Chapter 7 Part 1: Threats

Jun stepped out of the carriage, keeping his arm hidden in the shoulder cloak. The island was large enough that they rode to the school. Christopher’s history lessons and maps had proved helpful in keeping track of their route. They passed three cities on their way, each with people waving and greeting them with smiles and congratulations. Jun found their new companion to be an interesting person.

His name was Zain, and just Zain. He was orphaned in Mathanalo, and had made it to the island half a year ago. In that time, he had explored and made a living, fishing, while he waited for the school year to start. Now, he had the privilege of being a guide to the new comers, a service that he was paid to do.

Zain showed them what shops to avoid, and which ones had the type of supplies they would need in school, he also shared how to earn enough to make a decent living. Combat, mercenary jobs, monster raids, crafts, and more. The island had a host of jobs that students could take on to earn a bit on the side. Jun found the idea tedious, recalling college life back on earth. His grades hadn’t been the best, so he had been forced to work while he studied. If not for meeting Ellen, he would have given up and done some trade.

“Well, then Master Jun, and Lady Mei. This concludes the tour. If it has been to your satisfaction, then just head over there and you’ll find yourself at the door of the School of the Chosen.”

Jun could tell the boy was putting on his best behavior, and it was forced. He thanked Zain before guiding Mei in the direction of the School. The gates were wide open, ready to receive the new students. Jun stifled a yawn—last night’s fatigue still weighing on him. Amalie had kept him up, drilling his skill on keeping control of his prayers.

Mei stumbled behind him. Realizing, she was holding off on using her eyes, he waited and then guided her in.

“The opening ceremony is this way!” an older student said. “Grab your uniforms and head over to the dormitory, make sure to be dressed in them for the ceremony!”

“Welcome,” other students waved. The friendly atmosphere was pleasant. Jun however, already noted the colored threads on their uniforms, representing the colors of faith. Red, yellow, blue—no white or silver threads. All colors mixed and mingled.

They arrived at a table and were handed uniforms—no questions asked. Jun marveled and then thought better. They didn’t need the same sort of verification or enrollment as earth did. Just getting to the island meant you could study here. And natives knew when they should come to the school.

An older student directed them to the dormitory buildings and told them to pick a room. Once picked, they only needed to mark it as taken. Mei clung to him as they walked, hobbling—cursing her blind eyes.

“Hey, girls stay over there,” a boy said, watching them come over. His indication was to another building on the other side of the fields. Jun shrugged and proceeded to guide Mei over but she stopped and began to look about. When she paused, she shook her head.

“There you are!” Amalie’s call made some students jump. As she walked forward, the older students parted, some nervous, others expectant. However as she came to Jun, their brows raised, others furrowed.

“Come with me,” she ordered. Jun looked to Mei who only squeezed her hand around his arm. Amalie rushed, forcing Mei to use her prayer so as not to trip. They arrived at a forested garden, with many tracking them with their eyes.

“Stay here, it’s the best I could get you for your situation.”

“What situation?” Jun asked.

Amalie looked out and the peering heads vanished, forcing Jun to reconsider her once more.

“The white flames, and your betrothal.” Her words were a forced hushed tone. “Besides, it will be easier for the two of you to live together so you can teach Mei about writing and help each other adapt to the place.”

Amalie then leaned closer, her voice lowering. “And, I spoke with a few others and it seems there are some Jinshari that have been snooping on the island. We don’t want them to know what you two are up to.”

Jun bristled. He had relaxed the past few months because there had been no activity from the Matriarch, but instead she had sent her people ahead to infiltrate the island. Amalie’s stern expression and clenched hands spoke for her.

“Thank you,” Jun said, bowing slightly. Mei followed suit.

“I promised I would do my best to protect you, and I mean it. On the other side of these gardens is my personal Villa. This,” she indicated to the small home, “was meant to be a storage shed, but I had a few people try to spruce up the place. However, if you need anything, don’t be a stranger.”

Her smile flashed before she left them to explore the place. Jun felt a bit easier, knowing Amalie was on their side, but he wasn’t so sure the home was safe.

He checked it over with Mei, searching for anything the Matriarch could have left and was not disappointed. A small pouch was hidden in a cushion—its heat spotted by Mei. They tore it out and he growled as he recognized the contents—a type of slow acting poison. She was already up to her usual games. In the ripped cushion was a note. Jun turned it over a few times before opening it—satisfied it hadn’t been poisoned as well.

‘You’ll be late,’ the Silver flame chided. Jun shifted. Her silence had given rise to him forgetting the connection he shared.

“It’s been a while,” he muttered, looking over the letter.

A welcome home gift. You’ve been warned.

He crumbled the letter and threw it towards the fireplace.