightfully accepted by law, undeserving of a meal?”

“I…yes, I did, Master, and I apologize for that. Truly. I’ve shirked my duties, and worse, have left D’Histell with an abysmal impression of our honorable school. I’ll accept all punishments you deem fit for my misconduct, so please… Forgive me.” Eleanor stepped into the greater slot and bowed, but not to Sierez. It was to him. Taní. “Forgive me, D’Histell.”

A thousand thoughts raced through Taní’s stunned mind. He had the power to make someone feel worse. Someone who sought nothing more than forgiveness. Just like him when all those squires had cast him out from their circles. It made him feel…odd. Not because he enjoyed it, but because he hated the slight tremor that racked her form.

So, he said the first thing his mind could wrangle. “Yeah, no problem. We’re all good.”

Eleanor’s head whipped up, eyes wide. “Truly? You mean that?”

“Yeah. It’s no spine in my mouth.”

“Ah! Thank you!” She bowed again, but even more deeply. “God be good! Thank you, D’Histell. Truly.”

“Well…” Sierez rounded her so that he could face Taní. “I’ve never seen our lovely Art instructor so animated. You really know how to get to a woman’s heart, don’t you, kid?”

Shooting the man a deathly glare, she simultaneously fashioned a package from her side. In her hand, she held a colorful box woven from natural fibers. A lusarello. Few knew of its genuine history, but Danza had gone to great lengths just to remind him that these “gifts” were tokens of affection. Ones crafted by men and women seeking the favor of passing preservers. After all, what could be more welcoming than a hot meal after a long day’s travel?

“I…well, I took the liberty of purchasing you lunch. Right after informing Master of your arrival, that is.” Eleanor averted her saffron-chambray eyes from Taní’s. “What I did was inexcusable. Rather, it’s what I didn’t do that’s weighed upon my conscience. No one should go without succor, yet here you are. I apologize for my tardiness. If I were fleet of foot, or had abstained from my purchase, then the accident could’ve been avoided. I—” She bowed her head once more. “Forgive me.”

Taní smiled. “I already said I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

“Yes, of course. My apologies.”

After some more awkward standing around, Taní finally accepted her offer, and undid the seals on the box. They were stubborn to prevent leakage, though it was a worthy sacrifice for the condition it kept the food in.

Removing the lid, he found a helping of butter-fried rice, what appeared to be glazed chicken, some pork, beef of all things, an egg tart neatly tucked away in the corner, and a medley of steamed vegetables. The mere smell of which made his water mouth. This was the type of food the nobility ate.

“Ellie,” Sierez breathed sweetly, “why don’t you keep young Taní company until Ylissa returns?”

Eleanor looked at the old man, then to Taní. Her brow knit with apprehension. “Would that not inconvenience you?”

“Nah.” Taní scooted over, making space on his bed. “I was getting bored, anyways.”

Eleanor took her seat beside him. They initially struggled to get a conversation going, but once they did, it was thanks to her efforts. She guided him through the meal, drawing his utensil to the tastiest portion. That being the beef, or as she called it, “steak.”

Taní made several efforts to partake of the tart, but she would gently reprimand him before steering his utensils to the meat. “Protein is important for a growing body,” she would say. He wasn’t really looking for instruction. If anything, he just wanted to stuff his face full, but he followed her guidance out of respect.

Partway through the meal, as he crunched on a mouthful of veggies, Sierez laughed. Taní cocked a brow at the man, and when Eleanor pried for an explanation, he chuckled, “I’m glad you made your first friend, that’s all.”