A week has passed since their frightening encounter in the woods, the group have been training for the upcoming war games event the following week. Fenris and Gwin have been improving, if only by a very small amount. Evaline tried her best to teach both of them but they always have trouble keeping up with her kind but strict teaching style. They didn’t fare any better in combat class, just barely accomplishing the exercises given. Kassius, on the other hand, had his mind on that encounter. How he was able to hear that voice, how his name appeared on the altar, and how that figure felt familiar. All throughout class, Kassius only had his mind on that encounter, almost completely ignoring everything around him to the point that he had to be snapped out of it by a slap from Gwin.
He was especially deep in this thought during a History of Gaia class. Sir Leonard had been teaching them about the division of the Vidacaris and the origins of the different clans. While not the most boring class from him thus far, Kassius wasn’t paying attention, mostly due to his mind occupied with a horrifying image of a dark figure. Kassius was staring blankly out the window, thinking and wondering when he felt a sensation on his elbow. Fenris nudged him to get his attention.
“Where are you?” he asked. Kassius turned to Fenris but he didn’t know what to say. He didn’t want to worry Fenris, and he didn’t want to remind Fenris about what they saw.
He tried to show that he wasn’t thinking about that day by feigning a smile. “I’m here, don’t worry.” he said, trying to keep his smile.
Despite his effort to reassure him, Fenris still kept looking, with concern growing on his face. Kassius looked over at the seats across from where he and Fenris were, and saw Gwin and Evaline also looking concerned for him.
“I’m fine, really. I’m just nervous about the war games.” Kassius said.
At this Fenris, Gwin and Evaline, reverted back to their normal expressions, and changed their expressions to that of stress and nervousness. Out of nowhere, an ancient and loud voice was heard.
“Excuse me, is there something you would like to share with the class?” the voice said. Kassius looked towards the front and saw Sir Leonard looking at him and the group, along with the rest of the class.
They sat silent, embarrassed and trying to think of what to say. Kassius stood up, thinking about what he should say then thought of something to ask instead.
“We were just wondering sir, since you are our history teacher…” Kassius paused for a few moments, wondering how this might sound. He took a small breath and decided to go for it.
“I was wondering if you knew about anything or anyone called “the Forgotten”?” Kassius asked, tensing up slightly expecting either a confused, frustrated, or questioning look from Sir Leonard. However, what he saw instead was a slightly shocked look before he spoke.
“I’m surprised you know about that, Mr….Kassius.” he said, wiping his glasses. Kassius sat back down perplexed by his reaction.
“You are an orphan of the other world, yes?” Sir Leonard asked Kassius, Kassius nodded. “I assume you may have heard some of the adults talk about this.” He said, as he put his glasses back on and took a deep breath.
“I will only tell you what you need to know, as kids should not be concerning themselves with such matters.” He said becoming more serious than Kassius or any of the class has ever seen him.
“The Forgotten are a group of individuals that have made their beliefs heard through……less than desirable means.” he explained in a huff. The class began to sit up and pay more attention than they usually would in Sir Leonard’s class.
“These individuals are dangerous and you kids should not be anywhere near them.” he said seemingly finishing his explanation. Kassius wanted to ask about the figure but he couldn’t figure how to say it without revealing what had happened. Then another student asked a question.
“What race are they?” Sir Leonard stopped his turn and focused back to the class. “They never associated themselves with any of the races, some believe that they are a group consisting of multiple races.” he answered.
Before he could turn back, Gwin asked a question so quickly that it was obvious that she was desperate. “What do they want?” she asked. Sir Leonard looked at the rest of the class grimly.
“They have said that they’re goal is to bring their people back, through their lord. Which lord they were talking about no one knows.” Sir Leonard said with a big sigh.
“That’s enough about that group, we have much to discuss.” Sir Leonard said, perking his head up and trying to ignore the discussion that just happened.
The rest of the class time was as boring as ever, no one was paying attention to the actual lessons. Time passed by so fast that before they knew it, their break had started. Kassius gathered his stuff and proceeded towards the door before Sir Leonard stopped him.
“Listen, Kassius, if you are to encounter any individual remotely suspicious you are to contact the teachers first. Understood?” Sir Leonard said, eyeing Kassius with a hard and grim look.
Kassius nodded, feeling worse about asking, seeing how even an adult would be afraid of them. He proceeded out the classroom door, seeing his friends waiting for him outside.
“Never thought I’d pay attention in history.” Fenris said. “Were you thinking about that day this entire week, Kassius?” Gwin asked.
Kassius looked at all of them, and nodded reluctantly. He expected to be scolded, especially by Gwin, but to his surprise they stood silent for a few moments before Evaline started to talk.
“Why don’t we go to the library to find out more?” she suggested. The rest of the group nodded, and they headed towards the library.
As it was break, not a lot of students were in the library, all of the first years were at break and only a few of the older students sat at the tables of the library. Gwin bolted towards a section of books and started to skim through them swiftly, before Kassius and the others could settle in the table.
“You’d think that someone gave her the library as a gift, with how fast she’s reading the books.” said Evaline. Kassius and Fenris laughed, and saw a few students looking at them curiously and disgusted. Kassius looked towards Evaline, and saw her trying to ignore the students, focusing on her books, even though she only had a few.
Ever since Evaline started hanging out with Kassius and the others, many people have been wondering why a royal fairy would hang out with a Hekcim, a Farathore, and a random human. Most gossip out of jealousy while others seem to think that she doesn’t belong with us. She was the most popular girl in the school even among the older students, due to her reputation, beauty, and elegance. So much so that everyone wanted to be her friend, just to get the perks of being her friend.The first few times we got those kind of looks, Evaline would fuss over how it’s her fault but Kassius and the others never really minded saying “We would’ve gotten those looks with or without you.”.
The group snapped out of their thoughts at the sound of a loud bang in front of them. Gwin came back with a stack of books that she gathered after she skimmed through an entire section for what only seemed like a few minutes.
“I found a few books we could start with.” Gwin said casually, unfazed by the groups’ stares. “You have nothing better to do in your life but read do you?” Fenris said sarcastically, earning a disgusted look from Gwin.
Kassius knew that Gwin had always been a bookworm, ever since he and Fenris met her in the library at the start of the year. She had always been the one helping him out with class, and on some occasions, Fenris if he didn’t make her mad or vice versa.
“How do you expect us to go through all this by the end of our break?” Fenris said, groaning out of frustration.
“By reading, you do know how to do that right?” Gwin said sarcastically, with a small grin. Kassius and EValine chuckled, while Fenris grumbled as he grabbed a book and began to read.
Kassius took a book from the pile and Evaline followed suit. They each read their books quietly, Fenris occasionally yawning as he slowly turned each page of his, Gwin intensely skimming through each page as if she was on a timer and Evaline going through hers carefully. Kassius looked at his and saw that a lot of the information was about extinct species of animals. He was confused as to why Gwin got this but he didn’t want to disturb her as she looked like she was about to burst at any moment.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
As each of them read through the pile, their looks went from determination to utter defeat. They found no information about the Forgotten in any of the books they read. “This was great, our whole break wasted on nothing.” Fenris complained and Gwin and Evaline gave him a nasty look, and he recoiled in response. Gwin sighed in defeat and fatigue as she closed her book and dropped it on the table.
“Nothing, how can there be nothing about them?” Gwin asked, curling her brow. Evaline looked as confused and defeated as Gwin.
“Let’s head to the dining hall, we might be able to get some snacks before the next class.” Evaline suggested. The group all stood and packed their things. As they packed up their stuff, a worn book fell out of Kassius’ bag onto the table.
He picked it up and saw that it was the book he received on his birthday. He was hit with a sudden realization, they never thought to check for information in this book. As his friends left, Kassius instinctively sat back down and turned the page automatically, to the story of the six lords. He re-read the story, looking for anything that could possibly give him any information about the Forgotten, then he found himself stuck on the ending of the story.
“A towering armored figure, dark armor, and feathered robe….” Kassius read silently and slowly. As he read those words, a feeling of dread went over him and he remembered the encounter in the woods. “….the return of our lord will soon be upon us.” the words of the figure echoed in Kassius’ mind. As he repeated these lines to himself over and over, he began to form a picture in his imagination, he then realized what the figure meant, they were going to bring back that armored figure. He bolted out of the library and frantically looked for his friends.
He caught up with them as they were walking down a flight of stairs. “Guys!” he yelled, nearly out of breath as he ran as fast as he could. They all turned to him as he stopped and dropped onto Fenris’ shoulder. “I know what they’re doing.” Kassius looked at them confused and grim, and they returned the same looks.
As the rest of the day went by, the group finished their classes as quickly as they could. The group would sneak in conversations when the teacher wasn’t looking. By the time their last class ended, they headed for the library to make sense of it all.
“You’re telling me that these Forgotten guys are trying to bring back one of the old lords?” Fenris asked. Kassius nodded and a serious look came over everyone.
“It would make sense, the other six were remembered by every race, while the last one was only remembered in that one story.” Evaline said.
“That’s not entirely true Eva.” Gwin said grimmly. They all looked towards her. “This seventh lord has always been a huge mystery to the people of Gaia.” Gwin explained.
“And because of that, the Hekcim naturally were curious about him. Myth or not, we tried to figure out what he was or who he was, according to my dad at least.”
Gwin said deep in thought and pacing slightly. “While the other races were worshiping and praising their own lords, the Hekcim didn’t have one so we decided to study that one unknown in the story. But we never got far into it.”
As Gwin finished her explanation the group sat silent. Kassius had many thoughts in his head, among them were “who was this lord?” and “how did he have worshipers when know one remembered him?”. Kassius thought about calling Fara and Meos for some information but he then told himself that he wouldn’t want to bother them with something like this.
“What are you kids up to in the library at this hour?” a voice said from behind Kassius. Kassius jumped slightly and the group looked up to see the headmistress of the school looking over them, smiling gently.
“Um Miss Irene…. Uh we were just….um..” Gwin stumbled over each word while the rest were sitting silently. “Calm yourself Miss Xenides, I was just making conversation.” Miss Irene said politely, with Gwin still speechless.
Kassius remained speechless for a while too, and he realized that he had never heard Gwin’s last name before, nor anyone else’s besides Hazel. “Um, we're just doing a little bit of studying, headmistress.” Evaline said as calmly as she could.
The headmistress looked around at them with the same gentle look. “Very studious, aren’t we?” Miss Irene said, and they all nodded immediately. “I suggest taking a deeper look at that if you want to find what you are looking for.” Miss Irene said, gesturing down to Kassius’ hands, still holding his worn book.
They all sat speechless, unable to process what was happening at the moment. “Although, I do suggest you all start preparing for the War Games, it will be interesting this year.” she said smiling. “Best of luck, to you all.” she said, as she left the table and went out of the library.
As they watch her leave, the group sighed a breath of relief, relaxing their tense bodies from the ominous atmosphere.
“What was that about?” Kassius asked, confused and looking to everyone for answers but they all shrugged at the question. Baffled from the unusual encounter, they all sat silent. Kassius’ mind drifted into what Ms. Irene said.
She suggested “ taking a deeper look at that….”, he wondered if she really meant taking a look at his book. Evaline then spoke, bringing everyone back to the library from their thoughts.
“We should probably focus on the War Games, shouldn’t we?” Evaline said, Gwin then slammed the table. “She’s right! We need to prepare, the games are on friday this week.” Gwin said, standing and pacing furiously. Fenris grumbled at being startled twice in a row and Evaline tried to calm Gwin down as she paced back and forth, while Kassius kept his attention to his book.
“Don’t worry about it, we’ve trained and practiced a lot.” Fenris nonchalantly said and laid back on his chair.
“Besides, I’m sure they’re just making out to be these intimidating games to scare us.” Fenris continued. “I don’t think so.” Evaline said grimly.
“I heard that the games can range from fights with monsters, to team battles where they allow real weapons.” Evaline explained.
“While there were no deaths a lot of students end up in the infirmary because of the games.” As Evaline finished, Fenris’ carefree nature disappeared. “How do you know all of this?” Kassius asked.
“I’ve gotten asked to join other teams, I didn’t know what it was for until last week.” Evaline explained. “I even got invited by Adonis.” As she said this, the group gave disgusted looks.
“Don’t worry, I turned him down….along with tying him up to the field tree.” They all laughed, lifting their spirits a little bit.
“Whatever happens, I’m sure we’ll be alright.” Kassius said, reassuring the rest of the group. He looked up at one of the windows and noticed that it was sunset already, and he looked around to see most of the library empty. The group packed up their things and proceeded out of the library, and moved on to their separate dorms.
As Kassius and Fenris enter their dorm, they are greeted by the usual enthusiasm of Hazel, by the door. “Are you guys ready for the games?” He said with a big smile on his face, as he put his arms around the two boys.
“As ready as we’ll ever be.” Kassius said failing to match Hazel’s energy, while slightly suffocating. Fenris could only struggle to get away from the lock. Hazel then let go of the two, allowing them to breathe in any air they weren’t able to.
“How’s your team?” Fenris asked. “Oh we’re doing great, Zeke has improved a lot since the first day and this girl, Myrtia Hunneman, was a great addition, she blended in well.” Hazel said, as brightly as ever.
“How about Peony?” Kassius asked, slightly concerned. Hazel stood silent for a moment, and spoke. “Peony is a special case…..” Hazel said with less enthusiasm than usual, Kassius looked concerned.
“She’s doing her best to support the team, for what it’s worth.” Hazel explained, trying to keep his smile and his composure, but it was obvious that Peony was not the best in their team, or in the class.” Fenris pats Hazel on the back, understanding the disappointment.
“Hey, I’m sure she’s not that bad.” Kassius tried hard to defend Peony, but the looks on their faces kept them disappointed, making Kassius’ argument less valid by the second.
“Good luck to you indeed, Lee.” a voice said with a slow clap from behind Hazel. They all turned to see Adonis and his pose in front of them, with smug looks. “What do you want, Adonis?” Fenris asked seriously.
“I’m just here to wish you all luck, seeing as all of you WILL need it. Especially you, Lee, given that sorry excuse for a teammate of yours.” Adonis said smiling, and his pose laughing at his statement. Kassius instinctively stepped up to him, to the point there was little space between him, ready for a fight after his joke. Adonis too was readying for fight, with his pose backing him up. Fenris backed Kassius up, and both groups were standing still staring each other down, the tension growing.
The lounge was silent as everyone could see the two clearly facing off. The students in the lounge waited for one of the two to make a move but before they could Hazel stopped them. “Cool it guys.” Hazel said as he put his hand on both Kassius’ and Adonis’ shoulder. The two boys kept their eyes on each other, with malice and aggression in them. Hazel then made eye contact with Kassius and shook his head slightly, signaling him not to do anything.
This had been the most serious that Kassius had seen him since the first day of classes. Kassius backed away, acknowledging Hazel’s request. Adonis’ expression turned to one of smug victory and he turned away and said
“You’ll get what’s coming to you.” and walked away with his pose chuckling. As Adonis and his posse left and went to their dorm rooms, the atmosphere in the lounge became more relaxed and Kassius and Fenris relaxed their tense bodies and minds.
“He’s right though, Peony is not gonna survive the games with the way she is.” Hazel said grimly. Kassius put his hand over his shoulder and gave him a reassured look trying to lighten his spirits. Fenris too put his hand on his shoulder, helping out Kassius in lightening up their friend.
They went to their rooms after the eventful day they had. Kassius tried to fall asleep but his mind drifted to the upcoming games. He was wondering what could possibly happen in the games. His mind also drifted to what Miss Irene said about his book, and he wondered if she knew something about the Forgotten. All the thoughts in his head eventually tired him out and he slept from overusing his brain too much.