Chapter 15: Does Your Brother Know?

Chapter 15: Does Your Brother Know?

The fatigue of the last few days hit them hard. The back end of the wagon was open and with their sleeping bags laid out, all five of her group mates were sprawled out, sleeping in the middle of the afternoon. Ewans legs were hanging off the back of the wagon as, in the shaded area right in front of them, Tori had dug another Dakota fire hole and was making coffee.

Mr. Henninger set up some wooden stools around the fire hole before going to lay down on the driver's bench to get some sleep before they were set to head back to Lyce that evening, once all the students were accounted for. After her team arrived, ten or so more groups had trudged back. Three groups of instructors and volunteers with injured students also returned.

Tori couldnt help but be irritated at the sight. To her, these students were still children and their safety shouldve been given more consideration by the school. A three day hike was enough; did they have to make students cross a river unaccompanied?

She silently stabbed at the fire before removing the kettle and pouring it over some ground coffee. Across from her, Instructor Ignatius was seated on a stool and leaning back against the wagon, reading.

Coffees ready, Tori said. She put aside the kettle and handed him the metal cup once the water had dripped through the coffee.

Thank you, Miss Guevera.

Tori gave him a nod and then began to prepare the vegetable in wine stew with sausage. She didnt know that the school would be providing dinner for the students, so had set aside food for her group ahead of time. She didnt plan on cooking, until they found out dinner would be bread and jerky.

Five pairs of expectant eyes had turned to her and she sighed and agreed to make them dinner. She had just finished cutting, sauting, and throwing everything else into their pot when a shadow fell over her fragrant little cookout. She looked up and rose to her feet.

Headmaster Laurent. Tori gave him a small bow of her head in greeting. Instructor Ignatius shot to his feet.

Headmaster!

Ignatius, Miss Guevera, Headmaster Laurent said, returning the nod. He looked at Tori and gave her a pleased smile. Congratulations to your group for coming in third.

Thank you, sir. It was not our intention to place. Im just happy we all got here safely, she said.

The headmaster looked satisfied with her words. He glanced towards the wagon bed and chuckled. Looks like theyre exhausted.

It has been a tiring three days, Tori said. Can I help you with anything, Headmaster?

Ah, yes, actually I wanted to speak with you, he said. I check in with each group once they arrive, but your wagon is at the end, so it took me a while. He chuckled. But I didnt forget.

Please take a seat, sir. Instructor Ignatius motioned to his stool and the headmaster gave him a nod before taking a seat.

Would you like some coffee? Tori asked

The old mans eyes crinkled up and he nodded. Yes, I would love some. I thought I smelled something good near here.

Tori nodded and took out another cleaned drip cup and scooped out some ground coffee to pour over. As they waited, Tori looked back at him. What did you want to talk about, sir?

First, I wanted to congratulate your team. Second, I wanted to commend you in particular, he said. Several students have reported you assisted them in crossing the river. The three missing students from the group Southwind said that you took them in last night, bound their injured group mates ankle, called for help, and even fed them.

How is he doing now? Tori asked.

Better. He was a bit feverish, but hell be fine. He will need to stay off his ankle for a few weeks.

I dont want to complain, but I have many concerns with this years excursion, Headmaster Laurent. My brother told me that a few people get injured each year, but theyre minor. On any sort of excursion like this, Im sure someone is bound to get hurt; however, students were clearly not prepared for the environment and especially not the river crossing, Tori said. She handed the old man a cup of coffee.

Instructor Ignatius looked at her with surprise, but Headmaster Laurent took a deep breath and slowly nodded his head, as if acknowledging her concern.

Truthfully, Miss Guevera, you are correct. While there is usually some aspect of difficulty in the excursion, the Daga River crossing was unexpectedly more difficult than we previously thought. Many students slipped and fell into the river. A few were washed quite aways before they could be rescued or managed to reach shore, even with volunteers on standby along the river, the old man said as he took a sip of his coffee. His face was momentarily unreadable before he seemed to shake himself out of his thoughts. He lifted the cup and gave her a tired smile. This is delicious.

Thank you," she replied with a small nod. Are all the students accounted for?

As of last night and the several emergency signals that were traced, yes, thankfully, Headmaster Laurent said. We have more than a few injuries and several students caught a bad chill. A combination of the river and the night air. Surprisingly, of the students who have arrived so far that fell into the situation, Mr. Martin and his two group mates are - sprained ankle notwithstanding, fine.

Tori nodded, relieved. We had them change into spare clothes and dried their wet ones over the fire last night, when they found us. We also gave them ginger tea to heat them up from the inside and another group donated their spare blankets for them to use. Considering how cold it would get here, I was very cautious about keeping them warm after they fell in the river.

Headmaster Laurent knit his brows together and lowered the cup in his hands. Miss Guevera, you have been quite generous to your fellow students. You helped them cross a river, you gave them aid when injured, you even led three groups of them back today. He paused and studied her face. Why did you not help Mr. Guthry and Mr. Soleil's groups?

She cocked her head. Im sorry - what? Did I not give them fucking rations after they lost their all their food? Tori blinked and narrowed her eyes. May I ask what has been said?

Mr. Guthry and Mr. Soleil reported that on the first night, you met with their groups and refused to lend them a spare tent when they asked. As a result, three of the young men in the Armada group fell ill that night and were having low fevers, the headmaster told her.

Toris annoyance turned to irritation and then subtle anger. A voice cussed out that entire group in her head and all she could do was try not to show her rage. Instead, she replied in a calm, rational voice.

Roughly an hour after sunset, my group's camp was set up and we were cooking dinner for the night when we heard footsteps from the forest. Ewan called out and we saw light crystals approaching. It was Summer Solstice and the Armada; Mr. Guthry and His Highness group. They said that they lost track of time after they lost one of their bags that contained their rations and were relying on Miss Hart to catch fish for dinner. Mr. von Dorn smelled our campfire and they followed the scent until they caught sight of us. Miss Hart asked to join us and we helped them set up a campfire a few paces from ours.

The headmaster seemed to be mulling over this. Why did you not share your campfire?

The campfire is about one pace across; there were three groups. One would not suffice, Tori said. It was late and they said they couldnt see in the dark to gather wood for the fire, so we gave them a portion of ours.

What about the spare tent?

You were incorrectly informed, Headmaster. We dont have a spare tent. We have three. We can show you our bags to confirm this. Tori lifted her chin proudly. What Mr. Guthry and His Highness asked for was one of the three tents. Each of our tents holds two people. They asked for one that the three female students in their group could use. I refused on the basis that the particular tent they wanted was assigned to Ewan and Henrik. They and JP carried the tents. She leaned forward and had an almost demanding look on her face. Why should the ones who carried it not be allowed to sleep in it just because another group decided not to bring any of their own?

Beside her, even Instructor Ignatius looked surprised at this. They had to admit that she made a good point. One group did decide not to bring tents; what right did they have to demand the tent of another?

The headmaster thought for a moment. What if the young men of your group agreed?

Tori raised a brow. Why would they? The headmaster looked taken aback by her question and the corner of Toris lip smirked. Why should my group members suffer after coming prepared because three girls had to sleep outside due to their groups own negligence. Is it fair that my three boys should sleep in the cold so three girls they dont even know can sleep in the tent they carried through the wilderness. You dont really believe thats fair, do you, Headmaster?

There was an unreadable expression in Instructor Ignatius eyes and the headmaster was quiet, sipping his coffee.

Headmaster Laurent. Ilyana peeked out from the wagon, awakened by their visitor. Did those two groups tell you that Tori gave them our two spare quilted down vests and her own in order to keep them warm that night?

Vests? The headmaster squinted and Ilyana tugged on the blue vest she was wearing.

These are quilted down vests Tori designed. Our sleeping bags are similar and the layers of cloth and down are put together to keep us warm, yet pack up light and dont take up a lot of room, Ilyana said. Our tents were also designed by Tori.

All the tents and bedrolls, and practically all the suggested supplies on the syllabus, were sold out in all the surrounding shops before we even finalized the group. I designed and commissioned what I could in order to have what we needed on time, Tori said, stirring her stew. She frowned. Thats another thing Id like to bring up. We werent the only group having problems getting supplies. The scarcity was surprising and in this case, life threatening.

Tori also planned and prepared our food, Ewan said as he sat up on the edge of the wagon. It seemed that he had been awake and listening. Did those other groups tell you that they lost all their food and asked us for some of ours? Tori gave them some of our own rations.

From the look on the headmasters face, those details had not been reported to him. I see.... He lifted the coffee and finished it off. Thank you for the coffee, Miss Guevera. He handed the empty mug back to her and sighed. You and your team did much for this years excursion. If it werent for Miss Hart saving Mr. von Dorns life, I am sure you would be named the highest contributing student for this excursion.

Tori froze. She lifted her head and frowned. Mr. von Dorn almost died? What happened?

The headmaster stood up and sighed. It seems that he was bitten by a red bellied viper.

A red bellied viper? Instructor Ignatius face turned serious. Thats one of the most venomous snakes. Just a bite can kill a grown man.

I thought the venomous snakes in Alpine Valley werent fatal to humans, Tori said.

The headmaster scratched his head. Its a shock to us as well. One of the reasons we selected Alpine Valley was due to the lack of large predators and fatally venomous animals.

So the red bellied viper isnt native to this area.... Tori spoke her words slowly. Somehow, that was disconcerting.

Both the headmaster and Instructor Ignatius nodded. Yes. It was in the brush and Mr. von Dorn got between it and Miss Hart. It bit him in the leg, but Miss Hart sucked out the venom. Luckily, they were in sight of the end point and we got him in time.

Sucking out snake venom is a myth. It doesnt even work, what the...ugh...game physics. Tori shook her head. She had more important things to consider. Is Mr. von Dorn all right?

Yes, thankfully. The headmaster gave them a nod. We are just waiting for three more groups. In another hour, were going to start serving dinner. He glanced down at the stew in the pot, made a little impressed nod, and began to head back. "Carry on, Miss Guevera."

To think we couldve run into a red bellied viper, Ilyana said, lifting her hand to chest to calm her heart.

Hmm...it is strange, Tori said. She couldnt help but think it was set up by the game as one of the protagonists encounters. She let out a breath and shook her head. Whatever, it has nothing to do with me. She looked towards Ilyana and Ewan and smiled. The stew still needs to cook. Ill wake you when its ready.

She shouldve known. She shouldve fucking known that shed crossed paths with that rat bastard ho of Alessas somehow. She didnt know when, she didnt know how, but she shouldve known it would happen soon. And of course it would happen when she had exams to deal with.

Tori? Ilyana looked worried as she studied at her unmoving friend.

Tori took a deep breath and ground her teeth together. She closed her eyes. Sorry, Ilyana...I need to go to the fourth district.

The review session was cancelled and Ewan ran out to the plaza to wave down a shared carriage to rent to take them to the fourth district. Albert offered to come with them, but Tori told him it was too far and he was still recovering. Shed tell him what happened next time they met. He told them where to find the store and the four piled into the carriage.

The fourth district wasnt far and Henrik told the driver to take them directly to Golden Cow Mercantile. Just as Albert told them, her vest and sleeping bag designs were on display in the window as a set. Tori silently swore up and down and grabbed the back of Ewans collar to stop him from storming in and trashing the place.

But thats your design! He cried out as if he were the one wronged.

I know, but were just four teenagers with no real business experience. No one is going to take us seriously and we could be reported and arrested for causing trouble. Not to mention that itll alert the owner that hes been found out, Tori said in a low voice. She pulled him back into the carriage. She sat by the door and crossed her arms over her chest, still seething. I cant fucking believe this....Driver, take us back!

The carriage was quiet as Toris leg bounced in under her uniform skirt as she wallowed in her anger. The other three were hesitant to say anything. As they saw the main plaza up ahead, Ilyana finally broke the tense silence.

What are you going to do? She swallowed hard. Shed never seen Tori so angry, no matter how annoyed she was. Those are yours and someone else is making a profit.

Yeah...let them. Toris face darkened. For now. When they stopped, they got out of the carriage and Tori quickly paid. I need a drink. Without a word, they followed her to Cafe Fortuna. She was warmly greeted by a part timer and Tori ordered a round of their usual drinks and a wine for herself before plopping on the plush chaise by the hearth.

Tori, Henrik said. Should we investigate?

She nodded her head, still trembling with rage. Get someone to get me a sample of that vest and sleeping bag. We need to find out where they were made, who made them, when they were made, and when they were first put on the market.

He nodded. Ill ask around at the guild.

Keep it quiet. I dont want him to know hes been found out, Tori said, narrowing her eyes.

Are you going to go after him? Ilyana asked. You said you had that confidentiality agreement with the artisan.

How did he even get your design, anyway? Ewan added. They'd only worn their vests on the excrusion.

Tori clenched her jaw. Albert had returned Ewans vest when the instructor and volunteers arrived despite her insistence that he wear it until the excursion was over. Of the three she lent out on the first night, two were promptly returned when they reached campus. One vest never came back.

Huh?" Ilyana sat up straight with a perplexed expression. "Who didnt give it back?

I cant confirm it at this point; it could be just a coincidence. It's totally not. Tori chewed on her lower lip for a moment. I dont want to make conjectures yet. Right now, the target is the owner of the Golden Cow. Im not going to let him wrong me.

Someone wronged you? A low, smooth voice asked behind her. She tilted her head up and saw a warm, handsome face with black hair falling around it smiling down at her. Axton raised a brow. Does your brother know?



Ilyana sat on one of the stone benches near the announcement boards in front of the administration building. A serene look was on her face as she closed her eyes and leaned back against her arms, listening to the surprised and somewhat alarmed and upset murmurs caused by the test result rankings that were posted.

You look happy, an amused voice came from in front of her, but she didnt open her eyes. She just nodded blissfully. What are you doing sitting out here?

Im relishing their discomfort.

In front of her, the twins looked at her strangely and then at each other. Are you okay, Ilyana?

Uh-huh. Her smile didnt falter. Check the academic rankings. They were just posted.

JP and Sonia, still holding their bags from that afternoons riding practice, placed them at Ilyanas feet before squeezing their way into the large crowd to find the rank list for the academic students.

It didnt take long for Ilyana to hear Sonias yell of disbelief. What! A moment later, she jostled her way out of the crowd and stared at Ilyana. Didnt she barely test in?

Yes.

And she has the third highest score now?

Thats right.

Shes also at the top of her elective class, JP said as he came out. And congrats on first, Ilyana.

She took another deep breath and exhaled, still smiling. Today is a good day.

No! This cant be right! I dont believe it! Someones shrill voice cut through the courtyard and Ilyana opened her eyes. None of the other students who were ranked low scored that high. She mustve cheated!

In her homeroom, she sits next to Agafonova and she ranked second and is now first. She mustve cheated! How else can you explain the ranking jump?

Ilyanas pretty face filled with a frown as she snapped her head towards the crowd huddled by the board. JP and Sonia looked at her and she shook her head. She didnt cheat! Tori is smart and knows how to study. You know that.

The twins thought for a moment and then nodded. They knew that Tori couldnt possibly be as dumb as her ranking implied, plus she was a formidable leader and very competent.

Im going to lodge a formal complaint with the headmaster! A moment later, the trio watched several people go off, towards the administration building.

Does Tori know what her scores are? JP asked.

Ilyana shook her head. Shes been spending the last week after the exams running back and forth with Henrik to the Merchants Guild to set up their business.

How much longer will it take? Im sure that Golden Cow place is making a fortune with Toris designs. Sonia scowled. Ewan shouldve ripped through that store.

I keep saying that, but Tori just said that she wants her enemy to come to her, so she has to be thorough. Besides lions eat cows.

Sonia cringed. What does that even mean?

It means its an easy meal, a voice said behind them. Ilyana jumped to her feet and beamed.

Youre back! Did you do it? Ilyana asked as Tori and Henrik reached them. Henrik was grinning, as if he knew a big secret.

Tori nodded. Weve secured two storefronts and after they open, well also be selling more rugged versions at Daybreak Gardens storefront. She almost giggled. They cant really say no to me, though....

Were in the middle of hiring decorators and some guild contacts are helping us interview managers and salespeople from trusted sources, Henrik said.

Can you afford all of that at once? JP asked.

Ilyana invested a lot and Henrik also invested, Tori said. And I got some other investors.

Who? Sonia asked.

Tori let out a defeated sigh. Despite my pleas, Axton tattled to my brother about what happened and my family called me. My brothers were ready to come up and I only calmed them down after I accepted their investments.

Wow...money is a great resource, Sonia said, impressed.

Right? Tori looked towards the board and the crowd that was still in front of it. Are the grades up? Before the others could answer, she and Henrik headed over to check their rankings. They didnt seem to notice the strange looks other students were giving Tori.

Henrik suddenly choked. Ranked third! Ilyana smiled, not getting tired of the shock.

They saw Tori nod, seemingly unsurprised. Thats about what I thought. Hows my elective...oh, nice! Top of the class! She turned around and bounced back towards her friends with a big, toothy grin. Were celebrating! Dinners on me!

Sonia grabbed her bag and grinned. Now youre talking!

We need to go pick up Ewan at practice, but they should be done soon-

Lady Guevera! Someone shouted behind her, stopping the entire group in their tracks. Tori turned around. The headmaster wants to see you!