The Shadow Of What Was Lost by James Islington Read Free Book Online Page A

to understand, but they were more than just
our leaders. Their passing meant the end of a way of life.” He fell silent,
remembering.
    Davian burned with other
questions – the Elders he’d met were never this open about the Unseen War, and
certainly not about the Augurs – but he bit his tongue. He’d learned more in
the last few minutes than he had in a year of quietly searching, and he was a
little concerned that Ilseth would become suspicious if continued to press
right now. Visiting Elders rarely stayed at the school for less than a week,
anyway. There would be time for some more carefully-worded questions later.
    They walked on. Ilseth seemed
lost in thought, and the distraction of conversation had already done much to
calm Davian after what had happened in Caladel, so he remained quiet.
    Eventually Ilseth stirred again.
“Speaking of changes,” he said with what seemed to be forced cheerfulness, “are
you prepared for tomorrow?”
    Davian frowned. “Tomorrow?”
    “The Trials,” said Ilseth,
raising an eyebrow.
    Davian barked a nervous laugh.
“The Trials are not for three weeks – at the Festival of Ravens,” he assured
Ilseth.
    Ilseth grimaced, saying nothing
for a few seconds. “Ah. They haven’t told you yet.” He laid a sympathetic hand
on Davian’s shoulder. “Sorry, lad. For various reasons, we had to move the
Trials up this year. That’s why I’m here - I’ve been sent by Tol Athian to
oversee them.” He bit his lip as he watched Davian’s reaction. “I’m truly
sorry, Davian. I thought you already knew.”
    Davian felt the blood drain from
his face as he processed the information, and for a moment he thought his knees
might buckle. “Tomorrow?” he repeated dazedly.
    Ilseth nodded. “At first light.”
    Davian was too light-headed to
respond.
    He
walked on towards the gates of the school in stunned, disbelieving silence.

- Chapter 4 -
     
     
    Davian was numb as he tethered
Jeni.
    Ilseth had already departed in
the direction of the Elders’ quarters, murmuring something about finding his
travelling companions. Davian finished his task and trudged towards Talean’s
office, still light-headed, scar throbbing as it always did when stress got the
better of him. The tiny hope he’d been clinging to for the last few months had
finally faded. Disappeared.
    The Administrator stood as Davian
entered, grimacing as he saw the expression on the boy’s face. “You’ve heard.”
    Davian nodded, his chest tight.
“I met one of the Elders in Caladel.” He recounted the incident in town.
    Talean shook his head, looking
dismayed. “I am sorry, Davian.” He scowled to himself. “And embarrassed. I will
speak to Administration in Caladel first thing tomorrow, you have my word.”
    Davian inclined his head. He knew
the Administrator who had ignored his plight would never be identified, but he
appreciated the gesture. “Thank-you.”
    Talean was silent for a few
moments as he placed his hand on the Shackle around Davian’s arm. “I’ve been
thinking about your situation. I am happy to plead your case, if you wish me
to,” he said suddenly as the cold force that had been sitting beneath Davian’s
skin seemed to draw back into the torc. Talean removed the device and placed it
back in its cupboard, continuing, “For most people, the extra few weeks
wouldn’t matter. But for you, they may have made a difference. There is no
reason the Gifted cannot take you along to Tol Athian, put you through the
Trials at the proper time.”
    Davian felt like a drowning man
clutching at a piece of driftwood. “Do you think they would agree to that?”
    “I don’t know,” said Talean
honestly. "I don’t know what these Elders are like.” He hesitated. “I
cannot use the Fourth Tenet to make them do it, though. I hope you understand
that.”
    Davian nodded; the thought had
occurred to him, but Talean was right. “You can't interfere with the affairs of
the school. I know,” he said. “If you