“We have to go,” said one of Aldyr’s companions to him.
Aldyr ignored him, stepping directly in front of me. “This academy accepts students based on talent. It is a place for gifted people like us. And my brother.”
“Interesting. So this supposedly unqualified individual bested your brother to secure a place here? It makes me wonder exactly what sort of gifts he possesses.”
“You would dare to insult my family.” Aldyr’s voice turned to a growl.
“You are the one who brought up this line of inquiry,” I said.
His companion stepped back and gestured at him to follow.
“She doesn’t belong here.”
“As I recall, this magically ungifted individual hasalsobested all of you on every geomagic quiz so far this semester.”
“Geomagic.” Aldyr clenched a fist.
I was getting to him. My brother would be so proud.
“Passing it will depend on the upcoming field trip.” He glared briefly at Yoi. “Felines always land on their feet. Humans do not. Keep that in mind.”
“I shall. And best of luck to your brother. There are plenty of institutions out there. Ones you can buy your way into.”
Several veins along his temple seemed near popping, as his companions practically dragged him away.
“You OK?” I gazed at Yoi. She stood as tall as the elves, certainly taller than I, with a slim, lithe figure, and a tail that slowly began to swoosh again.
She nodded.
“Don’t let those guys push you around like that. You belong here. Probably more than I do. Certainly more than they do. I’ve seen your scores in geomagic.”
“Theory isn’t everything.”
“You belong here. And you’re one of us.Weare mage students.”
She gazed back at me in silence a few moments. “Don’t tell Brenda about this, please?”
“I hadn’t planned on it, but I assumed you would. Ithought you two were close.”
“She’s terribly protective of me.” She glanced at the floor. “If she found out, she’d probably beat them all to a pulp and be expelled for it.”
I huffed in frustration. Was that their plan all along? Elves had the reputation of being enlightened, perhaps a bit arrogant, but not bigoted. Was it all a show? “Yeah, well, I can’t blame her. But you shouldn’t have to tolerate any condescension.”
“I’ve seen them harass you as well.” She put a hand on my forearm. “By the way, insulting his brother wasn’t a good idea.”
“It… slipped out.”
“Regardless, thank you for getting rid of them.”
“It wasn’t me. Looked like they had someplace to…” I cocked my head. Where would they go on campus after hours? As locals, they didn’t live on campus.
“Well, thanks for helping.” She dipped her head in a half bow, and darted off.
I slumped against the wall as I watched her disappear noiselessly around the corner.
What were they up to? Not like it was my business…
A hand in my pocket brushed against the paper of Sephi’s note.
