Chapter Four: Call for a Reaping

Chapter Four: Call for a Reaping

Chapter Four: Call for a Reaping

Toms thoughts tumbled about in complete disarray as he hurried to the Office of the Director. He pulled in the scent of the manicured gardens that lined the walls of the various buildings as he jogged past, trying to slowly put his frantic thoughts in order.

There was only one reason theyd call an impromptu assembly. The Council has called a Reaping. Its here already. I havent had enough time! But in his heart Tom knew that more time wouldnt matter. It was do or die. His thoughts skittered back to his Philosophy class.

Glass holds the Sword? It filled him with envy and awe and shame. And she gave me a compliment!

Although hed always found Glass just as terrifying as the next student, he had a tremendous respect for her. The advice shed given him was a treasure.

Why would she tell me not to focus on the Sword? he puzzled. Its my only hope. I have affinities for most weapons, but Ive tried manifesting them too. It doesnt make sense.

He turned the advice around in his mind some more, hoping to pry lose some kind of understanding. Why would she do this now? Ive known her since I was eight and shes never been anything but steel and sharp edges.

Insight flashed through him. The Reaping! Of course! This is probably the last time Ill see her, one way or the other.

He felt oddly sad at the thought, where a day ago he probably would have felt relieved. Actually, he still felt relieved, if he was being honest with himself. Just a little.

A healthy amount of students were still straggling out of classrooms and wending their way towards the Office. Tom pushed himself a little faster; he didnt want to find a spot under the baleful glare of the Director.

He rounded the corner of the Sciences building, and the Office and its paired assembly lawn came into sight.

The Office was an understated building, compared to the rest of the stately stone buildings of the Academy. Red like the rest of the Academy, but only a single story tall, it didnt draw the eye the way the bell-tower next to it did, or the long, squat combat hall, or even the relatively plain, but tall sciences block. It commanded a certain respect that none of the others did though, purely by virtue of housing the Director. Tom had only seen him a handful of times outside these assemblies.

Thousands of students had gathered, talking excitedly to each other. There were just enough instructors spread around and throughout the crowd that the hubbub never quite reached a clamour. Even so the noise was pervasive.

Tom glanced to the front, but the Directors podium was still empty. He breathed a sigh of relief, and found a space near the middle of the crowd at one of the edges. Two younger students in front of him chattered to each other nervously.

Do you think well see a monster? a short boy with curly hair asked his friend, tall and leaner than a stalk of wheat, with hair to match.

The tall boy puffed out his chest. Of course we will. My Da saw a soil drake on his, and Jered saw a whole stand of wood golems!

The short boy did a poor job of covering nervousness with bravado. Well Im gonna manifest Earth, Ma says I will. Then Ill sweep away monsters like an avalanche!

Youll manifest Loser and get chucked out of the Academy! jeered the beanpole.

The short boy turned to punch his neighbour, but caught sight of Tom. He awkwardly aborted his playful attack and began whispering to his friend.

Cutter! That sop who

Heard he still hasnt surely wont manage it now

They stole sidelong glances at Tom. He couldnt help himself, leaning slightly forward.Read latest chapters at nov(e)lbin.com Only

The Greens got more monsters than leaves, he said. You think the days bad, looking sidelong at every tree - wait til the night. So many monsters howling in the dark you cant tell one from the other. Tom smiled at them as he leant back.

Make your Houses proud the words rang in Toms head. His gut was a boiling cauldron of emotions. Its too soon. I cant do this. I have no other choice. I wont manifest. I need to.

The Instructors spread throughout the crowd had all moved to the edges, and Cullen passed just by Tom. He had a large clipboard that was struggling to pin down far more paper than it was designed for.

Most of the other students were chattering to each other in groups, or swarming about trying to find their friends. Tom had no such considerations, and was first to Cullen as a reward.

Fucking thing Cullen was muttering at the clipboard as Tom approached, fiddling with a pencil.

Instructor, Tom said, standing at attention in front of him.

Cutter, said Cullen, his gruff voice making it sound almost like a cough. Enough of that. Youll be puckered up tight for a month and half, no need to get started too early.

Tom relaxed a little, waiting as Cullen rifled through his paper. His beard wiggled back and forth as he searched. After a moment he found what he was looking for and gave a small grunt.

Marked you for a yes. That about right? he glanced at the slowly growing crowd of students gathering behind Tom.

Thats right.

Alright then. Dont get yourself killed now, eh? The look in Cullens eyes said he knew just as well as Tom that, one way or another, this would likely be the last time they spoke.

I wont. He paused, unsure of what to say. Thank you, Instructor, he said. It seemed too little, for the man whod taught him so much over the years. But anything more would be too much.

Cullen waggled his beard at him a few times, then grunted again and waved him off, already swearing under his breath about paperwork. He was quickly swarmed by more students.

One week, Tom thought as he made his way out of the crowd and off the lawn. One week til the Reaping. One last chance to prove Im not a failure.

He was brought up short as he reached the gates by a stormcloud drifting into his path.

Rosa, he began. How ar-

Fuck up, Tom. Small talk? Theyve just announced a Sowing! Goddess, but youve got nothing in that head, she fired at him, flicking him in the forehead. Her silky hair fell forward as she did, shining in the sun like sheets of liquid black glass. She cocked an expectant eyebrow at him.

Um, well - and she cut him off again.

Youre going on the Reaping, yes? She didnt wait for him to answer. Good. Good man.

She tapped her finger thoughtfully against her lips, considering him briefly. Dont die now, okay? I like teasing you too much, I think. She flashed forward and swept him into a brief hug. Was gone again before Tom could recover from his shock and put his arms around her.

Rosa, wha-

Fuck off, Tom! she called cheerily over her shoulder, striding off to the black carriage that had just arrived for her. And dont fucking die, yes?

And with that she was gone, leaving Tom feeling happy, mildly offended, and very confused. Which was, of course, how every interaction he had ever had with Rosa had gone.

Fuck I hope shes not in my unit, Tom thought. Ill die for sure. Or Ill manifest Befuddlement. I dont even know which would be worse.