Shattering of a World: Thorns and Roses (Book #1)

Chapter 17

Tarion stood in the headmaster and professors' chambers with Katrina in front of a high, curved table looking like a half-shaped moon. They were on the left side while Steinar stood by himself on the right side. Headmaster Clarence and some professors in charge of surveying the trainees with some soldiers—who kindly volunteered in the speed trial—were in their seats, studying the three carefully. Sunlight streamed through the windows, shedding some radiance in the darkened chambers while very few lit candles barely circulated warmth on icy-cold skins. These chambers were not a pleasant place to be in, not only because of the bone-chilling atmosphere but because students had to give their testimonies in front of highly respected adults in the school who would try to sense their innocence or guilt.

Tarion could feel their gazes boring into his icy-blue eyes as their pupils darted from him to Katrina and Steinar, almost as if they were trying to see all their hidden secrets. His face whittled with no emotions as he stared at the headmaster and professors, not even as the frigid air felt like it was trying to freeze his blood in place. His sentiments remained wooden as a puppet. He wanted to send embittered glances at Steinar a few times, but with the many eyes pinned on them, anyone—even a fool—would grasp that it was better not to add water to the ship.

From the corner of his eye, Tarion could see Katrina rapidly shivering as she rubbed her upper arms, almost as if frostbite was about to claw over her rosy-pale skin, and chilled air would free itself from her mouth most of the time. Even so, her green eyes glazed with momentous to them. She was usually upbeat, but Steinar killed it after the stunt he pulled on Eugene. That made Tarion resent his rival even more.

Eugene had been rushed to the infirmary to get good treatment from the best healers. While Tarion and Katrina wanted to check on him, they had to get through this hearing. All they could do was hope the healers would be able to work their magic on their friend's ankle.

"Alright, we will begin," Headmaster Clarence said, leering at Steinar. "Young man, shed some light on what happened when you and Eugene ran near each other. Leave nothing in the darkness."

"Gladly, Headmaster Clarence," Steinar replied imperturbably. He then cleared his throat and untangled a bogus story of him running next to Eugene, and as he did, Tarion and Katrina stole glances at each other, never once buying Steinar's arid words.

As soon as Steinar finished, Katrina spoke up. "That's not true; he did it on purpose. He's always doing something reckless and crossed a line this time. Our friend got hurt because of him."

Steinar turned his head towards Katrina. "That's hurtful jumping to conclusions that quickly. Eugene just didn't see where he was going." He laid his steel-blue eyes back on the headmaster and professors. "You Headmaster Clarence gave out the rules, and I'm not dumb enough to break them during a trial. Would you honestly accuse me of even hurting someone? That would just be hardcore for me to do."

"For the seven gods' and goddesses' sake, he's lying!"

"You sure you're not the one lying?" Steinar asked as he fixed his gaze on Katrina once more. "For all we know, you're spinning these wild tales of me tripping Eugene just for attention."

"Katrina would never do that," Tarion spoke up, defending his friend. "So you better take those words back, you piece of penguin crap."

Steinar glared at Tarion. "Why don't you come over and make me, tough guy?"

"Yeah, why don't you come over and make me come there, tough guy?" Tarion challenged.

"Enough," Headmaster Clarence boomed. "Another argument like that, and I'll have no choice but to have you three be put on cleaning duty for the rest of the day at the castle." The three trainees directed their attention back to the headmaster, only for the invisible wall of ill will to strengthen between the two friends and Steinar. The headmaster's caramel eyes then landed on Katrina and Tarion. "Please state your sides of the story, you two."