3 CHAPTER TWO
She waited for the sun to set as she sipped on her black coffee. She looked out at the magnificent sun from her ceiling windows and witnessed the sky changing its color. Bright orange with shades of red kissing the sky. In a few minutes the sky blushed pink as theSun descended into the river. She stood up from her chair with a sigh and placed her mug on the table.
Chancellor Jade was now on her way to the board room. It was the day before the academic year officially had to begin. Her heels clicked loudly against the floor in the deserted hallways and everyone in the board room straightened up.
As she entered, the vibe completely changed. All the informal discussions came to an abrupt halt and all of them stood up. Everyone had put on their best sombre faces as she walked up to the head of the table. She gave a quick glance around the room to ensure that all the Department Heads and other members were present. Her secretary pulled the chair back for her. She sat down on luxurious chair and took a moment to enjoy the power it exuded.
"Good evening professors. I believe that you all received the agenda for today's meeting."
"Yes, Chancellor Jade. We received them today morning."
"Good. Please take your seats."
The chairs make absolutely no noise as they scrape against the carpeted floor.
"I take pleasure in formally welcoming you all to the new academic year in the University of Athena. I know that our academic calendar is absolutely nothing like the other universities. Which is one of the many reasons why we are special.", she announced.
She launched into the topic of the history of the university as it was the tradition to so, before the beginning of academic year. Newly inducted members of the faculty, listened with rapt attention as the senior members acknowledged this with nods as they sat tightly and continued to listen to her.
"Every year we hope and pray for a safe experience of the néo mathitís*. This year too, the entire faculty will be a part of the prayer meeting in the Socrates' Hall. Be there at 8 pm.", she ordered.
The huge bell from the church tower dinged twice signaling the end of an hour. The chancellor nodded at the door keeper who pulled the door open. She looked up at new members and signaled at them to disperse. They all stood up and left without further ado and as the door banged shut behind the last person, she walked up to an antique painting and turned it upside down. The trapdoor opened to reveal a spiral staircase leading downwards.
The senior members stood up as the door opened and waited for the Headmistress to lead the way. The lights automatically flickered on as they descended downstairs. This new room that they entered was a replica of the one above. All those in the room knew exactly why it was designed in such a way. They again sat down but this time there were huge files on the tables.
"I'm sure you know why there are files in front of you today. But let's come to that later. Let's discuss our main agenda for this year. Remember that you should be extremely careful during the induction ceremony. Keep an eye out for trouble. We cannot afford to have any untoward incidents like last time."
Their heads hung down in shame as they knew exactly which incident she was talking about.
TRANSLATION
néo mathitÍs- new learner.
