It was a good idea to keep their supplies from the excursion together. Although Uncle Maurizo took so to Alpine Valley and the twins had brought their sleeping bags and tent when they visited the delta, the items were all returned to storage at Auntie Lucias. It made it an easy matter to gather all the items to bring to Lyce for the Sword Associations sponsored camping lecture.
Tori, Ilyana, and Albert all had backpacks on with the supplies split between them. Ilyana and Tori both had their hiking sticks, and Ilyana had her little dagger from Auntie Lucia hanging on her belt.
Had I known, I wouldve put in an order when we were in Sur for dried pasta to re-sell. Tori let out a regretful sigh. Pre-made al kits are convenient to carry and cook.
Theyre much more delicious than jerky and hard bread. Albert nodded in agreent.
I feel that they also give you more energy, Ilyana said. I didnt feel at all tired or heavy the next morning, though the al was quite hearty.
Its sothing to consider for next year, although if we tell Henrik, hell be annoyed we missed out on that this year. Tori grinned. Ilyana nodded.
Any missed opportunity to expand business is a blow to Henrik.
Speaking of him, why isnt he helping today? Albert said. The tent takes five people to set up, doesnt it? Four to hold down the corners and then one to pitch up the hiking stick inside?
Actually, only one person is needed. You just stake down the four corners, making sure theyre stretched, and then you can go in and push up the hiking stick. Its just much faster with five, Ilyana said.
And Henrik is at Lions Gate East. Word spread quickly about the camping equipnt offered and much of our stock has been purchased. Tori smiled, pleased.
Are you sure there werent any suspicious people there to buy them and resell? Albert asked with a raised brow.
They had to show their Lyce identification and if they were buying a group set, at least three people from the group had to be present to purchase it, Tori said. We were worried about resellers, too.
The ban on the Governing Board mbers and their families doesn't affect your sales much, does it? Albert asked, shaking his head.
Not at all, although Henrik did say that they had to reject a student who ca because their father was on the Board. Ilyana let out a pitying sigh. Its not their fault, but we should be consistent.
Several people were also denied lodging at Axtons inns recently, Tori said. Their nas were on the family lists that were spread out. Im sure by now the Governing Board has heard theyre banned from all of Axtons properties.
Solidarity! Ilyana clenched her fist in front of her and nodded in approval.
Albert and Tori laughed. Are those Board mber families large?
So of them. There are twelve mbers, and the list was a little under a hundred. It included spouses, children, and so grandchildren, Tori told him. They are banned from Lions Gate, Axtons inns, Daybreak Garden, and any Guevera businesses.
Albert shook his head with disbelief. In the past, the Board has worked on many things related to Lyce, but it never had anything to do with Lyce projects. Grandma Letty said its strange that they would get involved suddenly. The tradition of the Lyce project is so old, they dont interfere with it.
The speed in which it was approved and enacted is also telling, Ilyana said. It couldnt be more suspicious if it tried.
The limit they set is also questionable. Why that much? My project is quite expensive as well, but its nowhere near that amount. Albert narrowed his eyes.
Im telling you: Tori is being targeted! Ilyana said with a huff.
Yes, I think so, too. Albert nodded in agreent. JP asked around and none of the current academic students hes spoken to are coming near the budget limit.
Thats not a perfect count, but JPs information network is very wide. The official student reports for projects arent available outside of staff until the projects are done, so were not completely sure that Tori is the only one affected, but no one really keeps their spending a secret. If JPs sources say most students dont hit the budget limitation, then its safe to assu Tori may be the only one, Ilyana rationalized. No one knows whats going on in Lyce like JP does; he even knows that Instructor Ignatius girlfriend broke up with him.
Tori nearly stumbled in her step and snapped her head towards Ilyana. Instructor Ignatius had a girlfriend? She couldnt contain the incredulous disbelief in her voice. Every day she was at the delta, she interacted with Instructor Ignatius and even had long conversations with him while she was in Anlar to try to walk through problems in their prototype devices over comcry. He never ntioned he had a girlfriend!
She felt as if a friend had kept a secret from her.
Albert nodded. She works at the city office and, apparently, Instructor Ignatius forgot to tell her he was going to stay at the delta over the sumr.
Toris eyes were wide. He forgot to.... Oh my God, no wonder she dumped him. Tori closed her eyes and shook her head. Crystal fanatics are a different breed....
They reached the training grounds and found the gate open. Many first-year students had already arrived and were scattered around the open practice area. Tori slowed to a stop as they entered and furrowed her brows.
There are more people than expected.... Ilyana said softly. She leaned closer to Tori. Are they all Sword Association mbers?
No. Toris brows knit together, and she scanned the crowd. She recognized all the familiar first years who shed worked with the last few days, and even so of their group mates that had joined them at the first lecture, but who were the others? Tori caught sight of Captain sser in casual clothes, standing to the side with an annoyed look on her face. Captain!
The older student turned her head and stood up straight. Tori!
Whats going on? Tori walked towards her, holding out her arms and motioning towards the gathered crowd. Why are there so many people?
Captain sser let out a heavy breath. There was already a group when I arrived. Word spread that you and mbers of your group were going to have a practice run with the materials today and everyone wants to co. GG and I tried to tell students that this was only for Sword Association mbers and their group mates, but they insisted on staying to ask you.
Im sorry. I didnt think this was going to happen.
Its not your fault, but you should straighten this out and let everyone know if they can stay or not, Captain sser told her. Tori nodded and turned to the crowd. She took a few steps forward and took a deep breath.
mbers of the Sword Association, good morning! Tori nearly yelled out into the crowd and at once, the first years jumped. Those who were familiar with her rushed to stand up straight and give her a small bow of their heads in greeting.
Good morning, Senior Tori!
Now that I have your attention, I would like to make this clear that todays lecture and demonstration is only for Sword Association mbers and their group mates. If you are not a Sword Association mber or you do not have one in your group, I will have to ask you to leave! Room is needed for todays lecture, and we cannot all fit.
A wave of disappointnt rippled through the crowds, but Tori kept a firm look on her face as she stood in front of them: back straight, chin up, legs spaced out, and hands lightly clasped in front of her. She was petite and needed to give the appearance of authority sohow.
Senior Tori, will you be giving another lecture after this one? Soone in the crowd asked. Several students looked at her hopefully and she shook her head, crushing their hopes at once.
I am afraid I do not have the ti to do so. We had only planned for today and Im afraid there is no ti for another one, as you will be leaving for your excursion tomorrow evening!
Were sorry to disappoint you, Captain sser said, stepping up to stand behind her. Good luck to you all!
Students slowly trickled out, picking up their various bundles and supplies. When they were almost all out of the training grounds, Tori shouted once more.
Get into your groups of six and then find a spot in the training grounds to set up! Put at least three paces between you and another group on all sides. Today, we will be practicing setting up and taking down your campsites. Helping is Ilyana Agafonova, who many of you have t through the tours. Tori waved one hand in Ilyanas direction.
Good morning, everyone! She smiled warmly at the first years and raised her hand to wave at them. Several students greeted her back with an air of familiarity.
And we also have Albert Martin, who wasnt in our group last year, but is kind enough to help us today. Tori then motioned towards Albert. He smiled widely and waved, but his response was perhaps two claps and a few mutters of good morning. His lips drew into a line at the lackluster response.
With a full day that could be dedicated to helping the first years, Tori, Ilyana, and Albert first set up their campsite, with Tori stopping to explain the basic procedures and why they were doing it. She was pleased to see students diligently writing down her instructions and watching carefully.
After about an hour, Tori instructed them to begin assigning roles to their group mates and then begin setting up their camp. The three would-be instructors walked around the rows of tent cloths and bags to answer questions, help set up, or give general advice to the students. Tori was pleased that it was going smoother than she thought.
Once all the students tents were up and their mock campsites were set, Tori told them to take it all down.
Once everyone is packed, take a lap around the training grounds with your supplies. This will give you an idea of how heavy they will be. Once the lap is over, return to your spots and we will set up again before breaking for lunch, Tori said. Where I will be showing you how to start a fire and boil water.
There is a lot more to this than I thought, Albert said as they stood to the side to watch the students walk in a circle after they packed up.
We needed to be prepared mainly to fight the cold, Tori said. Itll be a little warm where theyre going, but close enough to the sea, where it will be humid.
What are we going to do for lunch? Albert asked.
Captain sser and GG went to pick up food that was delivered to the gate for us, Tori said. We ordered sandwiches for everyone today; thats why I had them bring their own water.
You had this catered? Alberts eyes widened.
Tori grinned. Captain sser said the Sword Association has so funds we could spend.
Im glad I volunteered to help, then. Is it from Cafe Fortuna?
Ilyana nodded. Yes, we ordered you that pasta you like.
Very glad I volunteered."
Tori, Captain sser walked towards her with a dark look on her face. Tori turned around and furrowed her brows, uncrossing her arms. The Captain held a large box over one shoulder and Albert went to help her.
Captain? Tori asked. She looked past the dark-haired senior and furrowed her brows. There were two people who went to get the food. Where is GG?
Holding so people back. Captain sser tilted her head towards the gate. Go out and see. Im going to get Master McDouglass.
Tori felt tense and glanced at Ilyana before walking towards the gates of the training grounds. She walked out and imdiately saw the expected troublemakers, along with a few embarrassed and awkward first years standing behind them. The first years saw her coming and quickly avoided eye contact.
Tori didnt pay any attention to them. Her eyes settled on the young blonde woman and her three idiot love interests.
Behind her, Ilyana let out a low growl before muttering under her breath. Hart.
Tori saw GG still standing his ground in front of the fourso to keep them from entering. Another large box of food was at his feet. Tori patted the back of his shoulder when she neared him.
GG, Ive got it. Go ahead and bring the sandwiches in, Tori said in an affirming tone. GG glanced at Alessa and the others with uncertainty. Tori rembered that GG had been there when she beat Fabian and both he and Captain sser mustve recognized three of the four from that debacle.
Careful, Tori, GG told her in a low, almost unheard voice as he passed. Tori gave him a nod.
Whats going on? She let herself sound annoyed as she narrowed her eyes at Alessa, Dimitri, Gideon, and Fabian, who was standing a bit in front of her as if a protective wall. What are you all doing here?
Lady Guevera, why did you ban these students from your camping lecture? Alessa said as she took a step forward.
The camping lecture is only for the Sword Association mbers and their group mates. This isnt a secret, Tori said. Weve been clear about that since the beginning.
Thats not fair, Gideon said.
How is that not fair? Ilyana almost demanded as she looked at him as if hed said sothing incredibly stupid.
All students should be allowed to attend this lecture, Dimitri said in a firm voice.
Yes, you opened the tour for all first years. Why cant you do the sa for this? Alessa asked, raising a hand towards the training grounds.
Tori lifted a hand to rub her forehead. The tours were unofficial. Ilyana and I did them out of the goodness of our hearts and because we had ti. The camping lecture is sponsored by the Sword Association, so it is only open to mbers of the Sword Association and their group mates, for obvious reasons. She lifted her head and looked at Alessa. If your baking club made cookies for your club, do we have the right to demand you make cookies for the entire school?
Alessa snapped her head back and her eyes widened. She opened her mouth, but didnt seem to know what to say. Next to her Fabian frowned and Gideon shot Tori an annoyed glare.
Those are two different things!
Lady Guevera, your lecture can be of imnse help to these first years, Dimitri told her in a placating voice. Do you not have it in you to extend your reach?
Toris eyes narrowed and her expression chilled. Is this little shit trying to guilt ?
Next to Ilyana behind her, Albert crossed his arms over his chest and narrowed his eyes. Mr. Guthry, didnt your team co in first on the excursion last year? Why dont you do a lecture for non-Sword Association students?
Ilyanas eyes widened and she jumped on the idea. That makes sense! The top students ca to guide the first years when they were moving in. Shouldnt the top group from last years excursion give a lecture?
Albert seed to smile. He looked towards the first-year students. These four students were all in the group that ca first last year. Im sure theyll do a better job at explaining than the group that ca in third.
That seems to be the best option. Master McDouglass seed to appear from the training grounds with Captain sser behind him. However, please take your lecture elsewhere. Our association is trying to focus.
Master McDouglass, is it possible to allow other students to at least watch? Dimitri asked the old man.
No. Master McDouglass answer was quick, and Tori bit her lips to keep from laughing. The towering man moved in front of her and gave Dimitri and the others a disapproving frown. This is a Sword Association-only event, Mr. Guthry. It is very disrespectful of you to try to undermine our event like this. There is no rule that club events should be open to everyone.
Dimitri lowered his eyes and winced. I understand that Master McDouglass, but-
There is no but, Captain sser said, still irritated. She turned towards the first years. Did you tell your seniors to complain to us?
No, senior....
We were talking out loud and this senior overheard us and said that they would co talk to Senior Tori to let us in, one of the boys said, trying to subtly point to Alessa.
Captain sser turned to Alessa, and her face hardened. Where do you get the audacity to demand such a-
I think we made our stance clear, Tori said, slipping in front of Captain sser and facing her four classmates. She looked past them, towards the students and gave them a curt nod. I apologize for the disappointnt; however, as Master McDouglass has said: this is a Sword Association-only event.
Tori turned around and ushered Captain sser and her friends back into the training grounds. A handful of first years were watching from the entrance and scattered when Tori turned around.
All right, everyone! Once your setup is done, please co and pick up a sandwich from Ilyana and Albert! Tori said as she looked around. Well eat, show you how to make a fire, take down the tents, do another lap and one more set up and take down before we leave for the day.
And before you leave, the Sword Association will be gifting each group here with a small first aid kit, courtesy of Tori and Ilyanas Lions Gate! Captain sser told them.
The students all looked happy to hear this and quickly finished their set ups before going to get sandwiches.
Whats in the first aid kits? Albert asked as he sat against the wall with Tori and Ilyana.
Small bandages, a roll of a big bandage, salves for cuts, bruises, disinfection, and anti-itchiness, a small pair of scissors, and tweezers, Ilyana said, proud.
We also added a small packet of ice calcite that can be broken to chill and reduce swelling, Tori said. Instructor Ignatius and I just finished working on it.
Why would they need that? Albert furrowed his brows and looked at them. Ilyana and Tori both stared back.
Who sprained their ankle in last years excursion? Tori asked in a deadpan voice. Alberts eyes drifted to the side.
Ah. I see.
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