Talwin’s hand shook. A droplet, the smallest amount of moisture, slipped out of the bottle and onto the bare skin of his hand.
Sweat broke out on Talwin’s brow. The bottle dropped out of his hand, smashing on the floor. He screamed.
14
If the builders ever get as greedy as the artificers, wars will take a good sight longer.
— Tingaran legionnaire, date unknown.
ELLA strolled along the familiar path to the Academy, crossing the Sarsen at the Tenbridge and admiring the immaculate beauty of the surrounds. There was a morning chill to the air, not enough to be uncomfortable, but crisp and fresh-smelling. For once she was glad of the thick green wool of her student’s gown.
She passed an elderly couple, not talking but sharing the view from the bridge and smiled at them. Maybe one day she would find someone to grow old with, to share the smallest moments with.
The previous night’s adventure seemed far away now, banished by the light of day. It only remained now to see the results of her work. Once again she pictured Amber’s smiling face, and Ella smiled herself.
A passing groundskeeper — several years older than Ella — smiled in response and touched his fingers to his forehead in greeting. Ella’s smile grew broader as she nodded to him. The groundskeeper’s gaze followed Ella as she walked past and she could feel his eyes on her back. In a moment of mischievousness Ella increased the roll of her walk, her hips curving first one way, then the next.
Ella turned suddenly, and caught the almost docile expression on the groundskeeper’s face as he watched her body. His face turned red and he quickly looked away.
Finally arriving at the Academy, Ella walked through the archway leading to the Great Court. She could see an astonishing number of people in the Court, milling around, expressions of consternation on their faces. Had Master Samson been caught out so quickly? She had expected the Academy leaders to keep the incident quiet, dignified. It seemed everyone shared some momentous piece of news.
Students milled beside the sandstone walls, deep in discussion. As she grew closer to the throng, Ella realised the largest crowd was near the east wing. She heard a sound coming from beside her as she passed a couple of students sitting in the shade of a centurion tree. Looking over, Ella realised a girl was crying, the tears rolling down her face. The girl looked up at Ella as she passed, her expression desolate.
Starting to feel concerned, Ella decided to walk straight towards the crowd loitering outside the corner of the east wing. A peal sounded and she jumped. It was the great timepiece on the face of Green Tower, calling the start of classes. Not one student moved. Ella was feeling very worried now.
She passed a youth from one of her own classes. His eyes were red-rimmed. He walked past Ella without saying a word.
Directly outside Graven Building was a small group of teachers. Expressions of sorrow marked their words to each other.
Master Samson shook his head as Master Lodley said something. The usually jovial Master Merlon kept running his hands through his hair. Two of Master Samson’s apprentices sat on a wall close to the teachers, murmuring to each other. Master Samson certainly didn’t appear to be in any kind of trouble.
Master Goss was absent. Ella looked around for him and saw his familiar figure in the distance under one of the arches, talking to a woman in green silk.
Suddenly realising where she was, Ella stopped dead in her tracks. It was so different in the light. Graven Building. The stairs were right there, leading down to Master Samson’s workroom.
Ella started to walk again, faster this time. She heard Master Lodley say a name, Talwin?
"… The boy’s family," Master Lodley was saying. "They should not see him like this."
It hit her in the pit of her stomach, like a heavy stone being dropped from a height. Ella felt her face drain of all blood.
"No…" she said.
Master Lodley turned, noticing Ella for the first time. "My dear, you should not be here."
"No…"
"It’s a terrible tragedy. I’m so sorry, my dear. He was a friend of yours, was he not?"
"No!" she screamed. Ella ran for the workroom stairs. Master Samson grabbed hold of her tightly, his grip like iron, the pain almost welcome. She twisted savagely and kicked out. He let go, stunned.
"Ella!"
"No! Talwin, no!" she screamed.
Ella ran clear of the teachers and threw her body down the stairs. The door was ajar. She thrust it to the side and entered the workroom.
A terrible smell assaulted her, the most dreadful smell she had ever encountered. It was every bad, noxious odour combined into one. It was so thick it was almost tangible, like a wall of evil.