The Eye of Elicion: The Kinowenn Chronicles Vol 1 (3 page)

“What kind of classes will I be taking?”

“To start with, mostly introductory classes. I have a schedule here for you. Once you pick a world you would like to go to, your classes become much more specific. You will then learn the languages, customs, geography, plant life, animal life, economy, so forth and so on of that particular world. Some of these classes, like language, will be mandatory. Others, like learning musical instruments of that world, are optional. Everyone must pass a basic horsemanship class. Everyone must become proficient with at least one weapon. We train you to do many things; it would be a pity if you got yourself killed the minute you left. You will learn other basics as well. After learning and passing the minimum requirements, you can choose to go further in any subject. Some learn to master every weapon; some learn everything there is to know about healing; others are more concerned with diplomacy, languages, finances, trade, or taking care of animals. Those choices are yours. Generally, classes run for about four months and then switch. However, we are willing to work with students who move faster or slower.”

Lucy was beginning to feel overwhelmed.

“Here is a map to help you find your way around the school and get to your classes. You may master the doorway trick at some point in time and be able to open your bedroom door and enter your first hour class, but until then, I recommend you use the hallways. It is tiring to try to find where students end up if they make a mistake. Not to mention, the sense of urgency, because it doesn’t take a partially trained student long to find trouble.”

“Where do I go to get supplies?”

“Everything you need is on the map. I have a list here of the basic supplies you need. Where to get them is relatively self-explanatory. The books to purchase are in the bookstore.”

“How do I pay for these supplies?”

“We run a type of commune here, so to speak. Every student is allowed a basic supply allowance. You go to the store and get what you need. Thus said, every student works a minimum of two hours a week at the various locations. I have marked this on your schedule as well. Some students work in the laundry, some sharpen weapons, some work in the stables, some work in the kitchens, there are a large variety of jobs. We try to match a student to a job that is in some way akin to their general interests or abilities. Also, you may spend any free time at your job as well, as long is it does not interfere with your studies. For those hours, you earn tokens, which you can spend in any of the shops. That way, if you want a book not on your list you can work for it.”

“What will my job be?”

“On your résumé, you mentioned you worked in a pharmacy in your world?”

Lucy nodded.

“Our Apothecary has mentioned he needs some assistance. He needs someone who can pay attention to details, learn quickly, and be efficient. The details of your job are his to explain.”

Lucy nodded again. Though she was feeling overwhelmed, one important thought did manage to float to the surface of her consciousness.

“What about my family? Won’t they notice I’m missing? Should I send them a note? Will I see them again? I don’t want them to worry.”

“I understand your concerns,” replied Eric. “I wasn’t going to tell you this right away because I didn’t want it to influence your decision on whether or not to stay here. Time works differently here than it does in other worlds. Some worlds move much faster than here, others much slower. Your world is slower. It will be quite awhile before your parents even return from church. Many months in fact. This works to our advantage in a way. If you decide in those months that you do not wish to stay here, you can return and no time will have passed there. We can discuss a plan for how to deal with your family at a later date.”

Lucy wasn’t sure how she felt about that, but knowing her family wouldn’t worry about her put her mind at ease. Although, how many months was many?

“I’m sure you will have other questions as you progress. For now that is a start. Other students or professors may be able to answer your questions. If they can’t, come see me. Classes start tomorrow morning. You have your schedule and your map, so I will bid you good day. Welcome to school Lucy.”

Lucy got up to leave sensing the obvious dismissal. As she reached for the door, she paused and turned back.

“Eric?”

“Yes?”

“Why me?”

“Can you honestly say that at this moment you want nothing more than to learn what we can teach?”

Lucy smiled and nodded. Eric smiled back.

“That’s why.”

Lucy opened the door and found herself in a hallway. Well, she didn’t really expect to find herself in her old closet.

Lucy felt extremely overwhelmed. She focused on something she felt she could manage thinking about at the moment. Where to go? That should be simple enough; she opened her map. It was a large map. It kept unfolding and unfolding. Once it was open she studied it. There was a little blue arrow that said ‘you are here’. Lucy smiled at that. She watched in amazement as the arrow moved as she took a couple of steps to her left and then to her right. She looked further and found a small space that was labeled ‘your room’. The different classrooms were labeled as well. There was a library, a dining hall, a laundry area, the kitchens, the stables, and other labeled areas. At the far end of the building there was a section that looked like stores. There was the Apothecary, a candy shop, a clothing store, a bookstore, a salon, and what appeared to be a coffee shop. Lucy was excited to see her room, but she had nothing to put there, so she decided she had better get to the shops and purchase the supplies she would need for tomorrow. That was also something she could cope with. She might not have any idea what her classes were going to be about, but she could be as prepared as possible for them. She started to walk down the hallway, still enjoying watching the little arrow move.

Lucy was so intent on watching her arrow she bumped into someone dropping her map and lists of supplies. Obviously, other people did not appear on her map or she would have seen him coming.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” said Lucy at once.

“New student?” he asked.

Lucy blushed and nodded.

“Not to worry. It took me falling down the stairs to learn to pay more attention to my surroundings and less attention to my arrow,” he smiled.

“I’m Lucy.”

“I’m Justin.”

Justin was only a couple of inches taller than Lucy; short for a guy. He had broad shoulders, red hair long enough to fall across his soft brown eyes, and a quick smile. He was wearing a light blue tunic, beige trousers, and soft leather boots that laced almost up to his knees.

“Are you off to buy supplies?”

“Unless they deliver,” quipped Lucy.

“In that case, fold up your map. Let me be your guide. I’ll point things out as we go along. Then, I can help you carry everything you get back to your room.”

“Thank you. I could use a guide. I’ll have to learn my own way around eventually, but I’d rather not end up watching the map.”

“As a guide, I am much safer than falling down the stairs,” Justin assured her with a smile. “I think we should get you some clothes first. Then you will look more like a student and less like the newest arrival.”

“That sounds like a good idea. Lead on.”

They walked down the hallway, then down some stairs, and along more hallways. Lucy lost track of the twists and turns, but figured she would learn them all later. She was sure no one expected her to know her way around by heart the first day. She planned on spreading her map out on her bed once she found her room and mapping out how to get to her first hour class. Speaking of which, she had not even looked at her schedule yet. She had no idea what her first class was.

True to his word, Justin kept up a running commentary on everything they were passing. Lucy enjoyed being able to listen without having to comment. The halls were not too crowded on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Most people were enjoying the outdoors, working, studying, or hanging out in one of the many lounge areas. The library was for quiet studying. The lounges were for group studying, card games, and other socializing. He showed her the Dining Hall.

“The evening meal is always at 5:00. That gives us about 2 hours to shop and get all your stuff to your room in time to eat.”

“That should be enough time, right?”

“Unless it takes you 3 hours to pick out clothing, but judging from your lack of make-up, I think we’ll be ok.”

“My lack of make-up?”

“Sure, girls with tons of make-up are usually picky when it comes to clothes and have to try on everything in the shop. Girls like you are generally more practical about the whole thing.” Justin smiled, “I prefer your type, in case you are wondering.”

Lucy decided to ignore that, although he did have a point. She had rarely gotten along with girls that wore lots of make-up. She was ready to get what made sense. She could be picky about accessorizing once she had earned some tokens.

“What happens if you miss dinner?”

“They have a cupboard against the wall. It usually contains some fruit, travel bread, and cheese.”

“Thanks. That’s good to know.”

“I’ve missed a few meals in my time. Mostly because I was so tired, I thought I would take a nap before dinner and slept right through it,” Justin smiled sheepishly.

“They work you hard here?”

“I would say so, but I work myself hard. Most people do. Only a few people coast along.”

“That’s good to know. I hated to show up to class and be the only one who had done that day’s reading.”

“That won’t happen here. People who try that shape up or don’t last long.”

Justin stopped walking. Lucy looked at him in confusion for a moment. Justin motioned to the window on a storefront. They had finally reached the clothing shop.

Upon entering, they were greeted by Kyle, the co-owner. He wore an emerald green robe with fitted sleeves. Not the most stylish sleeves, as Lucy was to find out, but they did not get in the way of trying to help customers. Kyle was tall and on the older side with long white hair and a mustache. He had a kind demeanor and a polite smile. His wife and co-owner Nancy, a plump older lady with curly white hair wearing a blue robe, was helping other customers.

“New student?” asked Kyle politely.

Lucy nodded.

“I think between Justin and myself we can sort you out,” he smiled. “Let’s see your list to make sure nothing has changed and see if there are any special circumstances.”

Lucy handed him her list and watched as his eyes ran over it. She had not even looked at the list. Kyle umhummed to himself and handed her back her list. Lucy looked at it.

1 set gloves

2 sets footwear

3 sets everyday clothes

1 cloak

2 sets pajamas

2 sets work clothes

Underwear (no more than 8 sets)

1 pack

10 pairs of socks

This all looked reasonable to Lucy. She wouldn’t expect a normal school to provide things like this. Anything extra she could work to buy. By then, she would have a better idea of what was comfortable, stylish, or what she needed more of. Although, 10 pairs of socks and 8 pairs of underwear? The fact that they were uneven amounts bothered Lucy. Hadn’t people learned from the hot dog versus hot dog bun fiasco? Well, she would simply have to buy extra underwear at her first opportunity to even things out.

“Where would you like to start?” asked Kyle.

“What would you suggest?”

“I think we should get everything that needs trying on out of the way. Then you can wear a set of everyday clothes out of here and pick out boots and a cloak to match,” suggested Justin.

“I quite agree,” said Kyle. “Work clothes first I think.”

Lucy let herself be led to the back left of the store. There were a variety of shirts, pants, tunics, and other clothing items. All of them appeared to be more heavy duty than what Justin was wearing.

“These will be what you wear for your weapons and horsemanship classes. I suggest clothing that will move with your body and not get caught on things,” said Kyle.

“I suggest you also make sure you can move in them without chafing,” added Justin.

“My clothes never chafe!” exclaimed Kyle, sounding rather offended.

“My leather breeches were no picnic.”

“That was because you refused to wear the hose that we recommend you wear under them.”

“I was not about to wear tights.”

“Sweating, with this kind of leather next to your skin, is not a good idea.”

“I found that out the hard way.”

“If you had been more concerned with function and less concerned about looking good if front of the ladies, you never would have bought them.”

“Why do you sell non-functioning clothing in the first place?”

Lucy let them argue on. This seemed to be an ongoing discussion every time the two got together, so she left them to it and looked at the clothes. She picked out a form-fitting beige under tunic, a pair of brown leggings that felt sturdy yet comfortable, and a leather over tunic.

“Can I try these on?” asked Lucy, nervously interrupting their discussion.

“Certainly, this way,” Kyle led her to the fitting room.

It was easy to put the clothing on, and Lucy liked the way it felt. There were no zippers or Velcro. It was all held together with ties, or in some cases, buttons.

“How’s this?” she asked coming out to model the outfit.

“That’s more like it,” said Justin giving her an appraising look.

“I think the fit is perfect,” added Kyle, “You only need the one leather over tunic, but would you like a second pair of the rest or would you like to try something else?”

“The same would be lovely. A light blue tunic and dark green leggings if you have them, please. That way the four pieces are interchangeable.”

Kyle ran off to get the pieces while Lucy slipped back into her jeans and sweatshirt.

“Perhaps you should pick out a pack next. That way we can start putting the things you want in it,” suggested Kyle when he came back.