Walak appeared to be pacing aimlessly as if waiting for someone. Lyra couldn’t afford to waste much time waiting for Walak to do whatever he was going to do. She waited until Walak was pacing away from her and quickly darted across the landing and began a swift descent down the old stairway. The next landing was empty, as was the adjoining corridor and Lyra continued down to the main floor. Her heart beating rapidly, Lyra gazed into the grand entry foyer and saw people moving around at the far end. All of the people were older and she surmised that they were probably parents of prospective students who had come to inspect the Academy.

Standing upright, Lyra smoothly stepped off the stairs and turned down a corridor leading to a rear exit from the castle. Once she was far enough down the corridor to be safely out of sight, she broke into a run, her bare feet pounding lightly on the smooth floor. Lyra reached the door and swung it open swiftly as she stepped out into the bright glare of the morning sun. She closed the door with an authoritative slam and turned to face the two boys.

“So,” she called, “you two are practicing without supervision again. Perhaps Master Caulder would be interested in your behavior.”

“Oh, no,” groaned Syman, the taller of the two boys. “Lyra, shouldn’t you be learning magic with your father?”

“Yeah,” echoed Antello, “you shouldn’t be here, either.”

“Okay,” chirped Lyra, “I won’t tell if you two don’t. I’ve been waiting for the chance for a rematch with you two.”

“I swear you should be taking lessons from Master Caulder instead of your father,” smiled Syman. “Come on, we don’t want to get caught out here. I’m ready for you this time. Master Caulder has taught us some new swings.”