The Skyhome Academy

During her year at the academy, Rose had only infrequently been behind the spire. There were a number of points of interest—the football field, the alchemy building with its greenhouse, the gymnasium, the temple, and the academy shops.

The late afternoon sky was filled with black clouds, and rain washed down the castle’s shield. As usual, some of the water was funneled through the shield and into water catchers. The rumble of summer thunder followed occasional flashes of light in the distance. But inside the castle, its inhabitants went about their business dry and unimpeded. Beside the outer wall, a group of third year cadets were distance running with a drill sergeant in the lead.

Rose stood in the football field. It was marked by white lines painted in the grass and included two large nets at either end. Open-air stadium benches and towers with large windows surrounded the field. The latter contained luxury viewing rooms for the Skyhome Tournament.

In a few days the field would be filled with the obstacles used in magia contests. In contrast, football required only a ball to kick and was considered the sport of the peasantry—though some nobles still took an interest in it. That was not what Rose was here for, however. The only other people on the field were her father, Emma, and Mei. They all stood some distance apart.

“Ready?” Rose’s father called out.

“Ready,” she answered.

The serfs called out simultaneously. “Ready, My Lord.”

The mage began the exercise, randomly firing minimum strength arcane bolts at each of the three cadets. He attacked with both solitary strikes and clusters of the white energy bursts. The cadets in turn evaded as best they could, using telekinetics to speed their movements. Because bolts traveled so fast, it was necessary to anticipate when an attacker would fire and then dodge at the last possible moment. The bolts that missed struck the bleachers, though they were just harmless lights regardless.

This went on for some time, and the humid weather began to take its toll. Emma was soon sweating profusely, as her superior magic was more than offset by her lack of athleticism and instinct for combat.

A bright arc of lightning struck the academy’s shield. The harsh noise it gave off caused Emma to shriek in alarm and trip over her own feet. Rose’s father successfully struck her shield several times before she regained her feet and resumed her evasions.

Finally, the mage stopped firing. “That’s enough for today.” The four walked off the field, and each had a drink from the canteens on their belts. “You all did well. Emma, don’t be discouraged that you’re lagging Rose and Mei—you’ve made a lot of progress this semester.”

“Thank you, My Lord,” the healer answered gratefully.

“You can both go,” Rose’s father said to the serfs. They gave him a deferential nod.

“I’ll see you later, My Lady,” Emma said cheerfully to Rose. Mei simply nodded again.

“Take care,” the noble girl answered. Both serfs departed for the spire.

“Look at you, offering encouragement to the servants,” Rose teased her father once the other girls were some distance away. “I thought that was too informal.”

“I have to admit, when I see how devoted Emma is to you, and how Mei hardly seems resentful anymore…maybe there’s something to be said for breaking with customs from time to time.”

“Who would have thought you’d learn something from me? Maybe you should become my squire.”

“If you can afford tuition for you and your servants—and govern Smallport in place of your mother—I’ll proclaim you head of the family right now.”

Rose laughed. “On second thought, I’ve been told that I shouldn’t grow up too fast.”

As a large group of cadets with a ball approached the field, the nobles walked aimlessly away. Rose continued in a more serious tone. “I was wondering how the investigation’s going?”

“It isn’t. Baron Tessel will have to decide whether or not to cancel the tournament by tomorrow at the latest.”

“I’ll try not to get my hopes up. But I really wanted to give Margas a good beating.”

“His behavior has been appalling, but you should still refer to Lord Jame politely.”

“I know,” Rose muttered.

“Even if the tournament is canceled, at least the formal will go on as planned. Will you be attending?”

“…⁠I’m not sure.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I’ve been wondering lately how you can tell if someone is right for you. Did you always know mom was ‘the one?’”

“Oh Gods no. We both resented each other when we met because we were pressured into courtship. My father wanted me to marry a high noble to bring some respectability to our family. Your mother’s parents just wanted to find a noble who wouldn’t ask for a dowry. But after a while we started to enjoy spending time together. When we married, it was for our own reasons.”

“So it’s normal for relationships to be difficult?”

“They do take work and compromise. But they shouldn’t be a chore either—part of love is being supportive, and helping each other find happiness.

“And while you should have standards, don’t feel that you have to find someone perfect. It’s okay if romance doesn’t work out—that’s just part of life.”

Rose nodded. “You’re right.”

“…⁠Is this about Prince Robert?”

“No. He still owes me an apology,” she answered bitterly.

“You still don’t want to let me know what happened in the capital, I take it?”

“It would be too embarrassing to tell you about it. …⁠He didn’t do anything indecent, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Sorry. If I pry too much, it’s only because I worry.”

Rose could not help but to smile at his earnestness. “It’s fine.”

“If you do go to the formal, I’ll be sorry to miss it.”

“You’re not chaperoning?”

He shook his head. “I have a double shift on the wall that night.”

“That sounds miserable.”

“I find it helps morale if I share in some of the more unpleasant duties with my men.”

Rose nodded, but then the conversation was interrupted by the nearby nexus crystals. “Castle guard to Roost Alpha,” Baron Tessel’s voice said urgently. “Castle guard to Roost Alpha.”

“I have to go,” Rose’s father said in concern. “Good luck with your finals.”

“Thanks.”

The mage hurried off toward the spire, leaving Rose to wonder if yet another crime had taken place.