Chapter 28 A MARCH OF GLORY
Chapter 28 A MARCH OF GLORY
Morning came faster than I imagined, I had barely closed my eyes when there was a loud banging at my door. “Oy, kid, get up! It's first light!” The guard who replaced the two that had died was a retired veteran and he didn't care about our opinions. He followed the rules strictly and I have heard students whisper about how he was renowned as a pyromaniac.
I sat up from my bed and went into the bathroom, the memories of the other day flooding bsck into my head. Aseryn’s death still hung over me like a plague, it felt like I’d killed him.
I shook, not because of that feeling but because I felt a little sad that I hadn't. I realized I hated the boy more than I would admit, he’d been a thorn in my path and I could never forget the day he trapped me in that dungeon.
I still hated Rassari and Vianka but for some reason, I couldn't help but feel that they needed my compassion at this point in time.
When I finished dressing up, I pushed my door open. I was in my uniform and Ciora had helped me style it at the tailor’s shop three days ago. Now instead of a long straight skirt, I was wearing a tighter one with a flower design at its tip. My coat was also a little larger, the man had used a bit of magic to enlarge it.
I liked how I looked and the culprit who talked me into looking this way was standing in front of my door smiling. “Someone looks pretty,” she chuckled.
“Yeah, I don't think you should be laughing, please.” I chastised.
“Yeah, right. Sorry.” she said. “Although I genuinely don't feel any sadness for the boy. Felt like he had it coming!” she shrugged.
“Don't feel sorry for him, feel sorry for Zephyr.” I remained adamant.
“Zephyr doesn't really like him either. He was an asshole to everyone.”
“He is still his brother. He might not show it but I know he is hurt. Family, good or bad, it hurts when they leave. I still cry sometimes for the death of my parents, and I don't even have any memories of them,” I said, staring at the horizon.
Ciora nodded. “I guess you are right, come on let's go!” she said simply, trying to divert us from the talk of death.
We headed to the assembly ground where most of the other first year kids were already. The head teacher, Hernabella and the other teachers were standing at the elevated pavement, waiting for everyone to gather.
I felt they might probably want to postpone the competition, considering what happened. We scanned the area for either Zephyr or Payten but we couldn't spot either so we just decided to gather ourselves with the others.
There were about two hundred first-year students on the ground. Most of us didn't take classes together as the classes were split into groups. Class A was for most of the highborns and they seldom mixed with other classes.
Class B was for people considered elites but were not high born while Class C was for the mundane.
Zephyr had enrolled in Class C on purpose due to his lack of belief in a system that classifies people based on their societal standing.
The head master stepped up to the stand. “First years,” she said with a smile. “Naturally this should be the first time you are meeting me, but I have met some of you privately…” she said and I could feel her eyes looking directly at Ciora and I. “And others met me yesterday when I came to announce the terrible news that befell us.” she heaved a sigh.
“We initially wanted to stop this competition from happening and have today as a day for silence for the Andorins, considering this loss of ours is particularly close to them. However, Mister Andorin, in his infallible kindness will not have such happen. He said he didn't want the death of Aseryn to leave a black stain on this school! He has decided to double his sponsorship for this year’s competition so first years, we will dedicate this year’s First Year Gauntlet to Aseryn Andorin!”
The entire grounds cheered and even the teachers clapped. I spotted Nesari in the far corner, her eyes seemed lost in thoughts, all she did was reposition herself when they clapped. She didn't seem interested in the whole thing.
“Today we will commence. All of you head out to the arena, your seniors and other dignitaries are waiting. Before you go, remember, the completion has already started, everything from your entrance to your composure will be written down. Remember, you carry the weight of three other classmates, don't fail your pairs, don't fail your tutors and most especially, do not fail yourself!”
A rapid silence spread on the students like a virus. We all waited, even Ciora and I stood still awaiting the word everyone had always gossiped about. It was something that every town and village had heard of.
A simple word that was assigned to this united front of humanity against demons. It was uttered by a battle mage during one of the earliest battles against the ghouls and demons and till today it became a standard battle cry.
The head teacher however stepped back and when we all thought she wasn't going to say it. Kraegon, the blind warrior, walked forward and yelled in a deep and ancient voice. “GLORY!!”
Everyone yelled back the word and headed on to the arena! I felt elated. Even though I had no magic and I was probably going to fail my team, I felt elated and inspired. It was an enigma how one word could inspire generations of people.
The tournament had begun at last and as we headed to the arena, Zephyr and Payten joined us. The two of them had already restyled their uniforms too. They even had a head band tied to their heads.
I took one look at Zephyr and the boy smiled back at me. “We are going to win this whole thing!” he screamed
The four of us yelled. “GLORY!!”