Outwit: Spellslingers Academy of Magic (Enforcer of the East Book 1) Read online

  Master Horton smiled at her. “Would you have chosen a throwing star?”

  Mia chewed her lip. I could tell she wanted nothing more than to be let off the hook. “I’m not sure. Possibly a crossbow for the same reasons.”

  “Nice,” Master Horton said. “Who’s next up? Cerys, how about it?”

  I cringed. I assumed he’d choose Mia, but he probably recognized that she needed a little respite between answering questions and performing. There weren’t many introverts at the academy, but they existed and it was nice that Master Horton acknowledged that fact in a subtle way.

  “Why not?” I sauntered over to the starting mark on the floor. My nerves were already in tiny, twisted knots throughout my body.

  Professor Mayweather stood on the sidelines, her wand outstretched. An orange light streamed from her wand. I couldn’t begin to guess which beast she was conjuring.

  A large creature the size of a cow with a hyena’s face stared back at me, its teeth long and sharp. I had no misconceptions about the strength of that jaw. If the creature got its mouth on any part of me, I was a goner.

  “A kishi,” I heard someone say. I wasn’t familiar with a kishi. I’d need to choose a weapon based on what I could see.

  “Sixty seconds,” Master Horton reminded me.

  I sprang into action, racing to the armory wall and quickly reviewing the options. It was large but didn’t appear particularly agile. Probably relatively slow. I pulled a Danish axe from the wall and headed into battle with the kishi.

  The creature snarled at the sight of the weapon and snapped its powerful jaws. I kept two hands on the shaft. The weapon reminded me more of a meat cleaver than a wood axe, which was the main reason I chose it. The blade was thin enough to cut through the kishi like butter and the length of the shaft allowed me to keep a reasonable distance from the creature but still strike it with blows.

  Although I was petite, I’d spent countless hours working on my upper body strength so that I could wield these heavier weapons. I knew I couldn’t always depend on magic to defend myself—that was the entire point of this class. Sometimes a blade was better than a spell.

  I successfully backed the kishi into a corner of the room and prepared to strike the final blow when it twisted its body. I gasped in horror. I’d been so busy fighting the front, I hadn’t noticed the head on the creature’s back. Not just any head.

  A human head.

  Great. The kishi was a two-headed demon.

  I raised the axe upward and prepared to strike.

  “Please don’t kill me,” the man’s face said. “I have a family to think of. I hope to see them again.”

  I flinched. No. This creature was the result of a spell. It had no family. The human face was part of the demon.

  My brief hesitation cost me. The kishi whipped around and the hyena lunged for me, its jaws open wide. I dodged its mighty mouth and rolled across the floor, dropping the axe. By the time I was back on my feet, the creature was gone.

  The critiques would not go well.

  My peers pointed out all the errors. The problem was—I already knew what I’d done wrong. I didn’t need my misplaced moves mentioned in excruciating detail. Finally, Master Horton put a stop to further comments.

  “Let’s have Dani next,” he said.

  I had no doubt that was a deliberate choice. Let’s have someone who won’t screw up. I stood in silence throughout the rest of the session, replaying my moment of weakness over and over in my mind. I hadn’t been expecting a human face. Of course, that was probably the point. The human face was meant to disarm an opponent so that the hyena could then attack. And I fell for it. Cerys, the soft touch.

  The session seemed to last forever. When Master Horton blew the whistle, I tried to make a quick exit, but Professor Mayweather cornered me before I could flee.

  “May I have a word, Miss Davies?”

  I couldn’t avoid the pleasant professor. I knew whatever commentary she had to offer would have good intentions.

  “Yes, of course.”

  Professor Mayweather waited until the rest of my peers streamed past us to start talking. “You know, Miss Davies,” she began, “you excel in so many areas, yet in weaponry training you seem stuck at a basic level. It’s most peculiar.”

  Shame washed over me. “I’ll work harder, Professor. I promise.”

  The kindly witch considered me. “I’m not suggesting you’re not working hard enough. Your work ethic is evident from your performance in other classes. Your performance with runes is inspiring. There seems to be something holding you back, though, especially when it comes to weapons.”

  “Could be the earth witch in her,” Master Horton interjected. He strode over to join us now that the room was empty of pupils. “Sometimes earth witches are uncomfortable wielding weapons. Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve encountered this.”

  “Perhaps,” Professor Mayweather said, though she seemed unconvinced.

  “I’m happy to offer tutoring,” Master Horton said. “This is your third year here and the AMF will start taking a closer look at your performance records soon.”

  “I know, Master Horton,” I said.

  “It could be that your strength in other areas will be enough to pull you through, but it’s hard to say with certainty,” he continued. “The agency can be fickle at times.”

  “That’s bureaucracy for you,” Professor Mayweather said.

  “Thank you for the offer,” I told Master Horton. “Is there any chance we can discuss it later? I have plans later and I need to shower and change.”

  “Oh, a handsome date?” Professor Mayweather asked.

  I wanted to redirect the question back to her. Instead, I said, “No, a family gathering. It’s my birthday and they’re coming to take me out to dinner.”

  “My word,” Professor Mayweather said. “And here we are loading you with criticisms. I’m so sorry, Miss Davies. Happy birthday.”

  I shrugged. “It’s okay. I don’t actually love to celebrate. My family insists on it.”

  “As they should,” Master Horton said. “Everyone deserves at least one day a year to kick back and enjoy the day.”

  I offered a rueful smile. “That would be a lot easier if my family wasn’t coming to visit.”

  The Master at Arms clapped me on the shoulder. “Ha! Good luck, Cerys. Feel free to borrow a weapon from the armory to defend yourself.”

  “That won’t be necessary, thanks.” I laughed.

  “Bring your wand,” the professor advised. “You can always use it to make an emergency exit.”

  “Good idea.” I wasn’t even there yet and I was already planning my exit strategy.

  Happy birthday to me.

  Chapter Two

  I adjusted the hem of my skirt and gave the mirror a final glance. It wasn’t often that I dressed up, but I knew my parents would expect it.

  “Are you sure you don't want us to come?” Mia asked. “Every year you do this and every year it seems like our presence would be better than not.”

  Dani slid down from the top bunk. “Seriously. It's your birthday and this is your family. You are the epitome of Mother Earth. I would think you’d be in your element with them.”

  I secured the mask I always wore when the subject of my family came up. “Of course I love seeing them. My sisters especially. I hate being away from them for so long.”

  Bryn laughed. “And yet you chose a future role as an Enforcer of the East. You can't get much further from your family than that.”

  A blush crept into my cheeks. “My ancestors came from the Eastern Quadrant. I feel an affinity for that region.”

  Dani ran a brush through her strawberry blond hair. “I guess I can understand that. Family history is what prompted me to become a Sentry of the South.” She joined me at the mirror and her gaze met mine. “Family can be both a blessing and a curse, can't it?”

  I offered a vague smile but said nothing.

  Bryn pushed back the chai
r from her desk and stretched. “Honestly, you should think of us. We’ve been eating cafeteria food nonstop. It would be nice to go to a restaurant with a family. Feel a little bit normal.”

  Mia giggled. “Leave it to Bryn to guilt you about food.” Bryn could always be counted on to express hunger. More than that, I knew that she missed her old life with her mother in Terrene. No matter how much her life had improved by coming to Spellslingers, she would always be an orphan who lost her childhood as well as her family.

  Guilt settled in the pit of my stomach and I heard myself say, “My family would love it if you joined us.”

  Bryn arched an eyebrow. “Are you sure? Two minutes ago you seemed determined to soldier forward on your own.”

  Part of me still wanted that for reasons I couldn’t give them. On the other hand, I knew it would mean a lot to my friends to celebrate my birthday with my family. At this point, they were more like sisters to me than my actual sisters.

  “A soldier should never go into battle unarmed,” I said.

  Dani pulled me in for a hug. “We’ve got your back. If your dad so much as moves his eyebrows in a way that seems critical of you, we’ll be all over him.”

  “Thanks, you’re the best.” I didn’t have the heart to tell her that our issues had nothing to do with criticism, or any of the usual negative family dynamics. Unfortunately, our problems went much, much deeper.

  We met my family at the restaurant at my request. I preferred that they didn't come to the academy to collect me. Spellslingers was my safe space, the place where I felt most comfortable, and I didn’t want it marred by memories of my family.

  My roommates and I traveled on our brooms to Trattoria Formaggi. Air traffic was light and the temperature was ideal for an evening flight. Small favors. I didn’t enjoy flying the way Mia did, but she was an air witch so that wasn’t really surprising.

  I spotted my mother first and paused for a brief moment to watch her. Her dark blond hair caught a ray of fading light through the window. I observed her pert profile and the fine lines around her eye. She didn’t appear strained the way she did when I was around. A blessing for my sisters.

  My youngest sister, Elsa, caught sight of me through the window and screeched with joy. We hadn’t even reached the door when she burst out of it, a wide smile plastered across her pretty face. She was only eight. Too young to share our scars.

  “Cerys,” she said, and threw her arms around my waist. She pressed her cheek to my chest. “You look so pretty. I love this skirt. Are these your friends?” Her questions were infused with a child’s typical enthusiasm.

  “Why don't we join the others inside before the interrogation begins?” I said. I gently prodded her forward. “I’m sure everyone is hungry.”

  “I made a present for you,” Elsa said. “Mom has it in her purse. She told me it was subpar, whatever that means, and to leave it home. I told her that I made it for you and I want you to have it.”

  I smiled. It was hard to argue with her stubbornness. “I’m sure I will love it.”

  We spilled into the restaurant and joined my family at a long rectangular table. My father sat at the head, of course, and my mother adjacent to him. My two other sisters sat in the middle — Glenda and Madlen. We all shared the same features. Blond hair and brown eyes. Usually, I glamoured mine to look blue, but I left them brown today knowing that my family would disapprove.

  “Happy birthday, darling,” my mother said stiffly. She didn't bother to get up. I took the seat across from Glenda and Madlen and my roommates sat in the remaining chairs. Elsa took her place opposite my mother.

  “You’re looking well,” my father said. “The academy seems to be taking good care of you.”

  “I take care of myself.”

  There was a brief awkward silence before Dani jumped in. “Thank you so much for letting us tag along,” the fire witch said. “We didn't want to have to celebrate Cerys's birthday in the cafeteria.”

  “As delicious as the food there can be,” Bryn added.

  “I took the liberty of ordering for the table,” my father said.

  Of course he did. Why wouldn’t he make decisions that impacted everyone else?

  “You've grown taller, Glenda,” I said.

  “Mom says I’m probably done growing now,” Glenda replied.

  “She's taller than you,” Madlen added.

  I gave a wry smile. “That's not hard to do.” I’d always been smaller and it didn't surprise me at all that my sister would surpass me in height. Glenda was eighteen now. An adult.

  “Have you decided on a university yet?” Mia asked Glenda. “Cerys said the last time you talked about it you were undecided.”

  “I’m leaning toward Cadmus,” Glenda replied. “They offered a scholarship, which means that there will be more money for Madlen and Elsa when their time comes.”

  I understood, but I felt disappointed on her behalf. Glenda was an excellent student. I knew she’d received offers from better universities than Cadmus.

  “I can also continue to live at home and save on room and board,” Glenda continued.

  My heart sank. Not only was she staying within a short distance of home, but she wouldn’t even get the full university experience. I had no doubt my parents played a role in her decision.

  “I’ve been considering joining the League,” Madlen said. She shot a cautious look at my parents. “But I think it's best if I don't live in Terrene. It's far too dangerous there.”

  Bryn smothered a laugh. “I don't know about that. I've been here a couple of years now and it's fair to say that my life has been at risk far more times here than in the human world.”

  Madlen appeared heartened. “I thought it would be fun to be stationed close to the border so that I could cross over every week for Sunday dinner. If you’re a good enough trainee, I heard you get your choice of locations.” She straightened her shoulders. “I know I’d be an excellent candidate. My magic isn't as strong as yours, Cerys, but it's fairly potent for my age.”

  I felt a surge of pride. Madlen was becoming a confident young witch—a far cry from the little girl I remembered. She used to make me check behind every door at bedtime and confirm that our house was free of monsters. I’d even created a spell that allowed her to illuminate the room at night if she woke up from a bad dream and no one was there. She found comfort in the light. It had pained me to leave my sisters and attend Spellslingers, but it was for the best.

  “Tell us about your year so far,” my father interjected. “Any exciting field trips coming up?”

  Servers arrived and began setting steaming dishes and full goblets in front of us.

  “Yes, as a matter fact,” I said. “We're going to Terrene this week for a weekend camping trip. We’ll be doing some wilderness training.”

  My mother recoiled slightly. “Sounds dangerous.”

  “Well, we’re going to be agents for the AMF,” Dani said. “Danger is part of the job.”

  “I was never a fan of this decision,” my mother said, bristling.

  I stared at my plate. “I’m a grown witch, Mom. I've always wanted to do public service.”

  “In that case, you could have been a teacher,” my father said. “No swords flying or spells attacking you in a classroom.”

  Dani laughed. “Clearly, you have never attended a Spellslingers lesson.”

  Elsa studied her with wide brown eyes. “Do you really use swords in the classroom?”

  Dani leaned forward and nodded solemnly. “And daggers and a bunch of weapons. My sword even has a name.”

  “Is it Muffin?” Elsa asked. Everybody laughed.

  “No, it’s Revival. It's a very special sword. I'm lucky to have it.”

  Elsa turned to me. “Do you have a special sword?”

  My gaze flicked to my parents before returning to my youngest sister. “I do, but it doesn't have a special name.”

  “Why not?" Elsa asked. “I name everything.”

  “She's no
t kidding,” Madlen said. “She even named the toilet Herbert. She says things like, time to flush Herbert. I'm going to pay a visit to Herbert.”

  I laughed away my uneasiness. “Maybe I'll let you name my sword then. Any suggestions?”

  Elsa touched her cheek thoughtfully. “How about Zanzibar?”

  “That's a big word for little girl,” Dani said.

  “It's in Terrene,” Elsa said.

  “Did I mention she also has an obsession with maps?” Madlen added.

  “Maps are great,” Elsa said. “I like maps of all the realms. I asked Mom if we could wallpaper my room with maps, but she said no.” Elsa’s lower lip puffed out in a pout.

  “I’m not sure about Zanzibar,” I said. “I'd rather have something short and sweet and to the point, kind of like my sword. What else have you got?”

  Elsa's face lit up. “What about Miss Thing?”

  I ruffled her hair. “I’ll take it under advisement.”

  Elsa seemed pleased. It was so easy to make her happy.

  “I wish I could go on your trip with you,” Elsa said. “Mom and Dad don’t like us to play in the woods.”

  “It’s too easy to get hurt,” my mother said.

  “Remember that time Folant climbed the blue oak in grandma's yard and couldn’t get down?” Glenda said with a laugh. “Dad had to climb up and rescue him.”

  “Who’s Folant?” Bryn asked.

  Everyone fell silent. My mother's complexion turned to ash.

  Glenda quickly lowered her gaze to her lap. “Never mind,” she mumbled. “It was just a silly story.”

  “Our trip won’t be your kind of fun,” Mia said to Elsa. “It’ll be lots of running and practicing with weapons and magic.”

  Elsa banged her tiny fists on the table. “I love weapons and magic.”

  “Maybe in a few years,” I said.

  My mother wore a pinched expression. “Or not at all.”

  I met her gaze and felt a wave of nausea wash over me. “Right,” I said. “Or not at all.”

  I managed to get through my next day’s classes without dozing off, a real feat given my tired state. Dinner had been exhausting and then my roommates and I had stayed up far too late talking and laughing. It had been worth it, though. Anything to avoid dwelling on my family’s visit.