Chapter Four

Horace Bleggard

James was hurried out of his dormitory the next morning by the piece of paper that Headmaster Fletcher had given him the night previous. It seemed to have the annoying habit of talking very loudly and reminding him of the time.

‘It’s Seven forty-five,’ it had sounded from his right trouser pocket, ‘five minutes to get to your first class! Better pick up the pace!’ At this, James stuffed the paper into the bottom of his shoe so he couldn’t hear it anymore. He grabbed the thin stick of wood that was his wand, and bolted out of his dormitory. He rushed down several flights of stairs, through a large wooden doorway, and past two stone centaurs that guarded the entrance to the dormitories. They turned their heads slightly and bid him a good day; James wished them the same before he knew what he was doing.

‘Can’t really do that much, we’re made of stone aren’t we?’ one said to the other.

‘Too true; perhaps he didn’t know…’ the other commented as they drifted out of earshot. 

James shot passed the Falcon Section of the Orphanage which was decorated accordingly; paintings of the magnificent creature in flight, or of brave Falconers in the midst of training a bird. He was quickly through the mass of decorations, and was running down another flight of stairs. He certainly didn’t remember the building being this big when they had taken the tour. It was rather empty, most people not having any classes today. Perhaps this was the reason it felt so much larger. 

As James walked past the Main Hall, he saw tables scattered throughout, with chairs placed around them. People were gathering in large numbers at a table at the front of the room; which was full of breakfast food. James could smell the cooked ham and eggs, but didn’t make a detour to grab any. A few more turns and another doorway, and he was huffing out of the entrance hall and onto the grounds which were wet with unseasonable melting frost. Situated by a stone fountain on the grass, just off the drive, were a handful of people about James’ age. He tried to spot Elizabeth in the throng, but couldn’t. 

Mister Fletcher was standing amidst the group with a tall, thin, man who had a long mane of dark brown hair and deep green eyes; the man had countless scars on his haggard face and hands, and was dressed in a long tattered and worn black coat. He didn’t have the bright disposition of Fletcher, but rather, held a dark look that eluded to his differences.

James stopped in front of the two men.

‘Well, it appears we are only waiting on Miss Hartwell. Ah, and here she comes now,’ Fletcher sounded. 

James turned to look behind him, and sure enough, Elizabeth darted toward them. In a moment’s time she reached the group, and skidded to a halt.

‘Miss Hartwell, shaving it close I see,’ Fletcher said looking over the rims of his glasses.

‘Sorry, sir,’ she sounded, trying to catch her breath, ‘my timetable just started screaming a few minutes ago; she said that she’d slept in.’ 

Fletcher smiled reminiscently as a murmur of laughter rang through the gaggle of students. ‘Ah, yes,’ he laughed, ‘you should all be wary of those. They are marvellous time keepers, but not the best to rely on for waking up; they do so enjoy their sleep.’ 

James smiled in disbelief, but somehow didn’t doubt a word.

Fletcher smiled, clapping his hands together. ‘We will be making a quick excursion to the mountain today. I do thank you students for keeping your curiosity in check for one day. I know how exciting the unknown is; but we must have limits for ourselves, otherwise we would only do what we wanted and not what was best for all involved.’ 

Elizabeth nudged James in the ribs and said, ‘I told you we should have sneaked off first day,’ she whispered, ‘this mountain place sounds brilliant!’  

James smiled. ‘I just thought we should go our first day here without breaking a rule.’ He shrugged. ‘You know, just to try something different.’ 

Elizabeth smirked at him and gave him another friendly nudge in the side.

‘Now, I am quite confident that none of you have before met Mister Bloodstone,’ Headmaster Fletcher said, and pointed to the scarred man in the black coat. ‘He will be residing with us for the remainder of the year, due to particular dangerous groups of people who have been trying to find our location.’ 

James looked at Elizabeth with concern. Was this new world dangerous? What secrets had he not yet learned? He and Elizabeth had, after all, only found out about magic yesterday! There were likely many things that they did not yet know about this world. James was about to ask what kind of dangers they could face, when Mister Bloodstone spoke. His voice was low and it resonated with a brooding tone.

‘We are not liked by all the people who find out about us. Some still think Witch hunts are in order… among other things.’ There was a notable gasp throughout the crowd, and when Bloodstone saw the deeply concerned looks on the student’s faces he added, ‘It’s a fact of life when you live with magic. Just learn how to defend yourselves, and you should be all right.’ He smiled, though James thought it seemed forced and uncomfortable, as if he were not well acquainted with the act.

‘Yes, yes, we must all remain aware of those around us and keep a watchful eye out. But now, if you will, please, follow us. We will lead you to the mountain, and your first lesson,’ Fletcher said, clapping his hands again, his smile melting away most of James’ worry.

The walk to the mountain was a proper hike through wet rock and heavily treed terrain. Bloodstone would constantly switch positions from front of the group to the back, and to both sides, keeping an uneasy lookout, his wand in his hand, apparently ready for anything. It was slightly unnerving, and even Fletcher’s continued smiles didn’t fully reassure James.