AN: New version. Thanks to my beta reader. You did a great job (as always) : )
Lorlen stared at Jerrik and nodded from time to time, pretending to listen to his tale of the inappropriate behavior of one of the younger novices, though his thoughts were really elsewhere.
- High Lord. – The unexpected energy in the usual monotone behavior of Lord Jerrik attracted the Administrator's attention.
Lorlen turned to the figure in black robes, which had suddenly appeared behind his back.
Akkarin greeted Jerrik and turned his eyes to Lorlen.
- I would like to discuss one more thing with you, Administrator – he said formally, in a dangerously serious tone.
- I am just going back to my Office - Lorlen said, feeling relieved that he had an excuse to finish the conversation with Jerrik.
- Then I will escort you - said the High Lord. - Goodbye, Rector Jerrik.
The magician turned and walked towards the cabinet, knowing that Lorlen would catch up with him soon.
Lorlen apologized to Jerrik in a hurry and joined the black magician, wondering if he really should have been pleased that he had escaped from him.
Akkarin was silent and only occasionally answered with greetings, because the corridor was besieged by magicians and novices waiting for evening classes. Apparently it was not a conversation that he wanted to start in the presence of witnesses.
Lorlen hesitated, when High Lord turned sharply to the right and began to climb the stairs. He noted that Akkarin's attention was on two novices. As far as he remembered, they attended classes with Sonea. After a moment he gained confidence when his ears picked up her name.
- So Sonea won't go with us? - Asked the first of the boys.
- Of course not. She turned Seno down. For the second time. - Laughed the lower one.
The High Lord followed them up the stairs like a shadow, but the youths were too busy talking to notice it. Lorlen kept right next to Akkarin's shoulder, trying to move quietly, but the Administrator's robes rustled at every movement in contrast to the black magician's robes. It seemed that even the stairs didn't creak beneath him, as though he had had years of experience in sneaking up secretly.
He listened more intently to the conversation, wondering what occupied Akkarin's interest.
- What did she say?
- That she has a scheduled lesson with the High Lord. - The lower one of the novices sighed.
The Administrator glanced at the magician by his side. Akkarin clenched his lips as if he restrained a grin.
- Perhaps she didn't give him a brush-off, just really need to learn - wondered the latter.
- In that case... I don't envy her.
- Neither do I. It's cruel that he forces her to study even on Free Days.
- As a matter of fact, he is appalling. How does she stand him?
- I don't know and I would never want to be his novice.
- Neither would I, if I had to ask him for permission for each dismissal.
Both youths nodded heads in agreement. Lorlen didn't know whether to feel compassion or amusement at the thought of what would be their embarrassment when they realize who is going behind them.
- Do you think Seno will try again next week?
- Why? Do you think she would have accepted an invitation from you? – The lower boy giggled.
- It was you who wanted to invite her. Admit it! - The Novice on the right stabbed his friend in the arm until he staggered from the impact.
- You wanted to too. - The second wasn't owed too long, giving a nudge in the ribs.
Sudden confusion created by the novices forced the magicians to stop on the stairs. Lorlen smiled to himself, but then cleared his throat, because the friendly quarrel was transforming into a struggle.
The youths turned their heads and froze, surprised by the presence of black-robed magician behind theirs backs. Their faces rapidly assumed a look of white linen.
- High Lord – They said breathing out, almost inaudibly.
Akkarin barely noticeably nodded, staring at them with serious eyes. His face expressed no emotions, but his silence seemed to frighten the future magicians even more.
- You are not going to die of fear on the stairs? – The High Lord said eventually, because the boys didn't look as if they had any intention to move.
The lower one denied by shaking his head vigorously, but the second recovered enough to let the magicians pass. Lorlen sighed. Why Akkarin could intimidate them by his very presence? And not just novices...
The High Lord took a step forward, but hesitated after a moment and shifted his gaze back to the frightened youths.
- Where were you intending to invite my novice? - He asked.
- It's not us. It was Seno. – The lower one explained.
- To the horse racing - the second boy said at the same time.
The corners of Akkarin's mouth twitched upwards, but after a moment the magician just passed by the novices and resumed his climbing. Lorlen once again looked at the faces of the boys, trying to remember them. He guessed that the next time that they denounce reckless words addressed to one of the magicians they would check a couple of times who could listen to them before they do.
Akkarin turned at the top of the stairs, waiting for Lorlen to join him. He seemed very pleased with himself.
- I was going to my Office - Lorlen reminded, realizing that they are heading in a different direction.
- Very well... you will go a roundabout route - Akkarin joked.
There were fewer people on this floor, so Lorlen dared to speak.
- It's looks like Sonea has finally gained the acceptance of the other novices. They seem to be interested in her - he said cautiously, wondering if Akkarin would even care how the others perceive his novice.
- Not only them - he muttered. - Sonea has raised too much attention lately.
Lorlen understood what Akkarin is speaking about and it was clear that he was not pleased with the excessive hype around his novice.
- I don't know how they could think that Sonea has a crush on... – he said, before he realized what he done.
He grimaced. And then he remembered that it didn't matter that he didn't finish the thought out loud, the black magician knew exactly what he meant.
He looked at High Lord, but Akkarin's thoughtful eyes stared straight ahead.
Lorlen sighed. He just couldn't hide the fact that the rumors, which had circulated around Sonea, surprised him. He didn't understand how magicians could believe that the novice was infatuated in her mentor. If they knew the circumstances under which Sonea's apprenticeship passed into the hands of the High Lord...
Akkarin turned his head abruptly towards him, however he looked amused.
- Yes - he said. – If they knew the truth, they would be terrified, wouldn't they, my friend?
Lorlen felt a cold shiver on the back.
- What are you going to do? - He asked.
- You realize how unlikely it is. – A Slight smile came to his lips. - Any intervention on my part will only provoke additional gossip, therefore I have no intention of doing anything about it.
- The Magicians will lose interest when Ambassador Dannyl brings the Rouge back from Elyne.
- I'm counting on it.
- But some wonder if these rumors appeared to divert attention from the incident in the slums.
- And what do you think? - Akkarin looked at Lorlen with interest.
- It might be a smart move. It is worth it to think about from whom they flowed - he said, trying to read something from his face, because he still wasn't convinced that Akkarin hadn't been involved in the fighting in the slums.
- Indeed.
- High Lord, Administrator. - Lorlen heard a familiar voice behind.
He turned to the Alchemist, anticipating complications.
- Lord Rothen – Akkarin greeted the magician.
Lorlen seemed that a shadow of dissatisfaction have slipped on his face.
- Can I talk to you, High Lord? – Rothen said.
His face was strained and tired, as if he few days intended to ask this question. He realized that the days when Lorlen respond with the same fear to Akkarin's presence were gone long ago. Sometimes he even forgot that friend practiced forbidden magic.
The High Lord looked at Rothen with a mysterious gaze. For a moment the Administrator had the impression that Akkarin would decline.
- Very well. We are just going on the roof of the University. You can join us.
Lorlen was curious what forced Rothen to talk with Akkarin and yet he was afraid of being witness to this conversation, but apparently Akkarin wanted his presence during the exchange. He wondered whether Rothen would blame him for the harsh manner that he treated him the Night Room.
A cool breeze whistled unpleasantly in his ears, when he entered the roof of the University. The Administrator smoothed out his robe and wondered for a moment whether to recall the shield, but rejected the idea because the wind died down just as suddenly as it had appeared.
High Lord came to the edge of the roof and looked around, then went on unhurriedly and stopped on the sideline in a place where an excellent view on the Guild's lands extended.
Rothen glanced at the Administrator with eyes full of questions that Lorlen couldn't answer. He shrugged his shoulders and quickly joined Akkarin's side. Distant details of the landscape which could he captured under a clear sky, such as today, has always fascinated him.
The Black magician pointed on the horizon.
- How has the building of the watchtower the progressed?
- The tower is still causing misunderstandings. Lord Davin has lately introduced modifications to the plans. That was met with even greater reluctance of Lord Peakin, but I think it is all going in the right direction - Lorlen said.
He didn't want to mention in front of the Alchemist how many times he had to settle disputes between the magicians.
Akkarin turned to Rothen satisfied.
- I'm listening, Lord Rothen. What you wanted to talk to me about? And whereas it's just as important as that what you wanted to discuss with Sonea that morning in the garden?
To Lorlen's surprise Rothen's face reddened.
- I... I am…
Akkarin narrowed his eyes, looking searchingly at the magician.
The Administrator frowned, guessing that something happened earlier between the magicians. Could Rothen have broken a prohibition on contacting Sonea? He wouldn't be surprised if it had been caused by rumors aroused in the Night Room. He remembered Rothen's anger.
- I broke a ban, not Sonea – magician said and Lorlen understood that his assumptions were correct.
- I figured that out - Akkarin said dryly.
- I just wanted to see how she feels – Rothen explained.
- So she said. I suppose I should believe you, however, I must admit that the content of your conversation intrigues me. The very thought triggers such unexpected reactions in people.
Even darker blood washed the Alchemist's face.
Lorlen felt compassion for the magician, and yet he couldn't get rid of curiosity about the details of the Rothen's meeting with the High Lord's novice.
- Sonea was doing well, until... - Akkarin broke off in mid sentence.
The door slammed and it forced Lorlen to glance over his shoulder. Uninvited intruders burst out of the door to the roof. It was a huge surprise when he recognized Sonea, a small figure dressed in brown novice robes.
Step by step, she retreated before a green-robed magician. Before Rothen's son – The Administrator realized.
- Look. I came here, as you wanted – the novice said. - Now you can give me my box.
She stretched out her hand, trying to get back her property, but the young healer was faster. He lifted the case over his head, beyond the range of her arms.
- No, because you will run away - Dorrien laughed.
Sonea was turned her back and Rothen's son seemed to be so focused on the novice, that none of them noticed the presence of other magicians on the roof. The Girl made another attempt to pass by young healer and return to the door, but Dorrien cunningly blocked her way.
Akkarin took a step forward, but stopped undecided. Lorlen noticed that astonishment was mixing with disenchantment on his face. Rothen looked no less surprised, but his eyes hid the fear.
- All novices dream of gaining access to the roof of the University ... - the young magician continued - ...and bringing the girl here to watch the sunset, and you are lucky that you're here second time with me.
Sonea's laughter rang in his ears. Only now he noticed that novice clasped a blue flower tightly in her hand. Dorrien chose the worst possible witnesses to his efforts for the girl, he thought.
- Did you ever see the sun set over the entire city? - Inquired the young man.
- But to the sunset is at least an hour - novice moaned.
- And you thought I will let you go sooner? - Dorrien said, more amused.
Lorlen glanced at High Lord, but on his face there was no longer evidence of the recent surprise, that surprised Lorlen even more than young healer and Sonea's emergence on the roof. Akkarin looked completely calm; he straightened up and crossed his arms across his chest, as if he wasn't going to intervene for the moment.
- Dorrien - Rothen shouted a warning tone, as if suddenly recovered from the dismal torpor.
They turned sharply.
- High Lord, Administrator. - A healer bowed his head respectfully. He looked embarrassed.
- Lord Dorrien – Lorlen greeted him with sustaining smile. – Sonea.
Sonea fixed her surprised look on the High Lord. For a moment, they sized each other up.
- Shouldn't you be in the library at the moment? – Akkarin asked.
Her eyes widened, as if just becoming aware of the presence of other magicians.
- Yes, High Lord – she said in a tense voice, then turned and quickly disappeared behind the door.
Rothen's son mumbled an apology, seeing the High Lord's displeasure, and followed her.
Akkarin faced them again. On the surface his face was peaceful, but Lorlen saw signs of anger at the manner in which he clenched his lips.
- Your son is much too interested in my novice – he said coldly to Rothen.
The emphasis on the word "my" hadn't escaped Lorlen. He probably wanted to remind the magicians of the reason why Sonea was under his care.
- They became friends before...
- It didn't seem that Sonea want to continue this relationship - Akkarin interrupted.
Lorlen raised eyebrows in surprise, hearing sharp tone of his voice.
- She realizes that she should not. Because of you – Rothen said and immediately scowled, realizing how angrily he sounded.
He looked uncertainly on Akkarin, but the face of the black magician was impassive.
- Talk to your son.
Rothen grimaced again.
- Dorrien knows nothing. He doesn't know that he shouldn't strive for Sonea's attention – he explained regretfully.
Lorlen felt compassion. He remembered well a conversation with Rothen on this topic. In his opinion, every attempt of pulling his son away from any idea, will only mobilize him to try even harder.
Akkarin glanced at Lorlen with curiosity.
- How long Dorrien is going to stay? – He asked after a moment.
- Three days.
- Very well. In that case I will make sure that Sonea is busy during that time – Akkarin said coldly.
- If you will do something to her... - said Rothen, voice breaking.
- Why did you come here, Rothen? What you wanted to talk to me about? – Akkarin asked harshly, not taking his eyes from the Alchemist.
Rothen opened his mouth as if he wished to say something, but hesitated under the unpleasant sight of the black magician.
- What exactly do you teach Sonea? – He eventually asked suspiciously.
- The Art of war – Akkarin said and his face softened a bit.
- Why?
Lorlen cocked his ears interested in the reason, but Akkarin just smiled slightly amused, then turned his head toward an area that stretched over the lands of the Guild. Seeing the crease between his eyebrows, Lorlen understood that he is thinking about the answer, unfortunately, Rothen wasn't as inquiring and considered the High Lord's silence for disrespect.
- If I find out that you forcing her to participate in your dirty rituals... Sonea may seem strong and able to sacrifice, but if you hurt her or if you even touch her in any way, I… I will… - magician threatened.
- You will what? - High Lord stared at older magician with so piercing eyes that even Lorlen felt a cold shiver down his spine.
Akkarin apparently decided to remind them what is at stake.
The Alchemist again looked scared and lost.
- I will not be obliged to keep your secret any more - he whispered.
Lorlen groaned mentally, cursing Rothen's lack of wisdom, but Akkarin surprised him again.
- Sonea is safe with me - he said to Rothen. - You can go now.
The older magician looked like he was relieved, he bowed and withdrew immediately.
High Lord escorted him with a thoughtful sight.
- I have to go. Goodbye, Administrator – he said suddenly.
- But what with the issue you wanted to talk about? - Lorlen asked surprised a little.
- It can wait - he muttered and walked away briskly, leaving Lorlen alone.
