Meridian's Rebirth

Ch. 5

The days pass peacefully. The lectures giving me ever greater insights into society.

The first exam will be taken soon and the test will show who spent their time in study and who spent their days on recreation.

"Come join me, Adam," Robert pesters me while I study my notes.

"I'm telling you, the ladies will go wild over you."

I sigh, "You do realize that the reason we came to the academy was to study."

Robert chuckles, "Oh, my naive little friend. You fell for that line? We're here to make connections. And, the best way to do that is over strong drink."

"Maybe, I'll join you." He elates. "After the exam."

He sighs and leaves our shared room.

I put him out of mind as I memorize formulas and dates.

In the afternoon, I find my fiance.

I feel like she likes me. She just prefers to have a weapon in hand when we date.

"So," she says. "Have you gone out with that Astor kid?"

I'm surprised that she knows of my roommate.

"I haven't had the opportunity," is my response.

"So, you haven't been out chasing loose women?"

I laugh at her question, drawing her ire.

I dance away from her sword and gather my wits.

"It couldn't be that you would feel jealous if I were."

She fumes as she makes a reckless charge.

I deflect her sword before putting my blade against her delicate neck.

Her face is redder than usual.

"Don't worry," I say. "I wouldn't bring you dishonor like that."

She looks embarrassed by my words as we retake our positions.

Night and day pass and we face a new threat.

This test is interdisciplinary. It covers all the subjects taught in the lessons.

The whole student body gets an 8 hour window to polish their tests.

If your grades fall below a certain margin, expulsion is the answer.

The math portions are tedious. But, manageable.

One problem poses the question of two different philosophers. We get as many, or as few, pages as we desire.

For some, bigger means better. But, I find long essays tend to be rambling.

The test is nothing beyond my expectations.

I finish at the 5 hour mark.

As I leave the testing room I see many frustrated faces.

I find myself wondering how Robert is doing.

I shake free from thoughts of the test as I walk into the courtyard.

"The peasants are rebelling in Tousan," my ears prick at the voice.

"They say the governor was killed. Masses of peasants stormed his estate."

"What's the Royal Army doing at a time like this?"

"I don't know. But, the bandit Felix is said to be one of the mob's leaders."