Rune Mage [Fantasy/Adventure | Book 1 +2 | Complete]

CHAOS MAGE Chapter 3: King's Academy of Magic

"This is a total and utter waste of time."

Seiren stared up at the high stone arches of King's Academy of Magic. She had planned on never setting foot in this place again. When she applied for extenuating circumstances and leave to attend Kristen's execution, she'd thrown in the graduation ceremony as well, seeing as Benover wasn't that far from Patrixbourne, but she hadn't counted on Madeleine insisting on hoisting her there.

"It's Bolliver's first address to the probationary mages. We should be there. Especially as Kommora can't."

"Since when are we representatives of that old witch?"

"Since she saved our butts." Madeleine elbowed her. More visitors passed them on the stone bridge running over the empty moat leading into the tall, open metal doors of the entrance hall. Seiren's rainbow-lined cloak drew curious looks, which turned to disgust, to Seiren's astonishment. Parents tugged the hands of the younger siblings of the to-be graduates by hurriedly and Seiren couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. She'd spent her graduation day last year alone, hiding away from her classmates to avoid awkward conversations and furtive looks.

Standing before the main doors now with Madeleine, alive, beside her, reminded Seiren just how far she'd come. She'd graduated, become a state mage, revived Madeleine — and found out her mother was still alive. How much changed within a year.

The statues of the previous monarchs stood on either side of the stone bridge, staring haughtily at the visitors. Seiren used to dream about being a king's mage and walking importantly in a dark blue cloak beside King Pollin. Now, knowing the truth about them, seeing those piercing eyes just sent shivers down her spine.

She and Madeleine made their way across the bridge and down the corridor, passing pillars of elaborate, curly designs, beyond which the woods surrounding the academy could be seen. Normally there would be teens lounging or studying in the sun, but today they were all busy preparing for graduation. Endless flags of Karma hung from archways on either side of the coat of arms for the academy. Seiren successfully avoided interacting with anybody, including the curious glances of the ex-classmates who vaguely recognised her face, and managed to arrive at the graduating hall where the assemblies and awards took place. A high chamber opened before her, with paintings of mages vanquishing beasts across its ceiling, supported by swirling pillars painted gold and silver. A quiet hum of chatter filled the air. The seats were mostly empty. They made their way up the narrow wooden steps. Seiren drew more curious glances and not-so-subtle pointed fingers and Madeleine's hand, holding hers, tightened. They sat in the plush red seats beside an emergency exit at the far upper back.

Seiren glanced at Madeleine, whose face had paled despite the arduous climb to the far back, and she chewed her lip to the point of drawing blood, her fingers gripping the folds of her black cloak until her knuckles went white. Glancing forward, Seiren met the apprehensive eyes of those sitting several rows in front of them before the oglers turned back to the front in a hurry. She frowned. Thanks to Kommora, few actually knew about Seiren's participation in the battle of Benover, so she shouldn't be that recognisable.

But also thanks to Kommora issuing a warrant for the capture of Kristen, now everyone knew Kristen Harred was alive. And Seiren was the daughter of the mass murderer.

Oh.

That explained the condemning looks on the faces of passers-by.

"Who cares what they think?" Seiren muttered to Madeleine, sticking a rude finger at the next person whose gaze met hers. The man flushed and turned back to the front. "They're busybodies who have no idea what happened. Like that greasy old innkeeper in Iwade. They suck up to you if they know you're a mage, but when you have dirty secrets leaked, all they want to do is gossip, gossip, gossip."