Summons From the Capital

Chris blankly stared at his young master.

"Are you feeling ill, Daren? Do you have any fevers or headaches? Maybe you hit your head during the recent battle or were drugged during the party? In any case we should get a doctor to take a look at you."

Daren's entire face turned red from embarrassment as he crossed his arms.

"You said that you would believe me!"

"I also said that I would recommend a doctor or lawyer as necessary, too. Are you sure that you didn't just mishear? A different country I could definitely understand. That girl has a strange accent and manners. But an entire world?"

"No. No, I'm sure. Look, she showed up out of thin air. That's like what the legends and ancient records say right? The only places that describe a medical condition even remotely like hers are tomes about Terra and other worlders."

"That's still a bit of a stretch. Current research shows that interdimensional travel just isn't possible."

"From what I overheard, Ramona found a way for Aayla to get back home that requires a large energy source and a spatial coordinate plotter. They mentioned Terra specifically."

"Terra could be a code word, or refer to a different place. A plotter could be used to send her to the countries in the far southern reaches of Tellus. There might even be a completely knew continent across the ocean that we just don't know about."

"Ramona Heston is the best Terran researcher in decades! She disappeared for over a decade after an accident involving the spatial element. When she returned, Deputy Heston revolutionized Terran research and space element theory. You know exactly to the extremes that some people will go to for her research."

Daren sighed and placed his head in his hands.

"Look, you don't have to believe me, but you'll at least help me look into things, right? I definitely heard Ramona saying that they needed a massive energy source and a spatial coordinate plotter. So, she's up to something big. You've got to at least be curious about that."

A heavy sigh emerged from Chris's lips.

"Fine. I'll help. But I don't believe that someone can really cross over from Terra."

"Thank you!"

Daren tightly hugged Chris and accidentally set off waves of pain and screams.

**********

Angry mutters were heard throughout the faculty housing. The faculty would either be stuck in their rooms for the next few months or be scrutinized by the Senate during a hearing. The sudden trip to Sarrasak made many unhappy, even for those who enjoyed the city itself. Ramona was not among those who liked the city.

"Ugh. I can't believe that I have to go back to that stuffy cesspit to deal with those slimy jerks again. I hate those filthy rats and snakes and their backstabbing ways. Then there's those foul pigs and their corrupt lackeys constantly trying to scam somebody!"

Ramona continued to curse as she finished packing her bags. Her grumbles could be heard throughout the entire apartment complex. The guards standing by her door often blushed at her occasional foul language. Whenever she finished with one bag, Aayla would carry it down the stairs to the carriage parked outside.

"Ooh if I have to deal with another condescending jerk thinking that I would just grovel for a chance to work for their cheap butts…"

The last suitcase slammed shut. Ramona stopped her complaining as she stepped out of her apartment. The guards locked the door behind her and a barrier blocked it off. They escorted her down to the waiting carriage.

Several other carriages lined the street as other faculty prepared to leave. Ramona had her own carriage, but the first part of the trip would be short. A train had been arranged to transport them all the way to Sarrasak from Forest Waypoint.

Only a few carriages were still being loaded up. The team's departure was imminent. Stallesso arrived to see the team off and discussed final arrangements with Headmaster Marin. Ramona talked with Aayla one last time while the coachman stowed the final bag.

"I gave you all of your various reward and compensation money, right? Here's a bit extra as a reward for your good grades and for emergencies."

"Yes, godmother. Dormi's secured it for me."

"Do you remember how to use a carriage service and catch a train, right?"

"Of course."

"You'll stay in the residence hall starting today, but everyone else will be staying on campus. The gremlins need to be watched. Someone will check on you and the trial grounds every day."

Ramona's eyes darted towards the guards who stood at a distance. She hugged Aayla tightly and whispered into her ear.

"Things are about to get very complicated and very political. Don't stay at Nafriton if both the headmaster and I are not back by the next school year. Your identification papers should arrive soon. Stay away from Sarrasak and Landrienne. Halycon or any small town should be safe.

"Stick with the Forolans if something happens. Always remember that the Forolans owe you, and that they swore on their family honor to ensure your safety and proper living conditions. Just don't rub it in."

A few of the guards started to herd the remaining faculty into the carriages. The deputy headmaster smiled and patted Aayla's head before speaking in a loud voice.

"A friend of mine from the embassy is scheduled to deliver some identification papers for you soon, but that might be complicated given the circumstances. The Forolans will arrange the pickup as needed in repayment for your aid. Be sure not to lose them again this time."

Many ears perked up at this information. Miss Glowery would have another backer while her godmother was out. Was this a temporary arrangement, or did Deputy Heston make some long-term deal with them?

Soon all of the carriages were packed. The remaining faculty boarded the carriages and set off towards Forest Waypoint. Aayla walked back to the residence hall and discovered a new security office built right next to the gate.

Several fuzzy heads peaked out from the top of the wall. Upon seeing Aayla, they cheered and flocked towards her like a tide of excited puppies. The gremlins merrily chittered and climbed onto her clothes.

o (*^A^*) o -- Cookie hooman lives! --

\(*o*)/ -- Sugar! Sugar! Sugar --

"Okay, okay. I'm fine! That's enough."

Aayla shuffled forward while trying to not step on anyone. Something started rummaging around in her pockets. When Aayla reached inside, she found a fluffy little thief searching for sweets.

"Hey! I said that's enough! Stop that! I don't have any sugar!"

(^.^)/~ -- Hello! --

The gremlin squirmed out of her hand then ran off. The fuzzy tide retreated along with it. A couple of security guards looked dumbfounded as they observed from inside the security office. The gate swung open for Aayla.

She waved to the security guards as she walked inside. The entire grounds looked completely normal. This place was not close yet not far away from campus. Fortunately, no one decided to attack it. Aayla roamed the halls not knowing what to do next.

Inside the lounge was completely silent except for the crackling of the fire. Half finished drinks and food covered the tables while streamers littered the ground. Curiously, there was not even a trace of sugar to be found.

She sat down in the dining hall and looked at the mess that remained of the end of year party. The good times were definitely over now. Many questions started popping up into Aayla's head. What exactly happened that night? What if she kept them all inside the residence hall, where it was safe?

Aayla shook her head to get rid of the questions and began to clean up the mess. Trash cans hoped around and began to suck up pieces of trash and compost like vacuum cleaners. As she wiped down the tables, the front doors opened with a load groan that echoed throughout the empty building.

A few minutes later someone knocked on the dining hall's doors.

"Just give me a minute! I'm doing a bit of cleaning."

"Need any help?"

When Aayla looked up, Daren and some guards stood by the door. The guards' armor was very shiny. She could hear the gremlins lurking above and drooling over them. The trash cans hoped around them as they sucked up the party decorations along the walls.

"Don't mind these guys. My grandfather's just being a bit overprotective."

"You might want to dull their armor," Aayla pointed towards the ceiling. "I can already hear the gremlins plotting how to steal them."

The guards snorted in disdain. Please, they could handle a bunch of furballs. Daren scratched his head as he glanced at the overconfident guards.

"Firsthand experience is the best teacher for these guys. Anyways, Grandfather is coming over the see the trial grounds. Per the arrangement between Deputy Heston and my grandfather, you're welcome to join. If you're not too busy, that is."