With his back to me, I granted myself a moment of fist clenching. How could I get myself out of this? I had nothing illegal. Of course with access to my room, Aldyr would have the opportunity to plant something. But shouting my innocence wasn’t very elven, and probably wouldn’t be effective. I had to prove I could do this the elf way. Years of back and forth with my brother. There had to be a way.
“Do you feel it is reasonable for another student to be allowed to search my possessions, based solely on his accusation?” I finally asked.
He turned, paused, and flashed thebriefest smile. “I do not.”
We stared at each other in silence for what had to be half a minute.
“I am inclined to believe that he is a malcontent, one of many who disapprove of the mage specialization. Yet wealth and influence cannot be ignored. His demand will be declined for the time being. But I suggest you not antagonize him or House Greanderal any further.”
“I thank you Master Arel. I strive to represent this academy with pride.”
The bell sounded.
And now I’d be late for the next class.
◊ ◊ ◊
I escaped geomagic with only a single disapproving glare from the instructor for my tardiness, lingering to apologize as the other students left. I didn’t mention the conversation with Master Arel. That would have been making excuses.
As I strode down the hall, physical training enticed me more than usual today. Could I gift myself a few extra minutes? And perhaps paint a certain elven face on one of the training dummies? As I passed the lobby, an elevated voice caught my ear. Aldyr.
“Those in the good favor of House Greanderal are fortunate indeed.” His voice echoed through the stone surfaces of the curved lobby. I’d have beenembarrassed to speak at that volume.
He and his cohorts had their backs to me, and I intended to keep it that way. Master Arel’s warning loomed fresh in my mind.
Rain pattered on the glass wall facing the street, where streetlights barely cut through the stormy gloom.
“I am certain his coach was delayed by weather, but in the meantime—”
My gaze locked with Sephimara’s, who I now saw had been backed against the outer wall by the trio. I froze.
Her stern gaze made it clear she wasn’t enjoying the conversation.
I did not need more trouble with these guys. Sephimara was confident in a literal life and death situation aboard a sinking clipper. She did not need my help here.
Yet the weariness in her eyes, the clench of her jaw, her posture… I knew too well what it was like being chipped at.
Blasted bark beetles!
“Lady Arazniros, do you require any assistance?” My voice carried uncomfortably in the lobby despite the din of rain.
The trio spun to glare at me.
“This is a private conversation among nobles,” said Aldyr.
“Assistance? What are you implying?” said one of the others.
Screw it. No point half-felling a tree. I stepped closer. “Transportation. Nothing more. I was curious if there was an issue with the city streetcars.”
“Are you suggesting that the lady walk several blocks in the rain to the closest stop?” said Aldyr.
“This is why it is pointless to discuss such things with commoners,” said one of the others.
“No sense of decorum,” added the third.
The tight line of Sephimara’s lips curled slightly upward. “Your concern is unwarranted, Mister Thistlewood. I am expecting a coach any minute now.”
I gazed into her green eyes the briefest moment. Tipped my head.
