Chapter Twenty-One: Handling It | Part 6
A Selkie man at the head of the professors’ table held up a hand to draw everyone’s attention. The faculty found their seats. The students onstage fell silent. “Good evening, everyone. Glory to Grimmary and praise to the Twins,” the man said at last.
“Thank you all for joining us—whether physically or via projection. As president of the Lamiakk Council of Schools, it is my distinct honor to recognize this year’s top-scoring student for each Competency exam. More than 1,000 seniors tested across Council schools this term, so it is a truly impressive achievement to have earned the top score on any of the twelve exams. These students have worked incredibly hard and deserve our sincerest congratulations.”
The applause in the auditorium spurred a reluctant smattering of applause in the dining hall. Thirtyx chose to focus on Rhea instead of his classmates’ dispassionate response. Fortunately, a few bites of casserole had turned her expression from reproachful to guardedly proud.
“Each awardee will be introduced by their headmaster or headmistress and will receive their medal from the professor who directed their competency exam preparation,” the president continued. “We will begin with Headmaster Raz Antin from the Jannin School of Arts.”
Rhea’s scowl returned as the student on the far left met her headmaster at the front of the stage. “Let me guess—they’re announcing Benn last because he’s the reason everyone’s watching?”
Her prediction rang true as student after student stood for a lengthy introduction followed by a beaming professor settling a medal around their neck. Even Benn, typically adept at disguising his boredom, seemed to stare through the awardees instead of actively watching. If the Council had wanted to boost viewership by placing Benn last, it hadn’t worked on the Wydewood dining hall. Many students simply left after finishing their meals.
At long last, Azirenne took the stage, and Thirtyx shook himself from a daydream as Rhea dropped the pen with which she’d been doodling since the second awardee. “And finally, we welcome Headmistress Laera Azirenne from Wydewood Academy.”
Azirenne took the microphone from the president and beamed at the crowd. She carried herself as haughtily as Thirtyx had imagined, her toothy grin a clear display of pride in herself rather than Benn—as if she had any hand in Grimmary’s decision to send his children to her school. “Thank you to President Nainmar and to the Council for recognizing these fine, accomplished students. It is my sincerest pleasure to introduce the top scorer of this year’s Magic Comp, Mr. Benn Grimmary.”
Rhea made a gagging motion, but she watched attentively as her brother walked to the front of the stage. Azirenne placed a hand on Benn’s shoulder, and Thirtyx shuddered reflexively. Hopefully, Benn had more lecturing fodder to knock her down a few pegs on the ride back.
“Mr. Grimmary is completing his major in magic and his minor in history this year at Wydewood. He hails from Athernel—although I’m sure you all knew that, considering his status as the prince—“
Azirenne’s voice halted. Her hand flew from Benn’s shoulder to her mouth. Shock and panic were spreading across the other students’ faces. Some scrambled to their feet.
Benn’s mouth fell open in surprise. Then, he dropped to his knees.
The end of an arrow protruded from his abdomen.
Calley Jones 