3 Chapter 3 : A magical Index

'We sang songs of childhood

Hymns of faith that made us strong

Ones that mother maybelle taught us

Hear the angels sing along

Will the circle be unbroken

By and by Lord, by and by

There's a better home awaiting

In the sky Lord, in the sky'

As the familiar tune carried through the air, Lucius looked over at Gordenso's wife. Her eyes were watery. But she was being strong. Holding her 2 year toddler in her arms, she didn't let a single tear roll down her face. That image of that strong woman was something Lucius would never forget.

The funeral had a big crowd. Many students of Gordenso who had previously passed out came to pay their respects. Even legends of the battlefield like Tieson the kingslayer, Ludivus dragonbreath, even people like them came. Lucius was surprised. He knew Gordenso was a good teacher, but to think that he even taught people like that.

That evening, back at the hospital, Lucius was surprised by a visit by Isana. Another surprise, as they always fought with one another. She was the last person who would come visit him, he thought. "I heard the sword prodigy got his ass handed to him," Isana remarked. Lucius was flustered, but had a nice comeback, "Atleast I didn't have to miss class due to a little cough!"

"It's called pneumonia," Isana said, "And it kills people."

"Dmityr killed someone too..." Lucius started saying but stopped himself.

There was silence in the room following that. Isana broke the silence handing an envelope to Lucius, "This is for you."

Lucius opened the envelope. It was from the headmaster of Arkshoka Central Academy.

'To

Lucius Lascaris,

This is to inform you that your Magical Index testing is to be postponed. A new date will be selected based on how soon your injuries heal. Do not trouble yourself with providing proof of your injury and your reason for not appearing for the test. I will personally see that this is done.

Take Care

Sjorer Paroneus.'

"What does it say Lucius?" Isana asked

"Ummm... The magic index test. Mine's been postponed I suppose." Lucius answered.

"Oh that. The rest of us are currently having it. I had mine yesterday," Isana said and looked at Lucius with anticipating eyes. Lucius wondered how she scored. "Aren't you going to ask me how did I do?" asked Isana.

"Umm.. How did you do?" Lucius asked with a forced chuckle.

"I'm glad you asked," Isana said with a big smile, "I surprised everyone. Highest score in my family in generations. Probably the only one ever higher than me was my great great grandfather. Or was it my great great great grandfather?" Isana pondered for a bit, still excited.

"How much did you score exactly?" Lucius asked

"Oh. I didn't even tell you" Isana looked genuinely surprised, "A whole 257 points. Well I did say everyone was surprised. But not really. I mean it was really expected. Of course I'd do good."

"How about.." Lucius started asking. But Isana cut him off. "You must be wondering about how your Cousin Corniella did?"

Lucius nodded.

"She did quite well. Not as well as me ofcourse. Her score was 233 I believe. The only one higher than me was Joeffrey. Can you believe he scored 306 points!!" Isana almost screamed.

"306?" Lucius asked with both his eyebrows raised. "That's almost as high.." Lucius was cut off again.

"I know. Almost as high as your mother!"

It was true. Lucius' mother held the record of the highest score ever in the test. 320. Even other than that, very few people crossed the 300 mark. There were probably about a dozen people till date who had crossed 300 in the entire history of Arkshoka.

"I guess there'll be a genius or two in every generation." Isana started speaking again. Forget Joeffrey's high score. Lucius was more puzzled about why Isana was so friendly to him. They are in the same class, granted. But they were not friends. Atleast not according to Lucius, they were not. They were more like bitter rivals, always passing snarky remarks to each other.

"The others were okay," Isana continued "There were a few above 200. But the rest were between 150 and 200. Same as every year I guess." Isana paused, "What are you looking at Lucius?" Isana inquired.

Lucius hadn't realised but he was staring at her face the whole time.

"Lucius?" she called out again. No answer.

"Lucius!!" she said waving her hand in front of his face.

"Oh sorry.." Lucius softly said, "I was thinking of something else"

Isana was annoyed, "You should always pay attention when a girl is talking to you. Well I'll have to go now. Mother is waiting for me."

"Sorry. I.." Lucius began but was cut off once again.

"Lucius, listen." Isana spoke timidly, "I wanted to come sooner. But the doctor hadn't cleared me yet. And when she did say the pneumonia was treated, the magic index test came around. Its been a week since your accident. I wish I could come sooner. I'm sorry"

Lucius was confused. Very confused. 'What is going on? Why is she so emotional. And so friendly? '

"Anyway Lucius, as you know my birthday is coming up. Do come if you feel better. I'd like it if you came."

Lucius nodded.

"And if you don't feel better, I'll save you a special seat for the physically disabled," Isana smirked

'There it is.' Lucius thought 'Had to comment something. I'll show you who's physically disabled the next time we duel. What should I say back? Something about her lungs? Dammit even her scores were good. Can't tease about that. Got it!"

Lucius opened his mouth to say something. But he got surprised. Isana came near him. For some reason he thought she was going to smack him. She leaned down to Lucius' bed.

"Get well soon! Dummy!" she said softly. Lucius saw that her eyes were a little teary. Then much to Lucius' surprise she kissed him on the cheeks