At the end of our session, we were informed that this would be the pattern for the rest of the month—half of the class practicing a heightened awareness to the senses, the others learning to block them out. Supposedly with enough practice we would be able to transfer easily between the two states.
Of course, to be “competent” we’d have to continue the practice on our own during any “free time” we were lucky enough to acquire. Knowing how much free time I actually had at my disposal, it was obvious that the highborn students had a huge advantage.
Those that had grown up with a mage tutor advising them didn’t have to be worried about the lack of free time they had now. The nonheir’s group wouldn’t falter under our intense workload. I, on the other hand, would be struggling for any free moment I could find in order to try and catch up.
It was unfair that I would be working doubly hard, but it was an inevitable reality as long as I remained. If I didn’t try, I’d only be widening that gap in the months to come.
By the time dinner had ended, I was in a very irritable state. I said little to Alex as we forked piles of manure out of the straw. I continued my silence on our walk back to the castle as well, unable to let go of my growing resentment of the privileged class. Statistically speaking, those that had the extra learning would have no problem finishing each night’s assignments. Which meant it would always be people like Alex and me mucking out the stables.
Granted, I had known all along we would have a disadvantage, but I had hoped the masters would help the underprivileged instead of capitalizing on their weakness. Why take away free time from the ones that needed it most? Why punish us for incomplete assignments using mundane tasks that had nothing to do with the practice of magic? It was only going to make it harder for us to succeed, not easier.
By the time I had reached the barracks to grab my books, I had only an hour left before I was expected to return. I looked for Alex as I entered the crowded library, but he was nowhere to be seen.
Grumbling, I shoved my way past a horde of students and made my way to the back of the room. I could see why Ella had been so irritated the day before. With Darren’s group hogging the largest, most comfortable lounge, there was little space left for the rest of us. There was crowding down every aisle on either floor, and the chatter was loud enough to set my teeth on edge. There was no way I’d be able to concentrate.
Spotting a ladder at the end of the room, I decided to leave the masses and see what the third floor could offer. When I reached it, I could see why no one had bothered. There was no torchlight, no books, and no seating.
This “floor” was nothing more than a cramped alcove with spider webs hanging from empty shelves. At a corner on the left was a makeshift bench composed from wooden crates. The place had probably been used as a study at some point, but it had been long since abandoned.
Avoiding the darkest part of the room, which I suspected was crowded with unfriendly spiders, I made my way to the only source of light. Dragging one of the crates to sit beneath a dirty paned window, I quickly commenced my study. The alcove wasn’t very comfortable, but it was quiet and remote.
My time passed quickly. It had been productive, but I was nowhere near done when I heard Constable Barrius ordering the first-years to return to their quarters. I was in the midst of grabbing my belongings when I began to contemplate my situation. If I left now, I would never finish the day’s work.
But, I thought as I listened to the pounding of busy feet, I could stay up here, and no one would know. It was risky, I knew, to stay out past curfew. If the constable spotted me, I could be expelled on the spot…but if it worked, I would never have to worry about chores again.
I was careful not to make a sound as I leaned over the edge of the rail to watch everyone exit the library. I held my breath as Barrius and his assistant made their final inspection of the studies.
Finally, after much pausing and condescending chatter, the two left, leaving me alone in a situation I hoped very much not to regret. I had no idea how I would make it to the girl’s barracks unnoticed, but I saved the thought for later. I contemplated going down to the lounge where there was more light and comfortable seating, but I knew it was too risky. Who knew how often Barrius would check the library? I had best stay where I was and make the most of it.
I had only been studying for twenty minutes when there was a slight creaking sound from the doors below.
Carefully setting down my belongings, I tiptoed to the railing’s edge and peered down into the dark study beneath. Sure enough, it wasn’t my imagination. In the darkness I could see a hooded figure quietly shutting the door as it clutched a handful of books and parchment much like my own.
Seconds later I heard a familiar nasal voice coming from the hall.
I watched as the figure ducked behind a bookcase to the right not a moment too soon. All at once torchlight illuminated the library, and I watched as the constable chastised Frederick for his imagination.