“ What was up with her ?” Garrett asked , eyes fixed on the retreating figure .
“ I dunno ,” Connor said , rubbing his sore butt . “ I bumped into her pretty hard , but I think I got the worst of it . Come on , we need to hurry !”
Connor pulled Garrett down the main hall and skidded to a stop when they found the auditorium . It wasn ’ t full — only freshmen were required to attend first-day festivities — so they had no trouble finding a pair of seats together .
A woman appeared from behind heavy , royal blue curtains and stepped to the podium at the center of the stage . Her face showed few signs of age , despite her snow-white hair , and ash gray eyes peered out at the class . Her gaze was intensified by the long , slim scar that ran from her left eye all the way down to her jaw .
“ Good morning . I am Headmistress Leorra Mine . Welcome to Mattson Academy . I am pleased to introduce your instructors for the year .”
A roaring wind blew through the auditorium . It kicked up the curtains and howled loud enough to shake the walls . When it settled , an orc stood at center stage . His gray skin was pale as snow and he wore loose , tattered clothes that fluttered in the remnants of the breeze . A bandana covered his eyes , but he swiveled his head to take in the assembled students , all the while wearing a cocky , self-satisfied grin . In a burst of flame , a musclebound dwarf woman , barely half the orc ’ s height , appeared next to him . The two fist-bumped without looking at each other .
The rest of the teachers appeared in a similar fashion . Bolts of lightning , splashes of water , and even swelling shadows each deposited a new instructor to the stage . Most were human ,