Young Sorceress Book 2: The Specials

Author

Chapter 1

Something’s up.

Rilla was sure of it.

That’s why she couldn’t take her eyes off the young woman in the black dress — a sorceress, no doubt — who walked across the front of the classroom to Madam Parq, the stern instructor. The young woman said something to Madam Parq in a low voice. Rilla strained to hear, but couldn’t.

It wasn’t unusual for a sorceress to enter their classroom. After all, it was part of an academy that trained girls in the art of magic. You couldn’t walk fifty feet around there without seeing a black dress, but this time was different. Rilla could tell.

This was confirmed when Madam Parq crooked a finger at Rilla.

Rilla’s heart sprinted and she touched a hand to her chest. Who…me?

Yes.

Now?

No, Rilla, next year. Madam Parq gestured more fervently. Hurry, she’s waiting for you.

Murmurs erupted around her, but Rilla didn’t look at any of the other girls when she stood and headed toward the front of the room. She didn’t get far before Madam Parq gestured again, at Rilla’s desk. Get your things. I doubt you’ll return before class is over.

Return from what? Rilla froze for a moment, but the increasingly impatient look on Madam Parq’s face jolted Rilla into motion. She grabbed her dark blue canvas bag and stuffed away her belongings — the two spellbooks, notepad, and pen — and Junea, sitting behind Rilla’s desk, caught her eye and whispered, What is going on?

I don’t know. I’ll come over later.

Junea was her best friend, and had been since they were little kids. They lived near each other and were close in every way possible. Junea would expect a full account of what Rilla was about to do.

Rilla walked, shoulders hunched, toward the two adult women. She felt the curious stares of the other students. She knew she was blushing. When she neared Madam Parq, she said in a low voice, Am I in trouble?

You’ve been summoned by Lady Brel. She motioned toward the young sorceress. She will take you to her.

Rilla choked out a weak, Yes ma’am, and curtsied and followed her escort out of the room. They walked through the marble hall of the academy and Rilla said to the young sorceress, What does Brel want with me? and instantly regretted referring to Brel in the familiar. It’s Lady Brel, she reminded herself. Rilla was too accustomed to the way her mother spoke of her, as a friend.

She will tell you whatever you need to know, the young sorceress replied without turning her head.

Rilla went with her out of the towering front doors and down the white marble steps to the brick walkway that stretched to the wrought iron entry gates.

Rilla’s mind flapped uncontrollable wings and flew in useless directions as she wondered why she had been summoned by the director and oldest member of the Circle of Thirteen, the powerful group of sorceresses who were the leaders of their magical community.

They passed the boys’ academy next door, the sprawling gray marble building where young men trained to become paladins, and they turned onto the main road that led into town.

They walked in brisk silence. After passing the shopping district and Town Hall, they came to the larger, yellow brick building of the Territorial Council. It was the most splendid structure in town, matching the splendid egos of the council members, with stately white columns and fine marble trim around the windows and polished brass doors.

Directly across from that was the white marble Center of the Circle. Though less imposing in size than the Territorial Council’s headquarters, it was more beautiful, Rilla thought. It didn’t try to be splendid. It didn’t need to be. It was perfect.

They crossed the street and headed up the walkway that led to the steps that complimented the gently rounded shape of the front of the building. I’ve never been in here before, Rilla said, her anxiety and anticipation ramping up in equal parts.

No novice has.

But you’ve been in here many times. You’re one of Brel’s assistants, aren’t you?

She gave a vague smile for an answer and they stepped inside to an exquisite, curving hallway. It’s even more beautiful than I imagined. Rilla’s eyes darted everywhere, but she barely had time to take it all in because their pace was so quick. What little she saw was stunning. It was tiled in richly-figured dark marble and had graceful windows, evenly spaced on the cream-colored walls, interspersed by paintings in gold frames.

Staircases, also marble, rose from either end of the hall. Rilla pointed at one. Where do they go?

The young sorceress walked directly forward without hesitating, to the corridor that joined the front hall to form a T. Offices and meeting rooms.

Is Brel’s office, I mean, Lady Brel’s, up there?

It’s on the main floor near the library. She said her knees are too creaky to go up and down the stairs twenty times a day, and she likes to be close to the books. She says it makes her feel alive.

They walked on, passing doors, all closed, fashioned out of light-colored wood. Rilla wanted to hang back and look at everything, but her escort kept her moving. Rilla said, Can I get a quick tour?

Brel is expecting you.

That means no. You never told me your name.

It’s Pey. It was Peylin before I fledged.

How long ago was that?

Three years.

So she’s about twenty-one. Do you have a paladin?

Not yet. Her dim smile returned, But I met someone recently, at the Social.

Oh. Good. Rilla knew that older, unattached paladins and sorceresses still went to the annual ball, in hopes of finding their all-important fighting partner and mate for life.

They turned down a smaller corridor and Pey said, I understand you might have found your paladin already. Congratulations.

Rilla felt her face redden and she wanted to hide behind her long black hair, but couldn’t because it was still in the braid her mother had fixed for her that morning. Maybe, I mean, I hope so.

You don’t know?

Well, yes, I…we like each other and we seem to be a good team, and, uh—

The young woman laughed lightly, surprising Rilla. I know. You’re only sixteen. You’re still too young to form a fighting pair, but it’s nice to have such a fine prospect. She slowed and spoke conspiratorially. But don’t let him get away. Some other unattached sorceress might snatch him up while you’re not paying attention.

They would?

Oh, yes. An unattached sorceress can be a ruthless competitor, when it comes to handsome paladins.

A fist of worry gripped Rilla’s stomach. I’ll have to ask Mother about that later.

They continued down the narrow hall, passing a few more doors. Rilla said, Are all of these offices?

Some are.

Do you have one?

I share one with Brel’s other assistants. There are five of us, one for each finger on Brel’s right hand, as she’s fond of saying.

What’s the difference between an assistant and an apprentice?

None. We like to call ourselves assistants because it sounds more important.

And all of you are unattached?

Yes, some by choice. She cast Rilla a sideways glance. Why don’t you know these things? Your mother is a member of the Circle. She knows everything about this arcane place.

She won’t tell me. She said she can’t.

That’s true.

Then why are you telling me now?

Because you are already inside. Once that happens, the restrictions are no longer in affect, I believe.

Why am I allowed here? Why didn’t Brel, I mean, Lady Brel, meet me somewhere else?

You’ll have to ask her, and I don’t think it’s necessary for you to refer to Brel in the honorific any longer, considering your mother’s status and the fact that you have been allowed into the Center. You might be the youngest ever, though. How does that make you feel?

Confused. I don’t know.

They came upon a polished maple door with a brass plaque on the wall beside it that said Library.

Oh! Can I have a look inside? Just a quick one. I’ve always heard that it’s a wonderful place.

Pey seemed as if she were going to say no, but she gave a tiny shrug instead. Just in and out. No browsing. We mustn’t keep Brel waiting.

They entered.

Rilla caught her breath.

Books. Everywhere she looked, filling every wall.

The room was vast as a cavern, brightly lit by glowing circles, no doubt magically created, that hung high overhead. Large windows on one wall let in more light. A narrow walkway rimmed the second level, and had a wrought iron guardrail and ornate, spiral stairs.

Shelves on the lower level towered over Rilla’s head, with three or four ladders on wheels that gave access to the highest volumes. A middle-aged sorceress stood high on one of them, scrutinizing the titles. In the middle of the room were long wooden tables, where a handful of other sorceresses sat with books open in front of them, intent looks on their faces. They all wore black dresses.

A couple of the women glanced up at Rilla and Pey, but quickly turned their attention back to their studies.

Are they doing research? Rilla whispered to Pey.

That would be my guess.

Are all of these books about magic?

Just over half, I’ve been told. The others are on various topics. No fiction, though.

Do you spend much time in here?

Quite a bit, doing research for Brel. It is one of my main duties.

Though Rilla had never imagined herself as a scholar, she had a strong urge to rush to the nearest shelf and run her finger over the spines and read every title. She didn’t get the chance because Pey motioned with her head. We must go.

They returned to the hall and only walked a short distance before Pey stopped beside a plain, closed door. This is it, she said.

Really? It seems so….

Pey grabbed the brass handle. Unpretentious?

Yes, I suppose.

That’s Brel. It’s one of the reasons everyone loves her so much.

She let Rilla inside.

The room seemed rather ordinary, not large or opulent like Rilla expected. There was a closed door at the back, bookshelves on each wall, and it was crowded with five small desks. A young sorceress sat at one, peering intently at a sheet of paper she held in one hand. She looked up and Pey said, Eve, this is Rilla.

Eve rose immediately, rushed from behind her desk and extended her hand. Rilla took it and Eve said, You’re Kess’s daughter. I’ve heard so much about you, and I read the report of your mission into the elves’ territory.

There’s a report?

A long one. It covers every detail, and I must say I am impressed with the way you handled yourself, you and your paladin both. So young to be attempting something as dangerous as that, and so brave.

Rilla briefly wondered if the report had anything in it about the time she danced with Ias, and she felt herself beginning to blush again. He’s not exactly my paladin yet, and I didn’t go because I was brave. I went because of my mother. Somebody had to rescue her. Or, so I thought.

I know, you weren’t aware that her abduction was staged. But you still dealt with the problems and attacks well. And you made snow fire! I’d love to know how you did that.

I couldn’t really tell you. I just sort of did it.

Yes, I read about it. That’s even more impressive that you did it that way. She lowered her voice as if someone might be spying on them. There are rumors going around that you are an Intuitive.

Is that bad?

Oh, no. It’s amazing.

What does it mean?

That you can perform spells without thinking about them or having prior knowledge of the steps required to cast them.

That makes sense, because I have a hard time doing spells out of books. It seems like it takes me forever to get them right.

But you are only sixteen, aren’t you? Most novices are like that.

No, I mean even with easy magic. The Illumination Spell was one of the first ones I learned, but it took a long time to make it work, and the only reason I was finally able to cast it was because it was nighttime and I had to learn another spell from a book.

The Reveal Spell. Pey nodded along with Eve. You had to unmask the correct path on the road.

They really read the report. Rilla wondered how detailed it was. Completely, she feared. Someone must have compiled it from all the interviews Ias and I had to do when we returned.

It made her feel naked and exposed. They must know everything about me.

The other door opened and Brel peeked out. I thought I heard voices out here. Rilla, are my gossipy assistants detaining you?

We were just talking.

That’s their favorite hobby. Brel gave the two young women a stern look and gestured for Rilla to join her.

The room she entered was small. It was lit by a pair of oil lamps hanging from the ceiling on tarnished brass chains. It had a single desk, cluttered with papers, and more shelves crammed with books. It had a cozy, relaxed feel to it. Rilla looked about and said, This is really your office?

You sound disappointed.

No! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—

I’m not offended. There’s a much bigger one upstairs that’s traditionally used by the director of the Circle, but this one suits me better. Brel indicated a wooden armchair near the corner. Why don’t you pull that closer and have a seat?

Rilla did, and Brel walked to the other side, sat down, and folded her hands on top of her desk. So, tell me, how are you doing? I haven’t really spoken with you since you got back, except for that time during your interviews, and we weren’t alone, then.

She was referring to the intense questioning Rilla had to endure after she returned from her journey with Ias. I’m fine.

How are you doing in your classes?

I’m doing better than before, but that’s not saying much.

Because you were having trouble focusing on the lectures?

And casting the spells our instructors were trying to teach us.

Now you’re doing well with your studies?

I don’t know if I’d put it that way, but I’m doing better.

How much better.

Rilla had the urge to squirm in her seat. Some.

Brel’s leaned back in her chair and crossed her hands over her waist. Rilla, I need to know how you’re really doing, not only because I care about you, but also for personal reasons.

Why?

Brel took a long, worrisome breath before she answered. Since your return from your journey, you’ve become somewhat of an issue around here, both as a celebrity, and to a greater degree, a source of controversy.

But I don’t want to be either.

I’m sure you don’t, but we often don’t get a choice about things like that. Brel lowered her gaze to her desk top for a moment. It mostly has to do with what you were able to achieve magically while you were gone, and the suddenness and degree of your success. You went from being an unaccomplished novice, to a young lady who could summon powerful, complex spells, sometimes without even using a spellbook.

Eve called me an Intuitive.

Others are, too.

Where are they getting that idea from? I’ve never called myself that, and nobody else has either, that I know of.

No one has officially labeled you as one. That has to be determined by thorough testing. I think people are getting that notion from reading it into the report of your mission. Reading between the lines.

Have many people seen it?

I think people are making copies and passing them around.

But…. Rilla could no longer resist the urge to squirm and she shifted in her seat. But an Intuitive? That makes me sound like a carnival curiosity. It’s bad enough that I have a red streak in my hair.

The red streak is becoming to you, Rilla. Don’t ever think otherwise. Being called an Intuitive is a problem, though. It’s dividing our community of sorceresses.

Does it make me sound arrogant? I’m not! I’m still as unsure of myself as I ever was.

I’m glad you’re not overconfident. She smiled gently at Rilla. The reason for the controversy is that Intuitives are rare, so rare that most people believe that they are only theoretical.

Then I’m not one. She dipped her chin firmly to verify the truth of it.

This brings us to one of the main reasons I asked you to meet me today. We would like to test you to determine the extent of your abilities.

But you already did, when I was five.

That was only to see if you had magical potential. We tested all of the girls who we thought might have some. Her gentle smile returned. I was there that day. When I laid my hands on your head, I felt more latent power than I ever had before or since.

Oh, great. Rilla rolled her eyes to the ceiling. Not that again.

What do you mean?

It’s just…well, people have always said things like that, and they expect too much from me. I can’t…I don’t handle pressure very well.

You did when you were trying to rescue your mother. Some of those situations you had to deal with were quite stressful, and even dangerous, like the time you were attacked by the ravens, or when the Hevlers shot Ias.

"It was a different kind of pressure, though. Ias and I talked about it a lot. It was the pressure of necessity, instead of the pressure of expectations. That’s the kind of pressure that I have trouble with. It seems like when I absolutely have to make my magic work, I can. She gave a small, embarrassed shrug. And I seem to do my best magic when Ias or Zibby is with me."

I understand. She posted one elbow on the armrest of her chair, raised her hand and lifted her index finger and waved it loosely. Maybe we have been expecting too much of you. I think that all started back when you were first tested, or maybe even when you were born. People always presume the children of talented parents will also be talented, and maybe even exceed their parents’ accomplishments.

I’ll never do that, Rilla said with a somber shake of her head.

Don’t sell yourself short, Rilla. You made snow fire, and that’s more than just about anyone else has ever done, except for your great-great-great grandmother. And you healed Ias, which I’m certainly glad of. We can always use another healer around here.

I’m not ready for that.

You have to do a great deal of studying to be a proficient one. Fortunately for Ias, you made a good start.

Rilla stared blankly at the desk while she remembered that terrible time, Ias hovering near death, unconscious, with his bloody, wounded arm grossly swollen, and the infection spreading rapidly. Rilla shivered and looked up at Brel. How will you test me?

We haven’t worked that out, yet. We’ll have to come up with something.

When would you do it?

Not this week. Maybe next, if we can devise some suitable tests.

Who’s going to do the testing?

Probably all of us in the Circle.

All thirteen of you? she said, dismayed.

I think everyone will want to be there for that.

It sounds like it’s going to be dreadful.

It won’t hurt. I’ll make sure of that. And we won’t force you to go through with it. I’m asking you to do it as a favor to me.

Why didn’t my mother mention it?

I asked her to wait so that I could talk to you first. She lifted her white eyebrows. Will you give it a try? It’s a valuable opportunity for us, as sorceresses, to further our craft and our understanding of the nature of magic.

I guess I’ll do it, Rilla said. Is that all you need me for today?

There’s another thing that you need to be aware of. It’s more of a problem for your mother and me than it is for you. Brel took an ominously long pause before continuing. We ruffled a few feathers around here when we staged your mother’s abduction. It’s not a big issue with the townspeople because we explained that it was part of a tactical exercise, which we’ve had from time to time, but the ones who are the most upset are members of the Circle, particularly those who don’t believe what our casts are predicting.

About the approaching danger?

Yes, but that’s why we staged the abduction.

So my magic would finally come forth.

The portents told us that it was imperative, but as you may know, portents aren’t always one hundred percent accurate, and they can be interpreted different ways. It’s the members who are denying the worst scenario who are presenting the problem.

Tass. The dour sorceress who tried to keep Rilla from going on her journey to rescue her mother. Rilla didn’t like her and she was fairly certain her mother didn’t, either.

Yes, and her allies.

Allies? Rilla’s brow drew down again.

Maybe that’s too strong of a word. I should have referred to them as the women who often side with Tass when we have a disagreement. Fortunately, our more recent casts have revealed clearer portents, and a couple of the sorceresses who supported Tass’s arguments have changed their minds. They now see the situation from the same point of view as mine and your mother’s.

They think something terrible is coming?

Yes.

Do you know when it is?

We don’t believe it will happen for the next few months, which will give us time to prepare, as soon as we know the exact nature of the threat.

Do you still see Ias and me in the portents?

In most of them.

How many of the members of the Circle agree with you now?

She smiled again with her lips together.

That’s the same look my mother gives me when she’s not going to tell me anything.

Not even my assistants know all that happens during the meetings of the Circle.

Rilla tried to picture it, one of the secretive sessions of the 13 powerful women, but she had nothing to go one except for speculation. Do they sit around a big table and argue, or is it all done with obscure magic? Or both? Rilla said, Is there anything else we need to discuss? She wanted to get home before dinner, and hopefully see Junea.

One more issue I’d like to bring up. Classes will be ending at the academy soon. What do you plan to do this summer?

Oh, the same old things, I guess. Sleep late, go into town with my friends, go swimming in the river.

Ah, the carefree days. I sorely miss them. Brel shook her head softly. I know you’re probably tired of books and learning and what not, but I was hoping to convince you to continue your studies during your long break.

Rilla frowned. You mean…go to class…and listen to lectures? Her frown deepened. Tests?

Not exactly. Just continue to learn new spells.

Oh, she said unenthusiastically. Sounds…interesting.

I won’t demand that you do it, but I think it would be a good idea.

I’ll have to get my mother to bring home some more books, unless you want to loan me some of yours again, like you did when I went to rescue my mother.

How about if I grant you access to the library?

Rilla’s enthusiasm instantly grew, faster and higher than Jack’s beanstalk. You mean here? The one down the hall?

Brel nodded.

Really? But how…I mean…novices aren’t allowed in there, are they?

You might be the first.

Um…sure, that might be good. But I don’t want to give up my whole summer for it.

You shouldn’t. You’re still young and you deserve the benefits of youth. You’ll be grown soon enough and wonder where it all went, and I don’t want you to look back on this time with resentment. How about if you just make it half a day? You can come in the mornings with your mother so she can escort you inside.

But won’t someone question my being in the library? She immediately thought of Tass.

I’ll make sure one of assistants is with you at all times. They spend most of their day in there, anyway, doing research for me. No one will question it if you’re with one of them.

But everyone knows that I’m still a novice.

You’re a special one, Rilla.

Rilla felt her face and neck grow warm. I’ll stand out like a sore thumb because I’ll be the only one not wearing black.

It’ll be fine. We could use a little color around here.

You don’t think it will make the controversy worse, about my magic and everything?

People are going to talk anyway. I’d rather deal with that and help you expand your abilities, especially your talent as a healer.

Can Junea come, too?

Just you, but it will only be for half a day. You’ll still have time to go to the river with her and visit with your friends.

Chapter 2

Ias hoisted his duffel bag, heavy with freshly cleaned laundry, higher up on his shoulder to make it more comfortable. The narrow strap was digging into his flesh, and he still had to walk through town to get home. He had just left the boys’ academy for the day. He was no longer a cadet, thankfully, but his duties as a freshly fledged paladin required him to be there occasionally to help train the younger recruits.

His destination was Tarl’s house. The former commander of the boys’ academy had offered to let Ias stay with him, and Ias jumped at the chance. The room he’d given Ias was spacious and beautifully furnished, unlike his other option for lodging, the barracks at the base, sleeping on a narrow cot in an austere room with three other unmarried paladins.

Ias passed through the shopping district and people were everywhere, a few on horseback, and one in a small carriage, but most were on foot, buying food for dinner at the market or visiting the stores.

Three young men loitered at the corner.

One of them handed a bottle to the other — sunlight glinted off the dark glass — and he cast a furtive glance around and took a long drink, then the tallest of the three seemed to notice Ias and said something that Ias couldn’t quite hear. Ias said, Were you talking to me?

The man, who wore shabby clothes and had a stubbly beard, replied, I said, there goes the elf lover.

Ias slowed. You’re referring to me?

"Yeah, traitor. Elf lover." He gave venomous stress to the last two words, as though they might poison his tongue on the way out of his mouth.

Ias finally recognized him through the scraggly facial hair: Travo, someone he’d had trouble with before, at the academy during their cadet years.

Ias set his duffle bag on the ground, then calmly strode closer to Travo. The two other young men backed a few wary steps away. Ias said, An elf saved my life.

I heard that story, Travo said, but I think you made it up.

Did I?

That’s something you would do.

Are you calling me a liar?

Yeah, and a traitor and an elf lover. You probably want to marry one.

Old, hard feelings boiled to the surface, and Ias had a strong desire to slug him, but knew he could get thrown in the brig for fighting another paladin. But Travo didn’t fledge, he remembered.

Ias stepped within arms’ reach of the former trainee. Ias smelled the wine on his breath and the sour body odor. I heard you failed your final test, Travo.

So did you.

They gave me another chance and reviewed my status, and I passed.

Because you lied about what you did in the elves’ territory.

Think so? What about Rilla? Did she lie, too?

Probably. She’s a lyin’ little bitch.

It was all Ias could do not to strike him. He gritted his teeth and breathed hard through his nose. There are too many witnesses. I can only hit him in self-defense. You know, last time I saw you, you were flat on your back.

That’s ’cause you gave me cheap shot. Travo rubbed his jaw and scowled.

After you did the same to me, earlier. You threw an elbow in my face.

You were running the gauntlet. You should’ve expected it.

Nobody else did anything like that. Just you. That’s probably why you didn’t fledge.

Ias started to turn away, but Travo snickered and said, You only fledged because you and the bitch lied. Everybody knows it.

Ias stopped and faced him again. You’ll probably never fledge. The muscles around Travo’s eyes twitched and Ias knew that Travo was on the verge of losing control. Another little push and he will. Travo fisted his hands at his sides. He leads with his right. Ias remembered that from watching him spar at the academy. The instructors know what kind of person you are. They know that none of the other paladins will fight alongside a jackass.

The punch was swift and directed toward Ias’s face. Ias dodged it with a slight shift of his head, then countered with a shot to Travo’s midsection. Ias delivered a quick strike to the side of Travo’s jaw, and Travo collapsed onto the sidewalk. He lay inert at Ias’s feet.

Ias stood over him for a moment before lifting his gaze to the other two men, who looked on with startled expressions. Do you have anything to say? They quickly shook their heads. Ias retrieved his bag and headed home.

Ias dawdled as he neared Tarl’s house and stopped on the sidewalk to appreciate it. Red brick, two story, and stately, like the others around it. The neighborhood, one of the nicest in town, was populated by people of similar status to Tarl, current and former officials and leaders of the community, bankers, and merchants. There were no other paladins that Ias knew of. They couldn’t afford homes like these on a paladin’s salary.

Ias knew he was fortunate to be staying there.

He walked up the flagstone path that swept to the broad porch, where flowers filled large ceramic pots — Tarl’s hobby, as well as the garden in the back. Ias waited for a few seconds to appreciate the bountiful blossoms, then let himself in with a key.

The foyer led to an expansive front room, furnished with fine couches, chairs, a couple of low tables, and decorative shelves. Framed artwork hung on all four walls. At the back was a wide archway that led to the dining area, and a woman appeared there. She said, I thought I heard you come in.

It was Hilka, the middle-aged housekeeper, short and plump and always with a smile that dimpled her cheeks. She wore a blue-and-white checkered apron over her pale yellow dress and had a small towel in her chubby hands. She eyed the duffle bag Ias carried and her smile fell. Is that what I think it is?

Um…that depends.

On what?

On what you think it is.

I think it’s clean laundry.

Well, as a matter of fact, it is. Ias forced a smile. It wasn’t his best.

You know that I will do that for you. It’s part of my job.

Yes, you told me that, but I’m accustomed to doing it myself.

You are not living in the dormitory of the academy. You are in a well-respected household, and you are a paladin. I will do your laundry for you.

One thing that Ias had learned in the week since he’d moved in there: Hilka seemed cheerful, but she was tough as iron and ran the house with a firm, efficient hand. He cleared his throat. Next time, then, if I can remember.

You’ll remember. She arched an eyebrow and he knew that he would. She’d make sure of it. Master Tarl will be home shortly. You have time to wash up and change before dinner.

The table was laid with fine china plates and crystal glasses, more luxurious than anything Ias had ever used before — he was accustomed to the utilitarian dinnerware of the academy — and the white linen tablecloth was blinding white and starched and pressed to wrinkle-free perfection. Ias, cleaned, shaven, and wearing fresh clothes, sat on one side while Tarl sat on the other. Neither wanted to sit on the ends. They were too far apart. They’d have to shout to carry on a conversation.

Hilka arrived with a platter of roast beef and she set it down on the table, then hurried back to the kitchen, only to return moments later with large bowls in each hand, one full of rice and the other, peas. She placed those beside the roast and left once more, reappearing with a basket covered by a white cloth. Your bread.

Tarl smiled as she set it down. You make the best, Hilka. Do we have your permission to eat, now?

She laughed and her round cheeks flushed. Yes, you do.

She left again and Tarl said, There’s goes a fine cook.

She never eats with you?

Not once in twenty-two years. I gave up asking her. She says it’s improper, so she eats in the kitchen.

Tarl had been dining alone all that time. That was a grim realization for Ias. He knew that Tarl’s wife had died a while ago and they’d had no children. I don’t see how he can stand it. No wonder he asked me to move in here. Ias waited for Tarl to serve himself first, but Tarl insisted that Ias go ahead, just as he had every day that week. Ias reached for the beef and forked a slice onto his plate, then Tarl took his turn and said, I heard you had a run-in with a former trainee today.

Word travels fast. Tarl had his finger on the pulse of the entire community, seemed like. Yes sir. It was Travo.

How many times do I have to ask you to stop calling me sir?

Sorry. Old habit.

Tarl spooned some rice onto his plate. What precipitated the confrontation?

Ias was sure that Tarl already knew the whole story, but he related it anyway while Tarl listened. After Ias finished, Tarl shook his gray head with disgust. That boy should never have been allowed into the academy.

He’s not a boy anymore.

He acts like one. A bad one.

How did he get accepted, then? Ias said.

It wasn’t apparent when he was thirteen, from what I hear. His behavior got worse as he got older.

I never liked him. Nobody did.

Is that why you fought him?

No, because of what he said. I could’ve tolerated what he said about me, but the remark about Rilla was too much.

Tarl’s jaw hardened. If I’d heard him say that, I would’ve hit him myself.

Ias had no doubt that Tarl would, and the result would’ve been the same. Though Tarl was old, he was nearly as fit as actively serving paladins. He chopped his own firewood for the kitchen stove, no matter how sincerely Ias offered to do it, and he walked briskly everywhere he went. He had an exercise room in his basement, and he spent an hour there every morning, right after dawn.

I know it was a bad idea to fight him, but I couldn’t help it. Do you think I’ll get in trouble?

You could face a disciplinary hearing.

Even though he threw the first punch?

Tarl nodded.

I was afraid of that. Who would I face if there’s a hearing?

Either a tribunal of senior officers, or perhaps the base commander himself.

That could be bad. He doesn’t know me at all.

Would you like for me to support you if there is a hearing? I could speak for your character.

Then it would seem like I’m worried that I did something wrong. It might be better if I do it alone.

That’s true. If you do face a hearing, tell them what you told me and I believe you will be exonerated of any wrongdoing, especially when you repeat Travo’s comment about Rilla. She’s no ordinary girl in this community. She’s the daughter of Kess the Sorceress, a member of the Circle. Commander Jaff won’t abide anyone slandering her name, even a former trainee.

I’m glad Travo didn’t fledge. I’d hate to fight alongside him.

He’ll never fledge.

What do you think will happen to him?

Well, as you know, many of the academy trainees who fail are accepted into the regular army as junior officers, which can be a decent career for some.

That reminds me. Ias reached into his pants pocket and pulled out four silver coins. I got paid today for the first time. He set the money on the table and pushed it toward Tarl.

Tarl looked at it like it might be toxic. What’s that for?

Lodging. This is about what I think it would cost me per week if I were staying at a boarding house. We never discussed it, but this seems like a reasonable payment.

You’re not in a boarding house, you’re my guest.

I feel like I should pay something, at least. It costs you to have me here.

Tarl considered the money for a moment longer, then pushed two of the coins back to Ias. This is what I think is fair. Per month, not per week. Ias started to complain but Tarl cut him off with a flick of a hand. This will cover the extra grocery costs, I believe. I manage the household accounts, so I know what the bill at the market comes to, and Hilka told me that it’s hardly any more expensive to feed you, and no more trouble. In fact, I think she’s glad you’re here.

Tarl pocketed the two coins. Besides, you must save your money. You’ll need a quality sword of you own, eventually, and those aren’t cheap. You can borrow mine again in the meantime if it becomes necessary. You should also be setting money aside for a home of your own after you’re married. That’s a hefty investment, and it’s best if you start now.

I hadn’t thought about that.

A lot of paladins don’t. I’m trying to give you the benefit of my experience.

Which I appreciate.

Thank you. Most of the younger folks around here think I’m just an old blabbermouth. Tarl liked to talk. Everybody knew