Fear:
Lucky Frine had given up Fear years ago. There was no point in being afraid. She knew exactly when she was pushing herself too far and she wasn’t fearless or brave. She just couldn’t be bothered to be scared anymore. Scared of her Mum, afraid of the dark, fear of heights and bullies. She’d left that behind 6 years ago. And now, at 18, she was leaving school – and she wasn’t afraid of going out into the real world and being by herself. Her Mum was still mad – someone had described it as ‘A few sheep lost from her paddock’ – but she was stable enough to look after herself. The only thing that her Mum had screamed about that day was when Lucky had taken the Book away from her. The Book. So there was something Lucky feared. The Book – and the Truth it seemed to bring with it.
School of the Stolen:
Lucky ripped open the envelope. She’d been accepted. The School of the Stolen had accepted her. But she hadn’t applied for the School of the Stolen. Lucky had wanted to complete her education at the Academy of Aurora. She should have been over the Moon with joy. The School of the Stolen was the best and the most prestigious school in the whole of Valnery. Lucky had applied with a scholarship for the Academy of Aurora. Out of 28 other Finishing School’s, the Academy Of Aurora was in the top 5 and studied the Magic of Dawns – something Lucky already loved to do. School of the Stolen, however, studied both Dark and Light Magic and the effects they caused. Over the centuries, whenever the Dark Magic on the Other side of Valnery rose, the students of SS were its main defence. Lucky shuddered at the thought of the dark magic she would have to learn.
The School of the Stolen stood on an island surrounded by the twenty-eight other colleges. Minor academies such as the School of Household Magic and the Academy of Garden, were placed on smaller islands and the students that studied there were from poorer families or wished only to learn Basic Life Skill magic. The SS was the grandest. It was made of Fliestone, a material that changed colour in the light. On the walls were carved depictions of Valnery’s grand history. Students studied the different branches of Magic and were taught the Highest Level of Magic. James couldn’t believe he’d been asked to attend it. Since when had the School of the Stolen taken in thieves?
n In History
“A baby lay in the middle of the Table. Around it sat a dozen people; all were puzzled at why the child was here. ‘This child has been stolen and bewitched. Just like us all.’ A woman spoke. She was tall and her eyes were full of sadness. ‘But it is also more powerful than all of us put together.’ A man stood. Laedin Michaels, Head of the Council, spoke up, ‘We must get rid of it, before we are overcome.’ His nose had been broken in a few places and his eyes were full of anger at the thought of this mere child being in his presence. “Lilliana, you must drop it into the river before Midnight.” The tall, sad woman stood, “Yes, My Lord.” “Good. Council dismissed.” Lilliana picked up the child and walked swiftly from the room. Almost running down the stairs, she was on the bottom level and out of the building before anyone could call her back. She paused for a second and closed her eyes, all of a sudden, she was gone – the child with her.’
And that is what happened, around eighteen years ago when Lililana the Faery disappeared without a trace. Lord Michaels also went missing. Whether or not because the child that Liliana took with her got rid of him or he is in hiding from the child and Liliana. He may even have killed the child. Your homework for tomorrow is…”
The chiming of the Big Bell rang through the school as Lucky made her way out of her class – History of Valnery. Someone brushed against her and a barrage of images invaded her mind. A fatherless child being beaten, a report card with A’s and one B but step-parents that were still unhappy, the presentation of a scholarship, a thieving boy – James. Lucky winced. She hated these visions that came whenever someone touched her without warning. Generally, Lucky could block them out but her guard had slipped too often during her time at school. Turning a corner, she suddenly realised that one of her books were missing – The Book. James Calner. Lucky spun on her heel and pushed through the tide of people. A chocolate brown head connected to a neck with a blue scarf and broad shoulders wearing a red shirt showed through the crowd and Lucky grabbed it by the shoulder. A face with a sharp nose, bright green eyes and a scowl met her. “Give the Book back.” Lucky’s voice was quiet and dangerous. “You’re going to have to look through this whole pile.” James showed her the pile of books in his arms.
