Moss Gate: The Jack of Magic, #2

CHAPTER 1

The musical note of a bird call coming in through an open window contrasted sharply to the dark and dusty classroom in front of Portia. She sighed heavily. Spring had arrived, and it was torturous to be inside. All the excitement of battling for a place in the Magic Academy last fall was forgotten. What she wanted right now was to be out in the sun under a cloudless sky. The light green grass outside the window pulled her eyes away from the chalkboard. She imagined herself lying on the soft new growth and basking in the sun.

Student Portia, may we ask the favor of your presence? Professor Aelric Terfel asked from the front of the class, one eyebrow up. He rapped his pointer on the board for emphasis.

Portia looked guiltily at Professor Aelric and nodded, sliding down into her seat. Twitters of laughter bubbled up from the back of the class. Portia knew Magisend and her friends enjoyed her embarrassment. She glanced over and saw that even her own friends Ella and Mia were trying to hide grins. Portia relaxed, relenting into a small smile of her own. It was understandably hard to be inside on such a beautiful day, no matter how much she loved school. There were few things to recommend her previous life as a thief, but being outside all the time was one of them. Her life was much different now.

Excellent, so glad you could join us, Aelric continued. You are all in for a special treat. Aelric looked around at the rest of the class. The queen has decreed that more detailed research of our earliest history is required by all students. You will be allowed access to books the previous classes have not been given. He looked at the class intently. As I’m sure you are all aware by now, I believe that all privileges should be repaid with hard work, if not earned ahead of time by earnest efforts. But this privilege has been extended in advance, so you will have to earn it now.

The class groaned. It had been a difficult year in Professor Aelric’s history class. Portia thought she was the only one who really enjoyed learning about the Kingdom’s history. Most of the noble students had tutors of their own growing up, teaching them more history than they had ever wanted to know. The remaining students would have much rather practiced their magical skills—and played pranks on each other with them—than studied the dusky tomes in the library. But Portia spent as much time there as she could. It was a whole new world to her—one that, by all rights, she should never have been able to see. Few orphans were ever admitted to the Magic Academy.

Enough, Aelric chided. You would do well to remember this is a privilege. You are to be allowed entrance into the Special Library—The Building of Mages.

Magisend Lucy gasped, shock on her face. Portia turned around to look at her enemy. Magisend Lucy Gwynn was one of the few nobles in the class, and one of the most educated. She was from the House Riddlepit, the second most powerful house in the Kingdom.

Only special librarians and historians are allowed in that building… and the Royal House, Magisend protested.

And now this year’s history classes, Aelric continued, giving Magisend a severe look to prohibit any further interruptions. There will be students from other classes in the building as well as yourselves. Please do not disturb any of the normal research that is conducted there. You have a unique privilege as students. No other year in my recollection has done this. Aelric stared at the class, his arms folded, his frown evidence of his disapproval of these unusual arrangements. You will be expected to familiarize yourselves with the library. You will get special access cards that are not to be shared. They will be magically keyed to you individually. Your first task is to write a three-thousand-word report on the earliest history of humankind based on the books in that library. This report is due Monday. I must caution that this is your background report for all further in-depth study of the time. I suggest you do it well because you will not have time to make up for any deficiencies as we continue. We will be moving through the materials quickly.

Special Library? Unique Access? Portia’s heart soared. This was true excitement. Judging by the muttering from the other students, Portia figured she was the only one who thought this way. Her happiness could not be contained. Not only was she getting an education at the elite institution, but more of an education than the usual Magic Academy student received. A small part of her worried for the reason behind this change—her presence as a unique Jack of Magic, one of only three in the history of the Kingdom—but even that nebulous fear was not enough to erase all the thrill at this new opportunity.

The class ended, and Portia left with Ella and Mia. Ella turned to her and said with a giggle, It’s so cute how much you love school. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like you. I’m guessing that you want to go that library as soon as our last class is over. Ella flipped her blonde hair back and gave a mock sigh of exasperation. She seemed to know everyone on campus, so for her to say she didn’t know anyone like Portia was quite the statement.

Mia turned away, her red hair hiding her own laughter.

Portia took her friends’ ribbing in stride. For all their teasing, she knew they were on her side. Ella and Mia had spent countless hours tutoring her that year to help her catch up with the rest of the students.

Of course I do. And you two are coming with me, Portia said, not bothering to wait for an answer before she walked off to her next class. Meet me outside the main library after fifth period, she called out as she walked away.

Mia and Ella erupted into laughter behind her. Portia knew they would be there.

The rest of the day dragged on. Portia tried to concentrate on her classes, but it was difficult, knowing what adventure awaited them in just a few hours. Today was one of her least favorite classes, music. After six months, she was just starting to get the hang of the complex rhythms required for some pieces they learned. She still didn’t understand why they had to learn music in the Magic Academy but trusted that there was a reason, even if no one could explain it to her.

When her last class was finally over, Portia rushed over to the library where Mia and Ella were already waiting. The main library was an imposing building made of the same magical blue stone that was used for every hall on campus. Four large pillars spanned across its impressive face, and the entryway was two stories tall.

But the building they were going to was not the main library. It was no larger than a small cottage, nestled to one side of the main library and behind an iron fence with a large gate. Portia had never thought much of the building, guessing it was a maintenance shed or the former home of a caretaker. She had not realized its significance. That must be part of how it was kept safe, she realized when she looked at its humble appearance.

This is the Building of Mages? Portia asked, peering through the iron bars.

Apparently so, Ella said, her voice calm, as it always was. Shall we?

Mia walked up to the gate, holding the access card Aelric had given her up to the large lock that held the iron gate shut. A soft click sounded and the lock slipped open, releasing the gate to swing out slowly. Mia entered. When Ella tried to follow, the gate swung shut of its own volition before she could enter. It locked again with a resounding clank. Portia whistled in appreciation. Both Ella and Portia had to press their own cards up to the lock before the gate would allow each to enter. Portia tried to open the gate from the inside and it swung open easily. It was only locked if they tried to enter from the outside. It reassured her somewhat that they were not locked in.

They walked down a gravel path to the entrance. Unlike the other buildings on campus where the stone was cut into neat blocks, this one had oddly shaped and sized blue stones pieced together tightly to form the walls, seemingly without mortar. Portia felt a knot of disappointment in her stomach at the building’s small size—how many books could it hold? It wasn’t much larger than two dorm rooms put together.

But when they entered the front door she sucked in a gasp of shock. The inside was cavernous, the ceiling soaring four stories above them. Balconies and doors ringed the large room on all four floors. Elation gripped Portia. Hopefully each door contained an entire room of books.

The main room was filled with tables and chairs, some occupied with blue-robed Academy scholars and a few students Portia recognized from their year. Surrounding the open space were walls of bookshelves filled—and in some cases overfilled—with stacked books and scrolls. There were even books piled on the floor. A central workstation, elevated ten feet up, overlooked the vast space. A tiny woman sat behind the counter, her fingers tented as she gazed at Portia, Ella, and Mia, waiting for them to approach.

How can this be? Portia asked. She felt a little dizzy from the shock of the difference of size between the inside and the outside of the building.

Ella looked around calmly. Nothing ever seemed to faze her. I’ve heard of this before but never been able to see it for myself.

This building? Portia asked.

No, the magic of dimensions. I think that’s what it’s called. Dimensions… Space… Something like that. It’s very rare magic. There are few who can do it—and it requires energy to maintain it. Which is why it’s rarely used.

I thought it was prohibited, Mia said, puzzlement in her voice. Mia was one of the students from a noble house. She knew more than most new students since she’d had the privilege of tutors in her youth. But apparently even the tutors didn’t know everything. Or maybe it was because she was from House Kelynack, which was not as powerful as the other houses. Portia wondered if all knowledge was shared equally between the houses.

I don’t know about that, Ella said, but I have heard whispers about it in my village growing up. It’s hard to know what is truth and what isn’t with the gossip. Mia, you would know better than both of us.

Mia looked around. Apparently not.

Why would it be prohibited? Portia asked Mia. It seemed like such a useful magic to her. You could hide almost anything anywhere in plain sight.

Could you imagine what would happen if the magic was not maintained? Mia responded, waving at the huge space in front of them. This entire building would pop into the surrounding space. I bet it’s large enough to crush the library outside as well as all the other surrounding buildings.

Would it crush them? Or just appear inside them? Portia asked. She couldn’t imagine what would happen if two buildings tried to occupy the same area at the same time.

Mia shrugged her shoulders. She didn’t know either.

A small shiver went down Portia’s spine at the thought of what might happen if the magic ceased working while they were inside the building, or even inside the main library or the other nearby buildings. Apparently, the knowledge they were going to get here did not come without some form of danger. She breathed in deeply to calm herself. She had faced worse, and no one else within the building seem concerned. She would not think about it.

They approached the librarian in the center of the building who nodded at them, a welcoming smile on her face. It is so exciting to see new faces in here, she whispered to them conspiratorially. She looked around then straightened up and said more formally, Welcome to the Building of Mages. May I see your cards?

The three girls pushed over the cards they had received from Aelric in history class. The woman nodded at each one and gave each a small red stamp in the corner.

Portia couldn’t contain her excitement. Can we go anywhere? She gestured around the room and at the visible doors on the surrounding balconies.

No, the librarian said, then softened at Portia’s look of disappointment, but nearly everywhere. Your card will open locks where you are allowed. She patted Portia’s hand reassuringly then leaned in to whisper, You will not be disappointed.

Portia cheered up at that. She reminded herself to not be too greedy. It was amazing enough that she was here at all. And she knew she should work hard—especially as a Jack of Magic. If what Queen Lorica and King Consort Aldis had told her last winter was truth, she needed every bit of knowledge on her side. Somehow, a Jack of Magic was a defender of the kingdoms—human kingdoms anyhow. Perhaps more… There was so much she didn’t know about.

Ella pulled at Portia’s sleeve. Come on, let’s get to work. We’re having a roast tonight, and I’m starving. Portia laughed. Ella was the only girl she knew who could eat more than she did.

Wait, we have to know where we’re going, Mia said, turning to the librarian, but before she could ask a question, the librarian simply pointed to the back corner. Portia saw other students working at the tables there and pulling books from the shelves. They were not the first students to arrive. Others were there also doing homework for Aelric’s class.

Portia, Ella, and Mia split up to explore the stacks of books behind the tables in the back corner. The shelves held books of all different sizes, some originally black, brown, or red, but now faded to various shades of yellow and tan. Portia selected a small yellow book with a hand-tied binding off the top shelf near the very back. It was hard to see, but Portia knew it was there. It had called out to her. When she grabbed hold of it, it fit perfectly in her hand.

She flipped it open and scanned the table of contents. The stylized handwritten lettering was hard to read, but she was still able to make out what it said. Each chapter was the name of a noble house. She recognized the names Riddlepit, Ladock, Kelynack, Hayle, and Coverack, but the first name, Callac, was unfamiliar. It was listed before all others, which confused her.

Turning the pages, she saw lists of names and family trees drawn out. There was even a sketch or two of people, but so poorly done as to not be recognizable, even if the people sketched were still alive. She guessed this was a history of the noble houses from ages ago. She flipped to the front, but there was no date on the book. Each family tree started from an event called The Splintering.

She paged the first section of family trees, those listed under the name Callac. The trees were just as large as in the other sections. This had been a healthy house with many members. There was no indication of anything happening to them. This confused her greatly since she had never heard of a noble house by that name.

She wandered through the stacks holding the book until she found Mia, who was examining the contents of a large book of maps. Mia, I don’t understand what this book is saying. It looks like it references six noble houses.

Mia looked up, confused, then puzzlement crossed her face. It’s in that book?

It lists another noble house—at least I think that’s what it’s saying—by the name of Callac.

Mia’s mouth made a small oh. She held out her hand for the book and Portia gave it to her. She flipped through the book and landed on the first page of the Callac family tree. I can’t believe a book references that house. In the official library.

Why wouldn’t it? Who was that house? Are they still… around? Portia asked, her curiosity piqued.

No, they are not around. Mia hesitated. She started to talk then stopped herself with a soft grunt and just stared at the book some more.

Come on, Mia, you have to tell me more. Why are you surprised they’re listed in this book? And more so, how do you know anything about them if they’re not supposed to be in books? Portia folded her arms and stood in front of Mia.

Mia sighed and then gave the book back to Portia. The House Coverack decreed long ago that the House of Callac was never to be written or spoken of. But as a member of a noble house, I was aware of them, if for no other reason than to make sure I did not speak of them, especially at court. At the others’ questioning looks, Mia sighed. They had no choice after I found an accidental reference to them in an old text. They got rid of the book too, before I thought to save it.

This surprised Portia. She had only met the queen and king consort once, but they seemed in favor of sharing information, not hiding it. She reminded herself once again how little she knew. She had been in the city for just over a year, but sometimes it felt like she had just arrived yesterday. There were so many traditions and verbal pieces of knowledge she did not know—especially as a commoner. And especially as an orphan.

They were the original royal house, Mia continued. They were the house that led us to this world. Something happened though. I don’t know what—no one has ever been able to tell me—and they lost all their power and position. I was always curious, but any time I asked for more information, it brought such upset and consternation from my tutors that I learned never to speak of the subject. My parents were even more upset when I asked about the house. They had told me that was all they knew and then asked me to never speak of it again.

They were the royal house?

Yes. House Coverack took over when they disappeared.

That doesn’t make any sense, Portia said, her face scrunched up. If they were so powerful as to lead everyone here, how could they just vanish like that?

Mia shrugged her shoulders. She didn’t have an answer. She picked up the book of maps again and started reading it. She paused and then looked up at Portia again. Don’t tell anyone I told you this. And whatever you do, don’t put the House of Callac into your report. I don’t know how this book got here, or why it was allowed to remain, but it will be taken from you if you breathe a word of this to anyone, of that I’m sure.

Portia looked down at the book with a new sense of having found a treasure. The last thing she wanted to do was lose it. Especially if so much of their history was verbal and whole houses had been written out. She looked at the surrounding books with a sense of consternation. How much of what was here was true, and how much was rewritten history? For the first time, she felt skepticism towards the Academy. It was unpleasant to learn that not everything was as she had hoped—ethical, honest, knowledgeable. She nodded at Mia, who waved her away, now engrossed in her study of the maps.

Richard and Liam joined them after about an hour. Their history class had also been assigned the essay. Richard looked like his usual self—dark hair messily arranged because he honestly didn’t care—and Liam had slicked-back blond hair with purple tips that perfectly matched his purple tunic. Portia didn’t think the twins could be any more different. Ella still had not wrested the secret of Liam’s changing hair from him, much to her unending consternation.

The twins headed straight for the cabinets of legal briefs. An interest in the dry intricacies of the law was one of the few things they held in common. Portia was glad they were not being forced to do reports in teams. Or at least not in a team with them.

Ella strode by, her fingertips touching each book at hand level as she walked. Ready to go, Portia? My stomach tells me it’s nearly suppertime.

Portia nodded. Laughter from behind her caught her attention. Richard and Liam were laughing over a large drawing spread over one of the tables. They had found something more amusing than law reports.

Ella looked over at the twins, curious as well. Shall we see what they have? she asked, not bothering to wait for a response. Portia trailed after her to see what they were looking at.

Ella, you won’t believe this, but this is a planning map of the city. Or a replanning map. There was another city here first, and apparently the planners were not impressed with how things were laid out, Liam said, shaking his head and laughing. I don’t know if they weren’t allowed to speak their mind in person or what, but they certainly took it upon themselves to say what they really thought here.

How curious, Ella said as she leaned in to look at the map.

Richard shook his head. He was less amused than Liam, but even he, the more serious one, had a small smile on his face. Portia peeked over his shoulder to see what he was looking at. Tiny lettering on the side of an architectural drawing listed the dimensions for a hallway, and then the comment: ‘needs to be five feet wide, minimum, because we are not all as skinny as Devorak.’

Maybe Devorak was an official measure of width, Portia said.

Liam laughed. I doubt it. My guess is Devorak was the boss who never bothered to look at the plans drawn up by underlings. You’d be amazed how many bosses are like that.

Portia looked at Liam in surprise. He was a student just as she was. What would he know of bosses? She looked down at the map again. It was filled with little comments in tiny handwriting. Mia joined in and crowded around the maps as well.

Ella sighed, bored. I’ll leave you to this. She wandered off into the stacks again when it was clear Mia and Portia were not going to leave just yet.

Eventually, Portia’s stomach growled so loudly that all four of them heard. Her face turned red. "Perhaps it is time to go," she said. Richard and Liam laughed loudly. Portia was grateful that Mia at least turned away politely.

Ella returned as they were putting away their materials. She had a tiny book with her, its cover bright purple despite its age. It was handstitched and fit within her palm. Look at this beautiful little thing. It’s like a piece of jewelry.

Portia took the book from her. It was much heavier than it appeared. No jewelry I’d like to wear. Is it full of rocks? She flipped it open but couldn’t understand anything within it. The script curved and flowed as if a different language. Beautiful gold foil drawings of the first letter of each chapter graced its pages. She looked up at Ella. What does it say?

No idea. I just thought it was pretty. Can we finally go eat now? Ella asked, a hint of irritation in her voice.

Yes, yes, yes, Liam said, Portia’s stomach agrees with you. He started giggling all over again.

Do you want this book? Portia asked Ella, who shook her head.

No. I just thought it was pretty. I’ll put it back.

No need. I want to look at it some more. Perhaps they’ll let me take it back to the house.

Portia brought the two books to the librarian. The same tiny woman was at the station in the middle of the room. Can I take these with me? she asked.

The woman took the books. Opening the yellow one, the book about the noble houses, her eyebrows rose. She stared at Portia. Did you read this one?

No, not really, Portia said. She had only skimmed it—she hadn’t really read it. Hopefully, that was close enough to