The Dragon's Vow or the Stubborn Bride - стр. 25

– Ada? – Zikki called in a whisper, unmistakably choosing the only person who was actually asleep.

– M? – the northern woman answered her, waking up sleepily.

–Where are the other two?

The answer was silence. The other girls also held their breath.

– Who are you talking about? – Ada asked when the silence dragged on.

– Well, there should be ten adepts, but there are only eight of us.

“They will arrive on their own,” Lisel answered instead of Ada.

It seemed like both she and Zikki knew a little more than the others. How interesting!

We arrived at the academy early in the morning. The stagecoach, hovering above the ground, did not make the usual sounds of wheeled transport, and only the paws of the wolves rustled barely audibly on the pavement, and their heavy breathing could be heard. The last part of the journey was constantly uphill, and the animals were quite tired. We entered the tall gate in almost complete silence. Only a huge raven croaked deafeningly as it flew up from the wrought-iron fence. A fine autumn rain was drizzling, and the wind hit the wall of the stagecoach in gusts, causing it to sway.

“It’s a bit gloomy…” Zikki drawled, looking out the window.

“Just like home,” Ada sighed with nostalgia.

The girls, who were sitting at the ready, reached into their bags in search of warm clothes. I didn’t move, I managed to dress properly right away. Another hour before arrival. Ashsher Nett warned us, so I pulled myself together and pushed the sleepy Simka out of the stagecoach.

We soared past dark gray, squat buildings that formed an entire street. Water dripped from the gable roofs, flowing down the drainpipes. Crows sat here and there, and the cries of seagulls could be heard from afar – the Academy of Wind and Storms was located above the sea. Once upon a time there was a castle in which the founder of the educational institution lived. Later, both the castle and a small village nearby were converted into an academy, and people moved a little further away so as not to be at risk. Living next to inexperienced elemental magicians is still fun.

The stagecoach stopped in the driveway of the tallest building where the academy was located.

– Eshsheri, let's go out! – Uncle Alan commanded.

I was the very first one outside, as I was sitting closer to the exit. While the rest of the girls were getting out, I managed to look around. Behind us was a square with a large statue of the founder, on the pedestal of which were embossed the symbols of all four main elements. But from where I was, I saw only two: land and water.

To the right there was a park, standing out as a colorful spot against the background of total grayness. The crimson-brown-green riot was pleasing to the eye, reminding that colors had not disappeared from the world. Turning around, I began to look at the bizarre sculptures on the facade of the building. A massive hulk made of gray stone blocks seemed to prop up the leaden sky with its pointed roofs. Probably, the entire Blackrock estate could fit entirely in one of its halls!

Despite the gloomy view and nasty weather, I wanted to climb everything here from top to bottom. Explore the hidden corners of the park. Look into the underground catacombs going deep into the mountain. Climb into the attic and see if there really is a ghost living there? I couldn’t wait to find out all the secrets that the ancient academy building conceals.