Nightfall: Book Two of the Chronicles of Arden Read Free

stiff nod, recalling heated arguments between the members of the High Council. As Seneschal Koal’s understudy, Gib was allowed to observe the meetings, and lately the debates had been brutal. King Rishi had only recently managed to raise the draft age from thirteen to sixteen, preventing young boys—children—from being whisked away from their families as Gib had been. While the ruling was immensely popular among the citizens, many of the councilors were disgruntled. The conflict with Shiraz was but one border skirmish away from being a real war and the recent buildup of forces on the Nales border was also a cause for concern. Despite the King’s best effort to keep Arden from marching, King Rishi was losing his battle to the will of the High Council.
    People like Diedrick Lyle and Anders Malin-Rai don’t care if they’re sending children into war, and as long as there are bodies to throw at the enemy, they’ll never stop pushing for the law to be reversed . Gib stole a glance at his younger brother and was immediately reminded why it was such an important fight to win. Daya, send me to war, but keep Cal and Tay safe .
    Marc cleared his throat. “All right, Calisto. Your classes are set. Now I just need to find you a roommate. Actually—” The dean leafed through a heap of paperwork stacked haphazardly near the edge of his desk. “Gib, aren’t you good friends with Kezra Malin-Rai?”
    “Yes. She’s on active sentinel duty in the city now, but we stay in touch.” Gib smiled, thinking of Kezra. She’d been the only woman trainee he’d known his first year and had always been the fiercest soldier he knew.
    “Perfect,” Marc replied. “Her younger brother is in the same year as Calisto. I’m going to go ahead and room them together.”
    After Calisto’s paperwork was finalized and Gib checked to be sure his own academic schedule was set, the two students bid farewell to the dean and headed out the door. Gib’s head pounded as he tried to get his thoughts to form coherently. Show Cal the dining hall. Scarf down midday meal. Go to the council meeting. In that order. Quickly .
    He set a hand on Cal’s back. “Okay, I’m going to show you where the dining hall is. We can take our meal there before I have to leave.”
    Marc waved from the doorway as the two boys departed. “Don’t be late for the meeting, Nemesio!”
 
     
    Gib’s stomach had begun to rumble by the time they reached the dining hall. Scores of students, ranging from first years to those in their final semester, poured into the chamber, eager smiles on their faces and voices boisterous as they prepared to eat their midday meals. Many of the long wooden benches were already occupied as Gib directed his brother into the room.
    The aroma of hearty soup and freshly baked rolls invaded Gib’s nostrils. “Come on, Cal. Let’s find a seat.”
    Cal hesitated in the arched doorway. “What if people don’t like me?”
    Gib went back to his younger brother and placed a firm hand on his back. “Why wouldn’t people like you?”
    “Cause I’m poor. What if I don’t fit in? They’ll all think I’m a waif.” Cal wrung his hands together, a nervous habit shared by all the Nemesio siblings.
    Gib snorted. “I was poor and still made friends. Hell, I showed up to Academy in rags. Look at you! You have a nice, clean outfit. Isn’t that one of the tunics Tay made for you?” He motioned toward his brother’s outfit—a simple but well-crafted linen tunic embroidered with green lace. “No one will think you’re a waif in that, Cal.” Gib squeezed the younger boy’s shoulder. I need to remember to thank Tayver for Cal’s new clothing when I see him next. I would have given Cal my old trainee uniforms, but they’re starting to tatter. Thank The Two for Tay .
    At Lady Mrifa’s recommendation, Tayver had landed a job as Joran Nireefa’s apprentice in Silver City’s finest tailoring guild. Tayver’s natural ability to design and construct