37
Firian
Returning to the Academy was like returning a ghost to its body, intimately familiar but lifeless. Its dark walls loomed among the pine trees. The needles whispered under Firian’s boots like friends. With most of the Tanyu gone, it lay especially quiet.
Strength hummed through his arms. This was the place he had fought and clawed and honed himself into a weapon. Belik may have come up with backup plans or traps, but Firian refused to be caught by surprise.
Two brown-coated men, low to the ground, peered furtively through the trees at him and Master Gallevions following behind. Border patrollers—at least, what was left after most of them marched to Brithnem with the rest of the Tanyu. Firian shouted their names, and they stood, recognition dawning in their faces.
“Master Kess
