The Dragon Scales, #2
Emberclaw
by L. R. Lam
Contents
20. Arcady: Celebrations
Overview
Arcady joins raucous celebrations after advancing in the First Trial, trading gossip that the next test may be an offensive duel. He helps an ill, prickly Sorin back to her room, revealing tension beneath her reserve. As Arcady leaves, a surge of terror not his own crashes through their faint bond with Everen, and he collapses—signaling Everen is in immediate peril.
Summary
As dusk falls, the dormitory common room erupts with celebration among the students who advanced from the First Trial. Arcady, exhausted yet wired, observes tensions and alliances: Willem’s failed plea to Damon, Rahela’s attention, and Sorin uncharacteristically tipsy. Edin Vayne, confident and helpful with cider, hints the Second Trial will test magic used against others, echoing older Trial structures.
Small talk circles around likely formats—duels and offensive casting—while Arcady’s fatigue and nerves fray. Overwhelmed by the crowded room, Arcady steps outside for air and finds Sorin vomiting, vulnerable behind her usual reserve. Despite Sorin’s hostility and insistence she needs no help, Arcady supports her back to the priests’ quarters, noting her stark, bare room and wondering at her reasons for entering the Trials.
After a curt thanks, Sorin shuts the door on Arcady, who returns toward his dorm, briefly calmed by the sunset. The celebration’s glow curdles as anxiety spikes; a discordant golden chime inside Arcady signals that the dread isn’t entirely his own.
Arcady staggers to his room wracked by alien sensations—wingbeats, snapping jaws, the sharp pain of a bite at the shoulder—realizing the fear is bleeding through his faint bond with Everen. He slams his door and collapses, the chapter closing with the implication that Everen is in immediate danger elsewhere.
Who Appears
- ArcadyFirst-year competitor; celebrates survival, helps a sick Sorin, hears of an offensive Second Trial, then collapses sensing Everen’s terror through their bond.
- SorinReserved acolyte and fellow first-year; drunk and ill after celebrating; resists help but accepts Arcady’s support back to her sparse room.
- Edin VayneConfident upper-year; implies the Second Trial will be offensive magic, circulating with cider and informal authority.
- WillemFellow competitor; drunkenly presides over festivities and argues unsuccessfully with Damon.
- RahelaAdvancing student; celebrated for her magic, surrounded by admirers.
- DamonStudent who rebuffs Willem’s earnest plea and departs the party.
- Jordin MitiCompetitor; coolly discusses a likely duel format for the next Trial.
- Teasel MitiCompetitor; joins speculation about the Second Trial’s nature.
- Iona LynStudent and casual ally; exchanges light banter with Arcady during celebrations.
- VilmEnthusiastic alchemy classmate; repeatedly congratulates those who advanced.
- EverenDistantly felt through the bond; his terror and injury sensations overwhelm Arcady, implying peril elsewhere.
- CindStudent competitor; briefly congratulated by Arcady while leaving the party.
- LoweStudent competitor; briefly congratulated by Arcady during his exit.