Trials in Walls of Ivy (Triskelion Trilogy Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

“Now, to the point I’m sure you’re all hoping I get to soon: what will you be training as in addition to your chosen subjects?”
    I sat up in my chair, hands fisted.
    “The University of Terram is in fact, a branch of the government.” She paused, her words heavy in the air.
    My mind flooded with a million questions.
    “As I have stated, whilst here you will not have the opportunity to leave. Your education and training will be paramount. You are expected to deliver results and surpass your own expectations. In return, you are free from the burden of tuition fees. Your accommodation, meals and equipment are freely provided.”
    The whispering hummed in my ears as I contemplated her words. I didn’t have to pay tuition fees? Or pay rent, just on the promise that I wouldn’t quit? It seemed too good to be true.
    Llamp held up her hands and the crowd silenced in response.
    “We call ourselves the Consummate. We are the intelligence, the strategists and the strength of this country. We are the eyes and ears in the shadows, the force which commands peace. And today, you have been chosen to be one of us.” A ripple of shock hummed through the room.
    “Each of your unique talents have been identified as holding a potential advantage which coincide with specific areas of the Consummate force. Those of you with a finesse for science will be stationed within the laboratory departments. Here you will learn how to push the boundaries in medical advancement, defensive weaponry and more.”
    I tried not to flinch as I heard whispers behind, each one asking the same question: did she say weaponry?
    “Those of you with a physical and analytical temperament, will train in our arms and infantry department. Our expansive technological area will accommodate those of you who have the aptitude for surveillance, code breaking and technological manipulation. And finally, those with an aptitude for problem solving and leadership, will belong with intelligence. There you will discover how to be invisible in a crowd, acquire information from the most secretive, and, to lead others to success.” She smiled as she watched each of our reactions.
    I gulped. I didn’t fit into any of those categories. I wasn’t fit enough to be in the infantry. My computing skills were limited. I was quite good in science at school, but not enough to take any further. I only just scraped through the exams in the end. But in all honesty, I couldn’t consider myself overly intelligent either. Where could she think I belonged?
    Llamp stepped forward, placing her hands behind her back. Her smile faded. “However, let me be clear. Although you will be taught mainly within your own area, this university works as a team. No speciality is more important than the other. We are links in a chain. Force does not work without intelligence, just as science advancement does not work without technology. If I am to send an agent in undercover, they have to know that their team have them covered.”
    “We’re going to be spies?” The girl, Bree, shouted with excitement.
    Llamp laughed. “I’m afraid not. This is not a film. You will not have gadgets and gun fights. Here you will learn to adapt to what is around you and use it to your advantage. You will discover how to gather intelligence, create advancements and protect what is vulnerable for the well-being of your country. This is your chance to make a difference. Each of you have been selected for your talents. We know you are capable of greatness.”
    My stomach felt like it was going to flip over and bubble through my pores. I couldn’t decide whether I was excited, terrified or on the verge of hysterics. I had been chosen for this? I couldn’t do the things they were suggesting. I worked in a beach bar, what did I know about all of this?
    “Be aware,” Llamp continued, “although each of you were individually selected, it does not mean that every one of you will make it through the testing period. The