Alex told Meghan and Samheed how it all had happened, and how Lani was fighting valiantly, and how Simber scared the Quillens off, but it had been too late. Samheed, in a rare moment reserved for such tragic occasions, nudged Lani and whispered gruffly, “I’m glad you’re okay. Wear your stupid vest, okay?”
A moment later a ripple went round the room as humans and creatures bustled to get seated, or to find their spots in the air as Jim the winged tortoise did, for on the stage was Mr. Today waiting patiently for silence. After everyone had settled and the room was quiet, Mr. Today spoke.
“I wish to keep this brief,” he said in a gravelly voice. He cleared his throat and began again. “I am deeply saddened by this attack. Arija was a friend to everyone, and she guarded our entry faithfully for many years. No one was more dedicated to the safety of Artimé than she.”
Tears fell around the room.
“The attack makes it all too clear: Quill is struggling mightily to accept us’more than anyone had imagined. As much as our friend, High Priest Haluki, is doing to make this transition possible, it is still incredibly hard to introduce new ideas into a society that has been so set in its ways for all these years.” He scanned the audience, now fuller than ever with hundreds of Necessaries and even a few Wanteds joining them. His eyes landed on Eva Fathom, near the front of the theater, and he smiled sadly. Her form seemed less rigid than before, her head bowed.
“Clearly, we didn’t expect this kind of violent, organized attack. Clearly, we should have.”
Just then Charlie the gargoyle meandered to the stage and approached Mr. Today. He made rapid gestures with his hands, as if speaking in a kind of sign language, and Mr. Today watched him with great attention. When Charlie had finished, Mr. Today thanked him, and the gargoyle left the stage and wandered back to the tubes.
“High Priest Haluki sends his deepest condolences. He was as shocked to hear of the tragedy as we were to witness it. He asks anyone involved in the skirmish who might have recognized a member of the party, whether Quillitary or otherwise, to please contact him.”
At the back of the room, Ms. Morning twisted and worked a handkerchief. She didn’t look up.
Mr. Today gave a tired sigh. “Ah, me. Here we are, back where it all started,” he said, almost to himself. “You know what to expect this time. Florence will begin Magical Warrior Training with the new residents, and the rest of you will sharpen your skills once again.
“Simber will be stationed at the gate for now’he is there already. Tina, Opal, and Penelope will take some much needed time off to mourn their sister and leader. From this moment forward, everyone is to wear their fully stocked component vests at all times, stay tuned to your blackboards, and be prepared for battle at a moment’s notice.”
Lani glanced at Samheed, who was looking sidelong at her. She nodded and looked down at her hands in her lap.
Mr. Today asked, “Are there any questions?”
“Yes,” came a loud voice. “I have a question.” Sean Ranger stood up. “Mr. Today, why don’t you put the gate back up? Haven’t enough of us died?”
Mr. Today paused a long moment, and then he spoke. “I don’t know anymore, Sean,” he said simply. “I ask myself the same question daily.”
“Is it pride? Because if it is, I think it’s reckless.” Sean stood his ground.
Mr. Today didn’t seem offended. “Perhaps you’re right. Thank you for speaking up. I’ll consider it.”
A murmur rose up in the crowd. Alex sat up in his seat, shocked and even a little angry. Before he knew what he was doing, Alex stood and said, “Mr. Today, how can you say that after everything you’ve taught us? You taught us that we shouldn’t hide. You taught us that we have the right to exist and live freely! You saved us, and we have to save Artimé’that’s the price we pay for getting a second chance to live.” The room was quiet again. “And anyone who doesn’t agree can just go somewhere else.”
Sean Ranger’s eyes flared as he sought and found Alex in the crowded theater. He opened his mouth to speak, but then one by one Samheed, Lani, and others around Alex stood in agreement.
Only Meghan stayed seated, looking from her brother to her best friend back to her brother again. Wearily she buried her face in her hands as the place erupted into arguments and accusations about who was right, and what should be done.
Alex, in heated but respectful debate with someone two rows in front of him, glanced up at the stage to see Mr. Today watching him. Alex stopped mid-sentence, feeling badly about starting the argument and ruining Mr. Today’s speech, but the old mage nodded at Alex and clasped his hands together. Alex thought he might even look a bit proud.
A surge of electricity rushed through Alex’s blood, and he felt anew the absolute thrill of being saved by Mr. Today and Artimé, the challenge and luck of being alive’a feeling he hadn’t felt since before his brother had nearly killed him. He smiled at Mr. Today, for the first time feeling less like student and teacher, and more like friends.
Almost as if they understood each other without needing words.
Sleepless Again
henever Alex couldn’t sleep he took to wandering the mansion. Sometimes in the dark of the night he saw Samheed, who had a similar sleep problem. Tonight was one of those nights. They left their rooms almost simultaneously, Samheed firing off a snide comment to his blackboard, Stuart, as he closed his door, and Alex responding “I won’t” to Clive’s “Don’t die” reminder. The two met up and walked together without a need to speak.