Graduation

For the second time in two days, Saga found herself sitting in front of her grandfather’s desk in the Academy. The funeral ceremony had ended over an hour ago, though people were still gathered and celebrating Master Dorrin’s life and mourning his death. It struck her again how many people had turned out for the ceremony. Clearly he’d been more well-liked, well-known​ than she’d realized.
She was alone in the room, save for Dapper, as her father and grandfather had left her alone to discuss something. As Master Dorrin’s next of kin, Gem was still outside with the mourners, receiving well-wishes and condolences from them. Saga had wanted to remain with her, but Grandpapa made it clear her decision was due, and Gem assured her that she’d be okay on her own.
The beatweaver looked up at her from her lap, tapping out a soothing rhythm.
“I’m fine, Dapper,” Saga said softly, stroking his back. “Grandpapa will be here soon, and then—“
She was interrupted by the sound of the door opening, and she turned to see her grandfather enter. His face was solemn, with a touch of worry in his eyes, but as soon as they landed on hers his face transformed into a comforting smile.
“Sorry to have kept you waiting,” he said. “Your father wanted to make some arrangements for finding a new source of lumber. The village of Greene’s Rest lies about half a day north of Dove’s Landing. With the proper investment of resources it could make a suitable replacement.”
His voice had grown quieter as he talked, his eyes looking past her as if he were talking to himself, so she remained quiet and patiently waited for him to continue. As he passed by her seat, he absently patted her shoulder before taking his seat behind the desk. Finally, he seemed to come to himself, and fixed her with his gaze again. “I gather from your face that you’ve made a decision, Saga?”
She nodded. “Yes, Headmaster.”
He nodded, and the room went silent for a moment with the exception of Dapper’s tapping. Grandpapa glanced at the beatweaver, his face neutral, then gestured for her to continue.
Saga took a deep breath before speaking. “I want to become a Keeper.”
He nodded. “Why?”
She hadn’t been prepared for that question. He’d seemed so certain before that she’d make the decision that she didn’t think he’d care about the reason. “Because…it’s expected of me?”
Grandpapa rolled his eyes, and she wondered if she should be offended. “You and I both know you chafe at doing anything that’s ‘expected of you’, even if you wanted to do it in the first place. Tell me why you really want to do it.”
He’s got me there, she thought. She opened her mouth again, then paused. Why did she want to become a Keeper? She felt like she knew the reason, but couldn’t quite put it into words, but she knew she had to try.
“Because,” she began slowly, “I want to be a hero?”
“And?” Grandpapa nodded encouragingly.
“And because I want to help protect the city?”
“Better, keep going.”
She frowned. I know the reason why, but can I really tell him?
That ball of dull pain in her chest throbbed slightly, and she could just begin to feel the whispers returning. She tried to mentally shove them down, but she wasn’t fast enough to prevent some of the anger there from leaking out.
“Because someone killed Master Dorrin,” she growled, despite herself, “and wants to do the same to everyone I know and love.” She stood and planted her hands on the Headmaster’s desk, the fire blazing brightly in her eye. “I will not let that stand! If you think there’s something I can do to stop it, I’ll do it. Whatever it takes.”
Grandpapa didn’t reply this time, only watched her with intense eyes. Eventually, he nodded again. “I understand. Well then, welcome to the Keepers.”
Saga blinked, and the fire vanished in an instant. “Wait, that’s all? Just like that?”
“Just like that.”
“Protecting the city wasn’t a good enough reason?”
He chuckled. “It wasn’t about the reason, Saga, it was about the conviction. I needed to feel that you meant your decision, and you’ve convinced me.” He stood, then walked briskly towards the door. “Come along, Saga.”
“Where are we going?” she asked, standing to follow.
“Your graduation ceremony, of course.”

Saga stared in shock at the small group gathered before her. They’d assembled in the main hall, just inside the giant doors from where the funeral had been held. Though the casket had long since burnt out, Master Dorrin’s face still hovered serenely above the steps where it had been summoned.
That’s odd, she thought. It should have faded by now. How long did Gem ask it to remain?
She surveyed the group. She knew everyone present, which wasn’t really a surprise, she supposed. Journeyman graduations were often a private affair held for friends and family, with larger ceremonies held less often but regularly to allow the public to celebrate the new additions to the Academy in batches. Still, even the small ceremonies were still open to the public, and it wasn’t uncommon for a few random citizens to wander in to offer their congratulations.
That wasn’t the case here. Saga knew every single face that watched her ascend the steps to the stage where these ceremonies were held. Her family was there of course, and even Miss Lessa and Alder had taken the time to come see her. Councilor Jocara was chatting with Mama, and Captain Fettler and Sergeant Taylor stood nearby, giving Saga a nod of respect when she met their eyes. Jonas was present, in a way; he remained on guard at the front door of the hall, but he’d positioned himself so that he was standing perpendicular to the doorway, allowing him to scan the crowd outside and watch the ceremony inside in turn. He waved when he noticed her looking at him, and she smiled and waved back.
Captain Fettler saw the exchange, frowned, and mumbled something to Sergeant Taylor. She nodded when he was done, and made her way over to Jonas. The two had a short, hushed discussion, and Saga could barely make out the look of surprise on his face. He saluted his superior, who returned the gesture, then made his way inside while she took up the position he’d vacated. Jonas came to a stop next to Captain Fettler, saluting him as well, but the retired guard grumbled and pulled Jonas’ fist down from his chest. “Easy lad,” Saga heard the older man say, “we’re all friends here.” Jonas nodded, smiled, then turned his attention back to Saga and her grandfather.
They weren’t the only people there, either. Saga recognized still other classmates, sparring partners, and friends gathered together. Despite Grandpapa telling her this was her graduation ceremony, she still couldn’t believe all these people had gathered to see her, of all people. Dapper, for his part, basked in the perceived attention, waving his arms in a dance from atop her shoulder every so often. Saga smiled down at him before turning her attention to Grandpapa expectantly.
As the conversations died down, he scanned the crowd, making sure everyone was present, then took a step forward to address them. “Family, friends, and fellows, thank you for coming tonight. You all know me, but I’m going to do this by the book anyway.” This got a small laugh from the crowd, and Grandpapa smiled. “As Headmaster of The Keepers’ Academy, I, Tale Lantos, bid you welcome. Tonight, we recognize the accomplishments and training of Saga Vance.” He turned fully to face her, and she mirrored him. “Saga, you’ve completed all of your prescribed training and gained the approval of your mentor and masters. The road had been long and difficult, but tonight, your efforts have paid off.”
Saga’s heart raced. It was actually happening. The mention of her mentor caused the ball in her chest to pulse, but she successfully kept it quiet this time.
“Saga, repeat after me the vows of the bards, the Keepers of Lore.”
It struck her only then that the name of the secret group was part of the name of the official guild of bards, but she supposed it played into the “hiding in plain sight” aspect of the group. She wondered how members of the former told each other apart from members of the latter, and made a mental note to ask her grandfather about it later. For now, she repeated the words as he spoke them.
“I, Saga Vance, pledge to carry on the Academy’s mission of preservation in all things. I will seek to preserve information for future generations. I will will seek to preserve the lives of the innocent. I will seek to preserve the city of Beacon’s Ridge, and Chorana at large.”
As she finished the Oath of Preservation, she noticed movement outside the grand doors at the other end of the hall: Master Dorrin’s illusory face had turned to smile at her.
She smiled back sadly. I’ll carry on your mission, Master.

Saga and Gem strolled the now-quiet halls of the Academy dorms. It was well after lights out for the apprentices, and almost all of the mourners had returned to their homes, giving the two women privacy of a sort. Still, they whispered as they walked close, their hands occasionally brushing against each other but never quite reaching further.
“I was just expecting something bigger for the Keeper induction,” Saga said softly. “He just shook my hand and gave me my orders. I assumed there’d be another ceremony.”
Gem giggled, though she kept her eyes straight ahead, as if refusing to look at Saga. “I thought so, too, but I guess they’re worried about drawing further attention.” Her smile faded. “Where is he sending you? Are you a Receiver, or a Retriever?”
Saga studied the side of Gem’s face for a moment, then looked ahead. “Retriever.”
She felt more than saw Gem stiffen next to her. “You’ll be going away, then.”
Saga nodded, and the two walked in silence for a time. Around them, torches burned with an unnaturally dim light. They were enchanted, tied to a master torch elsewhere in the Academy. A redlight controlled the strength of the fire, allowing all of the torches to be lit, adjusted, and extinguished from a central point. They also never burned out, a trick Saga still didn’t fully understand herself.
“Gem, I—“
“I have new orders, too.” Gem said, cutting her off. She finally looked at Saga, and her eyes were full of worry. “I’m staying here. The Headmaster wants to keep me and a few others on standby in case something comes up.”
So that was it, then. They would be separated. Despite herself, Saga laughed softly, earning a confused look from Gem.
“What’s so funny?”
“I sort of hoped we’d stick together.”
Gem stopped, forcing Saga to do the same, and they turned to face each other. “This is what we signed up for. I’m a Receiver, and I’m good at it.” She placed a hand on Saga’s cheek, brushing a thumb across her scar. “And you’re a Retriever. You get to go out there into the world, gathering information, fighting monsters, saving people in need.” She smiled up at Saga. “You’re going to be great, Saga.”
Saga nodded, her lip trembling from held tears. “I’ll be gone for a long time.”
“Could be months, even longer,” Gem agreed. “But I’ll be here when you come back, so you’d better come back. Remember that. No matter what happens out there, you have people waiting for you back home.”
Without warning, she leaned in quickly, and a moment later she was walking away. Saga rubbed her cheek as she watched her leave, her mind, for once, blessedly still.
Neither woman said goodbye.