“I…I’ve heard.” I nod, leaning into my part.
“Then you’ll understand that it’s likely he’ll let any woman into his bed in an effort to move on.” Ravin shakes his head with mocking sorrow. “Poor man. You seem nice enough that I’d hate to see you ensnared in his web.”
You don’t know the half of it.
Here Ravin is, warning me, when I’m the one who has Kaelis dancing at my whim. When I’m the one calling the shots with the Worldkeepers. When I’m Ravin’s sworn enemy, the orchestrator of what will be his ultimate demise, and I’m standing right in front of him and he doesn’t even know it.
“Thank you,” I say, trying to sound earnest.
“You’re very welcome.” With that, Ravin heads off to mingle with some of the other professors that Kaelis has just departed to meet. But the headmaster is heading for the main table, and the other professors follow closely behind. As we take our seats, so, too, do the students in advance of the arrival of the initiates.
I sit at the far end of the large faculty table. Given the way it arcs, I’m able to glimpse Kaelis as he stands to address the initiates when they enter. Curiously, Ravin sits at his side. I would’ve expected him to leave—he has no business here.
“Welcome, initiates, to the hallowed halls of Arcana Academy, abastion of learning, and the seat of tarot magic itself. You have done well—you’ve made it through your initial trial. However, your tests have only just begun…” He begins with the usual introductions and information about how the academic year unfolds. The Kings of each house stand, declaring how many slots they have. But right when Kaelis would usually end his welcome speech, he says, “There is one more thing before I will let you all begin enjoying your Fire Feast.”
Murmuring and uncertain looks. The students, who know this is abnormal, can’t keep the surprise from their faces.
Kaelis motions to his brother and then sits.
Ravin stands. “Thank you, brother, for your hospitality on this most celebratory eve. I realize it is unconventional for me to be in attendance. But these are…desperate times. A shadow has fallen upon our kingdom. An Arcanist of dangerous skill and wicked intent.
“Last year, she infiltrated these halls. She impersonated a noble, lying to our prince and your dear headmaster. She attempted to worm her way into the royal family.”
Murmurs ripple among students and initiates alike. I shift, trying to look appropriately horrified and somber when all I want to do is roar with laughter.Infiltrated?How hilarious when it was Kaelis who helped break me out of prison in the first place so he could use my abilities.
“She has broken free more of her ilk and attempted to kill a captain of the Stellis charged with her capture.”
Attempted to kill…Did Emilia survive? Jura died and she somehow lived. I bite back a scream and dig my nails into my palms as I clench my fists.
“So I have come here today for two purposes.
“The first is to reassure you that my brother and I are doing all that is in our power to keep you safe both here and in Eclipse City. We will not rest until she is brought to justice.
“And the second…” Ravin reaches into the inner breast pocket of his coat and retrieves a letter folded into an envelope as black as the fabric itself. Emblazoned on the front in an ink that’s dried to a glossyfinish is a single sword emerging from a field of clouds. A crown caps its tip, and thorny, flowering rose vines trellis down around the blade. On the back is a silver wax seal, already broken.
The prince makes a show of opening the envelope with a flourish. He reads from the missive within.
“A declaration from King Naethor Oricalis to his loyal subjects of the kingdom in his name.” Ravin pauses, allowing everyone to hang on the prospect of a royal declaration. “The criminal known as Clara Graysword remains at large. She is the sworn enemy of Oricalis. Anyone found offering her aid or safe harbor will be considered an enemy of the crown and shall be put to death alongside her.”
All I can think of is the irony of Kaelis being the one to offer me safe harbor. Of Ravin kissing my hand and giving me warnings.
“However, anyone who gives credible information tied to her whereabouts will be handsomely rewarded in a manner befitting the information provided.
“And…should any bring her forward, alive, so that she might be brought to justice, then they would be rewarded with all the titles and lands of Clan Hermit.”
Chapter 33
All the titles and lands of Clan Hermit,I muse the next day as I ready my classroom. King Naethor must really want me captured if he’s offering such a prize. I run my hand across my desk, the chalkboard behind me. I pause, gripping the back of the chair and looking out over the seventeen empty desks.
There would’ve been eighteen, had I remained a student.
Every head professor has professors underneath them who rotate teaching the second and third years. This year I’ve been assigned to the second years for three days out of the week. Which will give me plenty of time to begin scouring the academy for information on inking the vessel…
As the bells chime, I shut my eyes and draw a bracing breath.
I look up right as the door opens and straighten away from the chair as the first of my new students enter. I recognize each of them, but it takes all my willpower not to react as Luren and Dristin enter, deep in conversation, Sorza not far behind. Alor is one of the last. As they settle into their desks, Luren’s eyes are drawn to me. She gives awarm smile and a nod, one I have to force myself to casually respond to in kind. Her attention immediately returns to Dristin, who’s meticulously cleaning his glasses.
Did she recognize me? There is no possible way if Gregor, Twino, and Ren all didn’t.
