I Didn't Sign up for This War.

Chapter 9

"You are all here because the Schoolmaster picked you to best represent your side in the war of Good and Evil."

The soft velvet of my seat is scratchy and uncomfortable. The silk of my uniform makes me feel hidden and fake.

"We are here to train you as best we can for when the Storian writes your story. If you work hard, we will give you the skills necessary to survive in the Endless Woods."

What if we can't survive?

She doesn't answer my silent inquiry. "Your classes start tomorrow. Due to the different natures of Good and Evil, classes are separated within the schools except for mealtimes and your Surviving Fairy Tale forest groups. We hope to nurture respect across our schools, even though there also must be rivalry. Evil cannot exist without Good and Good cannot exist without Evil."

A few people scoff from around me and I shrink down further in my seat.

"We expect all of you to be civil to one another."

A competitive glaring contest takes place. The Good students stare challengingly at the sea of black. The Nevers glare right back, muttering to one another like they're planning pranks or crimes. I keep my eyes firmly peeled on Professor Dovey.

"Your classes will be different for the most part, but they will all run the same way, regardless of what school you are a part of. Your Professor will provide a lesson and issue a challenge they think will best test your competence. After the challenge is completed, the Schoolmaster will provide your ranks as he sees fit. For Good students, high ranks will result in reward."

"For Evil students, low ranks will result in punishment!" Lady Lesso interrupts and cackles. The Evil students mutter appreciatively and Professor Dovey's beautiful features form a slight wince before softening again.

"Yes, Lady Lesso. If I could continue please?"

"Please." Lady Lesso gives a mock bow.

"As I was saying: Your ranks across all classes will be averaged together and presented on a Scoreboard in the meadow where you will have your meals."

Professor Dovey wields a wand in her hand, the tip of it glowing a pastel pink.

A few people gasp. Wands are unusual, but not unheard of. Mother always called them foolish and showy.

She points it at the sky behind her and a blank scoreboard appears.

"This board can be viewed at any time. It will help you learn how you are doing in your classes and how you can do better in the future. They will also be the deciding factor in the decisions for tracks at the beginning of your second year."

The different boxes on the scoreboard glow different colors. The biggest chunk at the bottom glows bronze, the chunk at the top glows gold, and the middle rows glow silver.