hill , waving and calling out . Garrett jolted at his name and clutched books to his chest like a shield , then sighed in relief when he recognized Connor . He scurried to meet him .
“ This place is so … big , and ,” he lowered his voice , “ there are so many … you know …”
“ Folk ? You ’ ll get used to them in no time ,” Connor said , squeezing his friend ’ s shoulder . In truth , Connor ’ s own experience with the Folk was limited to the few excursions to the Undermarket with his mother . But at least he knew they existed ; a few weeks ago , Garrett couldn ’ t even say that much , having referred to a minotaur as “ Mr . Cow .”
“ Did you just get here ?” Garrett murmured , trembling lips almost smiling . “ I waited for you . I don ’ t want a repeat of the other day .”
“ Yeah , just a few minutes ago . When did your parents drop you off ?” “ A few hours ago .” “ Jeez , what time did you get up ? Why did they …” Connor trailed off . “ Oh .”
Garrett averted his eyes and squeezed his books tighter . “ My older brother had a piano recital . I think that ’ s still more their speed ,” Garrett said .
Connor didn ’ t have the words to help . He moved in for an awkward hug , but Garrett flinched away . The best he could offer was a distraction . “ Well , let ’ s hurry or we ’ ll miss orientation .” He took off at a run in the direction of the main building , but when he turned to be sure Garrett was following , he collided with something solid and bounced off , falling hard on his butt . The resultant grunt let him know it was not something , but