The terran princess walked away with her paladin guard and roommates. The twins, prince, and princess of Avira remained quiet as they reviewed the class lists. They did not speak until one of their knights gave them the signal that the terran girl was actually gone.
“Do you think she bought it?” Prince Aran asked.
Princess Elora laughed. “If she did, she is more naive than I could have imagined. Your acting was positively atrocious.” She glanced at the knights. “I did not know there would be a paladin with her.”
The prince’s knight nodded. “We suspected… but we were not aware they were already on the grounds. Please be careful, Your Highnesses. While the princess was remarkably calm, I am not sure how we would fare if she actually used her magic,” the man explained.
Prince Aran shook his head. “Father wanted us to push her. To force her to react. She at least has enough sense to not use her magic here.”
Elora shrugged. “I believe we have done our part. If she does not bother us, I believe we should just ignore her. Did you see her rank?” She let out a bark of laughter. “One-hundred forty! She will be out of the school before long anyway.” She shook her head. “No, it’s the Tiloral heir that we must worry about. And she is in my class.”
Aran glanced back toward the doorway. It was clear his thoughts were wandering, as they always did. “I personally have nothing against the terran, but I do not believe for a second that we don’t have to worry about her.”
The princess stared at her brother. After a moment, she narrowed her eyes. “You like her...” she said, the accusation a statement, not a question.
Prince Aran chuckled. “Nothing so simple. She has spirit. I will give her that.”
Elora took a moment to think. “We would be furthering father’s goals if we simply divided the two. Very well. I will focus on the Tiloral girl, you convince the princess to forgo their friendship, brother.”
“I believe your heavy-handed approach with the Tiloral heiress will backfire, Elora. That is a failure father will not suffer.” He played as if he were deep in thought. “In that case, please, do whatever it is you have planned. The plans father has for the Tilorals isn’t central to his entire legacy or anything.”
Princess Elora narrowed her eyes at her brother. “I understand the severity of what father is asking us to do. You… apparently do not.”
“I will do my part, sister. Unlike you, however, I do not like being under his thumb. I prefer a softer approach. What I plan requires a more… long-term strategy. Isn’t it as the knights say during their training? You have to break someone down before you can build them back up?” he replied.
The princess’s knight cleared her throat. “If Lady Roslyn also has a paladin protecting her, then there is only so much we can do other than simply follow the two of you around, Your Highnesses.” The knights glanced at each other. “Unless they actually make an attempt on your lives, which we doubt, we will not be much assistance with your father’s goals,” she said.
Elora and Aran simultaneously waved their concern away.
“I am not overly worried, I will simply need to practice if it comes to magic,” the prince said confidently.
“You will need to do more than simply practice, Your Highness,” his knight stated seriously. “The terran wiped out an army.”
Aran’s eyes narrowed.
Elora tilted her head. “Is the school going to enact its plan to conform to father’s Royal Order?”
Her knight nodded her head. “Yes. They are working through all of what they believe will be necessary. Expect them to be ready in time once the first semester has been completed.”
The two royals nodded their heads.
Changing the subject, Elora glanced at her brother. “What electives will you choose?”
He sniffed. “Combat Foundations, of course.” He shrugged. “And father wishes for me to take Horseback Riding.”
She nodded. “As expected. I do believe I will take art this semester. Along with dancing.”
The prince glanced around and noticed a group of students approaching that were speaking together excitedly. “It’s time I retired for the evening, sister. Enjoy your time in Class One without me while it lasts.”
She laughed. “Of course, little brother.”
He rolled his eyes. “You know that we don’t know who was born first. Father will tell us when he decides who will become heir.”
It was her turn to roll her eyes. “If you believe the one who wins our little contest just so happens to be the one that was born first, then father may as well announce me as Crown Princess, now.”
Aran sighed. “Have a pleasant evening, sister.”
“You as well, Aran. Be careful with the terran… I wouldn’t want to see you get… burned,” she stated with a smile. Her twin rolled his eyes, she knew he would be careful, he always was… if she wasn’t careful, he’d use the princess against her.
“Will I see you tomorrow for breakfast?” Elora asked him.
He returned her smile. “Of course. Order my plate for me?”
She huffed a laugh. “You know I will. You take longer than a girl to get ready in the mornings.”
His eyes lit up with mirth. “It is not my fault you roped your roommates into helping you get ready.”
The two royals laughed as they departed.
Unbeknownst to the other, both their thoughts drifted to magic and terran princesses.
How their own magic would compare to the fiery girl from another world.
And how they could utilize their time in school to pursue their goals.
Gwyn woke to Lorrena gently shaking her. She glanced around, seeing Lorrena almost ready.
Her eyes shot open. I can’t be late on my first day!
“Gwyn?”
“I’m awake!” she said as she jumped up and rushed to grab her things.
“You slept through the morning bell,” Lorrena said. “Once you get the rest, I’ll help you with your hair. We must hurry.”
Gwyn nodded.
It made her rush faster. She would need the help. Rushing always made her forget things.
Mornings were always difficult for her. Usually, it meant having her mom hound her until she was ready. Constantly calling across the hall as Gwyn tried to wash her face, brush her teeth, do her hair, and get dressed.
It took time! And no one wants to wake up in the morning. It wasn’t her fault the bells and alarms were too quiet.
What I would give to have mom be the one to wake me up again…
She grabbed her little bag with everything for the bathroom in the hall and hurried to it. There were several other girls in the room that were getting ready as well. The baths themselves were a series of large wooden tubs. There were attendants that were draining several of them into a hole that sat in the floor.
It seemed that she had missed a chance to take a bath this morning.
Ugh! Why me… I want my shower back.
Placing her bag down on a small shelf next to the water basins, she rushed to do her business in the small stalls that had the horrible toilets she was already used to. Which was really just a hole in a board.
Finally, back at the water basin, she filled it up with the pitcher and washed her face. Grabbing her toothbrush which was a bit rougher than she was used to, she brushed her teeth with the powder stuff that they used as toothpaste. When she had first seen one, she was skeptical, Taenya had told her that it was made of horsehair! By now though, she was used to it.
Before long, she found herself back in her room and putting her school robe on. It, unfortunately, did not look like a certain school of wizardry’s robes, and no owls were bringing her letters, but it was alright.
Yer a wizard, Gwynnie!
One day she’d get her magic class.
The floor-length robes were plain with only minimal adornments along the cuffs. She wore a dark leather belt, then she had a maroon hooded vest that had fancy stitching along the seams. It was held together by three silver chains spaced down her torso. The buttons at the ends of the chains had her house crest on them. Gold stitching of the same arch that resided on her crest along the hood above her head denoted her status as a princess.
Her own robes were not as fancily adorned as the twins’ because they were the prince and princess for Avira.
Of course, they get special treatment.
Jerks.
By the time her lady-in-waiting had helped braid her hair, Calanis had already left without a word to Gwyn or Lore. She had whispered quietly to Daria, but the commoner girl had chosen to remain behind with them.
Gwyn grabbed her leather satchel that had the crest of House Reinhart embroidered on it and followed Lore and Daria out of the door.
The building that held the homerooms was near the center of the Lower School grounds, so they would grab food together and then make their way there.
“Gwyn?” Daria said quietly while slowing down to walk beside her.
“Yes?”
“I think Calanis is scared.”
Both she and Lore turned and looked at the raithe girl in confusion.
“What do you mean?” Gwyn asked.
“This morning. She left early because she is scared to be seen associating with you. After… After yesterday with his and her highnesses,” Daria said, almost as if she were afraid to say it.
Gwyn sighed and Lore scowled, her hands forming into fists.
“Relax, Lore. We knew they would cause problems for us. It’s okay.” She looked at Daria. “Calanis’s mom is a Royal Knight for the queen, correct?”
The girl nodded.
“See, Lore? She’s probably worried about what they could do to her mom. It’s okay. Give her time,” Gwyn said.
Lorrena squinted her eyes but then bowed her head. “I will defer to you on the matter, Your Highness,” she said with deference.
Gwyn sighed again. “Lore, none of that.”
“Yes… Gwyn.”
“Good. Now, let’s get food and head to where we need to go. I have no idea where we’re going,” Gwyn said with a small chuckle.
“It’s okay, Gwyn. I do. I can show you,” Daria assured her.
That made Gwyn smile.
Day one and already have people avoiding me. Woo…
Daria and Lorrena had already left for their classes, the three of them wishing each other luck. Gwyn told Daria to introduce herself to Roslyn and the raithe girl had promised she would, even if she was a bit nervous about speaking to someone of such a high status.
Taking a final deep breath, Gwyn stepped into her homeroom.
Class Fourteen.
The room was filled with hushed conversations and Gwyn was one of the last few to arrive. There were five tables set up with two chairs each with three in the front row and the other two were staggered behind them. Her arrival made the other students turn and watch her as she quietly beelined toward an open spot at the closest table in the second row.
Gwyn gasped as she caught the eye of a boy on the opposite side of the room.
His eyes widened in recognition.
I remember him! The terran boy from the registration line!
She was organizing her supplies and neatly placing them on the table when the last three students entered the class. The first two–both boys–one a high elf and the other a telv sat at the table next to her. The third was an orkun girl.
Gwyn hadn’t seen many orkun but she looked different than any she’d seen yet. The girl had light green skin with freckles all over her cheeks and nose. Her ears were just about the same size as Gwyn’s except that they were more narrow and came to a tip. The girl’s two small tusks just barely covered her top lip.
What was different about her though, was her long auburn-red hair and the bright, deep blue eyes. The girl didn’t have the muscular build that all of the other orkun she’d seen had. She was almost as tall as Gwyn’s own one-hundred seventy centimeters, which was surprising, as the last two seasons had seen her hit by a growth spurt.
Taenya had said it was normal, but that didn’t stop Gwyn’s legs from constantly hurting. She wondered if the girl had the same issue. The girl glanced around the room before focusing on Gwyn. “Hello, is this seat taken?” she asked as she approached.
Gwyn quickly shook her head. “No, please have a seat.”
Nodding her head, the orkun took off her satchel and placed it on the table as she sat.
The girl quickly set up her things and placed her bag on the ground next to her just as the teacher came in.
The teacher was a telv woman who looked about the same age as Gwyn's mom. Which was interesting–all of the other teachers she’d seen were older, and showing their wrinkles, even if just around their eyes.
The woman was wearing a different style of robe and a hooded shawl that was all black. The robe’s outer layer looked like it was just a piece of fabric wrapped around her and draped over her shoulder with a ring. She also had the hood up, whereas she and all of the students had theirs down.
Almost as if on cue, the woman lowered her hood and Gwyn got her first look at the woman's hair. Her hair was pretty and brown with light blonde highlights. It was the first time she'd seen anyone with hair colored and styled like that.
I wonder where she got that done!
The woman skimmed the room, her brown eyes seemed to be appraising each and every one of them.
“I am Professor Valmaer,” she introduced herself, her eyes moving between each student. “I am the Lead Scholar for Class Fourteen. It is my role to determine whether any of you belong within our great Academy. For at the end of this year, any student remaining in this class will be excused. Now, I am sure you all are aware of this, already. My goal will be to remedy your deficit in knowledge and push you out of my class.”
She gestured at the large bookcase behind her that covered the entire wall. There were no whiteboards, no projectors, just the instructor.
Gwyn would have to pay extra attention and take good notes.
The woman continued, “Here you will learn all of your general subjects. Every morning you will arrive here and have all of your things ready. I will begin promptly and will not await anyone. Now, all of you are already low in rank. What you may not have been told thus far, is that your rank can move before each semester exam. Mister Michaels, please stand.”
The terran boy stood up.
“Mister Michaels is ranked one-hundred thirty-one. He is the top-ranked student in this class. Each of you can gain rank and overtake each other within this class. Now, if Mister Michaels gains rank, he will move to Class Thirteen. He is the only student capable of moving out of the class at this time. Anyone in his position is capable of it, should you prove yourself. Remember that,” she stated seriously.
The professor seemed to be already pitting them against each other and it made all of the students glance at each other with guarded expressions. The orkun girl next to her seemed to pull away from her. Her bright eyes narrowed.
In one short speech, she’d turned everyone into enemies.
Ugh…
A version of the polite war was even in the schools. Gwyn was clearly cursed.
“You may be seated Mister Michaels,” Professor Valmaer said dismissively.
The terran boy quickly took his seat. His body language betrayed his nervousness. A large target had been placed on him, and it was clear he did not like the attention.
“Now, we will begin today’s lesson with mathematics. Then we will move to language. Please take out your books and turn to…”
Gwyn had a lot of work to do.
The dining hall was especially busy during lunchtime as she walked in with Amari at her back. Gwyn got her food and found a table that some other students had just stood up from. Amari moved to stand next to the wall. Glancing around, Gwyn did not see anyone that she knew. She wondered if maybe some of the other classes were in the other dining hall.
Someone sat down at her table just as she took a bite of her roll. Glancing up, she noticed Mister Michaels.
“I am Nolan Michaels.”
She furled her brows and glanced around. The boy had obviously wanted to find out more about his fellow human. Gwyn had just hoped to have a friend with her before taking the plunge. She sighed. “Gwyn Reinhart.”
“You’re a terran,” Captain Obvious stated.
Gwyn rolled her eyes. “What gave it away?” she deadpanned.
He sighed and waved his hand. “Yes, yes. Where are you from?”
She narrowed her eyes. “Italia. Di dove sei?” Where are you from?
Mister Michaels goggled at her. “You’re from Terra?”
Wait. What?
She hesitated. Why would he call it that? “What is Terra? Is that why people are calling us terrans?”
He tilted his head. “Of course it is. We’re terran… Why would you–” His eyes widened and he leaned forward. “What do you call the planet you live on?”
It was her turn to be confused. “Uh… Earth?”
The boy collapsed into his hands in such a defeated way. “What… year is it there?”
“Twenty-twenty four–” She paused. “Well, twenty-five now.”
He groaned as he hid his face. Gwyn turned and glanced at Amari who just shrugged.
His shoulders started bouncing slowly. She did not know what to do.
She wasn’t sure how to react to someone that she didn’t know crying right in front of her. Especially a boy. Do boys like hugs when they’re crying? A pat on the back?
“Uh, are you okay?” she asked hesitantly.
He nodded into his hands. She heard him sniffle.
“I’m from the colony of New Galveston. It's a small colony. New. There are only a few thousand of us…” He paused and sniffled a few more times. “We're really far on the frontier, our education is more practical since even the kids have to help with the colony. Everything I know isn't useful here. Sure I know the math, but everything else is so… old. It's four-thousand fourteen,” he explained. His tone sounded… heavy with emotion.
Gwyn's eyes widened in astonishment. The boy was from two thousand years in the future. Her mind raced with questions. “You're from a different planet? Are there aliens? Not just plants or animals, but thinking ones?” She asked excitedly.
The boy glanced up at her and sniffed. “Of course, there are aliens. Why would you think there weren’t?”
Her excitement deflated. “Because everyone said there was no such thing as aliens back home.”
Nolan scoffed. “Look around you, Gwyn. Every different race here is alien to us, just as we are alien to them. We're from different planets. I don't know how whatever brought us here also brought you from the past, but I don't plan to stay here. I will find others from my home, and we will build a ship to take us back,” he declared with determination.
“Do you even know how to build a ship?” she asked gently.
His confidence wavered. “No, but I’m sure one of the others will. I apologize, but time travel is not something the Union has learned. I do not know of a way to get you home. I’m sure the government would provide you safe haven as a fellow terran, though.”
She slowly shook her head. “I have stuff I need to do. I wish you luck in finding others from your people, Nolan.”
His eyes narrowed as he abruptly stood and grabbed his tray of food. “Have a good day, Miss Reinhart.”
She was shocked. Did I say something wrong?
“Miss… Reinhart?”
Gwyn turned to see the orkun girl from her class. The girl seemed nervous and fidgeted as she stood there. “Hi! Can I help you?” Gwyn asked, keeping her tone light.
“May I sit? I saw you two talking and did not wish to interrupt.”
“It’s no problem. I’m not even sure what I did to make him mad!” she said with a small laugh. Boys… The bane of all existence.
Gwyn gestured toward the empty seat next to her, realizing that it was as if her table was quarantined. So far, everyone had avoided sitting with her.
The orkun girl sat and looked at her hesitantly. Gwyn realized she’d need to take the initiative.
“Did you eat?”
The girl nodded. “I did. I am Adrienne. Devereaux. Uh, sorry. Adrienne Devereaux,” she said, reaching out a hand.
Gwyn grasped it and shook. “Gwyn. Nice to meet you, Adrienne.”
“And you. I have been thinking about our class and what the professor said.” She took a deep breath and an errant lock of auburn hair fell into her face. The orkun girl huffed and blew it back out of the way. Gwyn giggled. The girl gave her an amused look and continued, “I do not wish to go an entire year without having any acquaintances. That goes against the entire reason my family sent me to the Kingdom of Avira.”
That made sense. Gwyn hadn’t seen many orkun in the kingdom, not that she was well-traveled. But if the girl was from somewhere else, that would explain it.
It also made Gwyn intensely more interested. Someone from somewhere else? Fascinating. Hopefully somewhere nicer than here. “Where are you from?”
The girl puffed up her chest and straightened her back. “I am from the Kingdom of Blightwych. We are a proud island nation at the southern end of the Aegis Sea. I am from the city of Orlême.”
Gwyn smiled. "That's really cool. I'm from, uh... Earth. Italy, to be precise. However, here, my House is based in Strathmore."
Adrienne gazed at Gwyn expectantly. Realizing she could alleviate the girl's concerns a bit, Gwyn said, “You know, I didn't appreciate the professor's remarks either. It felt like she was trying to turn us against each other. That's quite rude, don't you think?”
Adrienne's smile caused her tusks to protrude slightly more, making her appear even fiercer. “I agree. I want... No, I need to progress. I cannot bring dishonor to my family. Foreigners are seen differently here. What do you say we help each other? Study together and go as far as we can? I can help you navigate the nobility to some extent,” the girl offered.
Gwyn noticed four people approaching from the corner of her eye, the shiny red armor of the adult revealing their identity. “Adrienne, I'd love that. First, let me introduce you to my friends.” Gwyn stood up, and the orkun girl hastily joined her, a puzzled expression on her green face. As she glimpsed over Gwyn's shoulder and spotted the approaching girls and the paladin, her gaze shifted to Amari, her eyes widening and mouth forming an 'O' shape.
“Roslyn! Lorrena. Where have you two been?” Gwyn called out.
Her high elf bestie glanced at Lore. “I told you. She probably didn't even know. I'd say it's our fault, though. We should have gone to fetch her.”
Gwyn arched a brow. “What did I not know, Roz?”
Roslyn chuckled. “Gwyn, you can have lunch wherever you want. You're a princess with a paladin guard, after all. I'd love to see someone try to stop you.”
Gwyn heard Adrienne gulp beside her.
She sighed. "I didn't know! I thought I had to eat here. Did you two eat?"
Lorrena nodded. “...Sorry.”
Gwyn chuckled, seeing her lady-in-waiting still showing signs of nervousness, though it was gradually fading. She just had to keep reassuring the girl. “It's no problem! I'm glad you two ate. Now, Roz, Lore, this is Adrienne,” she said, placing her hand on the orkun's back and gently nudging her forward. “She's from Blightwych and is in my class. She'll be joining our study sessions so she and I can escape the dreaded Class Fourteen.”
Adrienne lifted her hand in a wave and leaned toward Gwyn, lowering her voice to a whisper. “You didn’t tell me you were a princess! Or that you were friends with the heiress of the Tiloral Duchy!”
Gwyn arched an eyebrow. “Adrienne, we just met. It’s fiiiine,” she said, trying to act all nonchalant. She coughed, feeling a bit silly, and then regained her usual composure. “Now, Adrienne. As you are aware, this is Roslyn Tiloral and Lorrena Urileth. And this…” Gwyn hesitated, blinking. She didn’t actually know who the other girl was–a telv girl.
In her excitement to see Roslyn, she had completely overlooked the girl, who didn't even resemble a raithe.
Good going, Me.
“Sorry. I wasn’t paying attention. Where’s Daria?” Gwyn asked.
“Your roommate?” Roslyn asked. “She decided to stay with your other roommate, the girl from Class Two. She was pleasant enough. I see why you suggested she meet me. This… is Salla Renalis. She is the top-ranked student of our year.”
Gwyn nodded to the girl. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Salla.”
The telv girl offered a warm smile and inclined her head. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Reinhart. Miss Tiloral has shared much about you, including the reasons behind the unfortunate situation with your ranking.”
Adrienne's eyebrows furrowed as she glanced at Gwyn. The princess let out a rueful chuckle. “Ah, yes... That. Don't worry, though. I'll be joining you all in Class One soon enough!”
A bell rang in the distance.
Roz stepped forward, embracing Gwyn briefly. “I have no doubt you will! I can't wait. In the meantime, between classes, we can... chill out.”
Gwyn couldn't help but groan. Her friend had a habit of intentionally misquoting her phrases, much to Gwyn's amusement. “Roz, I know you're doing that on purpose!”
Gwyn playfully channeled mana through her hands, chilling them with her ice magic. Roslyn recoiled and shivered. “Rude!”
Gwyn couldn't help but giggle. “That's what you get.”
Salla cleared her throat. “I apologize, but the next classes will be beginning soon. Miss Tiloral, I will see you soon.”
Roslyn and the others exchanged farewells with the telv, and soon they all went their separate ways. Gwyn felt motivated by the encounter with her friend and more optimistic about the day ahead.
As Gwyn and Adrienne walked out of the dining hall, the orkun girl glanced at her. “What was the reasoning behind your ranking, if you don't mind me asking?” Adrienne inquired.
Gwyn sighed. “I studied so hard to get into this school. I was even outperforming Roslyn in our practice sessions... But when I went before that ridiculous board, they didn't even let me take the exam. The Headmaster simply declared me exempt and assigned me rank one-forty” She scowled. “It's utterly infuriating.”
Adrienne's breath caught. “So, you're saying that you might have ranked close to, or even higher than Lady Tiloral, who is ranked fifth?”
Gwyn nodded with surety. “Yes. I had some really good tutors. On the weekends when we get to leave the campus. They’re going to help me study.”
The girl blinked. “You were serious about agreeing to work together?”
“Absolutely,” Gwyn confirmed.
Adrienne let out a relieved breath. “I was so nervous about approaching you. I'm glad I did now.”
Gwyn smiled warmly. “Don't worry, Adrienne. Stick with me, and we'll both find ourselves in Class One soon enough. Now, tell me... do you know any... magic?”
The orkun girl's eyes widened, and her entire posture seemed to falter. Her voice dropped to a whisper. “How did you know?”
Gwyn chuckled and snapped her fingers. A small flame appeared above her thumb.
The girl halted in her tracks, her eyes locked on Gwyn's magic.
With a flick of her wrist, Gwyn extinguished the flame. “Let's get to class. Maybe we can coordinate our electives.”
“But, but…” Adrienne stammered, taking a deep breath. “A–Alright. I'd like to take Combat Foundations.”
Gwyn's chuckle grew. “Perfect. I planned on taking that course too. You know, this school isn’t ready for us, Adrienne.”
Gwyn placed her arm around Adrienne and pulled her closer, whispering conspiratorially, “Roslyn arranged for us to have a private training yard where we can practice magic. What do you say about joining us this weekend?”
Adrienne nodded enthusiastically.
Gwyn couldn't help but smile. Maybe her situation wasn't so dire after all. Her first day at the fantasy school was turning out quite well. She had even made a new friend—a pretty orc girl!
I bet the middle schoolers back home aren’t doing this!
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The terran princess walked away with her paladin guard and roommates. The twins, prince, and princess of Avira remained quiet as they reviewed the class lists. They did not speak until one of their knights gave them the signal that the terran girl was actually gone.
“Do you think she bought it?” Prince Aran asked.
Princess Elora laughed. “If she did, she is more naive than I could have imagined. Your acting was positively atrocious.” She glanced at the knights. “I did not know there would be a paladin with her.”
The prince’s knight nodded. “We suspected… but we were not aware they were already on the grounds. Please be careful, Your Highnesses. While the princess was remarkably calm, I am not sure how we would fare if she actually used her magic,” the man explained.
Prince Aran shook his head. “Father wanted us to push her. To force her to react. She at least has enough sense to not use her magic here.”
Elora shrugged. “I believe we have done our part. If she does not bother us, I believe we should just ignore her. Did you see her rank?” She let out a bark of laughter. “One-hundred forty! She will be out of the school before long anyway.” She shook her head. “No, it’s the Tiloral heir that we must worry about. And she is in my class.”
Aran glanced back toward the doorway. It was clear his thoughts were wandering, as they always did. “I personally have nothing against the terran, but I do not believe for a second that we don’t have to worry about her.”
The princess stared at her brother. After a moment, she narrowed her eyes. “You like her...” she said, the accusation a statement, not a question.
Prince Aran chuckled. “Nothing so simple. She has spirit. I will give her that.”
Elora took a moment to think. “We would be furthering father’s goals if we simply divided the two. Very well. I will focus on the Tiloral girl, you convince the princess to forgo their friendship, brother.”
“I believe your heavy-handed approach with the Tiloral heiress will backfire, Elora. That is a failure father will not suffer.” He played as if he were deep in thought. “In that case, please, do whatever it is you have planned. The plans father has for the Tilorals isn’t central to his entire legacy or anything.”
Princess Elora narrowed her eyes at her brother. “I understand the severity of what father is asking us to do. You… apparently do not.”
“I will do my part, sister. Unlike you, however, I do not like being under his thumb. I prefer a softer approach. What I plan requires a more… long-term strategy. Isn’t it as the knights say during their training? You have to break someone down before you can build them back up?” he replied.
The princess’s knight cleared her throat. “If Lady Roslyn also has a paladin protecting her, then there is only so much we can do other than simply follow the two of you around, Your Highnesses.” The knights glanced at each other. “Unless they actually make an attempt on your lives, which we doubt, we will not be much assistance with your father’s goals,” she said.
Elora and Aran simultaneously waved their concern away.
“I am not overly worried, I will simply need to practice if it comes to magic,” the prince said confidently.
“You will need to do more than simply practice, Your Highness,” his knight stated seriously. “The terran wiped out an army.”
Aran’s eyes narrowed.
Elora tilted her head. “Is the school going to enact its plan to conform to father’s Royal Order?”
Her knight nodded her head. “Yes. They are working through all of what they believe will be necessary. Expect them to be ready in time once the first semester has been completed.”
The two royals nodded their heads.
Changing the subject, Elora glanced at her brother. “What electives will you choose?”
He sniffed. “Combat Foundations, of course.” He shrugged. “And father wishes for me to take Horseback Riding.”
She nodded. “As expected. I do believe I will take art this semester. Along with dancing.”
The prince glanced around and noticed a group of students approaching that were speaking together excitedly. “It’s time I retired for the evening, sister. Enjoy your time in Class One without me while it lasts.”
She laughed. “Of course, little brother.”
He rolled his eyes. “You know that we don’t know who was born first. Father will tell us when he decides who will become heir.”
It was her turn to roll her eyes. “If you believe the one who wins our little contest just so happens to be the one that was born first, then father may as well announce me as Crown Princess, now.”
Aran sighed. “Have a pleasant evening, sister.”
“You as well, Aran. Be careful with the terran… I wouldn’t want to see you get… burned,” she stated with a smile. Her twin rolled his eyes, she knew he would be careful, he always was… if she wasn’t careful, he’d use the princess against her.
“Will I see you tomorrow for breakfast?” Elora asked him.
He returned her smile. “Of course. Order my plate for me?”
She huffed a laugh. “You know I will. You take longer than a girl to get ready in the mornings.”
His eyes lit up with mirth. “It is not my fault you roped your roommates into helping you get ready.”
The two royals laughed as they departed.
Unbeknownst to the other, both their thoughts drifted to magic and terran princesses.
How their own magic would compare to the fiery girl from another world.
And how they could utilize their time in school to pursue their goals.
Gwyn woke to Lorrena gently shaking her. She glanced around, seeing Lorrena almost ready.
Her eyes shot open. I can’t be late on my first day!
“Gwyn?”
“I’m awake!” she said as she jumped up and rushed to grab her things.
“You slept through the morning bell,” Lorrena said. “Once you get the rest, I’ll help you with your hair. We must hurry.”
Gwyn nodded.
It made her rush faster. She would need the help. Rushing always made her forget things.
Mornings were always difficult for her. Usually, it meant having her mom hound her until she was ready. Constantly calling across the hall as Gwyn tried to wash her face, brush her teeth, do her hair, and get dressed.
It took time! And no one wants to wake up in the morning. It wasn’t her fault the bells and alarms were too quiet.
What I would give to have mom be the one to wake me up again…
She grabbed her little bag with everything for the bathroom in the hall and hurried to it. There were several other girls in the room that were getting ready as well. The baths themselves were a series of large wooden tubs. There were attendants that were draining several of them into a hole that sat in the floor.
It seemed that she had missed a chance to take a bath this morning.
Ugh! Why me… I want my shower back.
Placing her bag down on a small shelf next to the water basins, she rushed to do her business in the small stalls that had the horrible toilets she was already used to. Which was really just a hole in a board.
Finally, back at the water basin, she filled it up with the pitcher and washed her face. Grabbing her toothbrush which was a bit rougher than she was used to, she brushed her teeth with the powder stuff that they used as toothpaste. When she had first seen one, she was skeptical, Taenya had told her that it was made of horsehair! By now though, she was used to it.
Before long, she found herself back in her room and putting her school robe on. It, unfortunately, did not look like a certain school of wizardry’s robes, and no owls were bringing her letters, but it was alright.
Yer a wizard, Gwynnie!
One day she’d get her magic class.
The floor-length robes were plain with only minimal adornments along the cuffs. She wore a dark leather belt, then she had a maroon hooded vest that had fancy stitching along the seams. It was held together by three silver chains spaced down her torso. The buttons at the ends of the chains had her house crest on them. Gold stitching of the same arch that resided on her crest along the hood above her head denoted her status as a princess.
Her own robes were not as fancily adorned as the twins’ because they were the prince and princess for Avira.
Of course, they get special treatment.
Jerks.
By the time her lady-in-waiting had helped braid her hair, Calanis had already left without a word to Gwyn or Lore. She had whispered quietly to Daria, but the commoner girl had chosen to remain behind with them.
Gwyn grabbed her leather satchel that had the crest of House Reinhart embroidered on it and followed Lore and Daria out of the door.
The building that held the homerooms was near the center of the Lower School grounds, so they would grab food together and then make their way there.
“Gwyn?” Daria said quietly while slowing down to walk beside her.
“Yes?”
“I think Calanis is scared.”
Both she and Lore turned and looked at the raithe girl in confusion.
“What do you mean?” Gwyn asked.
“This morning. She left early because she is scared to be seen associating with you. After… After yesterday with his and her highnesses,” Daria said, almost as if she were afraid to say it.
Gwyn sighed and Lore scowled, her hands forming into fists.
“Relax, Lore. We knew they would cause problems for us. It’s okay.” She looked at Daria. “Calanis’s mom is a Royal Knight for the queen, correct?”
The girl nodded.
“See, Lore? She’s probably worried about what they could do to her mom. It’s okay. Give her time,” Gwyn said.
Lorrena squinted her eyes but then bowed her head. “I will defer to you on the matter, Your Highness,” she said with deference.
Gwyn sighed again. “Lore, none of that.”
“Yes… Gwyn.”
“Good. Now, let’s get food and head to where we need to go. I have no idea where we’re going,” Gwyn said with a small chuckle.
“It’s okay, Gwyn. I do. I can show you,” Daria assured her.
That made Gwyn smile.
Day one and already have people avoiding me. Woo…
Daria and Lorrena had already left for their classes, the three of them wishing each other luck. Gwyn told Daria to introduce herself to Roslyn and the raithe girl had promised she would, even if she was a bit nervous about speaking to someone of such a high status.
Taking a final deep breath, Gwyn stepped into her homeroom.
Class Fourteen.
The room was filled with hushed conversations and Gwyn was one of the last few to arrive. There were five tables set up with two chairs each with three in the front row and the other two were staggered behind them. Her arrival made the other students turn and watch her as she quietly beelined toward an open spot at the closest table in the second row.
Gwyn gasped as she caught the eye of a boy on the opposite side of the room.
His eyes widened in recognition.
I remember him! The terran boy from the registration line!
She was organizing her supplies and neatly placing them on the table when the last three students entered the class. The first two–both boys–one a high elf and the other a telv sat at the table next to her. The third was an orkun girl.
Gwyn hadn’t seen many orkun but she looked different than any she’d seen yet. The girl had light green skin with freckles all over her cheeks and nose. Her ears were just about the same size as Gwyn’s except that they were more narrow and came to a tip. The girl’s two small tusks just barely covered her top lip.
What was different about her though, was her long auburn-red hair and the bright, deep blue eyes. The girl didn’t have the muscular build that all of the other orkun she’d seen had. She was almost as tall as Gwyn’s own one-hundred seventy centimeters, which was surprising, as the last two seasons had seen her hit by a growth spurt.
Taenya had said it was normal, but that didn’t stop Gwyn’s legs from constantly hurting. She wondered if the girl had the same issue. The girl glanced around the room before focusing on Gwyn. “Hello, is this seat taken?” she asked as she approached.
Gwyn quickly shook her head. “No, please have a seat.”
Nodding her head, the orkun took off her satchel and placed it on the table as she sat.
The girl quickly set up her things and placed her bag on the ground next to her just as the teacher came in.
The teacher was a telv woman who looked about the same age as Gwyn's mom. Which was interesting–all of the other teachers she’d seen were older, and showing their wrinkles, even if just around their eyes.
The woman was wearing a different style of robe and a hooded shawl that was all black. The robe’s outer layer looked like it was just a piece of fabric wrapped around her and draped over her shoulder with a ring. She also had the hood up, whereas she and all of the students had theirs down.
Almost as if on cue, the woman lowered her hood and Gwyn got her first look at the woman's hair. Her hair was pretty and brown with light blonde highlights. It was the first time she'd seen anyone with hair colored and styled like that.
I wonder where she got that done!
The woman skimmed the room, her brown eyes seemed to be appraising each and every one of them.
“I am Professor Valmaer,” she introduced herself, her eyes moving between each student. “I am the Lead Scholar for Class Fourteen. It is my role to determine whether any of you belong within our great Academy. For at the end of this year, any student remaining in this class will be excused. Now, I am sure you all are aware of this, already. My goal will be to remedy your deficit in knowledge and push you out of my class.”
She gestured at the large bookcase behind her that covered the entire wall. There were no whiteboards, no projectors, just the instructor.
Gwyn would have to pay extra attention and take good notes.
The woman continued, “Here you will learn all of your general subjects. Every morning you will arrive here and have all of your things ready. I will begin promptly and will not await anyone. Now, all of you are already low in rank. What you may not have been told thus far, is that your rank can move before each semester exam. Mister Michaels, please stand.”
The terran boy stood up.
“Mister Michaels is ranked one-hundred thirty-one. He is the top-ranked student in this class. Each of you can gain rank and overtake each other within this class. Now, if Mister Michaels gains rank, he will move to Class Thirteen. He is the only student capable of moving out of the class at this time. Anyone in his position is capable of it, should you prove yourself. Remember that,” she stated seriously.
The professor seemed to be already pitting them against each other and it made all of the students glance at each other with guarded expressions. The orkun girl next to her seemed to pull away from her. Her bright eyes narrowed.
In one short speech, she’d turned everyone into enemies.
Ugh…
A version of the polite war was even in the schools. Gwyn was clearly cursed.
“You may be seated Mister Michaels,” Professor Valmaer said dismissively.
The terran boy quickly took his seat. His body language betrayed his nervousness. A large target had been placed on him, and it was clear he did not like the attention.
“Now, we will begin today’s lesson with mathematics. Then we will move to language. Please take out your books and turn to…”
Gwyn had a lot of work to do.
The dining hall was especially busy during lunchtime as she walked in with Amari at her back. Gwyn got her food and found a table that some other students had just stood up from. Amari moved to stand next to the wall. Glancing around, Gwyn did not see anyone that she knew. She wondered if maybe some of the other classes were in the other dining hall.
Someone sat down at her table just as she took a bite of her roll. Glancing up, she noticed Mister Michaels.
“I am Nolan Michaels.”
She furled her brows and glanced around. The boy had obviously wanted to find out more about his fellow human. Gwyn had just hoped to have a friend with her before taking the plunge. She sighed. “Gwyn Reinhart.”
“You’re a terran,” Captain Obvious stated.
Gwyn rolled her eyes. “What gave it away?” she deadpanned.
He sighed and waved his hand. “Yes, yes. Where are you from?”
She narrowed her eyes. “Italia. Di dove sei?” Where are you from?
Mister Michaels goggled at her. “You’re from Terra?”
Wait. What?
She hesitated. Why would he call it that? “What is Terra? Is that why people are calling us terrans?”
He tilted his head. “Of course it is. We’re terran… Why would you–” His eyes widened and he leaned forward. “What do you call the planet you live on?”
It was her turn to be confused. “Uh… Earth?”
The boy collapsed into his hands in such a defeated way. “What… year is it there?”
“Twenty-twenty four–” She paused. “Well, twenty-five now.”
He groaned as he hid his face. Gwyn turned and glanced at Amari who just shrugged.
His shoulders started bouncing slowly. She did not know what to do.
She wasn’t sure how to react to someone that she didn’t know crying right in front of her. Especially a boy. Do boys like hugs when they’re crying? A pat on the back?
“Uh, are you okay?” she asked hesitantly.
He nodded into his hands. She heard him sniffle.
“I’m from the colony of New Galveston. It's a small colony. New. There are only a few thousand of us…” He paused and sniffled a few more times. “We're really far on the frontier, our education is more practical since even the kids have to help with the colony. Everything I know isn't useful here. Sure I know the math, but everything else is so… old. It's four-thousand fourteen,” he explained. His tone sounded… heavy with emotion.
Gwyn's eyes widened in astonishment. The boy was from two thousand years in the future. Her mind raced with questions. “You're from a different planet? Are there aliens? Not just plants or animals, but thinking ones?” She asked excitedly.
The boy glanced up at her and sniffed. “Of course, there are aliens. Why would you think there weren’t?”
Her excitement deflated. “Because everyone said there was no such thing as aliens back home.”
Nolan scoffed. “Look around you, Gwyn. Every different race here is alien to us, just as we are alien to them. We're from different planets. I don't know how whatever brought us here also brought you from the past, but I don't plan to stay here. I will find others from my home, and we will build a ship to take us back,” he declared with determination.
“Do you even know how to build a ship?” she asked gently.
His confidence wavered. “No, but I’m sure one of the others will. I apologize, but time travel is not something the Union has learned. I do not know of a way to get you home. I’m sure the government would provide you safe haven as a fellow terran, though.”
She slowly shook her head. “I have stuff I need to do. I wish you luck in finding others from your people, Nolan.”
His eyes narrowed as he abruptly stood and grabbed his tray of food. “Have a good day, Miss Reinhart.”
She was shocked. Did I say something wrong?
“Miss… Reinhart?”
Gwyn turned to see the orkun girl from her class. The girl seemed nervous and fidgeted as she stood there. “Hi! Can I help you?” Gwyn asked, keeping her tone light.
“May I sit? I saw you two talking and did not wish to interrupt.”
“It’s no problem. I’m not even sure what I did to make him mad!” she said with a small laugh. Boys… The bane of all existence.
Gwyn gestured toward the empty seat next to her, realizing that it was as if her table was quarantined. So far, everyone had avoided sitting with her.
The orkun girl sat and looked at her hesitantly. Gwyn realized she’d need to take the initiative.
“Did you eat?”
The girl nodded. “I did. I am Adrienne. Devereaux. Uh, sorry. Adrienne Devereaux,” she said, reaching out a hand.
Gwyn grasped it and shook. “Gwyn. Nice to meet you, Adrienne.”
“And you. I have been thinking about our class and what the professor said.” She took a deep breath and an errant lock of auburn hair fell into her face. The orkun girl huffed and blew it back out of the way. Gwyn giggled. The girl gave her an amused look and continued, “I do not wish to go an entire year without having any acquaintances. That goes against the entire reason my family sent me to the Kingdom of Avira.”
That made sense. Gwyn hadn’t seen many orkun in the kingdom, not that she was well-traveled. But if the girl was from somewhere else, that would explain it.
It also made Gwyn intensely more interested. Someone from somewhere else? Fascinating. Hopefully somewhere nicer than here. “Where are you from?”
The girl puffed up her chest and straightened her back. “I am from the Kingdom of Blightwych. We are a proud island nation at the southern end of the Aegis Sea. I am from the city of Orlême.”
Gwyn smiled. "That's really cool. I'm from, uh... Earth. Italy, to be precise. However, here, my House is based in Strathmore."
Adrienne gazed at Gwyn expectantly. Realizing she could alleviate the girl's concerns a bit, Gwyn said, “You know, I didn't appreciate the professor's remarks either. It felt like she was trying to turn us against each other. That's quite rude, don't you think?”
Adrienne's smile caused her tusks to protrude slightly more, making her appear even fiercer. “I agree. I want... No, I need to progress. I cannot bring dishonor to my family. Foreigners are seen differently here. What do you say we help each other? Study together and go as far as we can? I can help you navigate the nobility to some extent,” the girl offered.
Gwyn noticed four people approaching from the corner of her eye, the shiny red armor of the adult revealing their identity. “Adrienne, I'd love that. First, let me introduce you to my friends.” Gwyn stood up, and the orkun girl hastily joined her, a puzzled expression on her green face. As she glimpsed over Gwyn's shoulder and spotted the approaching girls and the paladin, her gaze shifted to Amari, her eyes widening and mouth forming an 'O' shape.
“Roslyn! Lorrena. Where have you two been?” Gwyn called out.
Her high elf bestie glanced at Lore. “I told you. She probably didn't even know. I'd say it's our fault, though. We should have gone to fetch her.”
Gwyn arched a brow. “What did I not know, Roz?”
Roslyn chuckled. “Gwyn, you can have lunch wherever you want. You're a princess with a paladin guard, after all. I'd love to see someone try to stop you.”
Gwyn heard Adrienne gulp beside her.
She sighed. "I didn't know! I thought I had to eat here. Did you two eat?"
Lorrena nodded. “...Sorry.”
Gwyn chuckled, seeing her lady-in-waiting still showing signs of nervousness, though it was gradually fading. She just had to keep reassuring the girl. “It's no problem! I'm glad you two ate. Now, Roz, Lore, this is Adrienne,” she said, placing her hand on the orkun's back and gently nudging her forward. “She's from Blightwych and is in my class. She'll be joining our study sessions so she and I can escape the dreaded Class Fourteen.”
Adrienne lifted her hand in a wave and leaned toward Gwyn, lowering her voice to a whisper. “You didn’t tell me you were a princess! Or that you were friends with the heiress of the Tiloral Duchy!”
Gwyn arched an eyebrow. “Adrienne, we just met. It’s fiiiine,” she said, trying to act all nonchalant. She coughed, feeling a bit silly, and then regained her usual composure. “Now, Adrienne. As you are aware, this is Roslyn Tiloral and Lorrena Urileth. And this…” Gwyn hesitated, blinking. She didn’t actually know who the other girl was–a telv girl.
In her excitement to see Roslyn, she had completely overlooked the girl, who didn't even resemble a raithe.
Good going, Me.
“Sorry. I wasn’t paying attention. Where’s Daria?” Gwyn asked.
“Your roommate?” Roslyn asked. “She decided to stay with your other roommate, the girl from Class Two. She was pleasant enough. I see why you suggested she meet me. This… is Salla Renalis. She is the top-ranked student of our year.”
Gwyn nodded to the girl. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Salla.”
The telv girl offered a warm smile and inclined her head. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Reinhart. Miss Tiloral has shared much about you, including the reasons behind the unfortunate situation with your ranking.”
Adrienne's eyebrows furrowed as she glanced at Gwyn. The princess let out a rueful chuckle. “Ah, yes... That. Don't worry, though. I'll be joining you all in Class One soon enough!”
A bell rang in the distance.
Roz stepped forward, embracing Gwyn briefly. “I have no doubt you will! I can't wait. In the meantime, between classes, we can... chill out.”
Gwyn couldn't help but groan. Her friend had a habit of intentionally misquoting her phrases, much to Gwyn's amusement. “Roz, I know you're doing that on purpose!”
Gwyn playfully channeled mana through her hands, chilling them with her ice magic. Roslyn recoiled and shivered. “Rude!”
Gwyn couldn't help but giggle. “That's what you get.”
Salla cleared her throat. “I apologize, but the next classes will be beginning soon. Miss Tiloral, I will see you soon.”
Roslyn and the others exchanged farewells with the telv, and soon they all went their separate ways. Gwyn felt motivated by the encounter with her friend and more optimistic about the day ahead.
As Gwyn and Adrienne walked out of the dining hall, the orkun girl glanced at her. “What was the reasoning behind your ranking, if you don't mind me asking?” Adrienne inquired.
Gwyn sighed. “I studied so hard to get into this school. I was even outperforming Roslyn in our practice sessions... But when I went before that ridiculous board, they didn't even let me take the exam. The Headmaster simply declared me exempt and assigned me rank one-forty” She scowled. “It's utterly infuriating.”
Adrienne's breath caught. “So, you're saying that you might have ranked close to, or even higher than Lady Tiloral, who is ranked fifth?”
Gwyn nodded with surety. “Yes. I had some really good tutors. On the weekends when we get to leave the campus. They’re going to help me study.”
The girl blinked. “You were serious about agreeing to work together?”
“Absolutely,” Gwyn confirmed.
Adrienne let out a relieved breath. “I was so nervous about approaching you. I'm glad I did now.”
Gwyn smiled warmly. “Don't worry, Adrienne. Stick with me, and we'll both find ourselves in Class One soon enough. Now, tell me... do you know any... magic?”
The orkun girl's eyes widened, and her entire posture seemed to falter. Her voice dropped to a whisper. “How did you know?”
Gwyn chuckled and snapped her fingers. A small flame appeared above her thumb.
The girl halted in her tracks, her eyes locked on Gwyn's magic.
With a flick of her wrist, Gwyn extinguished the flame. “Let's get to class. Maybe we can coordinate our electives.”
“But, but…” Adrienne stammered, taking a deep breath. “A–Alright. I'd like to take Combat Foundations.”
Gwyn's chuckle grew. “Perfect. I planned on taking that course too. You know, this school isn’t ready for us, Adrienne.”
Gwyn placed her arm around Adrienne and pulled her closer, whispering conspiratorially, “Roslyn arranged for us to have a private training yard where we can practice magic. What do you say about joining us this weekend?”
Adrienne nodded enthusiastically.
Gwyn couldn't help but smile. Maybe her situation wasn't so dire after all. Her first day at the fantasy school was turning out quite well. She had even made a new friend—a pretty orc girl!
I bet the middle schoolers back home aren’t doing this!
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