He fell asleep with his cheek pressed against the page, and it was the most comfortable night he’d had since he left home.

THIRTEEN

The written exam took place at sunrise in the Guild House, though it didn’t look the same as when Barclay had last entered. A large stage had been set up by the fireplace, where over sixty adults sat, each one dressed more strangely than the next. The walls were decorated with dusty banners embroidered with trees and Beasts. A chandelier of branches and moss had been hung from the ceiling, and strange Beasts like massive lightning bugs perched on it, emitting an earthy glow.

“Students, please take your seats,” High Keeper Erhart told them. Because Barclay had only seen him sitting in an armchair, he hadn’t realized how short he was. He was shaped like an upside-down acorn, all round with brittle, tiny legs.

The two hundred students swarmed to the tables. Barclay, Ethel, and Abel managed to find seats next to one another near the front, giving them a good view of the Masters onstage. Runa was among them, near the back. She gave Barclay a small nod.

Barclay’s chair jolted, and he whipped around to face Tadg. Tadg whistled and stared at his parchment.

“Before we begin,” said High Keeper Erhart, “I’d like to offer a round of applause for Soren Reiker, who has generously donated the funds to renovate the Guild House here in Sycomore.”

Barclay’s heart tightened in panic as Soren, seated on the end in the front row, stood up. His blond hair was cleanly slicked back, and he wore an expensive coat with fur trim. Nearly all of the students and Masters clapped.

Soren had noticed Barclay too. As Soren took his bow, his eyes widened with something that looked like excitement, like a predator who had once again spotted his prey. Barclay quickly averted his gaze and slid down in his seat, his palms sweating.

“And now, to pass it off to the first exam’s proctors,” Erhart said, “Mandeep Acharya and Runa Rasgar.”

Mandeep and Runa stood up, and the students’ excited whispers swelled at the mention of Runa’s name. They made an intimidating pair, Mandeep in his scholarly copper glasses and Runa in her chainmail jacket.

“You’ll all notice a brooch in front of you,” Mandeep said. Barclay reached forward and grabbed the pin placed before him. It was the ugliest brooch he’d ever seen—rather than a gem, the dull rock looked like any found on a riverbed or in the dirt. It glowed with a cool green pulse once he touched it. “This brooch will turn red if you cheat. No Lore will hide it, so best to keep that in mind.”

Barclay nervously pinned it to his shirt.

“You’ll have sixty-two minutes to complete the exam,” Runa said. “Good luck.”

At that, Barclay and the other students opened their packets and began.

What is the largest Beast in the world?