Chapter 2

The Mirror Academy was located in the center of the Royal Forest and was in fact completely isolated from the outer world. It was surrounded by rich flower valleys, high light-green hills covered by charming birches, mighty dense trees; and at the some distance was shining on the sun green lake called Clear Eyes, and further – the blue river Gossamer.

Natural areas spread out here were so beautiful and amazing that notable figures of the kingdom often came here to enjoy the miracle natural creations. Now it was October, and luxurious magnificent valleys, lighted by warm sun rays, looked like a vast bright-red ocean. This ocean was crossed by the cozy little path, lined with smooth stone tiles that looked quite strange against the dense fire trees.

The path led to the shining gates of the Mirror Academy that were so clear and polished that it seemed they were wiped with a huge diligence every half an hour.

Andy stared attentively the tall stately building which they were slowly approaching, rounding beautifully manicured flower trellises, which, in spite the inclement weather, had the most elegant and refined appearance.

The Academy was big like a whole mountain, affable and, undoubtedly, very majestic. Its imposing wings were swept away in various directions like miniature cities, and stopped at the very gates, as if in doubt whether to continue on their way. The elegant snow-white steps led on the spacious porch to the widely opened doors.

He was met by a young woman named Belle who, as it soon became clear, had in the Academy a honorary title of the Keeper of Comfort and a Warm Hearth; in other words, the housekeeper. However, it looked like she was not satisfied by this short definition, because she presented herself Andy exceptionally as Belle, the Keeper of Comfort and Warm Hearth, and the youth himself made the conclusion what she really was.

While they walked, Andy had an opportunity to convince that it was a really very cozy place, in spite its colossal size. The big light hall he had seen when entering the building, in a strange way brought him a vague sense of calm, suppressing his rebellious thoughts that had been with him all the way.

Hard to say from where this inexplicable consolation came. There was nothing special in the hall: ordinary unremarkable paintings, imperturbable white walls – absolutely nothing inspiring. Maybe, only the clock impressed him a bit. They positively did not match the interior of the hall which was done in soft gold colors, because they were exorbitantly big, hung a little crooked and – the most stunning thing – they were bright green in color! Probably, it was someone’s unique idea, but, in Andy’s opinion, this clock did not belong here. Their heavy copper hands unhurriedly went along the rim and seemed to freeze the time…

The youth shook his head in confidence that whatever the residents of the school think he is unable to understand the beauty of this clock. The other halls and corridors that he saw during the way were not less trim and elegant, but he was not interested by it anymore. He concentrated on the upcoming conversation, slowly plunging into the dejection at the thought that this talk, most likely, will irrevocably handcuff him to this place; the place that he so dearly wanted to leave.

Mister Alexander, the rector of the Academy, contrary his expectations, was not a skinny old man with starched cuffs, but a thin young man with amazingly bright dark-blue eyes. His costume consisted of a rich blue doublet, buttoned up to the chin, and a small black-and-white bowler, which for some reason he did not take off in the room. His face was very life, cheerful and a little cunning. Andy came to this conclusion because from time to time he narrowed his eyes although, quite probably, it was caused by the myopia. But in fact he made an impression of very smart and insightful man who was trying to hide this insight from the people around.

- Andy Hawk! – exclaimed Alexander, getting up from the table covered with all kinds of books, papers and documents, and handing him his firm dry palm. – Glad to see that you’ve arrived safely, although, I dare say, there is nothing strange in it, because the way leading here is straight and clear, and, in fact, it would be weird if you managed to lose the way. Meanwhile, what I am talking about? Sit down, Andy, you are tired and need a rest.

- Thank you, - said the youth, a little stunned by rector’s talkativeness.

- It seems to me I know why did you end up here, - said Alexander as soon as Andy sat down. – Your parents explained a lot to me in the letter, and I know you have no joy because of your coming here, but, you see, you are here, and unlikely you can do something with that. Consequently, I would like to tell you something not very pleasant that, maybe, will make you to feel a big anger. As I understand, you are broken by the grief happened with your younger sister? Yes, this is a very sad event. Undeniably, there is no good in blindness, and you, as her brother, decided, of course, that you should have gone blind instead of her… - his voice sounded somehow dry, emotionlessly, almost mockingly, and Andy became more and more angry, looking at him intently. – Unfortunately, this is the worst thing you could do. By your abnegation you have humiliated your sister and, besides, made your own life absolutely senseless. As I can judge by your puzzled eyes, you don’t understand me quite well. I can explain. When any trouble happens to our close people, the pity to them is a sin that has no forgiveness. Why? The answer is simple: because the pity is a sign of powerlessness and worthlessness. People who are pitied lose any chance of success; such people become useless by the will of those who pity them. Other word, pity is death. By pitying your sister you kill her. Your consciousness, confident that she is waiting by the endless sufferings, ruins her life. Of course, you may not believe it, but it is so, and finally everyone will have to know the power of this law. But your attitude to the sister is not as horrible as your position to your life. Do you know what happens with those who renounce their gift of life? Do you know what your life means? The answer lies in the question. Your life means that this is your life – only your and no one else. To give it to someone else is to betray it. Put it in someone’s power is to refuse it. To devote it to someone’s grief is the same thing. In the end, everyone is defeated: that one to whom the life is given and that one who gives. It will sound heartlessly if I say that you should not pity your sister, am I right? I will not say that. I will only note that you have a power to protect little Sarah, but only from yourself; from your pity. You can make her happy despite her blindness, but how – you must understand yourself. And besides, you must learn that no circumstances, even the most merciless and destructive, can influence your life. Because your life, Andy, is only your, and I can say more: to move towards happiness is not just a desire, dream or hope – this is a direct duty of any person. Because the God who created us is a joy and those who reject this feeling for the sake of anyone are opponents of God.