The Length of Years (1) by Xan Kaplan

Author:Xan Kaplan [Kaplan, Xan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Next Chapter
Published: 2023-05-14T22:00:00+00:00

Jonnora seemed awkward for the first few days. She tried to take care of her own rooms, but had clearly relied on magic for such endeavors in the past. Eventually, she let me build the fire, fill her bath, and brush the mud from her shoes. The one place she never let me enter was her closet. In fact, she kept it locked. If it had been a normal lock I could easily have picked it, but every time I put my tools into the keyhole I felt a strange and painful buzzing sensation in my arm.

Though this level of secrecy was suspicious, I doubted that she had brought evidence of the murder with her and hid it inside her rooms. That would be far too foolish. More likely she feared theft. So I did not think as much of the closet as I did of finding a way into her confidences.

That was surprisingly easy. After she warmed up to me, she had no qualms about freely discussing the events of her day. I think she was lonely, in the Academy. I think I may have been her only confidante. She began allowing me to stay even when I had no work to do, speaking to me like she would to an equal. Still, it took weeks before she was willing to discuss anything of import.

“I had a former—er, a former friend,” she said one day. “This friend used to tell me that Aker is the furthest east kingdom in the world. But it turns out, we learned in class today, there are many countries further east than ours. Can you imagine? She was so sure of it!” Jonnora fell silent at the thought.

“Not all are lucky enough for an Academy education,” I said after a long pause. “Though I am quite glad you have the opportunity to learn about maps.”

“I suppose,” Jonnora mused. “I actually didn’t want to come to the Academy.” This was the first time she’d spoken to me of her past, and I tried to tread carefully.

“Nor would I, in your shoes. It is far too lavish a place for a young lady of discernment. A bit of deprivation is good for the soul.” I had decided early on that my character Vall would be rather stern and dour. Frequently, I had criticized both the Academy and Jonnora herself for their excess. “The children here are quite spoiled,” I added, for good measure.

Jonnora looked irritated. “The people here are no different than anywhere else,” she said. I began to explain but she raised a hand to stop me. “I know what is said of us. And I can’t argue that we live more comfortably than most. But anyone else would do the same.”

“I’ve known people to live on bread and cold mutton, and call it a feast,” I pointed out. “The food here seems a far richer fare. I’m only saying, everyone else does not do the same.” It was too bold, I think, but a risk calculated to keep Jonnora talking.

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