Maelstrom by Paul J Bennett

Author:Paul J Bennett [Bennett, Paul J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Paul J Bennett

* * *

The most pressing thing on Natalia's mind was time. Each day meant another day of Athgar's suffering, another day denied the chance to hold Oswyn. Days became weeks, and before she knew it, a new class started. She quickly became the new students' favourite and worried her teaching only made the family stronger. She countered that fear by introducing discussions on various topics, encouraging the students to think for themselves and question rules passed from on high.

There came a day, midsummer, when she sat eating her lunch, and Tatiana entered the room, making a show of speaking with each occupant in turn. As she approached Natalia, she gave her a withering look.

"What's this?" she asked, her voice stern. "Your attire is unsuitable, Natalia. See that you change it." In a much lower voice, she whispered, "Go to the interview rooms. I'll meet you there."

Natalia knew the place well. When a potential candidate first arrived at the Volstrum, they would be taken to a plain room holding only a table and two chairs. Here, they would be assessed by a senior member of the Volstrum's staff to determine if they possessed the potential to make decent family material.

She looked down, acting the part of the chastised instructor as she waited for Tatiana to finish her charade by having a few choice words for other staff members. Once she left, Natalia rose, exiting the room in a hurry.

The interview rooms were near the back of the Volstrum, not too far from the stables. The place reminded her of her own arrival at the Volstrum all those years ago and her initial terror at her new surroundings. She found the hallway easy enough and soon located Tatiana.

"Come in," the grand mistress bid, "and close the door."

"What are we doing?"

"I'm taking you to the circle so you can begin committing it to memory."

Tatiana cast the spell, the room soon growing chilly, the walls frosty, and when the archway finally appeared, they stepped through. Tatiana then dismissed the spell.

A voice drifted out from the arcane library. "Tatiana, is that you?"

Natalia froze. Footsteps drew closer, and then a familiar face entered. There, standing before her, was Galina Stormwind.

"Ah," said Tatiana. "I believe you know each other?"

"What's she doing here?" asked Natalia.

"I was about to ask the same thing," replied Galina.

"I have taken her into my confidence," said Tatiana, "much as I did you."

They stood in awkward silence until Natalia spoke. "How have you been, Galina?"

"Well enough, thank you. I managed to secure a position here at the Volstrum. And you?"

"Oh, I ran off, got married, and had a daughter. Other than that, not much."

"You have a daughter?" Galina smiled. "I wish I'd been so lucky."

"Whatever do you mean?"

"The family saw fit not to breed me. They said I wasn't powerful enough."

"The same thing happened to Svetlana—you remember her?"

"Of course." Galina moved closer, clearly unsure of how to react. "I'm sorry for all I put you through. I could blame it on my upbringing, but the truth is I desperately wanted to belong, and mocking you made me more acceptable to the others.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.