Dean hawthorne headmaste.., p.34
Dean Hawthorne: Headmaster of a Magical Academy, page 34
Jeremy has his own thoughts on the matter but didn't want to argue.
“So, it was you then?”
“The matter is settled. I don’t want to hear any more about it. Now about that house cat.” He glared at Mercury’s small form. “Don't think I didn't notice your attempt to switch the topic.”
With his father’s acknowledgement regarding the enhancement powder, Jeremy felt like he could breathe a bit easier, his newfound relief making him realize just how exhausted he truly was. The strain of the day and the accumulated stress took their toll on his body; Jeremy felt ready to collapse into his bed for some much needed, worry-free, sleep. Knowing there was no winning with his father, he chose his words carefully.
“I'm sorry he’s not what you expected, Father.” With Mercury witnessing the whole exchange, his attempts to appease his father proved more difficult than he imagined. He looked down at his familiar, remembering the pride he felt when something finally responded to his summons. He refused to be ashamed of that.
“He certainly isn’t! I would be ashamed to call something like that my contracted beast!”
“I guess it's a good thing he's not your familiar. He’s mine, and I plan to keep it that way. Don't be deceived by his looks, he’s much stronger than you think. I've seen him in action and—” A slap to the face cut off Jeremy’s words, that and his father’s scowl telling him to stop talking.
“You will listen to me, boy. No good will come from having a weakling by your side. It's the same with people. The weak are destroyed, leaving only the powerful. If you want to survive you must gather as much strength as you can. Align yourself with the powerful, or in this case a powerful beast. I expect that thing out of my house immediately. I refuse to accept it as your contracted familiar. Such a disappointment,” he mumbled his final thoughts under his breath, shooing his son from his office.
Jeremy kept a neutral expression even as red bloomed on his cheek, knowing that any emotion contrary to what his father wanted to see would only make things worse.
“Let's go,” Jeremy told Mercury telepathically as he turned toward the door. “Good night, Father,” he said, leaving the man alone in his study.
Once in the hallway with only the guards standing by, Jeremy allowed himself to relax a little, knowing he would likely not see his father for the rest of his time at home.
“He seems nice,” Mercury murmured sarcastically, keeping pace with Jeremy.
“Don't worry, I won’t cancel our contact, but it's safer for you to return for now. I'm sorry.”
“Don't be. I understand,” Mercury reassured him.
Jeremy pulled out his wand to dispel the magic, leaving him truly alone in the estate. He planned to avoid his father as much as possible for the next week, having already gotten the information he needed from him. With his father's sour mood, Jeremy knew it wouldn’t be that hard of a task; the man had never been known to make any offer of peace in the past.
What a way to end the year, he grumbled to himself, heading toward his room on the other side of the estate.
Chapter
Forty-Eight
HEXEREI ACADEMY
The New Year’s and Winter festivals passed by in a flash, the city of Alastor upholding their grand traditions for another year. I enjoyed my vacation, relaxing in solitude for the most part, the few stragglers about the school having no reason to visit the dean.
Jodie had gone home for the duration of the break, leaving just me and Luna to ourselves. Of course, she was overly-excited about everything Alastor had to offer in celebration, and we went to every festival, party, and firework display held by the city. I invited Evelyn on our outings, most of which she joined.
Her son, Bryan, accompanied her to a few of the events, which gave me the opportunity to prod him for information about the demon cult worshippers. Despite my efforts to extract the information, the man had no updates on the ongoing investigations, the cases growing colder as the time passed by. I tried not to dwell on it too much, knowing the watch would do their due diligence for the case. Instead, I focused on enjoying the offered events, allowing myself to be dragged around by my excited companions.
It was honestly one of the best holiday seasons I’d had in quite some time. With so much going on, I barely had any time to worry about the stacks of paperwork in my office; a dean's work is never truly done. I, of course, wasn't expected to work during the academy's break, so this was fine, and things resumed as normal the following week.
Students returned to the campus; classes picked up where they left off. The renewed spirit and focus of returning to the school routine from the break provided a surge in the students’ desire to work. Everyone prepared for the new-year kingdom-wide tournament. The tournament followed the return to classes by a week, allowing the preparations to be made after the break festivities. This tournament was different from the “Clashing of the Wands” festival, as it invited the winners from every academy across the entire Kingdom of Orion, the goal to crown a single winner from the bunch.
Those that won the title of the champion were given a reward from the king himself, a great honor in the Kingdom. In addition, the person who proved to be the strongest fighter was usually offered a high-ranking position upon graduating from the academy, the job itself dependent upon the student’s individualized strengths revealed in battle.
The prestige could be applied to adventuring as well, the winner likely to jump to the higher ranks upon entering a guild of their choice. Higher rankings were important, as they allowed adventurers to choose more-difficult missions, which offered more-lucrative rewards.
Alastor, as the home of the King himself, hosted the new-year tournament, the victors of ‘The Clashing of the Wands’ from the kingdom's multiple territories traveling for the occasion. The nearby inns were secured in advance to house the visitors, and while Hexerei held the responsibility of accommodating the students participating in the tournaments, those that chose to make the trip as spectators had to find their own lodging.
Of course, the inns farther from the school were open and willing to support the influx of visitors, and Alastor had never had a problem supporting the event in the past. For those unable to travel, either by way of carriage or teleportation magic, they were still able to view the matches through the school's grand communication crystal.
This larger stone connected to the various magic academies across the kingdom, projecting the entire arena to their corresponding communication crystals. As the dean, it was my duty to prepare for our visitors, ready Hexerei to receive them, and to ensure our communication crystal was in working order for the day of the event.
In the days preceding the tournament, the participants began to arrive. Those unable to access teleportation magic chose to travel by horse and carriage, so they preferred to start their journey early to prepare for any unforeseen delays. While nothing major occurred in the days prior to the event, the students were welcome to explore Alastor and all the city had to offer.
Unlike the Clashing of the Wands where students created and ran booths for the celebration, this kingdom-wide tournament was open to public vendors and allowed businesses from all over to submit a request for a lot during the festival. Here they could set up their stalls and offer their wares. This turned the tournament into a festival, creating excitement for even those not interested in the battle.
Our school arena featured the same set-up as before, but this time instead of having multiple platforms, there would only be one. This allowed the entire audience to focus on a single match and highlighted the importance of each fight. Special balcony seating around the area remained reserved for any higher-ranking nobles that requested it, while a central, larger balcony housed the King and his closest advisors. I was also extended this preferential seating, the space big enough for myself and a few chosen guests.
On the morning of the event, hours before the tournament was set to begin, the campus bustled with preparation. Vendors spent the early hours setting up their makeshift shops, while last-minute students arrived from all across the kingdom. Some civilian spectators were in the mix, already trying to secure good seats before the tournament’s start.
I oversaw the commotion from my office window as I went over the plans laid out for the day. The competition included six challengers from each magical academy across the kingdom, the overall winner and the runner-up from each of the grade levels. Unlike in the Clashing of the Wands, the battles were not determined by the students’ year, but instead were randomized.
Professor Haile was in charge of the tournament chart, her job being to keep track of the wins and losses and determine the competitors for the succeeding matches. So that the tournament didn't last for days, it was a single elimination competition, the goal to find the strongest among the students participating.
“It's time, sir,” Jodie reminded me of my next obligation.
“Thank you, Jodie, and don't forget that I've saved you and Luna a seat in the dean's balcony for whenever you two are finished enjoying the stalls.”
“We’ll be there!” Luna chimed in, looking back from her place in front of the octagonal window, my familiar also curious about the set-up happening in the courtyard.
“Then I'll be off,” I told them, heading out the door.
In the hall, I pulled my wand from my robe, readying the teleportation spell. With a flick of my wrist, I transported myself to the training arena, finding Hexerei’s winners had already gathered in the space and were chatting amongst themselves. The small group had six participants in total—the winner and runner-up from each of the three years. I wanted to meet with the students before the official gathering to make sure they knew all of Hexerei was supporting them—that I was supporting them.
“You’re all early,” I said when I arrived, garnering their attention, the students not required to meet for another twenty minutes or so. “Good, that means you're excited. Don't worry, I am too. After all, this is a position you’ve fought for. Standing here means you’ve displayed your strength against the entirety of your grade level at Hexerei Academy.”
“I'm sure you all have practiced hard in anticipation of this day, for the chance at securing your future; it’s a tempting reward. While you will all strive for victory today, there will be only one who will rise to the top. Do not let a loss determine your worth. Just having this opportunity shows your great ability, dedication, and ambition. I have no doubt you are all capable of great things. It’s your responsibility to determine what that means for you.”
“So do your best today, but remember that no matter the outcome, the future is bright. Soon, the vendors will open their stalls, and you will have an opportunity to explore them before the start of the tournament. Enjoy your free time but be sure to report for the start of the event. There is no teleportation staff this time, so tardiness will result in an elimination.”
“Does anyone have any questions before I end this little meeting?” I looked around the arena at the participants and I could see that most of them were nervous, but I also saw excitement, the students reveling in the possibility of victory.”
A hand raised at the end of the row, one of the third-year winners, Charlie Fairview taking a step forward to distinguish himself from the group.
“Yes, Mr. Fairview?” I acknowledged him.
“Will we have a chance to meet the other contestants before the tournament starts? I’m curious about the other magical academies in the Kingdom.”
“Yes, in fact I wouldn't be surprised if some of them have already gathered in the tournament arena. The back holding room will be utilized this time to ensure all participants are present for their matches, and you will have time before as well as during the event to socialize as you wish.”
“While I encourage you to get to know the other competitors, be mindful of your interactions as no amount of bullying, intimidation, or outright fighting will be tolerated by the professors overseeing the holding room. Any infraction will result in a disqualification. So as the old proverb goes, if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. Not that I would expect this type of behavior from any of you, but it’ll be in your best interest to remain neutral when interacting with the other students.”
Mr. Fairview nodded, letting me know I both answered his question and that he understood the consequences should there be any disagreements with the other competitors. After answering a few more questions, I congratulated all of the students once more before turning them loose, allowing them to explore the various vendor’s stalls before they were required to report to the arena prior to the start of the competition.
As the students filed out, one lingered behind, the boy having turned several shades of green during my speech. Richie Brandt, a boy I hadn’t expected to hold this position when I first met him at the start of the school year, had proved to be a strong contender during the Clashing of the Wands tournament. I thought he was a subordinate, if not a friend of Mr. Bishop, but I hadn't seen them interact much after the first few weeks of school.
“Is everything all right, Mr. Brandt?” I asked, his color still off.
When I received no response, I placed a light hand on the boy's shoulder, which only caused him to jump. Finally, he looked at me, his eyes focusing as though he saw me for the first-time since the meeting started.
“I'm fine, Dean Hawthorne. It's probably just the nerves,” he responded, but his pallor did very little to convince me.
“Perhaps it would be best for you to visit Professor Blake in the health room before you head to the courtyard. I believe she and her apprentice Katrina haven't left for the arena just yet, and I’m sure they would be happy to assess your wellness before the day really kicks off.”
“Yes, maybe I’ll do that.” Richie’s mind seemed to be on other things, sweat starting to bead on his forehead, but he answered, showing he at least had some awareness of the situation.
The boy pushed past me, making a beeline for the arena’s exit. I considered escorting Mr. Brandt, but by reading his body language, I knew he wouldn't agree even if I offered. I hoped he took my advice, but at the end of the day, it was his decision and one that would surely affect his outcome in the competition. I hope he realized that as well.
With my motivational speech concluded, there wasn't much left for me to do. Everything was in order regarding the setup of the festival, the other professors in charge of managing the main event. There was still time before I needed to speak with the entirety of the participants, so for now, all that was left for me to do was enjoy the festival myself, and of course, I wouldn't do it alone.
Chapter
Forty-Nine
HEXEREI ACADEMY
Teleporting myself to the front of the school, I found Evelyn waiting for me by the gate.
“I hope you didn't wait long,” I told her when I appeared, her face brightening when she saw me, a beautiful smile overtaking her features.
“Not at all, Dominic. I'm probably a bit too early anyway.” She giggled, her eyes drifting toward the courtyard of the school.
“Don't worry, the vendors were expecting the early arrivals, and most are prepared already. They plan to get as many sales in as they can before the first battle begins in just a few hours,” I reassured her, offering her my arm.
She accepted it, slipping her arm through mine, and together we entered through the gate, the festival's vibe slightly different from the earlier student-run event, but just as bustling. We weren't the only ones entering at this point; many civilians from across the kingdom converging at this early hour. We stopped first at a stall that sold breakfast items and after purchasing something for each of us, we found an empty picnic table off of the main path and sat down together to enjoy the meal.
“So who's the favorite to win?” Evelyn asked, taking a bite of her croissant. She leaned in close, as if the finalists of the competition were some big secret.
“Well, I have high hopes for each of the students representing Hexerei, but Prince Ellis is quite a developed sorcerer for his young age. I wouldn't be surprised if he takes the title like his brother did before him. If not this year, I believe it will happen before he graduates.”
“What about the students from the other academies?”
“I can't say for sure, since only a list of their names was ever sent to prepare for the tournament but seeing as they are representing their own academies as winners of the event, I'm sure we will be looking at some fierce competition.”
“Oh, I’m so excited!” she exclaimed, thinking about what was to come. “You’d better not leave my side during this tournament.” Her eyes narrowed on me sitting across from her at the picnic table. “We certainly don't need that type of excitement!” she spoke of what happened during The Clashing of the Wands festival, and I thought back to the barrier spell I'd already placed on my office, a precaution should anything similar occur.
“Well, I certainly don't plan on it happening again,” I responded and then we both were smiling, the conversation comfortable and flowing easily.
After breakfast, we walked the pathway featuring the shops of Alastor, a few vendors from out of the city in the mix, filling our time until the tournament’s start. As the hour approached, we made our way toward the arena, the crowd around us seeming to have the same idea.
Reaching the doors, Professor Burkley waved us inside, the man in charge of keeping a headcount to ensure there was enough seating for everyone. Jodie and Luna were already seated in the reserved balcony, the two showing excitement at our arrival.
“Good, you made it!” Luna exclaimed her front paws on the front balcony as she stood on her hind legs to get a better look. “We brought snacks,” she added, with a little head nod toward the corner space where bags of goodies sat.
