Read Online Gloria Oliver by Cross-Eyed Dragon Troubles - Free Book Online Page B

the results of the tests would be used for she wasn’t so sure. Lareen was still at her desk, busily writing, her eyes moving over a number of other papers set before her. Her round face was set and focused, almost as if she were a different person from the carefree one Talia met not long before.
    Before she could decide if she should interrupt her, the Administrator looked up as if sensing her stare.
    “All done?” she asked.
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    Lareen beckoned her over. “Let me see what you picked.”
    Talia brought over the sheathed blade and handed it to her. Her eyes glanced down at the papers on Lareen’s desk and she noticed the neat handwriting on the papers. One of them contained her name at the top. She was about to try and see what it said about her when Lareen spoke.
    “Very nice choice. You’ve done quite well.” The Administrator’s smile was warm.
    Talia guiltily looked away from the papers. “Thank you.”
    A knock reverberated into the room from the hallway. Lareen glanced in that direction. “Ah, lunch is here. Perfect timing.” She turned to Talia. “Would you mind getting the door?” She gave her back her knife.
    Talia nodded, amazed so much time had gone by, then took the knife and walked to the hallway. To her surprise, she saw the overwhelming door wasn’t gold on the inside but a deep, dark wood with steel reinforced supports. She went ahead and opened it.
    A severe-faced, middle-aged woman nodded at her as she wheeled in a cart full of food. Her hair was cut very short and was colored black and gray. The woman immediately headed toward the Administrator’s office. Talia quickly closed the door and followed.
    “Ah, thank you, Tula. Your timing is as impeccable as ever.” Lareen rose from her desk.
    The scent of roasted pork and a tangy sauce whisked in the air making Talia’s stomach rumble in expectation.
    “Tula, meet Talia, our newest recruit.” Lareen said.
    “Pleased to meet you.” The newcomer’s accent was thick.
    “Tula is our head cook. She rules the kitchen with an iron fist.” Lareen smiled as she spoke. “She has many talents.”
    “Don’t listen to her, child. She’s just trying to flatter me to get more dessert.” Tula’s blue-gray eyes suddenly twinkled, brightening her face perceptively.
    “Pleased to meet you, too, ma’am,” Talia said.
    “None of that, please. I’m nobody’s ma’am, just Tula.” The head cook started uncovering the dishes on the cart.
    Lareen brought over a small table and lifted two wings on its sides to make it larger. Talia jumped in to help and quickly brought over a couple of chairs for them to sit on.
    Tula served them both, making sure both their plates held plenty of vegetables and meat before taking her leave.
    Lareen poured them cups of watered wine. “This is to celebrate your addition to the guild.” She raised her cup high. After a moment, Talia rushed to follow suit. “Congratulations and welcome.” Lareen beamed. Talia tried her best to return her smile, feeling suddenly a little overwhelmed and awkward.
    “The rest of your class will be arriving over the next week. Until then, your time will be your own,”
    Lareen said. “Since you have money now, you might want to visit Nertak’s store. It’s located in a cave in the back of the grounds. I’m not sure how much you actually brought with you, but if you have need of anything, you should be able to find it there. If he doesn’t have it, he can order it for you.”
    Talia nodded. She wondered if the Administrator knew what rumors were being spread about this man.
    “He can also take care of any mail you might need to send.” Lareen stared at her knowingly. Talia truly didn’t know what to make of her.
    “Your teacher will be Helyn. She will probably introduce herself to you sometime before your classes officially begin.”
    As they ate, Lareen added little pieces of information to the meal. The building and the school it housed had stood for over