Hidden

Chapter 4

“Where is this school at anyway?” Viola asked from the front seat of her brother’s rental car. She gazed out the window at the early morning fog wafting through the air and the sunlight streaming in at random angles. Resting in Viola’s lap, Karma lifted her head to glance out the window.

“You’ll see,” was all Cedar said in response.

Her mother forced her to pack her things for school that morning but it was just some essentials like changes of clothes, books, keepsakes, and other such things. It had been Karma who had convinced Viola to cooperate. The fox explained that if she couldn’t control her power that the council of witches would punish her parents and the severity of that punishment depended on if anyone had gotten harmed if she lost control.

She thought of Chloe and sighed. The last thing she wanted was for her best friend to get harmed because Viola was too stubborn to go to another school. Just because they’d be separated didn’t mean that they’d have to quit being friends, right? They could still keep in touch.

After everyone had gone to sleep for the night, Viola called Chloe and when her friend didn’t pick up--probably sleeping like normal people should--Viola sent her friend a text, explaining that she’d be going out of town for a while but she’d get in touch when she could. The problem with that was that her parents took her phone before she left home.

“You’re not allowed to have a cell phone at the academy, Viola. It’ll be here whenever you come home to visit and there will be other ways for you to get in touch with us if you need to,” he father had explained in that lectury way of his.

Viola turned to look up at her brother just as he turned into the dirt packed drive of a big building. There was a sign when they entered the lot stating ‘Private Property’ and Viola twisted around to point at the sign just as he parked their car, “It says Private, are we supposed to be here?” she asked doubtfully.

Cedar just grinned at her and motioned for her to get out of the car. He quickly went around and collected their bags, Hugo resting on his shoulder and stretching his wings once he was finally out in the open.

The falcon turned his eyes on her in that amused, ‘I know something you don’t know’ way of his.’ Do you recognize this place? He asked.

Viola shook her head, “No, should I?”

Cedar laughed, “You’ve only been here once, you shouldn’t have any memory of it. But this is a sanctuary or sorts.”

“Sanctuary for what?” she asked as she gazed up at the building. It looked like a giant library or like one of those fancy government buildings she saw in the city but this was located in a secluded area in the forest. They’d been driving down winding roads and hills all morning until they reached this place. It just didn’t fit the area it was in.

“The public believes it’s a sanctuary for dignitaries visiting from other countries and-- technically they’re not wrong but there’s more to it than that,” Cedar explained. He adjusted the strap of Viola’s bag on his shoulder and nodded his head toward the door, indicating that they needed to head inside. “It’s really more of an embassy than a sanctuary though.”

That explained why it looked so governmental at least, “Embassy for what, then?” she asked, scooping Karma into her arms and following her brother toward the door.

It’s a Fidonian Embassy, Karma said, her yellow eyes turning up to look at her as if that explained it all.

Viola frowned down at the fox in her arms, “Fidonian?”

Cedar laughed, “Fidonia is a country.”

She stared at her brother’s back, dubiously, “A country where? I’ve never heard that name before.”

“You won’t find it on any map and ordinary humans don’t know about it. It’s the country where most magical beings live. Some of us originated there, actually.”

“But where is it?” Viola asked again.

Cedar glanced over his free shoulder at her, “It’s in the middle of the ocean.”

When she sensed she wasn’t getting a better answer from him just yet, she sighed, “Fine, then how have I been here before?” she asked.

Cedar pushed the door open to the Embassy and stepped inside with Viola following close behind, “Traditionally, children born in high ranking witch clans, or covens, have wiccanings in Fidonia. You and I were both brought here after we were born.”

The place gave her the creeps simply because it was almost exactly like the vision the will o wisp had given her. All arching ceilings and winding stair wells and marble floors. It was also a little disorienting because it felt like there was more space inside than outside the building. She was sure that was just her imagination though.

“What’s a wiccaning?” she asked, gazing at a statue of a nymph in a corner.

“Sort of like a witch baptism?” he offered.

She sighed, “Does anyone work here?”

There’s usually a guardian for each location but that’s really all, Karma said.

“Then where is this guardian?” Viola asked as she stopped to examine a tapestry of an elf with a sword in the hall Cedar was leading her down.

“Probably dealing with more pressing matters than us,” Cedar mumbled.

Viola looked up at her brother, “So why are we here?”

Cedar grinned down at her at that, he’d been waiting for that question and was about to unveil his surprise. She just knew it. He motioned for her to follow him through a doorway with the word Fidonia on a plaque above it.

She paused in front of the open door, frowning, “What’s in there?”

Cedar smiled, “Step into the room and see.” He stepped through ahead of her and stopped in the center of the room to look back at Viola.

She frowned at her brother but slowly stepped into the dark room only to be surprised when the room lit up as soon as she crossed the threshold. It wasn’t bright but she could see enough. The room was bare except for a closed door on the wall opposite the entrance and a single framed portrait hanging up on the wall to their right.

The portrait portrayed a man in his early to mid fifties. His hair was gray hair and speckled with black. His skin was medium in color, not pale but not tan either. His narrow mouth was set in a straight line with a salt and pepper beard and mustache circling it, almost in the way a goatee would. His black eyes startled her. It felt as if he were staring at her through the painting.

The portrait was of his torso up and his hands were resting in his lap one on top the other. A large ring with a monstrous ruby sparkled in the painting. He wore a black cloak with a white shirt and black vest beneath it, like she imagined a vampire would wear in old movies, or a count at least.

Half expecting this very life-like painting to snap at her for staring, she found herself waving a hand in front of his face and stepping closer.

“What are you doing?” Cedar called behind her, “This isn’t Hogwarts, portraits don’t talk.”

Sometimes they do move though. People like to put spells on them for spying so watch them carefully before you blab secrets around a piece of art! Hugo crooned before cackling.

Viola frowned at the bird, “I’m glad to see he’s enjoying this. What are we doing here anyway?”

Cedar smiled and pointed to the door on the other side, pulling it open for her, “Just step through here.”

“This isn’t another quick sand trap, is it?” she frowned as she stepped closer to the door and peeked inside.

It’s okay, Viola, just listen to him. Remember, I’m here with you, Karma’s voice said softly in her mind.

Viola nodded. This doorway was dark too but she could feel air coming through it, meaning it didn’t lead to another room at least. She took a deep steadying breath before stepping forward into the dark, yet again.

~~~

The next thing she knew she was standing outside the building on by a busy street. She glanced around, this wasn’t where they’d come in at. There hadn’t even been a road when they went inside and how did she suddenly end up on the front stoop of the embassy?

This looked like the same place but it wasn’t the same location… or time. Not only did it feel like she was on foreign land but that she’d gone back in time. The street was filled with horse drawn carriages. The buildings lining the street varied between old stone work and modern looking buildings, it was a mix between new and old. Doors made of solid oak or iron. None of the buildings were more than three or four floors.

Not what you were expecting, huh? Karma teased as she jumped down from Viola’s arms, We need to wait for your brother then we’ll head to the school.

“Where are we?” she asked, forcing her mouth to shut.

Fidonia, of course. The capital city to be exact. Karma explained as if she should know this already as she sat down. Her fluffy tail swaying a bit.

“This is Kaphis,” Cedar announced from behind, holding their bags over his shoulder. His blue eyes were elated, as if this place made him happy.

“Kaphis?” she asked as she glanced around, “Where are all the cars?”

“There aren’t many automatic vehicles here. Since the rest of the world doesn’t know of this place it’s hard to keep up with the technology of the rest of the world. Cell phones don’t even work here but we do have a way of contacting the outside through landlines and magic.” He turned to head down the side of the street, “Come this way.”

She moved to follow him, “So you mean to tell me that not only are you forcing me to switch schools but you’re also asking me to live like a pilgrim?”

“Pilgrims would have condemned you to death as a witch long ago, Vi. Besides, we have electricity, and internet in some places, some of the rec rooms even have video games and arcades.” He glanced over his shoulder at her, “You’ll be plenty busy catching up with everyone else. You won’t notice how different this place is.”

Viola frowned at her brother’s back, “Wanna bet?” They turned onto a cobblestone path and she glanced at the buildings on either side of them, “Where are we going?”

“We need to take a coach to the school.”

“You say that like it’s normal.”

Cedar glanced at her and sighed, “Just come on, Vi.”

Frowning, she picked up her pace until she was instride beside him. She glanced at a group of teenagers around her age as they passed through the narrow street. They were all dressed fairly the same way as she was but it was still different. The girls wore denim jeans and sweaters and blouses or skirts. The guys wore pants and t-shirts. The only thing that stood out was that each person wore a different symbol pinned or stitched on to their shirts. It all looked like normal clothing but there was something different, off about it compared to her own clothes but she just couldn’t place how.

She tried to make out what the symbols were but one of the guys in the group caught her staring and snarled at her, exposing fangs.

Surprised, she stumbled back, into her brother. Cedar held up an arm and nodded to the teenagers as they passed, snickering to themselves at her expense.

“W-what was that?” she asked suddenly, turning to look at her brother.

“Future classmates of yours. You’ll realize that the students at this school aren’t all the same. It’s a magic school but it admits all types of magical creatures.” He walked up to a coach and held the door open for her, “That was a vampire. Victor Dragomir, he’s the pride of the Dragomir clan.”

Viola climbed in and sat down with Karma following in close behind, “Vampires have clans? And I thought they couldn’t be out in sunlight.”

Cedar climbed in with her and sat as Hugo took off into the air, apparently choosing to fly instead of be cramped inside the little horse drawn coach, “The land here is spelled to protect Vampires from the sunlight. This is one of the few places around the world that vampires are actually capable of being out during the day. Also, yes, pure blood vampires are from clans and tend to be the most powerful of them. They also age, nearly the same as you and I do, though they stop as their bodies mature to adults.”

She stared at him, dumbfounded, “So Vampires will go to the school, will they try to drink my blood?”

He thought for a moment, “Possibly but it’s not likely. They have to have permission to drink blood from the humans here. We do keep blood in stock for them and for potions so they shouldn’t need to.”

She wrinkled her nose. He said it like this was all completely normal, “How many other magical creatures are there?”

Cedar patted her on the head, condescending, “You’ll find out. There are elves, witches like us, weres, sirens, and many others you’ll learn about.”

She turned to look out the window and her breath caught in her throat. The school before them towered above everything else, elegantly carved windows spaced along the front with intricate designs lacing each one, the courtyard had a huge pond stretched out in front of it, lined and cornered in with immaculately trimmed hedges, a fountain bursting from the center of it, streams of water pouring out from the mouth of the beautiful water horse in astounding gouts and spurts that seemed almost musical in timing. Grand staircases on each side lead up to massive wooden doors, swallowing the students as they made their way inside the beautiful and imposing behemoth of a school.

As their coach pulled to a stop in front of the grand stairways, Viola glanced around at the students making their way to the building.

Cedar pushed the door open and held a hand out to her to help her out, “Lets head inside, we need to meet the dean first.”

“Is this the school?” she asked in awe, glancing around at the castle, “It looks like a king should live here.”

“This is Naessiaria.” Cedar put his hand on her shoulder, guiding her up the stairs toward the entrance, “If you think this is nice, you should see the king’s castle.”

“Am I allowed to??” she asked suddenly excited about the prospect of actually meeting a king in person.

He grinned at her, shrugging, “Possibly. Hopefully for something good and not for causing trouble.”

“I don’t get in trouble that much,” she complained, pouting at her brother.

Cedar laughed and pulled the door open for her and allowing Hugo and Karma to follow them inside.

Viola frowned at him but stepped through the door only to pause just inside. She thought the outside was amazing but the inside was pure imagination. She spotted students passing with pointed ears, a couple girls passed with what seemed like glittery scales scattered along their cheekbones, a gargoyle standing guard by the front door turned it’s head to look at her for a moment before closing his golden eyes once again, a green lizard with wings scurried by chasing after a trio of tiny people with mushroom caps on top their heads.

Something hummed overhead, a large glittering purple thing with wings hovered over her head before turning off toward the stairs. She watched it in fascination as it’s long thin tail, swished through the air, the tip pointed like the cartoon drawings of the devil, wings stretched out and scales glittering in the light of the lanterns floating around the room. It made a wide, lazy turn, making its way back toward Viola. Circling her, it’s tail flicked along her side and in her hair as it flew back up toward the high ceilings. Diving down, the creature stopped to hover face to face in front of Viola, eyeing her with it’s violet eyes, purring. It’s face reminded her of a cat if a cat had scales and wings covered in brightly colored feathers.

“This is a guardian, she protects the school from possible threats and keeps an eye on the students. She also enjoys teasing and playing with the students when she gets the chance,” Cedar said as he tapped the tail flicking toward his chest.

Cedar, you need to take her to the dean now. Karma chastised as she turned to head up the hall toward the staircase.

He gestured for her to follow him as he moved to catch up with Karma, “His office is this way, he’ll be interested in meeting you since your powers have just awoken. He’ll probably want to test your abilities, also.”

“What do you mean test my abilities?” She asked as she jogged to catch up with his pace until falling into place beside him.

Cedar rubbed the back of his neck, “I’m not really sure how to explain it, just do as he tells you.”

“Cedar, is he going to throw me in quick sand too??” Viola demanded.

He sighed, “It’s nothing like that, Vi! Relax,” he said as they approached a set of large double doors.

Cedar suddenly came to a stop in front of the doors, placing a hand to the intricately designed wooden doors and they suddenly swung inwardly.

A voice called from the room, “Cedar Silva! You’ve got the new student with you, bring her here, let me see her!”

Before she could even take a step, she was staring up at a tall older man with long white hair and beard. He stared down at her, deep in thought with a hand on his long beard.

Viola glanced around and realized she was in the middle of the room, the old man, stood between her and a giant oak slab of a desk and Cedar was walking toward them from the entrance with Hugo and Karma. How had she gotten here?

He looked from Viola to Cedar, “She’s definitely a Silva. She’s behind in her studies so it’ll take some time to catch her up.” His eyes, she realized now, were an interesting hazel with gold trimmed irises, turned back toward her, he held his hand out to her, “Take my hand, if you don’t mind.”

Viola nodded slowly, “Yeah, okay…” she said nervously and put her hand in his, only to have a cold round stone pressed into her palm.

He released her hand, leaving the stone in her palm. Confused, Viola looked at it. It went from white to a bright blue, glowing and began warming up.

“Toss that over there,” he ordered, pointing to the fireplace to their left.

Viola did as he ordered, tossing the now glowing blue stone into the fireplace. As soon as it hit the brick bottom, lightning burst out from the stone and shot up through the chimney and across the linoleum floor of the office. As it all settled down again, a flame burned in the hearth until he waved a hand over it and it disappeared.

With a low whistle, he turned to her again, “Viola, my dear, I can already tell that you’ll be a difficult student for me, aren’t you?”