Free School of Deaths by Christopher Mannino

corner of one of the long tables, and they sat with Frank and Jason.
    Plates and silverware were already laid out. The Deaths sat, and the Hall buzzed with anxious conversation.
    “Silence,” shouted a voice from the table at the end. One of the purple-robed figures rose.
    “The Headmaster,” whispered Billy. The Hall silenced.
    Headmaster Sindril stood behind the center of the table next to the white-robed Lord Coran. A neatly trimmed black beard, flecked with gray, framed his angular face. His hair was short and slicked back, and he wore a monocle. He smiled.
    “Welcome,” he said, his deep voice filling the room. “Welcome Deaths, new and old. And a special welcome to Susan Sarnio. Susan, please stand.”
    Suzie’s face turned beet-red. She rose, staring at the table in front of her, aware that the entire Hall was staring at her. Several Deaths muttered.
    “Susan is the first female Death in a million years,” said Sindril.
    “Kill the bitch,” shouted a voice from the far side of the Hall. Several others murmured their approval. Suzie sat down.
    “Now, now,” said Sindril. “I understand many of you are angry about this situation. I myself was surprised to learn she was here. However, Susan is a Death. She is one of us.” He paused, letting the words sink in. “This is a historic opportunity, a chance to change this world for the better. Do not sink to hate, but instead rise to the challenge. I ask all of you to treat Suzie with respect, and show her every courtesy. If anyone does not, if we have any more incidents…” He glared around the Hall and several Deaths looked away. “There will be serious consequences.”
    Billy put a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and forced a smile.
    “Do not let this overshadow our purpose,” said Sindril. “You are here to learn, study, and one day take your places as fully-certified Deaths. I expect excellence. Please rise.”
    The entire Hall stood.
    “Have a wonderful year, and good luck.”
    He nodded and they sat again. Suzie glanced at the head table and watched Sindril help Lord Coran sit. The Headmaster leaned to Coran and whispered something in his ear, which made Coran smile. The white-robed old man stared Suzie in the eyes and she quickly looked away.
    Servants came in with large platters of food, placing them on each table. Suzie noticed one of the servants had large yellow eyes, reminding her of Athanasius. Another servant pulled his hand away from the tray, as she stared at what looked like green skin.
    The meal passed in a blur. The food smelled good but Suzie hardly ate. Her stomach clenched in anger and tension. Billy and Frank talked about boskery. Jason never looked up from his food. Suzie didn’t talk, even when Billy tried to bring her into the conversation.
    “It’s time,” said Billy, glancing at the hourglass over the head table. Strange-looking servants cleared the plates and the Deaths rose.
    “Time for classes,” said Frank. “You ready?”
    Suzie glanced down at the schedule Hann had given her. What did it matter? They hated her. Every one of them.
    “Hey,” said Billy. “Don’t let them get to you. Headmaster Sindril doesn’t mess around, and once classes get going, no one will have time to worry about you.”
    “I hope you’re right.”
    “What do you have first?” asked Frank.
    “I have Theory first, in Room thirty-two.”
    “That’s in West Tower,” said Billy, “where we went on Saturday.”
    “I have Theory first too,” said Jason, “in the same room.”
    “At least I have a friend in my class.”
    “Can I see your schedule?” asked Billy. “We have Applications together at the end of the day. It’s your only mixed-year class. Well, you and Jason should get going. I’m headed the other direction, myself. I’ll meet you guys back here for lunch.”
    “I hope we get into lunch without another scene,” said Suzie. “Maybe I’ll eat somewhere else.”
    He leaned in close, whispering in her ear.