First Day At Elderwood University
Here’s a little sneak peek at your first day at Elderwood University!
Note: This excerpt has been adapted for readaility and format. Project Spellstruck is still in development and any and all parts of it will undergo changes before release. (We literally made edits to this scene yesterday!)
RHIANNON
This is Onyx House, your new home. The upperclassmen are on the top floors. You and the other First Years will be on the second--
EVENT
But before she can finish, the front door to the house flies open, and a handsome young man struts out, flanked by two of his friends.
SOREN
Seriously? You flew here on Steelbeak?
BARDRIC
Of course. He’s the finest griffin in all of Austerea... and you know I had to make an entrance for my first day at Elderwood.
FLATCHER
Badass!
RHIANNON
And here we go...
YOU
What do you mean–
EVENT
The young man stops short as he sees you, his gaze taking all of you in from head to toe. A shiver runs along your spine, but you're not sure if it's from the intensity of his gaze or the way it turns icy as recognition dawns.
BARDRIC
And who are you?
YOU
Me? None of your damn business. Do you always march up to people and demand their names?
BARDRIC
Yes. And I'll ask you again. Who. Are. You?
RHIANNON
I think you already know, Bardric.
EVENT
A shocked murmur runs through the crowd.
BARDRIC
So the rumors are true.
SOREN
I can’t believe Windworn let in the spawn of Andros Dreadbane!
EVENT
The blond guy steps forward, glowering at you, and you feel your stomach churning, your rage fanning with each word.
BARDRIC
After all the people your father killed, all the lives he ruined... his heir gets to attend Elderwood? Where’s the justice in that? You shouldn’t be here, you should have your head on a block like the traitor you are!
YOU
I’m nothing like my father! He died when I was a baby. I’ve never even met him! Who do you think you are, judging me?
BARDRIC
Me? I’m the guy who’s gonna make you pay for what your father did. Do you know who my father is? General Razik Arkland. Hero of the Republic. Breaker of the Rebellion.
EVENT
He leans in so close you can feel his breath on your neck, the subtle scent of sage wafting over you...
BARDRIC
And the man who put your father in the ground.
EVENT
You can feel the fire in your gut boiling over, your fingertips tingling with untapped power. Rage surges through you, hotter than lightning...
TALYN
Enough!
EVENT
Everyone snaps to attention as an older student emerges from the House entryway. You take advantage of the distraction to take a few deep breaths, slowly uncurling your fists.
TALYN
As entertaining as this little show has been, we’ve got better shit to do than watch a bunch of First Years bicker, right?
EVENT
At his prompting, all the students who had gathered sheepishly go back to what they were doing before. He turns to Rhiannon.
TALYN
Did you forget your role, Head of House?
RHIANNON
I had everything under control, Talyn.
TALYN
Did you? Because she was about to incinerate us all with a Penthos spell she has no control over.
YOU
I wasn’t!
TALYN
Just because you didn’t realize how close to the edge you were doesn’t mean it’s not true. Look at your hands.
EVENT
You hold out your palms for inspection. To your surprise, they’re glowing red, as if burned.
BARDRIC
Damn...
YOU
But I didn’t mean--
TALYN
I know you didn’t. That’s the problem.
EVENT
He turns his attention back to Rhiannon.
TALYN
And that’s why we don’t let First Years fight, even if you think it’s under control. And as for you...
EVENT
He turns his glare on Bardric next.
TALYN
I don’t give a damn who her father is. She’s part of Onyx House and that means you treat her with respect. Squads come from your House, and if you can’t trust your squadmates out in the Wilderlands, you die. Got it?
EVENT
Bardric squares off with him toe to toe.
BARDRIC
I don't take orders from you.
TALYN
Yeah, 'cause I'd never pick you to be on my squad.
BARDRIC
Wait, I know you. You're a Reaver. Your father was her father's lieutenant during the Massacre!
YOU
(Our fathers knew each other? I thought his name sounded familiar...)
BARDRIC
What is this, a school for traitors? Wait until my father hears about--
TALYN
Your father can't save you out in the Wilderlands, but she might, if you get your head outta your ass. Your choice.
BARDRIC
We'll see about that.
EVENT
Bardric marches off with his friends in tow, muttering under his breath as he passes you.
BARDRIC
I’m watching you, Dreadbane.
YOU
Right back at you.