Marion Norindale Books

Introverted and inquisitive, Ash is fascinated by the world around him. He enjoys tinkering with his models when he’s not doing schoolwork or spending time with his friends.

Because Ash has to use sign language to speak his spells, each spell has become associated with certain hand movements, accelerating the speed of his casting.

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EXCERPT

Ash knew why he was an orphan.

His grandmother had sat him down when he was nine, handed him a cup of tea, and told him the story of how his parents had come to be killed.

It wasn’t public knowledge why the scrawny, brown-haired boy on Esuria Street was so important. Ash walked to and from school, accompanied his grandmother to the market, and enjoyed the occasional ice cream from his favorite parlor.

Like all other Iris-born, his eyes colored in a bright shade of the rainbow—for him, a rich sky blue. But other than that, he appeared no different than the thousands of other Pan Anarans going about their lives.

Charlotte walked him home that day. She didn’t bear a resemblance to him, and Ash often wondered what people thought of their relationship. Nobody knew she was part of the reason Ash and his grandmother were still alive right now.

They stopped by the mail room before heading up to the apartment. Charlotte unlocked the box and let the boy gather up the letters inside.

Ash spotted a flash of cream and a smudge of violet amid the stack.

What was that? Charlotte gestured in sign language.

The boy shuffled to the envelope in question, holding it up for her to see.

His guard grinned. You got your letter! Wanna go upstairs and open it?

Ash frowned, shifting the stack to answer. Charlotte grabbed it from him. I think I wanna wait till Grandma gets home.

The woman nodded, tucking the envelopes under her arm. Whatever you want.

* * *

Upstairs in their apartment, they were joined by Ash’s two other guards, Jake and Edmund.

The four were busying themselves in the kitchen when the door rattled.

“Ash ’n I are starting dinner!” Charlotte called out.

A moment later, Rosa Conley strolled into the kitchen. Her silvery hair tied up in its usual bun for her shift at the hospital.

Ash ran over to the dining table, where they’d dropped the mail. Look what I got!

His grandmother smiled, reaching out to skim over the envelope before answering. Did you open it yet?

The boy shook his head. I wanted to wait till you got home.

Rosa smoothed over her grandson’s hair. You’re so sweet.

Ash scooped up the envelope, then dug in the spare drawer for the letter opener.

Mr. Ashton Conley:

You are cordially welcomed in your upcoming attendance of the House of the Scroll. Enclosed is a list of supplies necessary for purchase, as well as the courses available to first-year students. All course selections must be submitted no later than the first of Kaechim. Please be prepared and present on campus no later than Dechri, Julichème first.

We look forward to your joining our community.

Thank you,

Demille Thorncrown

Headmistress of the House of the Scroll

Rosa riffled the boy’s hair again. This is going to be so wonderful. You’re going to learn some fantastic things, and probably make some great friends.

Ash nodded. He set down the letter, then wiped his hands on his pants.

It wasn’t that he wasn’t excited. No…starting at the House wasn’t the problem here.

Rosa knelt before the boy. Are you nervous?

Ash bit his lip. I—don’t know what to expect, he answered.

It’s going to be just fine, his grandmother assured. We’ll be right here. And I’m sure the other kids will love you.

Maybe…though that wasn’t all Ash was worried about.

He just wanted to enjoy as much of his childhood as he could before he had to embrace his role as Castilla’s savior.