Conrad Edison and the Anchored World (Overworld Arcanum Book 2) by John Corwin Read Free Book Online

teachers nearly lost their eyes and several children were viciously mauled and clawed, we decided that birds of prey simply aren't safe in this environment."
    "Safe?" Ambria chirped. "You're concerned about child safety?" She laughed. "You didn't seem concerned about our safety when we rescued the orphans from the Goodleighs all by our little selves."
    Galfandor didn't seem the least bit offended. "On the contrary, Miss Rax. I was concerned about your safety, but I was in no position to help."
    "Did you kill all those birds?" Max asked.
    The old man shook his head. "No, they're merely under preservation spells. I could lift the spell and they'd be free to fly away." Galfandor seemed to think the matter settled and walked down the hallway and into an office. Windows on all sides overlooked the university grounds. To the right I saw the crystalline dome of the library, and straight ahead lay the valley. Science Academy gleamed silver in the distance on the opposite mountaintop.
    "Whoa what a view!" Max ran to the windows and looked around.
    Galfandor sat in a red leather chair and looked at me seriously. "Now we can talk about what happened in the Fairy Garden."
    I sat down on the couch across from him. Galfandor was someone I couldn't quite classify as a friend, though he'd indirectly helped us rescue other children from the Goodleighs' manor and had given us good advice on most matters. Whatever secret motives he might have, he at least seemed to want to help us and hopefully wouldn't betray us.
    Besides, he was the only adult we could really ask for advice or help. In light of that, I knew telling him everything was the best course of action. Starting with Evadora, I told him about our short trip into the rift and what we'd heard from my parents and Serena.
    Galfandor nodded and grunted several times, but said nothing until I finished.
    "Well," he said, "it appears you've once again stumbled into trouble, children."
    Max wrinkled his forehead. "What's on the other side of the rift?"
    The old man put a hand to his chin. "The anchored world, she said? I don't believe I've ever heard of such a thing."
    Max snapped his fingers. "I just thought of something. What if the place on the other side of the rift is where the pocket dimensions like Queens Gate are located?"
    "Yes, yes, I suppose it could be. The rift must be some sort of barrier to keep curious folks out." Galfandor stroked his beard. "The mystery of the pocket dimensions would be a mystery worth solving."
    "You certainly can't convince me to go back in that awful place," Ambria stated firmly. "Besides, we have the exam to study for."
    The thought of school brought another pressing issue to mind. "Sir, supposing I pass the exam, is there a way to hide my last name from the school—change it, I mean?"
    The headmaster raised an eyebrow. "Hmm, yes, the name Edison certainly wouldn't go over well with some."
    "Ooh, I'd like to change my last name too," Ambria said.
    Max sighed. "Everyone already knows my last name."
    Galfandor stood and went to a large leather-bound book. He flipped it open and ran his finger down a page, then thumbed through the pages. "Ah, here it is." He shook his head. "I'm afraid school policy prohibits the use of aliases."
    "But everyone will hate us," Ambria said. "If anyone learns I'm the daughter of Cyphanis Rax, they might run me out of school."
    The headmaster raised a finger. "It just so happens that since you and Conrad are—or in Conrad's case, were—orphans, your last names are not a matter of public record. While it does not explicitly state what name is to be used, I believe it allows you some wiggle room on the registration forms."
    Galfandor pulled on a rope and a bell rang. "Since you're already here, it might be easiest to fill out the paperwork now."
    "But we haven't taken the exam yet," Ambria said.
    "You need to register before you can take the exam." He looked at the wall. "Ah, hello Shushiel."
    A whispering sound like the rustle