Ethan Wright and the Curse of Silence (10 page)

At this point Auren felt like he was in the general store and Vincent was talking Ethan up again. But it did not matter to Auren; still feeling sick, he threw up in the bucket again, paused, and looked back up to MacArthur. “Do you know where we can find Isaac then?” Auren asked weakly. Ethan looked at the alchemist as if he asked the question himself.

“Ah …” MacArthur paused. “I see … unfortunately, I do not know his current whereabouts.”

“Do you know where we could start looking then?” asked Ethan desperately. “Just anything that could give us a clue … anything?”

“Well, you could try the records department. They keep records of all important activity in Tirguard. It may even give you answers about the Stonewolf attack you’re investigating, but there is no way to get near there, unless of course….”

“Unless what, MacArthur?”

“Well, unless you were enrolled in the Guard — civilians are not allowed near the records department,” answered MacArthur.

“Looks like you two will be going to orientation with me after all,” exclaimed Availia.

“Oh, man …” grumbled Auren. He had regained the color in his cheeks and was starting to feel relief from the effects of Oroborus travel. He looked out the window and smiled. “Hey, is it morning again? Looks like I get another chance at eating breakfast!”

Ethan and Availia shook their heads.

Chapter 11
Orientation

The three stepped out of the hut and into a bustling city. Ethan remembered the market district and recognized the vendor carts, colorful banners and the smell of food wafting past. He knew the smells would certainly excite Auren’s appetite and it would only be a matter of time before they bought food from one of the vendors. Auren started toward a meat pie shop, but at that very moment he stopped in his tracks.

“That rat-faced
jerk
is here,” hissed Auren.

Both Ethan and Availia looked where Auren was pointing. “Just wait a minute, Auren. Maybe he doesn’t want to start any trouble, and it’s probly best if we …”

“Like heck he’s not! He’s already picking on that boy,” interrupted Availia. She immediately started walking toward Marcus Grenwise and his entourage.

“Well mate, we can’t let her go by herself, can we?” asked Auren, smiling.

“Um … ok,” Ethan hesitantly agreed. “Let’s go make friends again.”

A very pale boy was standing with his eyes aimed at his feet. He was wearing all black and had an expressionless face. Marcus and his followers were taunting the boy, but did not seem to get any type of reaction.

“What’s the matter, stuttering Stanley? Cat got your tongue? …or maybe I should get my wardog to use you as a chew toy.”

“Mm … mm … mustn’t mingle — many miscreants mm … m … morons,” stuttered Stanley.

“What?!” yelled Marcus as he drew his sword.

“You heard him, you moron! Why don’t pick on someone your own size,” challenged Ethan, now standing between Stanley and Marcus.

Marcus turned as if to walk away and then lunged his sword right past Ethan and into Stanley’s shoulder. Ethan jumped and took a step back toward his friends, but to his surprise, Stanley didn’t move an inch.

“WHAT DID YOU DO THAT FOR?” yelled Auren, both him and Availia looking shocked.

“If they have a prison here, I guarantee you’ll be in it soon!” yelled Ethan as he grimaced at the sight of a sword sticking into flesh. He took a step forward to countermand Marcus, but was stopped short. Marcus quickly removed his sword from Stanley’s shoulder and held it up to Ethan’s throat.

“There is no law against stabbing a dead person — ol’ stuttering Stanley will be my personal pincushion while I’m here,” taunted Marcus. He drove the sword forward until it depressed Ethan’s skin.

“Stanley’s shirt …” said Stanley, placing his finger through the hole in his shirt as he inspected it.

“
Dead
?” asked Ethan as he stood his ground. “What do you mean
dead
?”

“WHAT IS GOING ON OVER THERE?” yelled a familiar voice. Ethan would recognize the over-dressed man anywhere. It was Tothyll.

Tothyll had selected a classy brown coat accompanied by an open-collared shirt and an assortment of jewelry. His shoes were so shiny that Ethan could see his reflection in them. He had a ring on almost every finger and on his thumbs as well.

“You make me sick, Marcus!” yelled Tothyll as he grabbed Marcus’ collar with both hands and pulled him face to face. “If I see you act out again, I will not hesitate — you understand?”

Marcus nodded.

“Now scram! I don’t need any trouble the first day of orientation.”

Marcus withdrew his sword from Ethan’s neck and sheathed the thin double-edged blade.

“Watch your back, Ethan,” smirked Marcus under his breath.

“He doesn’t have to as long as we’re around,” replied Auren. Availia crossed her arms and nodded as the gang of miscreants walked away laughing.

Ethan caught his breath and shook the hand of his savior.

“Thanks, Tothyll,” said Ethan.

“No problem — nothing you wouldn’t have handled anyway. You alright, Stanley?” asked Tothyll, now investigating the hole in Stanley’s shirt.

“Nn … nnn … yes,” answered Stanley.

“That’s a relief … Ethan, I would like you to meet Stanley — and Ethan, who are your friends here? A recruiter like myself has to know these things.”

“This is Auren and Availia, but … wait — how is he ok? I saw a sword go right into his shoulder … I mean … I did, didn’t I?”

“Alchemy accidents always anticipate anger and aggression,” said Stanley quickly.

“Does he always talk like that?” asked Auren, pointing at Stanley.

“Stop it,” snapped Availia, hitting Auren’s arm. “You’re being rude.”

“On the contrary, it is only natural to be curious,” replied Tothyll. “Stanley is a resident here. At one time he was a student in experimental alchemy — one of the school’s finest. Several squads were attempting to make an elixir that could extend the life of an individual. After what seemed to be a successful attempt to keep an old cat from dying, Stanley tested it on himself. He is not entirely alive, but not quite dead either — more or less he is … well, stuck in a state of limbo between the two.”

“Nnn … nn,” stuttered Stanley.

“It’s alright Stanley, I will get to that,” Tothyll continued. “The trauma associated with the experiment left him without proper speech. However, he has worked with a specialist and now he is able to communicate. I believe you are returning to school this year, aren’t you, Stanley?”

“Nnn … nn … yes,” answered Stanley, while playing with the hole in his shirt again.

“Stanley,” said Availia, as she approached. “Did this hurt?”

“Stanley’s shirt,” replied Stanley.

Availia inspected the hole in Stanley’s shirt and then looked at the skin where the sword would have gone through. “There’s no wound here — it’s as if nothing happened at all. But something did happen. Stanley, those boys were very rude, do you understand?”

Stanley nodded.

“So uh … what happened to the cat?” asked Auren, chuckling.

“I’m sorry?” asked Tothyll, scratching his head.

“You know — that was treated with experimental alchemy — before Stanley tried it on himself.”

“Yes … well, I … you know, I am not entirely sure. That’s a good question, Auren, I would be happy to look into it for you.” Tothyll gave the four a rather strange look and then refocused. “Ethan, I know last time we spoke you didn’t seem interested in the Guard, but here you are on the first day of orientation. There is still time to enter your name in the Ordo Electus lottery … well … I … can enter all of your names if you like.”

“What lottery?” asked Ethan.

“Well, this year is different, as it is the first open enrollment in some time. But in the past, every teacher was assigned a squad of four at random. However, I am afraid to say that there are concerns with several teachers on the quality of, well … shall we say, talent … that comes through the Oroborus. So it was decided that this year’s lottery be a selection instead. After today’s orientation is concluded, all twenty-five teachers will take turns selecting one member of their squad per round for a total of four rounds, until they have four students, which means, only one hundred students will make the cut this year. And the results will be posted outside the orientation building upon completion — how exciting!”

“Whoa, that sounds wicked! Can we watch?” asked Auren.

“Sorry — closed door event,” answered Tothyll. “If you would have me, I could still get your names entered into the Electus — you in then?”

Ethan looked at Auren, who shrugged his shoulders but nodded slightly. They both turned to Availia as she smiled and nodded.

“I would also add that if I sign you up and you are selected … well … let’s just say that is how I make a living,” added Tothyll.

“We’re in,” answered Ethan.

Tothyll again shook Ethan’s hand and smiled. “Well then, Stanley, could you show these three to orientation? I am sure they are excited to get started.”

Stanley nodded.

“Orientation?” asked Ethan. “But don’t we need to be selected first?”

“Orientation is for anyone that is new to the city of Tirguard — the first class is mandatory I’m afraid … and starts in a few minutes — other classes are mandatory if you wish to leave the walls of Tirguard. The class will be filled with those from Whitehaven that are trying to join the Guard — should be fun … right?”

Availia nodded and took Stanley by the arm. Ethan and Auren followed as they were led through the city to a rather boring-looking building. Ethan, who felt they were making very little progress with getting answers, reluctantly approached the old wooden door at the main entrance. A small sign hung over the door that read ‘Orientation’.

“Nnnn … nnn … good, nnggg … nnn … luck,” stuttered Stanley.

“Thanks, Stanley! We will see you again, maybe you can show us around later,” said Availia.

“Nnnnggg … nnn … sure,” replied Stanley, withholding a small smile.

The trio pushed through the swinging door. The hinges squeaked as they hissed open and the three found themselves in a large classroom which was dreary and dismal. It had several seats, cracked wooden desks with splinters sticking out, and old yellowed parchment supplied at each desk. The others in the class appeared to have been there all morning. Some of them had curled up in a corner and were resting their eyes, while others were looking at books and old scrolls that they had brought. Ethan noticed one boy carrying a decent-sized armor bag that had armor hanging out the side. It was obvious to Ethan that the boy had intentions of using it. Looking around the room, Ethan realized that he, Auren, and Availia were of the few that did
not
have an armor bag with them.

“And what do you think you’re doing here?” shrilled a voice from the other side of the room.

Ethan recognized the voice immediately; it was Marcus Grenwise.

“You planning on registering for the Guard? It’s really no matter anyhow, you and your stupid friends won’t make the top one hundred,” added Marcus.

“We don’t really care about the Guard, you moron,” spouted Auren without thinking. He realized that all the kids in the room that were carrying armor bags intended to join the Guard. But it was too late; soon they were receiving dirty looks from around the room.

“Then why are you here?” asked Marcus. The question went unanswered. “I see you’re still a stupid oaf — soon you’ll learn how to talk to your superiors with respect,” snapped Marcus.

“And who exactly would that be?” asked Ethan.

“Me! In case the rules of the youth sword competition fell on deaf ears. Winner of the contest becomes captain of the youth Guard. That’s why so many entered — didn’t really matter though … just more for me to defeat,” answered Marcus snidely.

Ethan looked over to Auren, who had entered the competition. “That true?” he whispered.

“Well yeah I guess — wasn’t really paying attention to that part of it, wasn’t concerned with the prize at the time,” whispered Auren.

Ethan nodded and refocused on Marcus, who was still staring at them with cold eyes. “Well you don’t have to worry about us being in your youth Guard, Marcus. If
you’re
running it, I would rather jump off a cliff,” said Ethan.

“Not even you, Availia?” asked Marcus. “I was certain when I saw your application to the tournament that you had expressed a high interest in the Guard, but if not, I will be sure to pass that information along so none of you get in.”

Availia’s hands formed two fists and her face turned bright red. Ethan couldn’t tell if she was going to cry or rip Marcus’ head off.

“Tell me, Ethan, how does it feel to have a big stupid oaf as a best friend?” spat Marcus.

Auren had just sat down, but bolted out of his chair as if he wanted to punch Marcus. Ethan put his hand on Auren’s shoulder and pushed him back in his seat.

“Dunno, how does it feel to almost get taken out of the youth sword competition by a girl who has more talent in her right hand than you have in your entire body?” spouted Ethan.

“Or maybe you want to talk about how a big stupid oaf spanked you in the backside in front of hundreds of people,” snickered Auren.

“Or how you pick on, draw your sword, and attack an unarmed kid,” added Availia.

“I’d be surprised if they put you in charge of washing dishes, let alone other people,” added Ethan.

Marcus’ cheeks started to turn red. “At least I wasn’t scared to enter the contest because of my poor brother — ahh, boo-hoo,” he mocked.

Just then, the door of the shabby classroom opened fiercely, interrupting the debate. In stepped a shady-looking but well-dressed man. He was led by his slightly large nose, which he carried in front of him with abrupt authority. He walked to the front of the classroom without worrying about the door, which reached the end of its hinges and snapped back. Alerted, all of the students sat up and came out of their daze.

The man placed some fresh scrolls on the desk in front, and with a stern look walked right down the middle of the room to the back of the class. He then peered around at everyone.