The Chronicles of Noviscire: First Year

Chapter 5: Tour

Sitting at the horticulture club table, Rowan leaned back, taking a breath. It had been less crowded since the new students had been led off to the dining hall. Even as some returned, it seemed to be more spread out and they were thankful for it. Closing their eyes, they let the sounds of chatter wash over them. Right by the window, they were able to feel the warmth of the sun as the time ticked by. Feeling a shadow pass over their face, they opened one eye and looked at the offending shadow caster.

"Have you seen Thomas?" Asked the imposing figure stood above Rowan.

"Why hello to you too." They responded. "I haven't. Not since we finished up at the greenhouse." Returning their chair to the upright position, they turned to look at the other. "Wasn't he doing a speech for all the new students?"

"He did. But disappeared after." The older boy looked around as if Thomas could be in the rooms. "Probably to avoid it all."

"Avoid what?" Rowan asked. "Did something happen?"

"He upset the faculty."

"What?" Rowan's eyes widened. "How?" The boy leaned down to whisper in Rowan's ear.

"He mentioned the Lone Wolf." Rowan's daw dropped.

"He didn't." The other didn't respond. "Leo, tell me he didn't." Leo merely stood back up and shrugged.

"He did. I heard it. He could barely get through the rest of his speech."

"You followed him?" Rowan gave Leo a look. "You know it was only supposed to be new students in the assembly."

"Just wanted to listen." He shrugged. Rowan sighed.

"Did he see you?" They asked. All they got was another shrug in response. "Well, it's over so it doesn't matter now." Looking back at the room, Rowan could see that the number of students was starting to wane. And by looking at the clock by the door, they knew why.

"It's almost three." Leo stated.

"Yep." Rowan nodded. "Which means it's time for us to go get ready. How was the turnout for you? Any new members of the dueling club?"

"Five, maybe seven." He responded. "You?"

"Around three. But who knows. They have till Friday, and they'll see more during the tours."

Beginning to pack up, Rowan started putting signs and materials away as Leo folded up the already empty tables that had been left behind. The two worked with other club representatives to put everything off to the side before grabbing their materials and heading out of the room.

"I'll see you tonight then?" Rowan asked Leo who simply nodded. "Yours or mine?"

"Ours." He replied. Rowan let out a hum of affirmation.

"See you later then," they said as both waved before each turned and went their separate ways.

Walking down the hall, Rowan ducked and weaved between students, sticking to the wall, trying to stay out of the way. Slipping behind one of the many statues of past teachers, they pushed on an uneven brick in the wall, opening up the tunnel they had come through mere hours ago. As Rowan shut the door behind them, they were surrounded by nothing but darkness as the noise beyond the wall was muffled.

Making their way through the tunnel, Rowan moved in the darkness before reaching the door leading back outside. Opening the door, they didn't expect for anyone to be right outside. Freezing in their tracks, Rowan made eye contact with the hooded stranger, who simply stood there, unmoving. Whether it was from the surprise of seeing another person, or seeing another person somewhere they weren't supposed to be, Rowan was unsure. So many people straying from the designated path.