The old stable block had been transformed again.
What had once been a single classroom was now three. What had once served thirty-seven students now served nearly a hundred. The courtyard had been expanded, the well replaced with a fountain, the muddy paths paved with stone. Children's laughter echoed off the whitewashed walls.
Seren stood at the entrance, Lysa beside her, watching the new students arrive.
They came in pairs and trios—human children in patched coats, wolf children in fine wool. Some walked with their parents. Others came alone. A few looked terrified. Most looked curious. The older ones carried toolboxes and satchels.
"Ninety-four enrolled," Lysa read from her list. "Forty-seven human, forty-seven wolf. Ages six to eighteen."
"The older students?"
"Vocational training. Blacksmithing. Carpentry. Healing. Agriculture." Lysa lowered her list. "Master Corin's idea. He said not everyone needs to be a scholar. Some kids just want to work."
