The Academy Volume One by Mansfield Maxine

Author:Mansfield, Maxine [Mansfield, Maxine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Erotic Romance, Anthology, graphic
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc
Published: 2013-10-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Briar squinted and scanned the sheet of paper listing the exam room numbers. It didn’t work. She still couldn’t read it clearly. The nagging headache and nervous, queasy stomach that had been plaguing her since the moment she’d woken had the numbers dancing all over the paper.

Not that she’d slept much the night before anyway. But then, how could she with finals looming over her head?

Finally giving up, she turned to Uthiel. “What room does this say the Healing finals are in again?”

He pointed to the second entry on the list. “Room 520, Briar. You need to relax, my lady, please. It’s going to be fine, you’ll see.”

Briar sighed, “I can’t believe I’m still so nervous. I’m glad you’ll be there with me, Uthiel. I don’t think I could get through it without you.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for anything, my lady.” He crossed his heart and smiled.

Briar had never been on this floor before, let alone in this long and winding hallway. The walls were a warm buttercream color, and the carpet below her feet a rich walnut. Soft, lilting music flooded her senses and, like a drug, filled her with serenity and contentment, calming for the moment her frayed nerves.

Other students walked to and fro. Doors opened and closed. Sounds came and went.

Each door was plainly marked. 502, Mystic finals. 504, Enchanter finals. 506, Sorcerer finals. 508, Warrior finals. 510, Blademaster finals.

They hesitated in front of Room 512, Knights of the Realm finals. Uthiel grinned, “My written test isn’t for another four turns of the hourglass, but the real challenge will be tonight in the arena. I always enjoy crossing blades with masters.”

Briar shivered. “I wish I had your confidence. I hope I do well. This is so very important to me. Alchemia and I studied all evening and half the night. I still don’t feel anywhere near prepared.”

Uthiel placed an arm about her shoulder and squeezed. “I have confidence enough in you for the both of us.”

“I hope so,” Briar nodded and continued down the hall. 514, Rogue and Ranger finals. 516, Wizard finals. 518, Minstrel and Bard finals. Finally, they stood before the door to Room 520.

With a deep breath, Briar reached for the doorknob. “I can do this, right?”

Uthiel took hold of the knob and turned it for her. “You have nothing to fear, my lady. I’ll be with you every step of the way. You’re an amazing woman and healer, Briar. Remember that.”

With a nod and a smile, Briar entered.

“Ah, Miss Tumbleweed, late as usual, I see. Hurry and come draw the name of your partner and get in line. Don’t want to keep everyone waiting, now do we?”

Briar stared at Mr. Chamman as if he were speaking another language. Draw the name of her partner? Uthiel was her partner.

“Miss Tumbleweed, did you hear me?”

Briar shook her head. “Umm, yes, Mr. Chamman, I don’t need to draw a name for my partner. I have my partner with me.”

The teacher shook his head. “You misunderstand, young woman.

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