The morning after, Fred was back in the training yard. His ribs had healed enough to allow for light activity, although Cedric had warned him not to do anything that would cause him to strain them again. For the time being, that meant learning how to move in the yard. Cedric had drawn several lines in the dirt. "Stay within these lines," he said. "I'll try to force you out." Fred nodded. Cedric advanced. Fred sidestepped. Cedric turned. Fred adjusted his footing and maintained his balance. The lesson seemed straightforward, but Fred quickly learned the difficulty of controlling himself during combat. "You always think about where you expect to move," Cedric said, "but where do you expect your opponent to take you?" Fred tried again. This time, as Cedric advanced him, Fred didn't step back. He moved diagonally, positioning himself so that he was between Cedric and the far edge of the yard. Cedric stopped. "Better." Just as the lesson was about to resume, the sound of the

Two weeks remained before the Royal Academy opened for the first time and Cedric announced that the next morning would be his final test. Fred woke before dawn broke across the horizon. The practice yard was empty save for Cedric and Lucan, who stood by the wall watching the exchange. Fred drew his sword as Cedric did the same. "No instructions?" Fred asked. "You've had plenty of them," Cedric replied before lighting his hands on fire. The flames spread up his arms as he took his stance. Fred did the same. The fight began before Fred was ready as Cedric charged forward, sweeping a wall of fire with him. Ducking the flames, Fred spun to the side, but kept Cedric in his sight and struck. Cedric twisted away from the blow, but instead of forcing the clash, Fred allowed it and backed away. Another wall of fire swept across the yard and Fred was forced to leap over it. Cedric was waiting on the other side, but Fred blocked high as the older man's knee

Fred awoke from the sound of a door slamming somewhere in the hostel corridors. His eyes fluttered open and he looked at the ceiling. For a moment, he forgot where he was. Then it came to him.The Royal Academy. His first day of classes.Fred sat up and looked around the room.His roommate's bed was already empty, the blanket neatly folded, the small desk emptied of its clutter.His roommate had already left. Fred turned his gaze to the window. The sunlight was already streaming through the glass.He turned back to the clock. His eyes widened. "I'm late." Fred hastily stood from his bed. He had arrived the day before, but he had spent the day reviewing his schedule and getting used to the hostel, and he had severely underestimated the amount of time it would take to get ready in the mornings.Fred hastily pulled on his academy uniform, grabbed his bag, fastened the royal sword at his hip, and practically ran out the door. As he was about to exit the room, his eyes landed on his st