Page 32 of Ocean of Ink
Wren’s grip tightened on her parasol.
“He was, but now he is dead, and I must do what is necessary.” Her tone was sharp. She hoped it would discourage this subject. Hearing of Heron’s death again and again felt like ripping open a wound after it had barely scabbed over.
Ivanhild gave her an apologetic look when he replied, “Forgive me, I spoke too freely.”
“You are forgiven if you give me a tour of the Isle. I have not explored much. This morning, Blossom directed me to the training grounds because a cook in the kitchens told her it was the best place to bask in the sun. I passed many buildings, but did not know what they were.”
Wren had taken breakfast and lunch in her chambers. Partly because she was awaiting the seamstress, and partly because she did not yet feel prepared to face her peers after the previous evening’s occurrences. After two meals and an extensive fitting with a Gifted seamstress, she ventured out of her room to soakup the sun. If it was as rare as Ivanhild said, then she would take every opportunity to enjoy it.
“I am happy to oblige,” Ivanhild said. His spirits seemed improved, though Wren still detected underlying concern within. “We are coming to the library, which I think you will find enjoyable given your previous apprenticeship.”
Wren took in the massive stone structure erected before her. Arched windows glinted in the light. Two obsidian serpents with intricately carved wings protruding out of their backs and large rubies for eyes guarded the staircase that led to the entrance. The inanimate creatures stared down at Wren with unhinged jaws and fangs as long as her forearm.
“You can see much of the grounds from the highest point of the library. Would you like to enter?” Ivanhild asked and stepped toward the staircase.
Wren nodded her consent and let the professor deposit her parasol and quilt in the shadow of one of the winged serpents. She then followed him up the cold stone steps to the thick wood doors with iron bars as handles. Ivanhild wrenched open the one to the right and gestured for her to enter. She blinked as the light changed from bright white to dim yellow upon entrance.
The scent of weathered parchment, polished leather, and melting beeswax candles greeted her. Dark walnut bookcases lined every wall. The shelves seemed to stretch on forever, many of the books only accessible by the rolling ladders propped up in various locations throughout the expansive room. A woman in a dress the color of rich red wine ascended a spiral staircase in the center of the room with a lantern in hand. Wren watched until the lady disappeared onto the next floor.
“I see now why it is the most revered library in all of the Seven Havens,” Wren commented as she ventured further into the space.
The library was sparsely lit by wall sconces and hanging lanterns that seemed to have no particular reason for their placement. She passed a man with a stack of thick tomes next to a candelabra that was illuminating his reading. He looked up as she neared. She sensed his surprise at her presence, but felt no disdain, which comforted her. She worried that her sudden appearance would be a detriment to her relationship with students and professors since she did not earn her spot, but was rather gifted it because of her brother’s passing.
“It is impressive,” Ivanhild agreed. “I am not well-read, but I find it a peaceful place to pass the time.” He gestured to the staircase. “Shall we?”
Wren dipped her chin, then followed him up the winding stairs. They did not stop on the first floor, but rather continued climbing higher. The view upon their arrival was sublime. They were surrounded by windows. There were no shelves, just tables, leather couches, and cushioned chairs. A handful of people had claimed spots, books in hand and candles nearby, but none had taken notice of Wren or Ivanhild. She breathed easier at the lack of eyes on her.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered as she walked closer to the windows.
The vastness of the Whispering Isle rose to greet her. She saw her new home, the House of Adira, off to the far right. Next to it was a maze of gardens at the center of which was a glass greenhouse with ivy crawling over it.
Fog crept in as their time in the sun ended. The mist seemed its own entity. It scaled the stone wall surrounding the academy, blanketed the grounds, and swallowed up those walking below.
“The stone wall–” Wren began.
“It is for protection against cryptura,” Ivanhild said in an authoritative tone. “No one is to go beyond it. I would advise you not to go near the structure.”
Wren scanned the barrier. How did Heron end up on the other side? She wrapped her arms around her middle. The circumstances of his death were something she sought to avoid, but she would have to face them to achieve the justice she so desired. She could not shy away from the pain.
As she gazed upon the Whispering Isle, she gathered up what little fortitude she could. There was no time for frivolous expressions of grief. She closed her eyes and buried it all. Her fears, grief, guilt, and even the dreams of the future she had placed her hope in as a young, broken child. She dug deep within herself and tucked all of the pain in beside the memories of the incident. When her eyes opened again, her feelings were as indistinguishable as the island beneath the hazy fog. And that is where they would stay, until she joined her brother beneath the waves.
Wren received her course itinerary with her tea the morning classes were to begin. There was no letter attached, simply her schedule and a map of the grounds folded and sealed with wax pressed to resemble the face of a clock.
To Lady Wren Kalyxi of Riverwild, from the desk of Ambassador Charles Westover:
Adira- Giftings with Ambassador Westover, History of the Seven Havens with Professor Ultarian
Marina- Poetry with Professor Minkira, Dueling with Professor Ivanhild
Delmara- Agriculture with Professor Opal, Battle Strategy with Commander Zendale
Mira- No classes
Avisa- Giftings with Ambassador Westover, History of the Seven Havens with Professor Ultarian
Delta- Poetry with Professor Minkira, Dueling with Professor Ivanhild
Cordelia- Agriculture with Professor Opal, Battle Strategy with Commander Zendale
