Pyra 23, Imperial Year 1645
Newhope – The Schoolhouse
The schoolhouse was a small wooden building at the edge of the square. It had a slate roof, wide windows, and a bell that rang at dawn and noon. Inside, wooden desks faced a chalkboard, and on the walls hung drawings of ships and fish.
Reinhard stood at the front, a piece of chalk in his hand. He was writing numbers on the board. A dozen kids sat at the desks, scratching on their slates.
"Seven plus four," Reinhard said. "Anyone?"
A little girl raised her hand. "Eleven?"
"Good."
The door opened.
Vlad stepped in. He'd been walking around town, and Mira had mentioned the school. He didn't expect to see Reinhard here.
The kids turned.
The Classroom – Reactions
A boy with freckles dropped his chalk. A girl in a blue dress gasped. Another boy, missing a front tooth, pointed.
"Mister," he said, "you're pretty."
The girl who'd answered the math problem stared. "Really pretty."
"Like a prince," someone whispered.
Vlad stood in the doorway. His silver hair caught the light. He wore a plain grey shirt and dark pants, but the kids didn't notice his clothes.
"Is he a king?" asked a small boy.
"He's too young," said the girl in blue.
"Maybe he's a prince in disguise."
"Like in the stories."
Vlad didn't say anything. He looked at Reinhard.
Reinhard sighed. "Kids, this is a guest. His name is—"
"He's got red eyes," the freckled boy interrupted. "Are you a vampire?"
"No," Vlad said.
"Then why are they red?"
"They just are."
"My uncle has brown eyes," the boy said. "Yours are better."
The girl in blue raised her hand. "Are you married?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Haven't found anyone."
"You should," she said. "You're too pretty to be alone."
Vlad blinked. Reinhard covered his mouth.
The Teacher's Desk
Reinhard put down the chalk. "Kids, focus on your work."
"But Mister Reinhard," the missing‑tooth boy said, "he's standing in the door."
"I can see that."
"He's blocking the light."
"Then ask him to move."
The boy turned to Vlad. "Mister, can you move? You're blocking the light."
Vlad stepped aside. The kids went back to their slates, but they kept sneaking looks.
Reinhard walked over. "Didn't expect to see you here."
"Mira mentioned the school. I was curious."
"And now you've been judged by a jury of kids."
"They're honest."
"They are." Reinhard glanced back. "Most of them lost their parents in the evacuation. The school gives them something normal."
Vlad nodded. "You're good at this."
"I used to teach. Long time ago."
"Ah."
They stood quiet for a moment.
"Want to stay?" Reinhard asked. "Read them something. Tell a story."
Vlad looked at the kids. They were staring again.
"I'm not good with kids."
"You don't have to be good. Just show up."
Vlad thought about it. Then he shook his head. "Maybe another time."
Reinhard smiled. "I'll hold you to that."
The Classroom – Departure
Vlad turned to leave. The girl in blue called out.
"Mister! Come back tomorrow!"
"Maybe."
"Promise?"
He stopped. Then he nodded. "I'll try."
The kids cheered.
Vlad walked out into the square. The morning sun was warm.
Inside, Reinhard clapped his hands. "Okay. Seven plus four. Who's got it again?"
The girl in blue raised her hand. "Eleven. But Mister Reinhard, is he really a prince?"
"No."
"Then why does he look like one?"
Reinhard sighed. "Some people just do."
The kids seemed to accept that and went back to their slates.
End of Chapter Ninety‑Two