William Calhoun and the Black Feather. Book I. Aik Iskandaryan

dragon stairs. Towering over the mountain area, Alpurg was situated on one of the most unreachable tops. Not unlike prisoners on an island without a boat, the enrolees were standing on the edge of the cliff, unable to tear their eyes away from the dark abyss, with the castle front doors open wide behind them. The fog, thickening over the mountains, submerged the area into darkness. Brightly lit windows of Alpurg were the only source of light.

      «Alrighty, the show’s over! If you feel faint, dizzy, sick or unwell in any other unacceptable way, let me know! And now into the castle, all of you!» Morty’s cheerful voice brought everyone back to their senses.

      The next moment, enrolees dashed into the open front doors of the castle, eager to get away from the dangerous abyss. Junior curators were waiting for them in the entrance hall. Not only them. The entrance hall of Alpurg was full of wizards and witches. Some were strolling up and down the stairs, cheerfully talking to each other and paying no attention whatsoever to the enrolees. Others were talking quietly, laughing from time to time. And some were whispering conspiratorially in the corners. After all the enrolees had gathered around their curators, they started instructing them. Morty, who seemed to be the only cheerful adult in the whole castle, took his group to the side and said in a low voice:

      «Listen up, kids! While you’re here, remember one simple rule: if you don’t want to get in trouble or get me in trouble, don’t argue with Frau Bertha! So be quiet as a feather, lay lower than the Six O’Clocker when it travels!»

      At that moment, a wizard in yellow robes appeared behind Morty and waved at the enrolees in a friendly way. They started waving back, which puzzled Morty. He turned around quickly and jumped with surprise when he saw the newcomer.

      «President Albertson! Would you be so kind and not bother me while I’m instructing the enrolees?» he said impatiently. The wizard in yellow robes turned around, clearly offended, and walked away.