Jayhaven Chronicles

The next day of school was much like the first. The only difference was, when Rapid was getting a drink from the stream, Sedge stole Peak’s Scoutmaster Life book, and, as luck would have it, that was the main book they used that day. So Rapid and Peak were left trying to share one book, which was very problematic. Each page was only half a mouse-tail length.

At least the third day went better. Sedge was absent, and Birch and Lily were fairly subdued, at least for half the day. It was their first lunch at school, and they were serving roasted vole.

“Mine tastes funny.” Hawk complained as he sat down next to Rapid and Peak.

“That’s because it’s not vole.” Rapid declared after studying the tray, half amused, half alarmed. “It’s vole shaped raw anchovy.”

Peak started chuckling as his brother ran to the cafeteria trash can and spat out the fish. “My question is, how did Loudhaven find out anchovy was Hawk’s least favorite food?”

“My question is, where did they get the anchovy? Doubt they can fish.” Rapid asked, seeing Birch and Lily exchange mischievous giggles.

Sedge was back on the fourth day, but didn’t seem interested in Birch or Lily’s pranks. Rapid noticed them chattering on the way into the academy,

“Want to sneak a slug into Cedar’s satchel?” Birch questioned. Rapid growled to Peak in annoyance, even though he didn’t know who Cedar was.

“No thanks, I need to get caught up from yesterday.” Sedge replied, looking surprisingly sullen.

Rapid wouldn’t have wanted to waste time on that either. Today was looming over everyone like a dark cloud. Today was their first test.

It was on all basic moves, whether it be for a Scout, Provider, Battler, or Healer. Rapid, Peak, and Hawk had all set aside the previous night to study together.

As Crisp passed out the test leaf, she mewed sternly, “Now remember, you get one shot at this. If you fail, you lose points for your guild test.”

Rapid took his time, piercing every bubble with precision and choosing every answer carefully.

When the time came to pass in the test, Rapid shot a glance at Peak. His friend looked much more nervous. However, Hawk looked like he had just became King.

Rapid was somewhere in between. He once again thought wistfully about his parents. But I have a family now, with Peak. He told himself. But still, he wondered if he would always be lost without them.