“That’s a bit too hypothetical for proof, I’m afraid.”
“But itisprovable,” she returned. “If you put a Warrior in a room with twenty individuals and they find the one with magic,that’sproof. You can try that experiment hundreds of times until you’re satisfied. It doesn’t matter if it’s a gut feeling if it works.”
The archminister brushed a hand along his silvery beard. “So you’ve experienced this sensation yourself?”
“Only a few times,” she confirmed. “But that’s all that matters, isn’t it?”
“I agree with Lieutenant Lohen,” the third man chimed in from across the room. “This is a matter that should be further investigated.”
“Mm.” Archminister Fishere nodded. “Thank you for your input, Officers. We will give your recommendation serious consideration.” He turned back to Auden and Ilain as the clerk scribbled notes in his ledger. “Your theory appears to be believable, Highlady Calder. But the question remains: Why didn’t Lord Carlile notice the other three magical people amongst your team? I’ll grant that he’s not a Warrior, but he is trained to recognize magic when he sees it. Why did he only notice Private Deckard?”
“I can tell you why,” Rafferty muttered to Ethenn under his breath.
Ignorant of his remark, Ilain answered, “Carlile only spent time with Evylin and Jonn. He was barely around Hewitt and Loxley for more than a handful of minutes, and that was at a distance.”
“And how did he miss Colonel Deckard’s magic?”
“He’s a Night Mage,” Auden interjected. “Existentials are notorious for hiding their magic, particularly when they are unaware of it themselves.”
Bridging his hands in front of him, Archminister Fishere leaned forward in his seat. “Colonel Deckard,” he called.
Deckard startled upon being directly addressed. “Yes, sir?” he replied, voice strong and amenable as a good soldier’s should be.
“You never had any idea of your power’s existence within you?” Fishere asked.
“No, sir.”
“Hm. Thank you, Colonel.” He turned back to Ilain. “Your theory is looking quite plausible, Highlady Calder. And it seems Lord Carlile’s reputation remains intact,” he said with a small smile.
“Now, to the matter at hand,” the archminister said, leaning back in his seat. “We’ve had an adequate recounting, and it is the Administration’s duty to confer before determining our final course. That said, are there any requests you’d like to put forth to be voted upon between us?”
Ilain resumed her seat as Auden readily gave his reply. “Yes, Archminister. We require additional aid on our journey. With only two Relics and the final, most dangerous Keeps ahead, if we’re to complete this journey and secure the future of Allund, we’ll need assistance.”
“You mean more members added to your party?”
“Yes, sir.”
The expressions of several ministers grew discontent as the archminister considered the request. “More members mean slower movement, more chances to draw attention to yourself, and higher financial cost,” he said. “We are here to support you, but these concerns greatly affect us all.”
“I understand, sir,” Auden replied, voice steady. “But I’m not asking for a whole troop or any great purse to finance us. Only three or four more members intended to offset the loss of the Relics and the danger of the Keeps. That small number will not affect our speed or reveal our cause. And the cost is worth the reward.”
The ministers turned to the archminister in expectation.
“Before we take this to a vote, I assume you have specific individuals you’d like to accompany you on this journey?” Fishere said.
“We do.”
“And they are?”
Auden hesitated only for a second before answering. “We’d like Mr. Vayden Calder, Highlady Isla Freye, Highlord Restin Forsen, and...” He paused, and Ilain nudged him pointedly.
He cleared his throat and added, “And Sergeant Emmaas Caarney.”
A collective grumble passed through the room. Evylin didn’t recognize the name Restin Forsen, but she assumed by his title that he was a Mage. Several people muttered things like, “Of course,” “Should have known,” and “Could have seen that coming.” The ministers appeared no less surprised.
“You ask a lot, Highlord Calder,” Archminister Fishere said, his good humor fading. “I presume you have strong arguments in support of these additions.”
“I believe my cases to be quite sound, Archminister.”
