INSIGNIAS: THE ABECEDARIANS
Book 2: LUX SIGNIFER

The only light that night comes from the tall posts on either side of the gate. A group of young people stood in front of a 30-feet golden gate engraved with the L.S.A. initials on the center, dividing the S between the two frames. The frames were designed with golden spiral vines with leaves and what seems like wildflowers. The vines surrounded the rails which have ornamental iron rail-heads. The two posts were designed like Roman ionic style columns. But the gate must have been a sight if it was daylight.

A group of teenagers stood mesmerized under the darkness of the night. It rained earlier so there were no stars and the moon hid behind the clouds. They were hiding behind the trees, afraid that the Sentries and Legionnaires are watching in the shadows. Inside the gate, a wide road ran towards a building from a distance. They couldn’t see it clearly. The area itself was hidden behind rows of trees. It can only be accessed by a wide road leading to the golden gate.

“It’s usually well-lit at night,” Skhy told the rest. “I wonder what happened.” He was peeking behind a tree and checking the inside of the gate.

“They plotted to catch us here,” Storm mumbled, annoyed that he had to be in the same group. He sat down on a flat rock on the ground.

“Oh shush yourself,” Hanne ordered then put her hands on her waist. She glared at him before moving towards her brother.

“He might be saying the truth. But I can’t sense anything around us,” Skhy disclosed.

“So what are we going to do?” Aria asked. She crossed her arms against her chest and glared at Clyne who was giving her a wide smile. He was clearly enjoying her rage towards him.

“Maybe wait for morning to come? The guards will be there, right?” Tessa offered. She had removed her backpack and had her back against the tree trunk. She had her eyes on Skhy who was still looking at the gate.

“But we’re already here. Maybe sneak inside?” Nate offered. He looked at Storm for support but he just glared at the ground. He was still pissed.

“And get shot once we’re inside?” Lei probed. She lifted her eyebrow at him. Nate just shrugged.

“Real mature,” Lei mumbled.

“How about camping here for the night?” Clyne joined the conversation but his eyes never left Aria.

“Yeah. It’s best to wait. If there are students, the Legionnaires can’t hurt us,” Skhy concluded. Then someone chuckled. Everyone, including Skhy, looked above.

“Do you really think that they will accept us with loving arms?” the person said mockingly. He was sitting on the lowest branch of the tree. The clouds cleared and the light from the moon illuminated his pale face and pair of dark grey eyes.

“Don’t be like that,” Clyne said while smiling then moved towards the tree.

“No one here thinks they will accept us that easily,” Skhy replied. Their intense glare at each other was interrupted by footsteps. Everyone turned towards the gate.

“Oh well.” The man on the branch jumped down with a loud thud. Clyne was no longer smiling but pat the man’s shoulder. Hanne couldn’t look at him. Aria and Lei didn’t care. While Tessa watched his movements, concerned that he might hurt anyone.

He passed by Skhy and continued walking towards the road leading to the gate.

“What are you doing, Faz?” Skhy whisper-shouted. The man with grey eyes didn’t stop.

“To face my destiny. How about you?” he replied. The rest of group looked at each other. Without saying anything, they followed him.

“Also, I’m Hunter.”

[To be continued in the next book -

INSIGNIAS: The LUZ SIGNIFER ACADEMY]