The Silver Knife

Chapter 13

Early the next morning Lilith sat beside Melea as she helped her sort through the last pile of writing before the last weekly release of the magazine prior to the two weeks of freedom from the load of work in the planning committees before the Crystal Ball. The Academy's gates would open after breakfast which would allow students to go out in the Outer Market to purchase things they find necessary for the upcoming Ball, which a lot of students eagerly looked forward to.

The Professors were busy putting up decorations in the Hall and the Ballroom which had resulted in the kitchens making take out food that the students can eat outside in the gardens or the courtyard. Once the bell rang signaling the start of breakfast, Melea and Lilith rose from their seats, whisked their familiars away, and ran to catch up with the two boys who had left a few minutes before them. They met Azul on the staircase, who was cradling his screech owl Hades and the trio walked down together. 

Alzena waved to Azul once they took their share of food and he excused himself from the two of them. Melea spotted Eden and Aiden, and waved to them before walking over with Lilith. Nova was still sleepy and was annoyed at being yanked away from his comfortable bed and now he was curled up near Eden's feet, refusing to move.

"So where are we eating, the courtyard or in the gardens?" Melea asked.

"Courtyard. There's a highly likely chance that the nobles would be in the gardens taking in the fact that it's near the guest quarters. Maybe you can give Allura a call if you wish." Aiden told her. Melea nodded and closed her eyes, concentrating her mind on Allura.

'Hey Allura come to the courtyard.' She called through her mind.

'Coming!' came the reply.

Soon the five of them were sitting with their familiars in the courtyard, close to the fountain where several birds, both familiars and some not, were pecking at crumbs. Aiden's hawk, Orion and Laurina were tugging at the same piece of bacon which caused Orion to tumble backwards, Laurina being much more powerful. Aiden tossed him another piece which he gulped down.

Allura weaved a flower crown and placed it on Nova's head who looked at her with his round emerald eyes. Nova leaped swiftly onto her lap and purred a thanks. Everyone was done eating as Mr. Sinclair walked up to the students. A few others, who were probably eating at the gardens, followed him in. He stood in front of all the students and waited for a few others to assemble.

"The Academy gates will be opening soon. Students please bear this in mind that all of you must be back from the Outer Market before sunset with your familiars, the gates shall close by six in the evening, sharp. Anyone left outside would have to face the unknown perils of the Outer Market alone at night and anything that happens to them shall not be the responsibility of the Academy. Do not wander far from your friends, for you know not who might be necessary and when.

Our Professors will be on patrols in the market so if you ever are in the need of help, inform them. A few faes will be around too, and you can contact them. Enjoy the two weeks before the actual event!" He announced and sure enough, just after Mr. Sinclair had turned to speak to Professor Morningstar, the gates swung open and a path leading into the Market could be seen. Everyone had been sent enough money by their parents via the school mail for the shopping and most of them seemed eager to step out of the Academy walls.

The students thronged the streets, the Professors walking behind them. The Market neared their vicinity and some students squealed and jumped. Lilith was having trouble holding Laurina who was squirming and trying to get free from her grasp, their relationship still being sour after the incident. 

Melea and Lilith split up with the boys and walked into one of the shops displaying a large array of dresses for the girls to choose from. Lilith had to choose from black, while Melea was looking at some mint green dresses. Laurina had finally given up squirming and instead stared at the dresses her owner was looking at.