PART ONE
HARUKI
Londaria, the City of Magik. The city where long ago a dragon bestowed the first mage—Zephyr Astaroth—with magik.
I’ve heard countless tales about how Zephyr came to earn such a gift. Demonstrations of valor—of wit, or cunning, or might. But I have to say from the intimate way the serpentine-like dragon is wrapping around him in the colossal molded metal statute before me, it rather seems like he might have acquired his magik by some…other means. Or maybe the sculptor just had a snake fetish.
Either way, this bronze statue is exceptionally well made, especially with its green patina along the dragon’s scales. A true masterpiece…and a rock dove is relieving itself atop it.
I lean back on my palms where I perch atop me and Tegan’s body-sized trunks. Tipping my head skyward as I watch the fast-moving, cloud-filled sky. I frown. They’ve been growing steadily darker all day.
I wonder if it’ll start raining before she gets back…?
“Finally got us a carriage,” my cousin Tegan announces loudly as she comes stomping across Astaroth Point in a huff. Her tiny copper corkscrew curls already in utter disarray.
Uncle Delwyn would probably have a conniption if he saw her marching through the plaza like a draft horse. But she earns a smile from me at least.
“Took you long enough,” I comment with a smirk.
“Don’t give me that shit, Haru,” she snarls. “Whoever’s brilliant idea it was to have all the magikal academies start term at the same time is a devious bastard!”
I laugh as I leap off the trunks and kick the wheel lock on the trolley cart.
Tegan’s not actually my cousin. It’s more accurate to say her father and mine were as close as blood could be. Well…before Dad went a bit crazy anyways. Then they sorta took me in out of pity.
And also because there was nothing left but you…
“Statue” ExSpelled © 2024 by Kat Vancil
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