Flames of Ashes

Chapter Twelve. Rozen.

"Knowledge is the light that guides us through the labyrinth of destiny, illuminating paths unseen by the unlearned." - Cadvere.

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There was an unlosable knot in my stomach. The thought of eating or drinking anything was met with nausea. My hands were cold, and every movement I heard made me want to jump as I made my way to our first History class. For the first time, I didn't want to even sit at the front, but no one else would so I had to endure the torture.

I sat down, removing my scrolls and quill. The class was full of chatter but became quiet. I looked up to check if the instructor was there, but my eyes landed on the smokiest grey eyes, walking towards me with my brother trailing behind.

When he passed by my seat, I thought I was hallucinating when I felt his knuckles brush my fingertips, briefly. They were both wearing leather apparel with their respective sigil of binding on their chest: Dragon and Griffin.
My brother didn't even glance my way.

"Shit! What are they doing here?" Tamsin asked.
"Don't you know that they are both in Squad Aerith?" Ben replied.
"Really? Then why is Squad Aerith almost eating dust if we have two of the best knights in our squad?"

"Legions don't participate in The Melee."

It wasn't just our Squad here, Squad Elvina was also joining us. Wyns were the ones who taught this class and I was certain we would never release a Wyn to the Knighthood for a long period so we only had two classes, with two squads in each class.
Kor finally entered the class, and she nodded at me before proceeding to sit with Auron and his friends.

Alexis entered the class and smiled at me before taking the seat next to me. Our seats were wooden benches that could fit about ten people and a wooden table. The class was huge so I couldn't count the amount of rows but there were two columns and a pathway in the middle.

Our Squad Leader Kimoji stepped in, looking gruff as always. Someone came in after him and I quailed: High Wyn Eomer, my mentor. Or was my mentor before he betrayed my trust?

"This is High Wyn Eomer and this year, like every other year for the past 16 years, he will be taking History of Elpeca." Kimoji introduced him and went to sit down.

"Thank you for the introduction. I will be teaching you about the History of Elpeca: Pre, During, and Post the Wars." His voice was full like the ocean of wisdom he had. "However, this year I won't be the only one teaching. I have brought with me," he paused, searching for the right word, "an apprentice, if you will."

Apprentice? No, no, no. This wasn't possible. He wasn't going ahead with the plan, our plan. How could he when he knew how important this was to me?
He gestured for someone to enter and my jaw dropped.

His hair was short, revolting sharp eyes, wearing a golden robe, and the most disgusting smile I had ever seen.
"You!" We said at the same time. I almost laughed out of anger.

"This is my apprentice, Rozen and this year he will be joining me to teach you all since he is one of our best students." One of the best now that I was gone. He must be reveling in the pleasure. Finally, Xarian-Jarda wasn't there anymore. Rozen was a year older than I was but he and I were always compared to each other and I hated it. It didn't take a lot for someone to see that I was better than him!

"Jarda, do you know this guy? Because I didn't know Wyns had been gifted by the goddess of beauty, Elyria," Celia remarked. I could tell she was eyeing Rozen by the sound of her voice. Ew.

"There was not a day that went by and Xariam didn't complain about Rozen since we were children. This is going to be good." I turned to see Raph smiling and leaning in his chair.