Summoner 16, page 18
“You’re picking everything up so fast,” I observed. “If it wasn’t for your accent, you’d almost sound like a local.”
“Accent is bad?” Freya frowned.
“Not at all,” I laughed. “I love it.”
“Good.” She nodded decisively. “I do not know how to change my voice.”
I walked with her to Arwyn’s classroom, and I squeezed her hand warmly before I pulled away. Then I was alone once more, and I headed toward the warehouse where my previous summoning class had been. I was suddenly aware of the curious glances and furtive whispers as I passed by my fellow students, though, but I kept my head held high as I crossed the yard.
During my first year of being a summoner at the Academy, my peers and I had met in a dingy classroom inside the warehouse. The room number on my schedule seemed similar, so I assumed my second-year class would meet in the same general location. As I neared the building, I noticed several students wearing the same navy-blue robes I was.
“Hey,” I called as I waved to one of my fellow summoners. “Do you know where the second-year class meets?”
The boy had floppy straw-colored hair that hung over his eyes, and I noticed a direct resemblance to a mop, but I gave him a friendly smile as I waited for his response.
“You’re a second year?” His voice was full of awe. “I heard you’ve been fighting monsters since before I was born.”
“Sure am,” I chuckled. “So, do you know where the classroom is?”
“Y-Yes, of course,” the kid stammered, and his hair swung to the side as he swiveled to point to the far side of the warehouse. “Behind the building, up a set of stairs to the second floor.”
“That’s ironic.” I smirked.
“What?” The kid blinked at me in confusion.
“Oh, never mind,” I said, and I waved my hand. “Thanks for your help.”
“Yeah, no problem!” He straightened his shoulders as a smile stretched across his face.
I waved goodbye, and then I trotted to where he’d pointed. I was met with a rickety iron staircase that was attached to the outside of the warehouse. A metal grate served as a landing at the top, but the door hung open, so I ducked inside.
I blinked to adjust to the sudden change in light as I stepped into the shadowy room, but once my eyes refocused, I discovered I was in a small classroom. The walls were metal, but had an orange hue which made me think there could be xanyarstone added into the materials. Gas lamps hung from the rafters at evenly spaced intervals, but they did little to illuminate the corners of the room. As my eyes trailed down from the ceiling, I noticed the three long tables that occupied the space, and a fat, darkly stained wooden desk was situated at the front.
An old man sat behind the desk, and he held a book in one hand while he stroked his beard with the other. He had short, completely white hair that was slicked back against his head with some sort of gel. He completely ignored the students filtering into the room behind me, so I took a seat at one of the tables and folded my hands across the surface in front of me.
Four other students followed me in, a boy and a girl I didn’t recognize, but then Braden and Layla joined me at my table, and I welcomed them with a wide grin. The other two cast me curious glances but didn’t say anything as they took their seats. They sat together with an empty table between us, but even with their backs to me, I could tell they were still focused on us.
“Where were you this morning?” I asked my hazel-eyed lover. “I missed you at breakfast.”
“I have a stockpile of pastries I keep in my dorm room for when I want to sleep in,” Layla informed me in a proud tone. “Besides, it’s good for you to miss me. It makes you smile really big when you see me, and I like that.”
Suddenly, the teacher snapped his book shut and placed it heavily on his desk. It made a resounding thud that echoed off the metal walls, and everyone fell into an anticipatory silence.
“We have a new student,” he announced in a surprisingly young sounding voice. “Everyone say hello to Gryff of Njordenfalls.”
“Hi, Gryff,” the two students in front of me muttered without looking at me.
“Hey, man,” Braden said with a wry grin.
“Hello, sexy,” Layla added in a loud enough voice for the whole room to hear.
“I take it some of you are already familiar with our new addition,” the teacher noted in an amused tone. “While I’ve heard a great deal, I don’t think we’ve ever met before.”
“We have not,” I confirmed with a bow of my head.
“My name is Mister Sheffield, but you can also call me Professor Sheffield, or Mister S, but never Sheffy. I’ve been teaching summoning at the Academy for fifteen years now, and before that I worked with a company specializing in retrieving monster loot.” My teacher gave me a warm smile. “Welcome to Summoning Year Two, Mister Gryff. It is nice to finally put a face to the name.”
“Thanks.” I smiled self-consciously. I was ready for him to stop talking about me and to get on with the class.
“Now,” the professor said as he rubbed his hands together, “what’s on the agenda today?”
I raised my hand.
“Yes, Mister Gryff?” Mister Sheffield asked with one busy gray eyebrow arched.
“Isn’t that what you’re supposed to tell us?” I asked.
“Generally speaking, yes,” he replied. “I like to hear your ideas, though. I find students learn better when they feel a sense of control over the education process.”
“Okay,” I countered, and my excitement grew. “I want to learn methods for extending my mana reserves with bigger summons.”
“Larger monsters simply require more mana,” Mister Sheffield replied. “Most summoners are only capable of controlling a bigger monster for one move, and then they are unable to continue the battle.”
“Not all summoners are like that,” I argued. “I can control bigger monsters just fine, but I have a few crystals I don’t think I could master yet. I’d like to learn a way to strengthen my mana.”
“Unfortunately, I do not have the answers you seek,” my teacher said with a dramatic sigh.
“So, what will you cover?” I pushed in a curious tone.
“This unit has been focused primarily on the weak spots on lower grade monsters,” my teacher explained. “We also went over the basic types of monster classifications and why the divisions were necessary. You actually chose a good time to join us, this is mostly a review period before midterms.”
“That’s great.” I grinned.
“Let’s go over the criteria for Grade D classification,” he said as he slipped effortlessly into the lesson plan.
I suddenly realized I didn’t have any of my textbooks, but when I glanced over at Layla, I was surprised to see the petite summoner had already opened her book to the Grade D chapter. The list of criteria were there in black and white, and then Layla scribbled the words onto her paper with furious motions.
I was happy to see her showing some enthusiasm for learning, even if it was stuff we’d already learned in the field or from Arwyn.
The lesson continued, and Mister Sheffield droned on and on about the mating cycles of ogres versus box ogres, but I found myself struggling to pay attention.
When the bell finally rang, I blinked around as the handful of students rose from their seats and headed toward the door.
“Mister Gryff,” the teacher called out as I moved to follow Braden and Layla, “a moment of your time, please.”
“Yeah, sure,” I replied, and I waved my friends off.
Once we were alone in the room, the old man motioned for me to come closer to the desk, and he leaned his forearms against the surface as he gave me a scrutinizing look.
“You didn’t seem very interested in the lesson today,” Mister Sheffield observed in a calm voice. “I hope this isn’t a case of getting a big head just because you’ve completed a couple of missions.”
“A couple of missions?” I arched an eyebrow and crossed my arms over my chest.
“I do not mean to undermine the contributions you have made in the war against the monsters,” he added in a cautious voice. “However, you must make an effort not to discount the value of your education. You still have much to learn from our grand Academy.”
“I completely agree.” I softened my expression slightly, but the condescension in my teacher’s voice rankled me. “I’m just waiting for someone other than Miss Hamner to teach me something I don’t already know.”
“You’re pretty cocky, aren’t you?” Mister Sheffield almost sounded impressed. “So, you’re telling me you already know everything I covered today.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’ve known what a Grade D monster was since before I came to this school.”
“I see.” The older man narrowed his eyes, and his bushy white eyebrows nearly covered them completely. “Well, then you shouldn’t have any issues passing your midterms.”
“I don’t think I will.” I couldn’t help the confident grin spreading across my face. He could think I was cocky all he wanted, I knew what I was capable of.
“I suppose I shouldn’t keep you any longer, then,” Mister Sheffield said, and he waved a hand dismissively. “I’m sure I’ve made you late to your next class.”
“Thank you, sir,” I replied, and without saying anything else, I turned and left the room.
What an insufferable bag of bones, Dio noted from inside his crystal.
I didn’t comment and chose to focus on getting to my next class instead. Proving myself wasn’t an unfamiliar task for me, so I knew Mister Sheffield would come around eventually. All I had to do was concentrate on passing my midterms and marrying the woman of my dreams. The rest would fall into place on its own.
After my experiences with my other classes since my return to the Academy, I shouldn’t have been surprised by the timidity of my Survival Skills class, but I was disappointed yet again. The professor, a tall slender man with wispy brown hair and a mustache aptly named Mister Wood, spent the entire time discussing the necessity of dry fuel for a campfire.
He did tell a story about his personal experience being lost in the wilderness, which created a momentary break from the grinding monotony of his lecture. While the man seemed capable and clear headed himself, he didn’t seem to think there was any urgency to our curriculum.
Was this a consequence of having so many Enclavers attend the Academy?
Anyone who had grown up inside the protection of a xanyarstone wall probably didn’t have any experience with starting a fire or building a shelter, but I’d spent most of my life on the road with Maelor in the Wilds, so my skills were beyond the entry level lesson being presented.
I restrained my groans and eye rolls like a good student, though, but I couldn’t resist the sigh of relief that escaped my lips when the bell rang to signal the period of boring torture had finally come to an end. I was grateful Mister Wood didn’t single me out or make me stay after class to chat like some of my other teachers had, and I trotted toward the dining hall with a smile on my face.
It was officially lunch time, and I’d get to sit with all my friends while we enjoyed the amazing food provided by the Academy.
Does that mean I can come out of this blasted prison cell? Dio asked in an impatient tone.
I chuckled to myself as I pulled out his crystal and tossed the fang shaped stone to the ground. It only took me a moment to scoop up the kitten sized monster and place him in his usual spot. Sometimes the cat-like creature would curl up and fall asleep, and with the flap closed it was almost impossible to tell what was inside the pouch. At other times, my familiar would peek his head out and hang his awkwardly long fangs over the edge as he peered around.
I could sense our connection strengthening, and I could tell my monster was getting more comfortable with me. There was less power struggle and more camaraderie.
Did Layla and Cyra have a similar experience when they first got their familiars?
One of the good things about being back home was how I could finally take my time researching all my questions and the mysteries plaguing me. I could sit and talk to my friends, discuss my newfound abilities with experienced mages, and dig through books from the library whenever I wanted to.
Being back in Varle also meant the chances of me running into Jace were much lower. She’d admitted to following me, but the security at the Academy, and in Varle Enclave in general, was some of the best in the world. It would be hard for an army, let alone one woman, to penetrate the protective walls and get to me.
Although, the day the Academy was last attacked flashed through my mind. An animandu man named Antoine had infiltrated the Headmaster’s office on the orders of the corrupted councilwoman, Miriam Sharpay. Petyr had died during that incident, and Sleet himself had been badly injured, but Antoine also lost his life as a consequence.
Without the help of the councilwoman, the attack would never have happened, though, so I was confident there was little chance of Jace following in Antoine’s footsteps. Plus, the Academy had initiated a more severe set of security policies since then, and with Gallahar Kenefick as Grand Mage, Varle Enclave was safer than it had ever been before.
Stop looking so gloomy, Dio instructed in an annoyed voice. Let’s go see the ladies. That always makes me feel better.
“Me, too.” I smirked.
My familiar had a point. No use thinking about things if I didn’t need to. It was time to enjoy my friends and get back into a normal life. So, I shook off my deep thoughts, squared my shoulders, and increased my stride.
A short while later, I sat at a table crowded with my friends. My mysterious news had spread to everyone I hadn’t seen at breakfast, so no one wanted to miss out on another chance to hear about my conversation with the Headmaster. I waited until we’d all eaten lunch, and the idle conversation started to dwindle, before I cleared my throat.
“Oh, fuck, it’s time!” Layla squealed as she bounced up and down in her seat.
I laughed and looked around at the expectant faces staring back at me. I sat on the edge closest to the teacher’s table at the front of the dining hall with Erin directly to my left. Beyond the orange-haired pilot, Braden had one large arm wrapped around Mati as she leaned her head against his chest, and Varleth, Orenn, and Gawain occupied the bench beside my roommate. On the other end of the table, Freya was sandwiched between Layla and Cyra, with Ashla and Nia sitting directly in front of me.
Arwyn wasn’t here, but I was sure I would have plenty of time to update the beautiful professor during our next tutoring session.
“So… ?” Nia asked slowly with an encouraging smile. “What’s your big news?”
“Yeah, we’re all here now,” Ashla added. “No more stalling.”
“Did you get married again?” Cyra teased.
“You got a new power?” Erin guessed.
“No, no,” I laughed, and I waved my hands like I could knock their words out of the air. “Nothing crazy, really.”
I paused for a long moment to add drama, and I could sense the tension build as I looked into each of their faces.
“I got a job,” I stated in a calm voice. “You’re looking at the new professor of First Year Summoning.”
No one reacted for a moment, and I wondered if they’d even heard me, but then Layla frowned, and her mouth popped open.
“You’re teaching?” She blinked for a second, then a look crossed her face, and she scrunched up her nose. “Wait, isn’t that what Rori teaches?”
“Yeah,” I confirmed with a shrug. “Well, it’s what he used to teach. He quit, but he told Sleet I’d be a good choice to replace him.”
“No way,” Braden breathed with eyes widened.
“Wait, what?” Layla’s mouth gaped open. “You’re a teacher now?”
“You’re serious?” Nia’s eyes were bright with joy. “That’s amazing, Gryff.”
“Whoa,” Erin murmured. “I wasn’t expecting that.”
“I know, right?” Cyra laughed. “Just when you think you’ve heard and seen it all, Captain Gryff still keeps things surprising and interesting.”
“They’re really trusting you with a whole class?” Gawain sounded skeptical.
“Gryff practically taught our class last year,” Layla informed him. “He’s a better teacher than that drunk Rori.”
“Mister Brevens did the best he could,” Braden commented, “but, I have to agree, if it wasn’t for Gryff, I wouldn’t have learned much last year.”
“If Gryff can conquer the entire Southern continent and come back with a head full of goddesses and a shapeshifting wife,” Varleth declared as he shot me an uncharacteristic smile, “then he can definitely handle some first years.”
“Okay, I’ll give you that,” Gawain said with some reluctance. “You do manage to defy the odds on a regular basis.”
“I’ll take that as a vote of confidence,” I chuckled.
“I’ll second the vote,” Braden said with a big smile. “Congrats, man.”
“Congratulations,” the fire mage echoed with a begrudging look of pride.
“You’re growing up fast,” Ashla noted with a teasing smile.
Suddenly, Maelor strode up to our table with loud huffs and puffs like he’d been running. He gripped his knee with one hand while he inhaled deep breaths, and he took a moment to swipe the moisture from his brow before he looked up at us.
“Sorry to barge in and everything,” he mumbled, and his eyes darted nervously around at our faces. “If you young folks don’t mind, I need the boys to come with me. Right now.”
“What for?” I asked as I rose from my seat.
“Not you, Gryff,” Maelor said instead of giving me an answer. Then he turned to nod at my guy friends. “Just Gawain, Orenn, Varleth, and Braden.”
“Right now?” Varleth drawled in a reluctant tone.
“Is this a school related request?” Gawain asked with an upturned nose.
“Quit yer yapping and move yer asses,” Maelor grumbled, and he gestured for the men to follow him as he turned and headed back the way he’d come.
