The Academy For The Aces: BOOK 1 OF THE ACE SERIES

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Faith Holmes, Granddaughter of Sherlock Holmes, was an Ace, just like her Grandfather. Aces are individuals whose talents surpass the ordinary; some are born into aristocratic or royal families and are worshiped for their extraordinary abilities. Although Faith's grandfather didn't come from a noble background, his incredible talent had a profound impact on society, ultimately making him a celebrated hero in the realm of Aces. However, four years ago, he mysteriously vanished, leaving everyone bewildered.

For some Aces, their ability can be physically seen, while for others, like Faith, it is not visible. Her talent was her Intuition, which went far beyond a "gut feeling"; it bordered on being psychic.

One thing that distinguished an Ace from a regular person, regardless of the nature of their abilities, was a single spade below the back of the neck. It could either appear at birth or during childhood.

Faith resided on the outskirts of London, in a small town known as Magers. It was an interesting place with cobblestone streets, old-fashioned architecture, and a sense of history and tradition. The town's main square was adorned with a rustic fountain, surrounded by boutique shops and cozy cafes where locals and visitors gathered to chat and relax.

Despite Magers' welcoming atmosphere, conservative views and ridiculous stories about Aces being the spawn of the Devil drove people like Faith into hiding. Her parents, Henry and Jane, moved to Magers from the city when she was fourteen, after her grandfather's disappearance. Her father was the town's doctor, and her mother a seamstress; their jobs helped keep them afloat, so they could live comfortably.

Comfortable, for them, meant that Faith was homeschooled for eighteen years. Making friends with the town's kids was not an option, and their conversations with the townsfolk usually revolved around Mr. Smith's next appointment with her dad or the specifications for the mayor's daughter's next dress.

The town's library became Faith's only sanctuary, where she would immerse herself in the enchanting world of fiction, losing track of time for countless hours. Instead, she would immerse herself in her father's medical textbooks, igniting a deep curiosity for the complex mechanisms of the human body. This passion would nurture her unwavering dream of one day becoming a doctor.

Nevertheless, everything took a different turn once her parents clandestinely enrolled her in The Academy For The Aces. This elite boarding school, located in London, exclusively accommodates Aces from affluent backgrounds or parents who anticipate the repercussions of raising an Ace child. Consequently, these parents opt to dispatch them to this prestigious institution as soon as they come of age.

At the dining table, Faith's parents slid the golden envelope towards her, a Rhododendron flower stamp at its top right corner. She ripped open the envelope, her eyes widening as she read the letter's contents.

[Headmaster's Emblem - Rhododendron]

The Academy For the Aces
London, 1st September 1910

Dear Faith Holmes,

I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. It is with great pleasure and excitement that I extend my warmest congratulations to you! I am thrilled to inform you that your acceptance into The Academy For the Aces has been confirmed. The academy is renowned for its commitment to fostering the exceptional abilities of individuals with unique talents.

Your exceptional skills have been acknowledged, and we wholeheartedly believe that by becoming a part of our academy, you will significantly elevate our vibrant community of gifted individuals. Welcome to the esteemed Academy For the Aces! With a rich history of cultivating excellence and fostering the growth of those with remarkable potential, we are truly delighted to have you join our community.

As a student at our academy, you will have access to an array of specialized courses tailored to develop and harness your unique talents. From mastering your abilities to exploring the depths of your potential, our dedicated faculty members will guide and support you throughout your journey.

The term will commence on 2nd September 1910. Please ensure your arrival at the academy no later than 10:00 AM on that day. Enclosed with this letter, you will find additional information regarding the necessary preparations, uniform guidelines, and a detailed academic schedule for the upcoming term.

Should you require any further assistance or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our administration office at JUN-2345.

Faith, once again, congratulations to you! Come and join us at The Academy for the Aces, where you will be surrounded by like-minded individuals and your potential will reach limitless heights. We can't wait to welcome you!

Yours sincerely,

Headmaster Rosalind Lavigne
The Academy For the Aces

Rosalind Lavigne

"No, no, no," Faith said, looking up at her parents, "you can't possibly be sending me away, why!" She yelled.

"Faith, please calm down, the academy will—" her dad tried to explain, but she cut him off.

"What will it be, Dad? 'Nurture my extraordinary talents'?"

"Yes, Faith, it will, your Grandfather also attended the Academy, and look at the impact he made," her mother interjected.

"Mama, I didn't hide for eighteen years of my life and deny what I am just to suddenly be sent off to a posh, rich boarding school," she answered back.

"Do you think it was an easy decision for us?" Her dad asked, "Hiding you from the world when you have so much to offer? When your Grandfather disappeared four years ago, your mother and I were fearful, not for us but for you, Faith," he sighed.

"I know, Dad," she breathed, "but to suddenly drop such a bomb on me...how long have you two even been thinking about this..?" She questioned, and they looked at each other and then at her.

"For quite some time, Faith, but I promise The Academy For The Aces will change your life for the better. You'll no longer have to hide, and you'll be surrounded by people just like you," her mother smiled.

"You're mother's right Faith, please think about this"

"Do I even have a choice?" She mumbled, and they embraced her in a tight hug.

At this moment, Faith felt as though her story ended, but little did she know, this was just the beginning.