Rebel Elements (Seals of the Duelists) by Jasmine Giacomo

all there and in good condition. “It’s a seerwine pitcher, sir. It’s just a baby, so its pitcher hasn’t turned red yet.”
    Gerrolt’s eyes bugged, and his face transformed with excitement. “A seerwine pitcher?” He eagerly cupped the small pot, lifted the plant to eye level and stared with glee. “I’ve never seen one in the flesh, er, leaf before.”
    His excitement drew several students and teachers. Bayan heard whispering again, but this time its tone was distinctly positive.
    “Do you, er, suppose you might show me how to raise it?” Gerrolt asked hopefully.
    Bayan smiled, feeling more comfortable than he had in a long time. “I’d be happy to. Right now, it’s still on a blood diet, but it’ll be big enough for maggots in another thirteen days. When the plant’s mature enough, I can help you set up drainage, and then you can spice the sap however you like before fermentation. I’m sure you have local flavors you prefer.”
    Gerrolt laughed. “Son, I’ve tasted seerwine but twice in my life. You could flavor it with all the maggots you like, and I wouldn’t know the difference. I’ll speak to the Headmaster about importing the right ingredients for the wine when it comes time to make it. In the meantime, we need to find a good spot to plant this, so it doesn’t die of cold. Hmm, I think I have an idea. Can you keep the pitcher warm in your barracks for now? I need to do a bit of construction. I’ll send for you, and we’ll plant this together.”
    Bayan smiled. “I’ve been taking care of it myself so far. Another few days won’t hurt. Much.” He waggled his newly-healed fingertips at Gerrolt.
    The man blanched and gave him an uncertain smile. “Right. Well then, off I go. Things to build.”
    Calder caught up to Bayan. “Don’t tell me he dinna want it.”
    “Oh, he does. He’s going to build it a house or something first.”
    Calder’s smile stretched his flame scar. “At least he appreciates the thing. No way I’m giving it any of my blood. The wine would taste like me.”
    “It would not. How many times do I have to explain that?”
    Arguing amicably, they headed down the hall and got in line to pick up their textbooks: History of Imperial Wars, Waarden Duelists Through the Ages, The Nine Empires of the Waarden, The First Seal and You, Meditation and the Void. Bayan balanced his plant atop his books, as he and Calder picked up several changes of sturdy blue workout uniforms as well as the lightweight everyday Academy uniforms.
    The uniform matron leaned over her counter after handing them each a bag full of clothing. “Those bags are for laundry. Have your clothes in it, and put it in the barracks’ washroom by breakfast every laundry day, or you’ll wear them dirty until the next. If you’re still growing and these get too small, bring them back for a larger size. And make sure you wear the iron bracelets all day, every day. They’re for identification as well as strength training.”
    Intimidated by her low bark of a voice, Bayan nodded and backed away, bumping into Calder and nearly toppling the pitcher plant from its precarious perch.
    Out in the hall, a voice called to them. “You! Newniks. Over here.” An older student, built like Calder but with straight black hair, full lips, and a bit more height, gestured imperiously to them.
    “You’re the last, so I’ll walk over with you to the barracks. Don’t want any newniks getting lost, do we? I’m Taban. I’m in the class ahead of yours. Already practicing magic and getting to do the fun stuff. You keep up, you two might be as amazing as me someday.”
    Calder and Bayan exchanged an amused glance.
    “We’ll do our best, Taban,” Calder said.
    “Oh, another Dunfarroghan, then.” Taban peered at Calder. “You like fire, do you?” He smirked as Calder looked away.
    “He’s lucky to be alive,” Bayan said.
    “Aye, well, be that as it may, someone that clumsy wouldna be welcome in my hex,” Taban said