Gryffynhall (the Danu Cycle: Fiann Trilogy Book 1)

Chapter Fifteen

Eileen took them for Earth Magic, which seemed a much more accurate title than 'Potions 101', though she could see what Lochlan had been going for. Eileen taught them about herbs, poultices, healing magic, and anything to do with the Earth. Niamh found she had a natural affinity for Earth Magic. Well, she understood the concepts and enjoyed it, the execution was still a little elusive. But, it was the closest to an affinity she'd ever had with a school subject.

What can you expect from your first lesson? Niamh said to herself. She had to constantly remind herself that she was new here, no matter how much she felt like she belonged, as if she had known these people all her life. Three days, you have only been here three days...

They were out in the forest, with desks conjured from nothing and going over poisonous plants. Niamh enjoyed the change in surrounds, she smiled as the sun hit her back, warm and playful. She sat with Lochlan, who seemed quite adept in the ways of poison.

"I'll have to watch out for you," she said, nudging him.

Lochlan laughed, "I'd never poison you! You'd notice before I had a chance, then we couldn't be friends."

She shook her head, smiling. "I don't think I'd notice before, but I don't think we could really be friends after you'd killed me either."

Lochlan scoffed. "You would, too. You've identified every single poison here, once you knew what you were looking for. That's amazing!"

Niamh was about to answer, but Kane burst out of the trees, dramatically and with exceptional flair. If it were not for his look of worry, Niamh would have laughed. Bridget walked out from the trees after him more slowly, looking furious.

"Eileen, I need the class," Kane said.

"Now?" Eileen asked.

Eileen looked at the class over her glasses, then back to Kane. He nodded at her and her face visibly whitened. She nodded in return and stepped back. Kane walked to the middle of the class. He clasped his hands on front of him and looked out at them steadily, meeting every gaze before he spoke.

"I have some bad news everyone," he said finally.

Niamh felt Lochlan go stiff next to her. His hand balled up on the table, knuckles turning white. There was a soft murmur among the class, presumably wondering what would be so dire as to have Kane interrupt their lessons.

"There is no easy way to say this, but Dwendardien has escaped. The King has confirmed it." The murmuring got louder, amid gasps of horror. "He was last rumoured to be heading to Elfhaven. But, we all know he is coming here." Kane looked down and rubbed his hands as though nervous. "All non-essential classes have been cancelled until further notice. We need to dedicate our time to training. Those of you with particular aptitude for different magics, will continue those studies. The rest of you, we will be in the gym all day. Take the rest of this class off, get yourselves ready, and report to Free Training at the start of next lesson. Updated timetables will be available for those of you who will continue some classes."

As Kane turned and left, Niamh looked over to Bridget. She stared at Niamh with a look of such intense loathing on her face that Niamh was shocked. She'd known the woman all of a few days, yet you would have thought Niamh killed her family the way she stared. Niamh felt a tinge of guilt, and looked at Molly to check she was still whole and healthy.

Kane stopped in front of Bridget, following her gaze back to Niamh. He frowned slightly, then ushered Bridget away.

"Well, you heard him, folks," Eileen said, she waved her hand and her table disappeared, along with the plants on it.