Rae of Hope (The Chronicles of Kerrigan) by W.J. May Read Free Book Online

remained an all boys’ school. It was thought best not to create challenges in our young adolescent boys' lives when they’re challenged enough with what they have inside of them and gaining control over it.”
    What? How does that make sense? Rae itched to interrogate Lanford, but cautioned herself against it. Skip it, don’t ruin the talkative mood, Rae.
    “Until now.” What about her mother? Couldn’t she have benefited from the knowledge Guilder had to offer? Maybe she could’ve learned something and saved herself and Dad from the fire. They might still be here today if Guilder hadn't been so chauvinistic.
    “Yes, until now.” The headmaster smiled.
    It set her off. Rae couldn’t hold back; her temper flared, hands clenched, she pounded her knees. “What about us? You say you worry about the boys, but what about the females who could use help with their gifting?”
    “My dear child, that ’s one of the reasons we’ve opened the school to young ladies such as yourself. We have high hopes it’ll go well.”
    Still frustrated, Rae rubbed her hands down her thighs, squeezing with her fingers just above her knee, trying to relieve tension with a little self-massage. It didn’t really help. “Devon said the reason Guilder opened its doors to females is because of me. Not some quantum shift in your chauvinistic thinking, but me specifically.”
    “Devon is a good lad, and it’ll do you well to pay close attention to him. He'll help lead you in the right direction.” Lanford’s head bobbed up and down. “That boy has his head on straight and will do very well in life. His power is small compared to some, but his talent is immense. He’s an example to us all – a natural leader the students follow.” Lanford’s chest puffed with pride.
    Rae’s eyebrows came together. She opened her mouth to ask her question again.
    Lanford cleared his throat, cutting her off. “Now, be patient.” He waited until she closed her mouth. “In truth, you are a big reason for the female enrollment. Your father and mother both possessed powerful gifts. If you inherited either or both of them, it would be unjust to have you learn on your own. What I don’t understand is what your uncle Argyle was thinking by not mentioning anything to you.” His cane pounded the ground, punctuating his words. “He’s a smart man, I can’t for the life of me figure out why he did not say anything to you. This is going to be a very challenging year for you, and I’m glad we’ve a few months before your birthday to help you prepare.” He patted her knee and smiled.
    She wasn’t about to let it go that easily. The child deep inside who had been orphaned at a young age and had never quite healed from the experience, wanted answers. “If my parents’ gifts were so strong and powerful, why’d they die? They should’ve been able to save themselves from the fire.” Rae’s eyes filled, but she refused to let any tears fall.
    “My dear, there’s so much you don’t know yet. I promise you’ll learn everything we can teach you, but not all of it tonight.” He pressed his lips into a thin line. “I have matters I need to attend to, and I think you have enough information to absorb for today.”
    He rose quickly – faster than Rae thought his large frame should be able. She grabbed the arm of the bench, frightened it would topple backward, but was surprised when it didn’t even rock. She checked to see if she could spot his ink, which was useless since his shirt and suit jacket covered his arms.
    The headmaster walked a few paces and turned back around. “This is a school for learning and no question is the wrong one to ask. I’ve asked Devon to tutor and help mentor you for the upcoming year.” He held up a hand to stop the question he knew she was going to ask. “It isn’t because we feel you’ll have trouble with your classes. I think, without your background knowledge of the powers, it’ll make it easier for you to ask