Marion Norindale Books

Headstrong and opinionated, Jordan knows what she stands for. She’s fiercely loyal to her friends and family, and is willing to do just about anything to protect them.

She’s the second-youngest of four siblings, all of whom were born with magic.

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EXCERPT

They could’ve been anywhere on the grounds. Marla stepped out onto the back patio, squinting against the bright slant of the morning light.

There…Marla waved.

The girl on the larger bike slowed, perking her head up in acknowledgement. She beckoned to her companion, then pushed her bike forward.

Marla walked down the patio steps as Jordan and Gavril rolled to a stop before it.

“Hi, Marla.” Jordan straddled her bike. “What d’you need?”

“You have a letter,” said Marla.

The girl just stared at her blankly. Then she snapped into movement, swinging her leg up and around the bike to run alongside it.

“Wait up!” her brother called, jumping off his own to follow her.

Jordan stopped at a shed several yards up the path. She wrenched off her helmet and pushed her bike to a stop. Then she skittered back out and towards the patio, clambering up the steps.

They always inspected the mail in the downstairs sitting room. Jordan nearly slammed into the doorway, but managed to slip through the opening instead of colliding with the frame.

Her aunt Violet smiled from the couch, holding out the coveted envelope. “Here you go!”

Jordan snatched it up with a squeaked “thank you!”

Ms. Jordan Alshiovarevna:

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

Jordan cackled, skittering back out the door and into the hall. “I’m gonna go tell Nalya and Nina!”

* * *

Karnina painted in the upstairs playroom. The two went together to find Annalaya, who looked up from her book long enough to offer her younger sister a grin and a hug of congratulations.

Then Jordan returned downstairs alone.

Instead of heading back outside, she veered to a door at the back of the hall. She pushed it open to a forlorn squeak.

A couch and a few armchairs huddled around a fireplace. Dust painted the faintest of silver sheens over the furniture.

Jordan turned her attention to the built-in cabinet against the wall. The shelves held a collection of not-quite-antiques—photos, baby clothes, jewelry, toys, books, handmade blankets, and newspaper clippings.

Her gaze traveled to the photo she favored the most.

A man and a woman sat on a couch; a long, scrolling piece of the type people didn’t usually sit on. The woman’s reddish hair coiled into a bun, and her lips stretched into a smile. A simple white gown flowed off her shoulders and down to the floor.

The man’s smile was more subdued, but no less kind. His hair, a darker, browner shade, cut short, with a tidy moustache and a beard to accent. He wore a full-sleeved dark blue gown under a vest.

Four children sat on the sofa around them. The primly poised blonde to the left—Annalaya…the grinning redhead tucked into the man’s side—Karnina…the baby poised on the man’s lap—Gavril…and the orange-haired toddler squirming on the woman’s lap…

“I got my letter today.” Jordan fidgeted the envelope, careful not to wrinkle it. “I knew—we all knew—you probably knew too…but I still wanted to tell you.” She bit her lip. “Violet and Archie said you’d be proud; that you always looked forward to taking us to the House of Ilasa. I hope the House of the Scroll is just as good. Nalya and Nina really like it. I think I will too. At least, I hope so.”

There would be no response, but Jordan paused, hoping her parents were listening anyway.