Several hours later they all stood together, Irik, Taien, Nethali, Arabella and Wynn. Each had a pack on their back, and travelling clothes; leather trousers, a thick cotton shirt and tunic, a long cloak with a hood and sturdy travelling boots in varying colours. They stood in the Great Hall in a huddle before the three hundred strong professors, students and servants who all also were dressed similarly. It was a far cry from the clothes of combat which the students had worn as their uniform, the brown clothes of the servants and the smart robes of the professors. Wynn could not stop her breath from shuddering as she tried to ignore the hundreds of thoughts and emotions that swirled around the room. It was something she was getting better at, they did not consume all of her attention they way they used to, but they definitely caught some of it so that it was like a swarm of bees buzzing into her head. She could not work out if it was better.
Irik finished conversing with Nethali and turned to the students, his arms wide in what looked like an embrace.
“Friends, students, professors. I thank you for the speed in which you packed and readied yourself. It is a sad time, and a time of great reflection. It is the end of an era, one where we lived peacefully and safely. I know some of you still blame Wynn for what has happened and what will happen and that is your prerogative, but I feel I must defend her once again. She was not of right mind and if you knew her as I do you would see that no matter how much you blame her or how strong her feelings are they are nothing compared to what she feels for herself. Wynn is sorrier than you could ever hope to feel in your lives and I ask that you take that into consideration before you judge her.
“But Alas I digress; I have not called you here because of Wynn. Today we separate, all in search of something different. Students, you must use all that you have learnt and put it into practise as soon as you step out of these walls, you must drop everything from what you were. You may be noble born and rich, but that will mean nothing when you are starving and begging for work and food. This is not a time for arrogance, when you leave the Seminary you are just as important as a peasant and it will do you good to remember that. I can only help you if by the end of everything you are free to be helped. Be sensible and wary, not everyone is an enemy but not everyone can be trusted.
“Servants, you have served us all well for years and I can only wish you luck in the future. You are all of course welcome back when things are done. We will try and send word when the Seminary has been rebuilt.”
Irik turned to Nethali who stepped next to him and grasped his hand, “I can add nothing more than I love you all and hope to see you all soon.”
The hall was silent as Irik and Nethali’s words sunk in. There would be no more goodbyes, today they left together and none knew what lay ahead. Wynn turned to Arabella, her face was severely blank and she was pointedly thinking of nothing. Wynn understood, she wished she had Arabella’s skill. Beside her Taien was watching her and Wynn had to glance away, this was the man she would be travelling with for – for how long? She knew nothing of what was ahead; it would be the first question she had for him.