Page 44 of Facade

“Better, but I still have a headache,” he replied. The boy did look wan. “I couldn’t block the thoughts.”

Dean Stanhope arrived then, and conferred with Carl Washington briefly before entering the building to check on Clark and the students. He surveyed the wall of desks before asking for a status report.

“This was scary, but we’re ok, thanks to Professor Halston, Professor Washington, and whoever else was assisting,” Clark told the dean. “I am concerned for Carlos, who was overwhelmed by panicked thoughts. He has a headache.”

The dean sent Carlos to the infirmary with a junior caster who had been outside among the spectators. “He should be fine within a day or two,” Dean Stanhope said. “You did well, Mr. Voudrie.”

“Thank you, sir,” Clark said with what seemed to be automatic courtesy. He still appeared to be in a state of shock.

The boys agreed fervently, describing Clark’s quick thinking to the dean. All the department heads as well as several professors were on the lawn now, taking statements of witnesses. Jace and Ray were called to escort the boys to their dorms.

Jace looked on the verge of losing his temper when he saw the damage. Heath couldn’t blame him for that reaction. Ray was just astounded, staring at the destroyed windows with wide eyes.

“Holy crap! It’s a miracle everyone’s ok. I was working my shift in the library, and heard a ruckus. But none of us knew what was going on,” Ray said.

“Classes are canceled for the day for all underclassmen, and monitors are excused from their duties outside the dorms. Upperclassmen with information on the incident will also be excused from classes, and asked to report to Carl Washington. A campus-wide announcement will be made shortly,” Dean Stanhope said.

“Ray, Jace, I want the two of you to take charge of all the boys for now. Clark will check on Carlos, and get him back to the dorm later.”

Jace just nodded and grunted his agreement, jaw clenched with a vein in his left temple throbbing. Ray pasted a smile on his face, and turned to the boys.

“This is a perfect occasion for comfort food,” Ray announced with forced cheer. “Jace, how about we let the boys relax in the park behind the powered and caster dorms? We can do root beer floats and pizza, if that sounds good to everybody. Clark and Carlos can meet us there later.”

Heath didn’t like the fact that Ray cut corners. But at least the caster monitor was intelligent enough to know that the boys would recover from the shock faster together, and surrounded by nature. Favorite foods would help restore emotional security.

He also had to realize that Mitch hadn’t been called to assist for a reason. Since Ray and Jace would have temporary responsibility over the young elementals, it was logical to keep them out of the dorms, and avoid a potential confrontation with Mitch.

Jace looked at each of the boys and Clark before nodding again. Then, he glanced at Heath, making it clear that he wanted details when the kids weren’t around. Heath tipped his head briefly in acknowledgment.

“That’s a good idea, Ray,” Clark said. “I’ll see you guys later.”

The dean turned to Heath once the boys were out of hearing distance.

“Heath, could this have been a fluke? I don’t know how much you witnessed, but you must have formed an opinion,” Dean Stanhope said. “Carl told me you were running into the building when he arrived outside.”

“It wasn’t an accident, sir,” Heath said seriously.

“Carl also feels that this was a premeditated attack,” the dean said. “I would like to hear what brought you to that conclusion.”

Heath nodded before speaking, “The water began rising up out of the pond as I was walking past it. I cast two spells which should have worked if a student lost control. The water not only didn’t respond to my spells, but divided into several spirals that froze, and sped toward Clark Voudrie’s classroom. That would indicate intent and planning from a high-ranking water elemental with years of training. But this is proof.”

Heath withdrew his wand, and summoned the pin and pitchfork. “The door was barred with these items, trapping Clark and his students in the room.”

Understandably, the dean and Clark were both very upset by that revelation. “Show me,” the dean ordered.

Heath nodded, and the three of them stepped into the hallway. After closing the door, he used his wand to levitate the items back where he had found them, to prevent leaving fingerprints. Mitch was probably smart enough to have worn gloves when he jammed the door. But Heath wasn’t about to contaminate evidence.

Frowning with obvious concern, Dean Stanhope called security. He advised them to wear gloves, and that there was evidence in need of secure storage. Then, the dean called out to Carl Washington, who was still outside.

“Carl, I would like you as well as the junior and senior elemental prefects, to meet me in my office in two hours,” the dean said.

“Absolutely, Allen,” Carl said. “I’ll call the prefects now, and should have all the pertinent statements from witnesses by then. Shall I summon Mitch?”

“Not at the moment,” Dean Stanhope said in a heavy tone. “Please advise the prefects to exercise discretion in regard to this meeting. There will be plenty of talk circulating about this incident without providing further fodder for gossip.”

“I’ll see to it, sir,” Carl said.

“Clark, you’ll have a temporary classroom until the damages have been repaired,” the dean said. “My assistant will notify you of the room number by the end of the day.”