Morosa: Book Two of The Viridian Chronicles

By A.E. Outerbridge

Adventure and risk...when eighteen-year-old Elle O'Sullivan heads out to Caillagh University in Morosa to compete in the Zenithal Cup, she has to expect a bit of both. Last year in Liornabella, Elle's time
at Eidolon University stirred age-old magic back to life, but this year her presence in Caillagh ignites a chain of events no one could have anticipated. Long buried secrets are not ready to release her, and she is quickly entangled in a rich tapestry of rivalry, lies and a history that will not stay in the past.
Meanwhile, someone has placed a curse on Elan. Elle's only chance to help him is to face the black magic and darkness that haunted her in Liornabella; thankfully, she has her best friends Naomi and Martine at her side. As Elle adjusts to her newfound strength and power, she is only too aware of the watchful eye of the vampire Valdis Lockheart, whose entry to the Isle of Morosa must be stopped at all costs. To prevent his arrival, Elle must break a deadly curse, kill a dead queen and learn to travel within her own mind. Easy, right?
Join Elle and her friends as they navigate the treacherous, twisted paths through the tale of the Viridian Isles.

• Language: English
• Publisher: A.E. Outerbridge
• Release date: Jun 22, 2018
• ISBN: 9781773707426

A.E. Outerbridge

Allison Outerbridge holds a BA in philosophy from Queen's University, although she does not spend as much time philosophizing as she thought she would. She lives in Southern Ontario on a horse farm with her husband, two children, two cats, and two slobbering dogs. There should be more to this bio but she is easily distracted and it is nice outside.You can visit Allison online at www.aeouterbridge.comFollow a.e. outerbridge on Facebook, and Instagram and @aeouterbridge on Twitter.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

As with all of my writing, Morosa would not have been penned without the help and support of Dave, my husband; and Aidan and Emily, my children. It’s simple and true — you are my everything.

Special thanks to Kelly Russell for once again being a first reader, Your feedback and enthusiasm are invaluable to me. Without you, many would have died from the plaque rather than the plague.

Thank you also to my readers. As a result of your wonderful feedback after reading Liornabella, I have included a map of the Viridian Isles and a pronunciation guide in the back pages of this book for your reference. Now as you follow the journey of The Viridian Chronicles, over hill and dale, you can pronounce names with ease along your travels!

for Dave

xo

AND INTO THE FOREST I GO,

TO LOSE MY MIND

AND FIND MY SOUL.

JOHN MUIR

PROLOGUE

The moon illuminated the night as the vessel sliced silently through the mirror-like water. Time was of the essence; he knew this, but his approach must be undetected. He sensed the chaos of what was unfolding in the land across the water, the land he was trying to reach. His arrival must not be discovered. He would take the time he needed. He would defy the treaty for this. He could not be found violating rules that had been put in place so many years ago to protect them all. He did so willingly, however, for too much was at stake not to act.

Far in the distance, he heard the curfew horn of Liornabella hauntingly reverberating across the water. The desperation in the air increased exponentially and the silent cries for help penetrated his mind. He propelled the vessel forward, preparing for the scene which would appear before him as the boat slid silently alongside the dock.

Run, Sinead! he heard from up the forested hillside. His heart ached in recognition of this voice. A piece of his soul tore at the anguish of that sound.

Branches crashed as the bodies of soldiers careened through the wooded landscape. Angry voices bellowed orders as the merciless predators pursued their quarry.

Finally, a single figure emerged from the forest; her long blonde hair billowed behind her as she leapt onto the dock. Even in desperation and chaos, she moved with a grace and magnificence comparable to none. Arrows flew past her, landing in the water and embedding in the wood of the dock, yet she did not falter, the end now in sight.

Reaching out, she to him and he to her, they connected at last. He took the child from her outstretched arms. She pulled reluctantly away and he felt Sinead’s body convulse as the first arrow pierced her flesh, and then another. He pushed from the dock as she crumbled to her knees, arrows flying all around him. With the child safely stowed, he looked back over his shoulder, and their eyes locked one final time. Her voice overwhelmed his mind as the life of this world left her mortally wounded body. Thank you.

Without sound, he manoeuvred through the night, camouflaged by the darkness, away from the death and sadness that would now envelop Liornabella and change the course of its future forever.

Darkness of the underworld walk with me. Noctua come.

CHAPTER 1

The mist cooled her cheeks as she leaned over the ferry railing, gazing excitedly at the rippling water below. Salty ocean air lay thick on her tongue and filled her nostrils as bitter gusts of wind tumbled her tousled ginger locks behind her. The ocean splashed and parted as the boat plunged forward, cutting through the morning mist. Sparkles of early sun glittered across the ocean as far as the eye could see. Elle marvelled at the vastness of this crossing, knowing she was only viewing a small piece of what was an enormous body of water. Still, this journey from Liornabella, her home, to Morosa, the country across the channel, seemed momentous to her.

Elle O’Sullivan had grown up in Liornabella’s northernmost region in a small town called Seraphina. Forest and mountains surrounded her childhood home. It was a serene, peaceful place, and Elle loved it. Up until last year when she had attended Eidolon University, she had never even been to Castleton, Liornabella’s largest city. Up until last year, everything in Elle’s life had been simple and uncomplicated. All that had changed after a year at Eidolon, when her world had been flipped upside down.

Not upside down in an entirely bad way, however — just upside down. Life was now much less predictable, even dangerous. Everything she had once known was now peppered with a myriad of unanswered questions. This journey might help to answer some of her questions. Or, as is often the case, it might only create more. At eighteen years old, Elle was entering her second year of university. This new chapter of her life would begin at the University of Caillagh, in Morosa.

Caillagh would be the host school for the first part of three lengthy tournaments to determine the winner of the coveted Zenithal Cup. This was a competition between the four most prestigious universities in the Viridian Isles: Anatolia, Rolfshire, Eidolon, and Caillagh. Elle and her teammates Elan, Niamh, Cullain, and Travis would all be spending their first semester in Morosa.

Summer in the north, after a tumultuous year at Eidolon, had been just what Elle needed. She and her best friend from home, Martine, had spent the last few months revelling in their downtime. Though it was impossible for them to ignore the events that had unfolded at Eidolon, they had tried not to spend every waking moment dwelling on their worries. Instead, they had only spent every other waking moment worrying.

In the moments in between, Elle had trained for the Zenithal Cup. Her regimen had included fine-tuning her newly acquired skills, abilities which she had developed most unexpectedly. A year ago, when Elle had first arrived at Eidolon, she was already a superior athlete. At 5’9", Elle was willowy and strong and could outrun most people her age. Over the course of her first year at university, however, she had begun to develop unnatural strength and speed. As well, she had realized that she could see in reduced illumination: Elle had night vision.

Pausing in her recollections, she stepped back from the railing, brushing her long hair from her face. Spotting a nearby bench, she walked over to sit down. Her thoughts wandered back to her departure earlier that morning. It had been difficult to say goodbye to her parents at the summer’s end. She could still picture their faces as they had waved from the dock, and her green eyes welled with tears just thinking about it. She had not told them of the darkness and dangers of her first year at Eidolon. She feared they would not have allowed her to continue her education should they have known, and in her heart of hearts she knew that this journey was for her alone. Martine had also been on the dock to say goodbye, of course. He had looked sad and worried as he wished her well, waving as the ferry departed. She missed him already.

Elle looked forward to getting back to school. She longed to see her Eidolon friends and felt thankful that some of them would be attending Caillagh with her. She craved their laughter and comradery, and she eagerly anticipated the training and even her studies. In truth, she missed the action and the thrill of competition. Elle liked nothing better than throwing herself into an adventure, even a risky one.

Her first year at Eidolon had been the most exciting year of her life. Something in the history of Liornabella had sought her out and drawn her in, entangling her in a rich tapestry of dark magic, deception, and violence. With the help of Elle’s newly developed skills, her friends, and some creatures she did not yet understand, she had managed to defeat the demon that sought her out to inflict harm. The vampire, King Barabas III, was gone, but so many questions remained. Elle knew that the spark that had been ignited at Eidolon was only the first of many that would light her destined path.

CHAPTER 2

The ferry pulled into the main dock of Morosa just before noon. Elle did not know who would be meeting her, but she had received a letter stating that the school would be sending someone. She gathered her belongings from the storage area and walked down the ramp to the landing dock. The platform was full of people arriving and departing, and the ensuing chaos made Elle’s head spin. Pulling her luggage off to one side, she waited for the crowd to clear.

Bi’ ov a free rin’ circus ‘ere in Morosa, eh? a familiar voice spoke close to her ear. Elle spun around to find herself looking into the friendly face of Wiggins, her driver… well, her driver who apparently was much more than a driver — she’d met him on her first day at Eidolon.

Wiggins! Elle exclaimed, throwing her arms around him and almost knocking the large brimmed hat from his head. Where did you come from? I can still call you Wiggins, right? I realize that may not even be your name. Elle stepped back and looked at the older man in front of her.

Wiggins i’ is, fer yew, Ms. O’Sullivan, he said with a wry smile.

Elle had thought about what she would say if she ever found Wiggins again, but now found herself at a loss for words. Elle laughed, shaking her head, and finally said, I am not going to ask how you managed to be my driver at Eidolon, when according to the school, you do not even exist. I trust you are on my side.

Yew can trus’ me, Ms. O’Sullivan. Wiggins looked serious.

To be honest, I decided over the summer that I would just consider you a guardian angel of sorts, and leave it at that, Elle said, matter-of-factly.

Works fer me, although angel might be a stretch. Wiggins grinned. Shall we take yaaahr bags over ter da carriage? I bet yew are excited ter get ter da Caillagh campus.

"I assume you are only here to pick me up?" Elle raised an eyebrow. Wiggins pretended to check a list.

Yep, looks like I am ‘ere just fer yew. He winked and reached for her luggage.

Lead the way, Elle said, shaking her head.

Her hope was that Wiggins would eventually fill her in on who he was, and why he was here. However, she could wait. She had the feeling she should not push, and besides, he made her feel safe. Sensing he was a positive force, she would leave it alone — for now.

Having stayed overnight in Castleton the night before, the journey had not been as long as her trip to Eidolon the previous year. Elle was wide awake and able to take in much of the city and countryside as they made their way to Caillagh. She had heard that September in Morosa could be cool, but this day was sunny and unseasonably warm. She revelled in the beautiful landscape around her. Naomi, her roommate and one of her best friends from Eidolon, had told her that Morosa was mountainous and green, but she had failed to mention the expanse of breathtaking beach that also characterized Morosa. Liornabella, while surrounded by water, was very rocky and its coast was considered rough. Elle had never spent any time in the sand, and although she longed to get to Caillagh, she could not help but feel drawn to the sandy expanse stretched out beside her. She closed her eyes and tried to imagine what the sand would feel like between her toes.

Sensing her longing for the beach, Wiggins pulled the carriage to a stop and motioned to the ocean. Go on, then; I’ll wai’ fer yew. We ‘av time.

Ah Wiggins, you’re the best! said Elle, leaping from the carriage.

Hastily removing her boots and socks, she ran barefoot down to the water. It was cold on her skin as the waves rushed over her feet, and the sand felt wonderful slipping and gushing between her toes. She jogged along for a few minutes, kicking at the waves, and then stood looking out on the water. The white-tipped waves rolled in, spreading themselves like fine lace over the beach. Scrunching her toes, she felt the softness of the sand, still damp from the retreating tide. She wiggled as a shiver cascaded down her spine. Her pale pink lips curved upward in pleasure. Breathing it all in, she turned and waved at Wiggins with a look of childish delight.

That was absolutely wonderful! she said, breathlessly plopping down beside him. With her flushed face and windblown ginger hair, she was breathtaking. Taken back to another time, Wiggins forced himself to turn away for a moment.

After a lengthy, picturesque drive, the carriage pulled off the road and turned into a laneway. Large stone posts supported an imposing wrought iron gate which guarded a magnificent array of Portland stone buildings, all majestically displayed around the inner courtyard.

The gates opened slowly, and as Wiggins steered the carriage through, Elle could see tree-lined paths that led to other old stone buildings. The architecture of the school dripped with history. The largest building, which stood straight ahead of them, boasted two large stone towers on each side of the entrance and several archways running both to the left and the right. The scene reminded Elle a little of St. Vincent Abbey, which contained an archive she had visited a few times in Castleton, only larger. This was probably part of the original Morosa Castle, which she had read about briefly in history class.

A statue of an owl, its wings outstretched, loomed high above the enormous pillars of a building with a sign that identified it as the library. Once past, Elle felt the eyes of the statue on her back. She turned, and the sculpture, now drenched in sunlight, glittered magnificently. It was a striking image. All of a sudden the sky darkened and the sounds of whispers were around her. She shook her head, trying to dispel the noise. The voices in her head were getting louder. Elle! Her eyes flew open.

Are yew okay, Miss? Wiggins looked concerned.

Yes, sorry. Just a little overwhelmed, Elle lied. She had startled back to reality with the vision of piercing eyes in her head. Dark, amber eyes. She had seen them before.

Wiggins slowed the carriage and let Elle take a good look around. She was aware of Wiggins continuing to look at her, puzzled. Had Wiggins been here before? she wondered. There was much she did not know about him, and she may never know.

A group of students abruptly broke the silence, their laughter ringing about the courtyard. Wiggins jumped down and unloaded Elle’s belongings.

I fink I’ll leave yew ‘ere, Ms. O’Sullivan. Nuff said, yeah? He looked over his shoulder at the approaching students.

Elle eyed them as well, and noting Wiggin’s eagerness to get away, she hugged him.

Thank you for seeing me here safely, Wiggins. Is there a way for me to contact you?

I’ll be in touch, Miss. Be wise, Ms. O’Sullivan, and always trust yaaahr instincts. With a nod and a touch of his hat, he popped back up to the seat of the carriage and exited the courtyard.

CHAPTER 3

Elle stood in the middle of the Caillagh courtyard with her luggage, wondering where she should go next. She did not particularly want to haul all of her belongings to the main building, nor did she think it wise to leave them unattended. She still felt disturbed by her brief hallucination, and if it would not have made her look lost, she would have liked to sit on her luggage for a while and regroup. While pondering her next move, a voice interrupted her thoughts. She heard her name carrying across the courtyard.

Elle! the bellowing voice called again.

She turned to see the welcoming face of Rein Thoran. Elle had first met Rein at the Frost Ball, hosted by Eidolon University, this past winter. This event had been attended by students from the four universities who would be competing in the Zenithal Cup. The ball had given them a chance to meet and get to know each other, and it had given the opportunity for some to psych out their opponents.

While the students from Caillagh had been nothing but friendly, Rein included, the students from the universities of Rolfshire and Anatolia had been a little less welcoming. They had certainly succeeded in psyching out the other teams, a tactic which seemed to come quite naturally to them.

Rein, just the person I was hoping to see first! Elle gave him a hug. His warm, amber eyes sparkled as he stood back smiling. His auburn hair, buzzed short on the sides, stood straight up on the top. Elle wondered how he had achieved that.

You okay, Elle? You look rather like you’ve seen a ghost.

I am fine, just taking it all in. I am hoping not to see any ghosts until after I move in. In Rein’s presence, she began to relax.

You have not visited the office yet? he asked.

Not yet, no, Elle admitted, looking at her luggage.

Would you like some company? Rein asked, knowing by the look on her face that she did.

He reached down, picked up a few of her bags, and led the way to the registration office. Then he added, A couple of your friends have already arrived.

Naomi?

Yes, she is here. Came in like a whirlwind, and already has complete control of your residence floor, I hear, he laughed.

Sounds like Naomi, Elle said, suddenly missing her immensely.

Although Naomi was not part of the Eidolon team, she and her boyfriend, Arthur, had managed to secure spots as assistant coaches and would be spending the semester at Caillagh in this role. In return for their assistance on competition day, they had the privilege of studying at Caillagh for the semester.

Um… Rein, has Elan arrived? Elle asked, trying to hide her reddening face.

Yes, he is here too. Rein playfully nudged her in the arm. That still on, is it? Rein prodded, enjoying Elle’s embarrassment.

I have not seen him all summer. He was travelling with his family. I am nervous to see him again, actually, Elle admitted.

If it makes you feel any better, you were the first person he asked about when he arrived. Rein smiled brightly. You are all in the same residence building, so you will see him soon enough. The men are on one side and the women are on the other. You share a common room, so that will keep it social.

A little different from our residence set-up at Eidolon, Elle said, while trying to control the eruption of butterflies in her stomach.

Elle had met Elan last year at Eidolon. What had started as competitive rivalry turned to friendship, and then mutual affection. Elan had been Elle’s first boyfriend. Her first kiss. Her first love. While they had hoped to meet up over the summer, it had not worked out that way. Elan had spent the summer months travelling through the Viridian Isles with his family. Their communication had been one-sided and sporadic, limited to Elan’s occasional letter. Elle could not really send letters to Elan, as he and his family had been on the move.

As they walked towards the main building to be registered, Elle looked back at the statue above the library. She would need to go in there soon, and not just for books. Someone or something wanted her to go there and she would — just not today. There was time; the semester had only just begun.

CHAPTER 4

After registering at the office, Rein insisted on walking Elle over to her residence building. Unlike the Eidolon campus, the student housing was not located around the main courtyard. They followed one of the treed pathways Elle had spotted earlier. Near the end of the path, four or five stone buildings reminiscent of the old castle came into sight. Each had a sign posted out front announcing the residence’s name.

You along with the rest of the Eidolon students are in Nebulous. May you rise above the name, Rein said, and then laughed.

Are they trying to keep us in a fog, Rein? Elle asked, questioning the odd name of their residence. The definition of nebulous that Elle remembered meant hazy or vague.

It could be your first challenge. Rein looked at her, smiling. "Or it could be that all of the residences have names like that, related to finding vision and clarity. The Burnish house is over there. He pointed to another stone building. And I live in Elucidate, which would explain why I am showing you around."

I think you are enjoying this a bit too much, Elle said, finding Rein even more endearing than she had before. He really was a charming fellow with a knack for making people feel comfortable. Elle ran her hand along the wall of Nebulous and studied the old building. The stones that would show no weathering in Elle’s lifetime had vertical basins, creeks for the seasonal rains. They were less buildings now than sculptures of nature. Each imperfection had been shaped by Mother Nature, one raindrop at a time.

Rein opened the door to the Nebulous residence and ushered her inside. The character of the building struck her immediately. It was decorated like all the other structures, but this one had a homey feel to it, as if it had once housed a family.

Have these buildings always been residences? Elle asked.

No. As I suspect you already know, the university was built around the Morosa Castle. These residence buildings were the homes to some of the nobility who chose to have dwellings of their own, instead of staying within the castle. Knights, high-ranking officials, and on occasion members of the royal family would live in them. This one, I believe, was the home of a prince who allegedly preferred privacy, Rein said knowledgeably.

As they started up the stairs, Elle could hear familiar laughter coming from one of the long hallways.

Naomi, Elle said, smiling at Rein.

As they approached what Elle soon discovered was the common room, she could hear Naomi issuing instructions on where to move the furniture.

Over this way more, Elan. Put it right in front of the fireplace, Naomi suggested.

Make up your mind, Naomi. Arthur and I would prefer not to hold up this couch forever, Elan said exasperatedly.

Speak for yourself. I will hold up this couch for as long as my lady wishes. Arthur tried to keep a straight face.

Elle! Naomi yelled, when she spotted her in the doorway.

Elan immediately dropped his end of the couch, much to Arthur’s chagrin. Naomi ran over and gave Elle a big hug. She then held Elle at arm’s length and said, Is this what you look like after a day of travel? Elle’s face was flushed and her green eyes appeared fox-like, sparkling mischievously. Her hair, although still windblown, shone and fanned over her shoulders like a settling dust cloud, framing her pale elfin features.

Totally missing Naomi’s point, Elle said, Is it that bad? I got a tad rumpled on the ferry. She patted at her hair, feeling self-conscious.

Gorgeous as ever; you have no need to fuss. Naomi shook her head and took Elle by the hand. I am so excited you are here! We’re just doing a little rearranging so we can feel right at home lounging in the common room. Naomi gestured toward Arthur, who was still holding one end of the couch. Naomi had her long blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail, and her blue eyes danced as she spoke.

I see that. You have created a lovely space. Although I’m not sure about the couch, Arthur, Elle teased. Turning to Elan, and suddenly feeling warm, she said, Hello, Elan. He walked over and immediately pulled her close. Elan’s very short fair hair accentuated his pointed nose and defined cheekbones. He was tanned from a summer of travelling, and to Elle he looked positively perfect. At 6’2" Elan was much taller than Elle. Completely enveloped in his muscular arms, she breathed in his scent. It reminded her of the woods after a rainstorm — clean and elemental. Her stomach fluttered, and she felt herself blush in his arms.

I have been waiting all summer to do that, he whispered in her ear and hugged her tightly.

Me too, she spoke into his chest.

Excuse me, but this is the ‘common’ room, guys, Naomi joked. We are all right here… you know, being common. Um, that didn’t sound right. Laughter filled the room.

I don’t wish to break up the reunion, but perhaps we could take your luggage to your room, Rein said from the doorway.

Rein! Sorry, I didn’t mean to leave you standing there.

Elle grabbed some of her bags and she and Naomi went with Rein to their room. Naomi had already arranged their space so that the living room was quite similar to their residence at Eidolon. Instead of one bedroom, they had two, which was nice for privacy. Although this would make their nighttime chitchat more difficult, Elle was sure they would manage.

Their books and personal items from Eidolon had arrived the week before, and Naomi had already unpacked most of the boxes and organized the bookshelves.

I see you have been busy, Elle chirped happily, walking over to check out the view from their sitting room window.

She looked out onto a forest which skirted the edge of a hillside dotted with horses. The Caillagh stables must be out that way, thought Elle. She could see that the trails leading in and out of the woods would be an excellent place for her morning run. Her stomach fluttered with the excitement of exploring.

Eowyn, her assigned horse from Eidolon, would be arriving next week, as would the other students’ horses. Elle could not wait to be with Eowyn again. She had missed her over the summer months, and her only consolation was that soon she too would be spending a semester in Morosa.

Rein left the girls to finish settling in, but not before giving directions and the time to be at the dining hall. The boys had gone to their room, which was on the other side of the residence building, but they had all promised to meet in the common room before dinner. They would form a united front for their first formal meal and arrive together.

After unpacking, Elle sat on the couch with Naomi and they caught up. They had not seen each other this summer, although they had tried to make plans a few times. The limited means of transportation in Liornabella, coupled with busy schedules, had made a reunion difficult, and so it had just not panned out. Elle had missed her friend and was now comfortably enjoying her company once again.

How is Arthur? Elle asked, eyebrows raised.

Fantastic as always, Naomi gushed. We spent loads of time together this summer and he is still as charming and funny as ever. Not to mention handsome.

Elle was so happy for her friend. Naomi and Arthur had met in first year as well. Together with Elan, they had been a fearsome foursome. So, have the students from Rolfshire or Anatolia arrived yet? Elle asked, curious to see if Naomi had any gossip.

Rolfshire will not arrive until later this afternoon or early evening, apparently. Not surprising that they prefer to arrive at sundown — saves them having to be social.

Elle smiled, knowing what Naomi was getting at. The Rolfshire students who had attended the Frost Ball at Eidolon had not spoken so much as a word to them. They had stuck together, veiled in the shadows, and had not made an effort to meet anyone from Eidolon. Elan and Arthur had chalked it up as a competitive strategy. Elle instinctively believed that they were not to be trusted, although she resolved to give them a chance. Everyone deserved at least one chance… right?

CHAPTER 5

The dining hall at Caillagh was very similar to Eidolon’s except it had enormously high ceilings. Large stone cylindrical pillars lined the room, and one could imagine, if you had a tendency to do such things, that you could swing from pillar to pillar armed with rope and enough momentum. Elle sat contemplating such a thought until she was jolted to reality by the sound of cutlery on glass. Clink-clink, clink-clink.

The headmaster of Caillagh, Allister Twillian, was now standing at the front of the room. His smile radiated around the dining hall as he studied the students before him. His kindhearted face made you feel cheery, jolly in fact, yet his eyes, when he squinted slightly and focused on someone, like he did now to Elle, could be quite intense. Elle popped back to the present and abandoned her thoughts of aerial acrobatics.

I would like to welcome everyone to the new school year, including all returning students, and most especially our visiting students from Eidolon, Rolfshire, and Anatolia, he said warmly. I hope our guests have had a chance to settle into their residences. Know that these are houses full of history. In fact, the Prince of Morosa lived in the Nebulous residence for a time. He died in 1662, he said animatedly. Leaning forward at his podium, his eyes grew large. Some say his spirit still haunts both the house and the campus, he paused for effect, roaming at night when you have blown out the last candle. I do not imagine you teens fall for that sort of nonsense these days, though. He leaned back again with a sly grin.

Twillian proceeded to go over a few housekeeping notes. Curfew was ten p.m. Sunday to Friday and eleven p.m. on Saturdays. Students may explore any part of the campus aside from the northern section, an older area of the former castle grounds containing gardens and a guard tower with small living quarters. All of this had deteriorated over the years, and it was not safe for students to investigate.

One day, the buildings and grounds will be restored to their former glory, but for now, they are fenced off, and should be considered out-of-bounds, the headmaster said sternly.

Elle liked Headmaster Twillian; he seemed like a good-humoured, approachable type of person who enjoyed what he was doing. She hoped the rest of the professors would be as engaging and full of spirit.

Dinner smelled mouth-wateringly delicious as crockery filled with roast beef, potatoes, grilled vegetables, and fresh bread appeared on the table. This was exactly what Elle needed to recharge after a long day of travel and nerves. She had been so jittery throughout the day she had hardly eaten a bite.

Elle revelled in the animated banter of her table companions, which included Rein, Karyss (whom they had met in the late winter), and a couple of other Caillagh students. Of course, Naomi, Elan, and Arthur were also sitting with Elle, as perfect tablemates on this first night in Morosa.

Looking around the room, Elle recognized a few faces of students she had met from the other schools at the Frost Ball. Jared and Gwendolyn, the golden-haired students from Anatolia, sat straight-backed and regal as they talked with their table companions. Feigning interest, they smiled and laughed along with the conversation, but they had an air about them