Wicked Games Academy

CHAPTER 3

My memories about my year ten at Graycotts end around here. For the second exam Clive and I had remained on horseback and defeated a well-known pair who was really good in jousting and horseback riding.

The Headmaster called to talk to us about the matter himself, the Professor in the office too, droning on about our tests results.

"...while Clive does have admirable skills in fighting with a sword or dagger his actions can be a bit hasty and decisive. We need the two to communicate more, I need to see Clive telling Nathaniel his plan when he stole the trophy and when he knocked the second boy off horseback. Of course at times they demonstrate understanding of one another, such as when Nathaniel exchanged his weapons with Clive in the last test."

"Great summarizing. I see," the Headmaster said.

The Headmaster always wore a half mask on his face, and his hair, black and cut like normal hair, was also a wig. It was one of those legends seniors told you and once you went and made sure of it you realized it was true.

The sun had a full light on it and his upper face was obscured by the mask tightly pressed to his face. His eyes were distant.

Clive and I stood rigidly as he nodded and noted something down on his notes.

"Enjoy your summer, boys. I heard you'll be staying here, Vagrant?" The Headmaster knew that?

"Yes, I am a vagrant," Clive said politely as always when it was to authority figures.

"I see. You can welcome Nathan right away when he returns, then," he joked.

"I will," Clive said, sending a smile my way. I felt the fire in my face.

Once we left the office for the next set of boys I pulled him over.

"Are you out of your mind? I said I'd give it a thought and I've decided it's impossible, I'm a Rottings and I need an heir!" I was out of breath as I whispered it loudly, and he stood at the wall, entertained by my aggressiveness.

"As far as I understand, you're agreeing to try it as to be my lover for a few months. Otherwise that's no chance at all," he said coolly.

"No, I will not be your lover. Don't say things like that or I'll be asking for a room transfer!" I scrunched up my faced.

"No, you can't do that!" Clive said. We were walking and we constantly stopped due to the bantering.

"...I'm sorry but no is no. I've told you, my life is written for me," I said but I felt his mind wander. "Clive!"

"Oh, sorry. I  thought of a great idea—could you actually bring me over to the Rottings House for a week this summer? Anytime is fine, I'd like to learn about being a knight from the best knight family in town."

I normally would've nodded humbly but I knew Clive of all wouldn't be serious about it. We went to his room and his roommate wasn't back yet.

"Just tell me, what do you want?" I asked.

"I don't know." Clive sat at an open window, one leg inside so I knew he wouldn't fall—and I could catch him in case. "I'm confused about being a knight, Nathan. I figured if I knew more about who I was helping, how being a knight meant I'd be a citizen and no longer a refugee I'd care for Goldenvale even more."

I hardly heard him so serious.

"Do you remember your home country?" I asked.

"I am actually from the slums," he said, looking at the trees outside. "It's a small country without access to water. We all fought for dirty water. I grew up thinking water was rare, that rain happened once in a blue moon. It's so funny thinking back now." He closed his eyes and leaned his head against the glass.