Walking With You Chapter 11: The Queen's Envoy, a black magician trilogy fanfic

A/N:

Guess what time it is? It's conspiracy time!

In this chapter, Lorlen has a good idea (no, really), Akkarin almost dies, Savara swoops in to save the day, and the Higher Magicians are confronted with an uncomfortable truth.

Akkarin was in the middle of telling a most delightful anecdote of something that had happened the last time he had attended court when he stopped speaking mid-sentence and stiffened, his face turning ashen, his eyes widening.

Lorlen felt dread pool in his stomach.

"Sonea!", Akkarin called, frenzied.

There was a beat of silence before the sound of running footsteps and a door being wrenched open could be heard. At the same time, the door to the residence clicked open, and Takan rushed inside, panting, as though he'd been running.

Akkarin beckoned, and Takan grabbed the proffered hand with a grateful look on his face. By the time Sonea came barrelling down the stairs at breakneck speed, Takan's breathing had evened out.

"Akkarin!", Sonea gasped as she rushed to his side. "What happened?"

Akkarin released Takan, and took a fortifying breath.

"There is another spy in the city. The – my contacts in the city have found his hideout, but he's started killing already."

"I see", Sonea replied, paling. "Well, at least, we'll know, soon."

"I will go out hunting tonight. Sonea, Takan, you stay here."

"What if he comes here while you're gone?", Sonea asked in a strained voice, her eyes wide. "I couldn't protect us, you know that."

"The wards I placed around the building will keep him from coming inside."

"You don't know that. He might be able to break through if he's powerful enough. And you might not make it back in time."

"Sonea – "

"Take us with you."

"Out of the question", Akkarin replied, rising to his feet. "While you might be able to help with the fighting, Takan would be absolutely useless. If I have to shield two more people, it will cost me more strength. And if you hid somewhere, you might still be hit by a stray Strike, or get trapped under a collapsing building. Besides, I want you to stay away from danger, not run toward it."

"But – "

"This is not up for debate!"

Sonea looked desperate, and Lorlen feared that she might even start crying. Her distress was plain to see – at least to him. Akkarin might be wrapped up too much in his own fears to notice that the thought of staying here, unprotected, was getting to her.

"Might I suggest a compromise?", Lorlen interjected in a calm voice.

Akkarin and Sonea interrupted their staring contest, both of them deflating slightly, and turned to look at him.

"A compromise?", Sonea asked, blinking rapidly.

"I understand where both of you are coming from. I understand your fear, Akkarin, of being held back during fighting, and of potentially not being able to protect Takan and Sonea. And I understand Sonea's fear of being left behind, defenceless, in a place that might come under attack."

Both of them looked a bit contrite at hearing that, and Akkarin shot Sonea an apologetic glance. She grimaced in return, although she didn't seem upset any longer.

"The solution is simple", Lorlen continued. "Hide them somewhere in the Guild, somewhere the enemy won't look for them. Akkarin, there's an entrance to the secret passages in my office, isn't there."

"There is. It's how I've been getting inside."

"Perfect. Use the passages to take Sonea and Takan to my office before you leave. That way, the enemy will be unaware that they have been moved. If the spy does come looking for Sonea – or Takan – he'll head straight for the residence. I doubt that he would risk searching the rest of the Guild – and he'd never suspect that they could be staying inside the university."

"That's – not a bad idea", Akkarin admitted thoughtfully.

"Be unpredictable. I like it", Sonea added, her face lighting up a bit.

Takan hummed in agreement.

"Then let's do that", Lorlen decided. "I'll return to my office and prepare everything. You two be certain to bring everything you may need – blankets and stuff."

"It won't be terribly comfortable, though", Akkarin warned Sonea. "While we can smuggle some things in via the passages, smuggling in a bed is out of the question."

"I'm not some spoiled brat from the Houses", Sonea replied, rolling her eyes. "I'll survive sleeping on the floor for one night."

"Very well", he replied with a chuckle.

"Akkarin, I'll give you some of my magic when you come drop them off. And that's not up for debate."

Akkarin huffed, but didn't protest.

"You should take some of my magic, as well", Sonea said, holding out her hands.

Akkarin took them in his own, and they stayed like this for a moment. Noticing the vacant look in their eyes, Lorlen realised that they were speaking with each other.

He tried to suppress a smile. Hopefully, they were apologising to each other.

Takan had disappeared, but soon emerged from the right-hand staircase, bringing a knife – Lorlen had seen it twice before, once in Sonea's memory, when Akkarin had used it to cut Takan, and during that fateful visit when Akkarin had found out that he knew. He had brought out the knife to provoke a reaction, collecting evidence that Lorlen knew something he shouldn't before forcefully reading his mind when he had caught him lying.

Lorlen suppressed a shudder as he examined the blade. It was curved in a vicious-looking way, and inlaid with gems.

Akkarin released Sonea, and caught Lorlen's gaze.

"That knife – is that – Dakova's?", Lorlen managed in a strained voice.

"It is. All Sachakan mages use knives like this, they are passed from father to son – or, in the unlikely event that a magician doesn't have sons, to daughter."

"Fascinating. But why are you using it?"

Lorlen would have tossed it into the Tarali River long ago. He wouldn't want to keep an object that had so many bad memories attached to it around.

"I have been unable to find a knife quite like it", Akkarin replied quietly. "It is uncommonly sharp, and leaves very fine cuts. If I – if I have to do this, I'd like to use the best tools available. Make this as quick as possible."

"Besides, we are giving it a new purpose, day after day", Takan added. "What used to be a symbol of oppression and suffering is now used to protect people from such a fate."

"That's – actually quite impressive. That you've managed to give it such a different meaning", Lorlen admitted. "But then again, both of you have already proven that you are extremely resilient."

Neither of the two men seemed to know how to respond to that. At least Sonea was nodding her head in agreement.

With a soft sigh, Akkarin accepted the knife – and reached out to grab Takan's arm.

"No kneeling. Sit."

Takan gave Akkarin a slight smile, and sat down in the armchair before rolling back his sleeve. Lorlen watched with a mixture of fascination and apprehension as Akkarin's took hold of his wrist before touching the blade to his skin. Takan took the knife, and Akkarin placed his hand over the wound. They stayed like this for a while before Akkarin removed his hand again. There was no trace of the injury left.

Takan produced a piece of cloth from inside his jacket and cleaned Akkarin's fingers before wiping the blade clean, giving the impression that this was perfectly normal.

Well, it was normal, really. Loren was the one who thought it strange.

"Thank you, Takan", Akkarin said softly.

Takan hummed in response, and rose to his feet.

"I'll go and start packing. Lady Sonea, do you have something you can put your things into?"

"No, I don't."

"I'll bring you something."

"Thanks."

Takan bowed, and hurried from the room.

"Well, then, I'll return to my office, and prepare everything for your arrival."

"Thank you, Lorlen", Akkarin said, his eyes shining.

"Don't mention it."

Lorlen gave Akkarin and Sonea a smile. Sonea looked tense, but managed a smile in return.

Lorlen walked out the door at a brisk pace and hurried back to his office. The first thing he did was summoning Osen and give him a big portion of his work – much to his assistant's delight – to keep him out of his way. Then, he started pacing his office, deliberating how he could make it as hospitable as possible for Takan and Sonea.

Sonea didn't know what to feel as she followed Akkarin down the secret passage by the light of a lantern. She was worried – about him, about the spy finding her and Takan – but she did believe that this was the best plan.

She wasn't certain if Akkarin was aware that she had been using the passages again recently. She still vividly remembered the day he had caught her doing so, back when she had used them to escape from Regin and his goons. She'd barely made it into the passage undetected, and the novices had run past her hiding spot. However, once she had calmed down a little, she had noticed, much to her confusion, that she was sensing warm air instead of the usual chill. When she'd willed a globe-light into existence, she'd almost screamed in terror at finding herself face-to-face with Akkarin, who must have already been inside the passage when she'd come in. She'd tried to bolt down the passage, but Akkarin had blocked her, and ordered her out. Had forbidden her from using the passages again.

Sonea knew that the use of the passages was forbidden due to safety concerns, but she was certain that she wouldn't get lost, and that she was powerful enough to survive if a tunnel collapsed on top of her.

She was still not sure if Akkarin had realised what had been going on that day, if he'd been aware of what Regin had been doing before Sonea had challenged him. Part of her dreaded knowing the answer. She'd never wanted him to find out, mostly out of shame – and because she hadn't wanted him, of all people, to come to her rescue. She'd rather put up with whatever Regin dealt out instead. When Lord Yikmo had caught them, once, Sonea had felt humiliated. She'd snapped at her teacher before running away, something she had later regretted. However, when she'd apologised to Yikmo, he'd brushed it off, instead saying that he felt that he was closer to understanding what her issue was.

Although, that night, she had managed to score an unexpected victory. Regin had come up with something particularly vile – he'd somehow managed to get his hands on some kind of extremely pungent substance. The plan had been to douse Sonea in the liquid once her shield failed. However, much to her surprise, she'd found the strength to throw up another one in the nick of time, and the vials had shattered against her barrier, splashing her assailants instead. Sonea had been spent after that, but able to walk away. Regin had snapped for someone to stop her, but none of the others had cared to follow his orders.

Sonea still wondered how they had managed to get rid of the stench.

Returning to the present, she wondered how Akkarin would react if he found out that she had defied his orders. He hadn't punished her the last time, to her infinite relief, hadn't even mentioned the incident during their following meal. She wasn't certain he'd let it slide again.

She was jolted from her thoughts when Akkarin stopped. A tiny globe-light flared into existence.

"This door leads to the lavatory closest to Lorlen's office", he told them. "Use the spy-hole to make certain that the corridor is empty. Nobody should be around at night, but you can never be too careful. Takan, if you need to go, wake Sonea. You are not allowed to use the passages by yourself."

"Yes, master."

They continued down the corridor for a while longer before Akkarin stopped again, and created another tiny light.

"Here we are. Your lodgings for tonight."

He released the mechanism keeping the door closed, and stepped out into Lorlen's office. The Administrator seemed to have heard them, and stood to watch them shuffle into the room.

"Ah, you're here. I've moved the chairs to make some space. There's water in that carafe over there."

"Thank you, Administrator", Sonea replied as she put down the box with her things.

"Use this lantern if you need light, it has enough oil to keep burning throughout the night", Akkarin instructed as he shuttered it. "Try to make do with as little light as possible."

"We will", Takan replied.

Akkarin placed the lantern on Lorlen's desk. Lorlen moved toward him and extended his hands. Akkarin took them, and Lorlen started sending power.

"That's enough."

"I don't have far to go, and my rooms are on the ground floor."

"That's no reason to overdo it", Akkarin replied, pulling his hands away.

"Oh, stop being so dramatic."

"I'm not dramatic. Now get out of here, and go to sleep."

"Yes, mother."

Sonea let out a snort. Akkarin shot her a rather half-hearted glare. However, her mirth fled when she remembered what was going on – there was a murderer loose in the slums, and Akkarin was going out to look for him. Sonea felt a surge of worry.

Akkarin seemed to have sensed her change in mood, for his expression changed abruptly. Sonea managed to stop herself from wringing her hands – just barely. She didn't like this at all. She'd much rather go with him than try and find sleep while he was out there, facing this threat.

Behind her, Lorlen let out a huff, and a moment later, Akkarin took an almost hesitant step in her direction. That was all the encouragement she needed – Sonea rushed over to him, and wrapped her arms around his middle. He held her tightly in response.

"Promise me you'll be safe", she implored. "You have to come back."

"Don't worry, I will", he vowed. "I won't leave you to languish inside Lorlen's office."

She let out a laugh, despite everything. Akkarin cautiously loosened his hold, and she let him go.

Then, his gaze snapped to something behind her. Sonea turned to find that both Lorlen and Takan had turned away, and were whispering to each other.

"And what, pray tell, are you two plotting?", Akkarin demanded.

"We're not plotting anything whatsoever", Lorlen replied, turning to face him, the picture of innocence.

Sonea wasn't fooled.

Neither was Akkarin, if the expression on his face was anything to go by.

"We were just sharing observations", Takan added.

Akkarin narrowed his eyes at them. "That's it. Lorlen, get lost. Takan, go back into the passages to get changed. Sonea, no reading Lorlen's correspondence. I'll come back for you in the morning."

Lorlen let out a huff, but wished Akkarin good luck, and left the office, sealing the door behind himself. Takan dug around his bag for his nightclothes, and slipped back into the passage. Akkarin gave Sonea a smile, and disappeared into the darkness.

Akkarin stepped into Lorlen's office, and stopped dead at the sight that greeted him. In the dim glow of his globe-light, he could see that Takan and Sonea had built themselves a nest of blankets on the carpet. And inside that nest, they lay, curled up together, both of them sleeping deeply.

Akkarin felt a violent tug on his heartstrings. To see that the two people who were, arguably, the most important ones in his life, trusted each other like this, was touching.

He roused himself, and swiftly approached the pair. He crouched down next to Takan, and gently shook the older man awake.

Takan woke with a start, and seemed disoriented for a moment – before realising the situation he was in. He panicked instantly.

— Calm down. I would not have let you stay with her if I didn't trust you.

— Ah, right. Sorry. I wasn't – really thinking.

— Don't worry about it. Now, then – time to leave. Get dressed. I'll wake Sonea as soon as you're done.

— Yes, master.

Takan extracted himself from the nest of blankets, and rose to his feet. However, Sonea was rather unhappy to lose the extra source of warmth, and made a protesting sound. She rolled over, hands searching, looking for something to hold on to, a frown on her face.

Akkarin offered her Takan's pillow, and she immediately latched onto it, somewhat mollified.

As Akkarin regarded her with a smile, he wished that he could, in good conscience, claim that this was the first time he'd watch her sleep – however, that would be a lie. He still didn't quite understand what it had been to compel him to go to her door that night, and watch her as she had slept. He might have been worried that she may be having a nightmare. Or maybe he had just wanted to look at her without being confronted with her intense fear and hatred.

He'd never actually heard Sonea have a nightmare – at least not until after the attack – she had always managed to keep quiet. However, she had, sometimes, thought about these dreams in his presence, as he had been most prominently featured in them.

They had become much worse after Sonea had stumbled upon him killing the spy who had been inside the underground passage.

He had never meant for her to see him like this – there had been no need to frighten her any more, her fear for Rothen's safety had kept her in line. Her timing had been most unfortunate, however.

It had been Takan who had spotted her – Akkarin had still been too high-strung from the fight to notice her. Sonea had attempted to flee the moment they had locked eyes, and Akkarin had stopped her by blocking the stairs with a barrier. Then, he had used it to force her to come into the underground room.

His attempts to explain himself had done no good, and Sonea had grown even more afraid of him afterwards. Akkarin had hated himself for not having taken enough measures to prevent this from happening, had hated himself for giving her another cause to fear him – when he wasn't the one she should be fearing.

He suppressed a sigh, and reached down to wake her. Unfortunately, Sonea didn't seem to like that idea, and mad a displeased sound, burrowing deeper into the pillow.

"Sonea, it's time to wake up", he told her softly, giving her shoulder another gentle shake.

She made another annoyed sound, but began to stir. Her hair had fallen over her eyes, and Akkarin was struck by the sudden thought that he had to see her wake up. Before he could stop himself, he'd gently brushed the hair from her face.

Sonea shifted in response, dark eyes blinking open. Akkarin stilled as he realised what he was doing, wanting to give her the time to get her bearings, his fingers still tangled in her hair. He'd stop if she asked him to, of course – but he fervently hoped that she wouldn't.

Sonea locked eyes with him, still looking half-asleep, and let out a huff.

Akkarin found that she had never looked more beautiful before.

"This is far too early, even for my taste", she groused, her voice still rough from sleep, as she scrunched her nose up in distaste.

Akkarin suppressed a chuckle at that – of all the things she might complain about! Apparently, his hand in her hair didn't seem to bother her.

However, his mirth was short-lived as Sonea settled down again, her eyes drifting shut.

Part of Akkarin felt elated at the fact that she trusted him to this extent, allowed herself to be so vulnerable in his presence. Granted, she had demonstrated this trust before, but this felt different, somehow.

The rest of him was slightly exasperated. They had to leave, whether Sonea liked it or not.

"Come now. We can't stay here", Akkarin chided, gently running his fingers through her hair. "Knowing Lorlen, he'll be in here at the crack of dawn, eager to continue his campaign against his own health."

Sonea let out a pleased hum, apparently liking what he was doing, before replying, "All the more reason for us to stay. He can't work if I'm sprawled all over his carpet."

"True, but Osen might come in here, too. Just try to imagine the look on his face."

Akkarin immediately regretted having uttered those words as he definitely didn't want to know what Osen's expression would look like if he found the woman he harboured feelings for in his superior's office, wearing only a nightgown.

Thankfully, Sonea seemed to share that sentiment, for she let out a groan, and made to sit up.

Akkarin retreated to give her space, averting his gaze.

"Takan and I will step out, so you can get dressed", he told her as he rose to his feet.

"Thanks."

Takan was already moving toward the concealed door, and Akkarin followed him. Takan turned around, and gave Akkarin an outright cheeky grin.

— What's that for?

— Oh, nothing.

— Right. Nothing.

Akkarin made certain to communicate the sarcasm in his thoughts.

Takan barely suppressed a laugh.

Sonea called that she was done. When they returned to the office, she had opened a window to air out the room. They deftly rolled up blankets and stashed them back into boxes and bags, and Sonea shut the window before handing Akkarin the lantern.

"So, I hope you got him?", she asked, mostly for confirmation.

"I'm afraid not", Akkarin replied with a grimace. "He eluded me. I will have to go out hunting again tomorrow night."

"Oh", Sonea replied, disheartened. Then, her eyes widened in alarm. "My aunt – "

"Cerinyi's men are watching the perimeter, and she's not to go anywhere 'unsupervised'. He has promised that no harm will come to her."

"Oh. Thank you", she replied, visibly sagging with relief.

"It should work this time around – the inn is being watched, and they will track him when he leaves again. He won't get away again."

Sonea nodded, and let out a yawn.

"Now, then, time to go. We should all try to get in a few more hours of sleep once we get back."

After checking to make certain that they had not forgotten anything, Akkarin stepped into the passage, extinguishing his globe-light in favour of using the lantern. He hadn't used much magic tonight as there had been no fighting involved, but it wouldn't hurt to conserve his strength.

Sonea let out the occasional yawn as they walked. She was still rather tired, and Akkarin surreptitiously tried to keep an eye on her. Takan wouldn't be able to help her should she stumble or collapse, as his hands were full. Akkarin might be able to catch her with magic.

Thankfully, they made it back home without any incidents. Takan bid them a good night and disappeared into his room. Akkarin led the way upstairs, and stopped in front of his door.

"Get some sleep, Sonea", he told her softly. "And try not to worry overly much. I will catch him this time."

She gave him a tired, but grateful smile.

"Sleep well. You actually need it", she replied.

Akkarin let out a chuckle. "I will try my best."

"Good."

She gave him one last smile before starting down the hall. Akkarin opened the door to his room with magic, and placed the lantern on one of the tables. By now, he was glad that he'd taken the time earlier to change back into his robes after washing up, safe in the knowledge that nothing had happened to Takan – and, by extension, Sonea – as he felt dead on his feet by now. He quickly changed his clothing, extinguished the lantern, and slipped under the covers.

He hated the fact that the spy had eluded him, that he was still out there, free to kill people, and strengthen himself. However, there was nothing he could do about that, so he endeavoured to put it out of his mind. He needed to be as well-rested as possible for the following night.

The weather here was absolutely dreadful. Savara wasn't unused to the cold, but this wet cold that clung to her was the worst. There was even moisture in the air. With a shudder, Savara pulled her cloak tighter around herself, as though that might help.

Savara approached Imardin from the north, along a wide road that seemed reasonably well maintained. Despite the misty haze in the air, she could make out the city walls, and the rising shapes of tall houses as well as the palace at the centre of the city. Unfortunately, any information the Traitors had on the city's layout was centuries old, and so she had only given those maps a passing glance.

From what she could tell, the city had been built in circles, walls separating it into sections. And outside those walls were the slums.

Savara hadn't been certain what to expect. The Magician's Guild of Kyralia had the reputation of being the greatest store of magical knowledge in the world. Surely, people as knowledgeable as them wouldn't allow part of their people to live in such awful conditions! What she was seeing now didn't match with that image.

The slums were even worse up close. Run-down and shabby buildings dominated most of the space, and people wearing ragged clothing were everywhere. Some people were missing limbs, or teeth.

Savara pulled her hood deeper into her face as she trudged along the streets, looking for her destination. She rounded a corner – and stopped, surprised, when she saw a wagon loaded with barrels in a small square. People wearing some kind of uniform were handing out what appeared to be water rations. After a while, the coachman snapped the reins, spurring the horses into motion.

Savara stopped a man carrying a jug filled with water.

"Excuse me, what's this all about?"

The man eyed her warily, as though worried that she might snatch the jug away. Savara tried to appear as unthreatening as possible.

"Yer not from around 'ere."

"No, I just arrived. I've never seen anything like this before, so I got curious."

"A see. This be a new thing the King came up with – we ain't got no drinking water 'ere in the slums. We'd always reckoned he just dinnae give a damn about that, but recently, these wagons 'ave been everywhere in the slums. Who knows, maybe he grew a conscience overnight."

The man shrugged.

"I see. Thank you for telling me. By the way, would you happen to know the way to The Red Herring?"

"Sure. Down that alley, turn right at the third intersection. Hard to miss."

"Thank you most kindly."

He grunted in reply, and took off.

Savara soon reached her destination. She thought it was an inn at first, but soon found that it had no guest rooms – which made sense given that it only had one floor. The place's interior was mostly taken up by a large room filled with tables, similar to the common rooms at the inns she'd seen on her way to Imardin, and it was packed with people drinking, laughing, or gambling. The atmosphere was boisterous, and loud.

Savara wound her way toward the bar, mindful of her belongings. She had been warned that there would be pickpockets and thieves about. The barkeep placed a mug of a sweet-smelling brew in front of her, and she gave him a few copper pieces in return.

Savara took a sip, and had to suppress a grimace. This was not to her liking. She soon put the mug down again, and caught the eye of the barmaid, pushing back her hood so the girl could see her face, and beckoned.

The girl's eyes widened, and she hurried over to where Savara sat.

"I hear you're having a bit of a rodent infestation", Savara said. "I'm here to help."

"Oh, thank goodness", the girl whispered, looking relieved. "Those little blighters are a right menace. Have taken over the entire cellar, so they have. Um – could you come take a look straight away, or do you wanna finish your bol first?"

"We can go straight away."

"Great. This way."

She led Savara into the kitchen, and down a flight of stairs. The cellar was, apparently, used for storing food and barrels of bol. The girl briskly made her way over to one of the walls, and pushed one of the bricks into the wall.

With a grinding noise, a section of the wall slid aside, revealing a dark passage.

"Go on in", the girl said. "Someone will come to pick you up. Don't move from your spot – if you get lost – or get caught without a guide – you may not come out again."

"I see. Thanks."

Savara stepped into the darkness, and tried to ignore a sudden feeling of dread when the passage was sealed behind her. Casting her senses out, she realised that the passage seemed to extend in both directions. At least she wouldn't have to worry about suffocating in here.

She resisted the urge to create a globe-light – she had been warned not to use magic in the city as she might be mistaken for a rogue magician – what they called magicians outside the control of the Guild in the Allied Lands – or cause a panic.

She had no idea how long she'd been waiting when a dim light appeared, and moved closer. Squinting, Savara saw that a person was approaching, holding a lantern. She was surprised to find that the young man was shorter than herself – so far, every Kyralian man she had met had towered over her, even some of the women had been taller than she was.

He gave her a critical look before smiling.

"Hello. I'm the rodent you're looking for."

"Am I missing a joke there?"

He let out a chuckled. "Us Thieves are named after animals. I am Cerinyi. And you are?"

"Savara."

"And why are you here?"

"To meet with High Lord Akkarin of the Magician's Guild."

"Who sent you?"

"Zarala, Queen of the Traitors."

"Well, you got all of that right. However, I do need to make sure you are the real Savara, and not some imposter who has taken her place. I know you can talk to your Queen – and that she can talk to the High Lord. Answer me this: What does the High Lord do with little children?"

Savara blinked. "Hopefully not eat them", she blurted out.

Cerinyi let out a cackle. "I'll let you try again."

"Thanks."

Savara slipped on the ring and relayed the question to Zarala. Moments later, she got a reply.

"He tosses them into the air?", she ventured, thoroughly confused.

"He does", Cerinyi replied with a grin. "Seen him do it, once. Caught me by surprise."

"Right. It seems like an odd thing for someone called 'the High Lord' to do."

"Oh, he certainly is an odd one, all right. Well, then, are you ready to meet him?"

"Lead the way."

Cerinyi flashed her a grin, and took off at a brisk pace. Savara hurried to follow.

"What is this place?"

"The Thieves' Road. I'd not recommend coming down here without permission."

"I heard that part already."

"Good."

"What are the Thieves?"

"We're crime lords who control the city's underworld", he replied in a chipper tone. "I'm the youngest of the lot, and rose to power through rather unconventional means."

"And – you work for the High Lord?"

"Spot-on. I provide him with eyes and ears in the city, the slums, especially, and clean up after him, and he pays me handsomely for it. I really can't complain."

Savara wasn't quite sure how to feel about all this. In Sachaka, the people who committed crimes were the ones in charge. In Sanctuary, crime didn't really exist. The situation here seemed very different.

And the High Lord – Savara didn't know all that much about him, as Zarala had only met him briefly. She'd relayed her conversations with the man to Savara, but this hadn't been enough to glean a proper understanding of what kind of person he was.

However, Zarala had noted one thing: Even after five years in captivity, Akkarin's spirit had remained unbroken. He'd certainly been wary and fearful during their encounter, but very different from the average Ichani slave.

Part of her was impressed. The other worried.

The fact that she had no idea what kind of power level he was on presently was another issue. If, for some reason, things went badly, she might find herself in a dangerous situation.

She had no idea for how long they'd been walking when Cerinyi stopped dead, and made a surprised noise.

"Well. This isn't normally here."

"What isn't?"

"Those stairs", he replied, pointing. "Ordinarily, there's just a wall over there."

He shrugged, and started descending the stairs. Savara followed.

The passage they were in now was constructed differently. And soon, they found their way blocked by a barrier.

"Well, this is definitely the right way", Cerinyi muttered as he cautiously crept closer.

He took a deep breath before rapping his knuckles against the barrier in what appeared to be a coded message. A few moments later, the barrier wavered, but remained in place.

"I think we can go through, now", Savara said.

Cerinyi tried sticking his hand through, and made a surprised sound when this worked.

They repeated this process two more times. Another corridor branched off on their left, but Cerinyi ignored it. They soon found themselves outside a door, and entered what appeared to be an underground room.

There wasn't much down here – an old, battered wooden chest, a few bookcases, and furniture that showed obvious signs of repair. Cerinyi let out a whistle.

"Did he thrash his own stuff? Weird."

He shrugged, and continued on. There was a door on the far end of the room, and beyond lay a dark stairwell.

They emerged into a large room lined with bookcases and covered in rich carpets. Two chairs with high backrests were placed a little closer to what appeared to be the main entrance, their backs facing in their direction.

"Well, here we are", Cerinyi said cheerfully. "The residence, home of the High Lord."

As though on cue, a black shape rose out of one of the two chairs. Savara felt another stab of apprehension when she realised just how tall he was – why did all of those Kyralians have to be so freaking tall?! Although she wasn't entirely certain her mind wasn't playing tricks on her – the colour and style of his garment might actually cause him to appear taller than he was.

Black certainly was his defining colour – his hair was as black as the robes he was wearing, just as his eyes.

"High Lord Akkarin, Savara of the Traitors. And over there we have Sonea."

Savara tore her eyes away from the High Lord, only now realising there was another person present – a young woman, probably about ten years his junior. She was about an entire head shorter than he was, with black, curly hair, and brown eyes. Her robes were shorter than Akkarin's – not even reaching her knees – and brown. Additionally, she wore leggings and boots.

Savara was surprised – she hadn't expected to actually meet her, or at least not so soon.

Sonea gave her a smile, and bowed elegantly.

Not sure how to respond to that, Savara redirected her attention to Akkarin, who was watching her with an impassive face. She placed her right hand over her heart in greeting. His eyes met hers, and he inclined his head ever so slightly.

"Welcome to the Magician's Guild", he said in a deep voice. "I hope your journey wasn't too arduous."

"It could have been worse", Savara replied, lowering her hand.

The ghost of a smile crossed his face, then, he shifted his attention to her guide.

"Cerinyi, you may wait upstairs if you like. Takan can bring you something to drink later."

"Thanks. Oh, I'd kill for some raka about right now."

"I will see to it."

"No snooping around, Cery", Sonea warned. "I catch you in my room, you're dead."

"That threat was entirely unnecessary, Sonea", he protested. "I know how to behave myself."

Sonea arched a brow, as though doubting the truth of that statement, but made a shooing motion. Cery gave her a cheeky grin, and disappeared up the stairs.

"Let's sit down", Akkarin suggested, gesturing toward the chairs.

He took the lead, and Sonea motioned for Savara to go first. As they approached the chairs, Savara spotted a divan that had been placed between the chairs and the door, facing them. Another chair was placed against the wall, as though in reserve.

Akkarin settled into the chair he had been sitting in earlier, and Sonea motioned for Savara to take the other.

"You must be exhausted from all the travelling", she said with a smile, and Savara detected genuine care in her tone.

"Thank you."

Sonea settled down on the divan, on the side that was closer to Akkarin.

Savara removed her cloak, and hung it over the backrest before placing her bag next to the chair. When she finally sat down, she felt an intense sense of relief after so many weeks on the road.

"Would you like some raka, as well?", Akkarin asked. "Alternatively, we have wine, sumi, and fruit juices."

"What's sumi?"

"Hot leaf juice", Sonea replied, her expression very serious.

"Hot leaf juice?", Savara echoed, confused.

"Sonea", Akkarin groaned.

"What? Did I say something wrong?"

"No."

"Then I don't see why you're complaining."

"Rothen would have an aneurysm if he knew."

"Don't tell him, then."

Savara frowned. The name "Rothen" sounded familiar, although she couldn't place it.

"I would love some raka", she said.

Akkarin shot Sonea a questioning glance.

"Me too."

He gave them both a nod, and his eyes lost focus for a moment.

"Did you come here on foot?", Akkarin asked, fixing his eyes on Savara.

"For the most part, yes. Sometimes, I was able to hitch a ride on a wagon."

"Hm. You are fortunate that you made it here before the winter storms. We tend to get a lot of snow in this area."

"That sounds dreadful."

"Travelling in winter is a nightmare. It's been years since I've had to, but still."

"Travelling in general sounds dreadful", Sonea muttered.

Savara and Akkarin nodded in agreement.

She caught Sonea watching her with undisguised curiosity, and arched a brow at her. Sonea took that as an invitation to speak.

"So, I hear that Sanctuary is ruled by women?"

"Indeed. We decided, long ago, that we were done with men determining our fates – usually to our detriment. Sanctuary is the only place in the world – at least as far as we know – where men aren't in charge."

"I see", Sonea replied thoughtfully.

Akkarin muttered something under his breath, too low for them to hear. Sonea shot him a questioning look, but he merely shook his head in return before shifting his attention to Savara.

"There is something I need to appraise you of", he said in a serious tone. "My servant, Takan, is a former Ichani slave. He's adjusted to his new life here at the Guild reasonably well, and I am extremely proud of how far he has come. However, the conditioning he was subjected to as a child sometimes takes hold of him, and I fear that seeing you may cause him to relapse."

"I see. I will be mindful of my actions. It may help to reassure you that I've interacted with former slaves before."

"I thank you."

A thought occurred to her, and Savara unbuckled her knife, and hid it inside her bag. Akkarin gave her a tiny smile.

Savara had to admit that she was surprised – she hadn't known that Akkarin had taken in a former slave. She wondered how this had come about.

A door was opened somewhere behind them, and Savara forced herself to be still. A man appeared, carrying a tray. Savara estimated that he was probably a few years older than the High Lord. Unlike the two magicians, he wore trousers, a long-sleeved shirt and a jacket. Simple, but of good make.

His steps faltered when he spotted her, but he managed to hold himself together, and moved closer. He carefully placed a tray with a tall carafe and three mugs on the low table in between the two chairs.

Sonea rose to her feet to pick up a mug, and reached out to grasp Takan's hand, giving it a squeeze. He looked up at her, a grateful look on his face. Then, he turned, and met Savara's gaze. She gave him an encouraging smile in return, and he let out a soft breath.

"I'm sorry about the things that happened to you", she told him softly. "But I am glad to see that you have found a new home here."

"Thank you", he replied earnestly. "I will forever be indebted to the High Lord for giving me a new life."

"Could you be any more melodramatic?", Akkarin sighed. "I believe I've told you – repeatedly – that I don't need thanks for acting like a decent person."

"Ah, but decent people – men, especially – are so rare where I am from", Takan replied with a chuckle.

"Don't tease him too much", Sonea admonished.

"As you wish, my lady. Was there anything else you needed?"

"I think we're good for now."

She gave his hand one last squeeze before returning to her seat. Takan bowed, and disappeared again.

Savara had to admit that she liked what she was seeing so far. She had no idea what Kyralian magicians were like, after all, no idea how they treated those without magic. Akkarin and Sonea treating Takan with such kindness spoke volumes as to their character.

Savara took one of the remaining mugs, and relished in the taste of raka, the taste of home. She hadn't been able to drink any on her journey here.

"Well, then, I take it that you have been appraised of the general situation?", Akkarin asked.

"Indeed. However, I know too little of the Guild in order to be able to plan an approach to this matter."

"That's why we're here. How much of our conversation did Queen Zarala relay to you?"

"A general overview of what you had discussed, plus anything she thought I might need for this mission."

"I see. That's good."

"Do you imagine that it will be difficult to convince the Guild to allow the use of higher magic?"

"Seeing how my best friend immediately turned against me when he found out that I had been using it in secret, yes, I fear that will be the case. However, before we being strategising in earnest, I suggest that we summon Rothen and Lorlen. We may have to wait for a while until they get here, though – would you like something to eat while we wait?"

"That would be lovely."

Not much later, Takan appeared, bringing a plate of food. Savara thanked him with a smile, noticing a smell that reminded her of home.

Takan gave her a tentative smile in return before bowing, and leaving the residence.

The food turned out to be delicious, and Savara had cleaned the plate in no time.

"My compliments to the cook."

"I'll let Takan know", Akkarin replied, his eyes shining.

Savara placed the plate on the table, and picked up her mug to take another swig of raka.

"Were you met with any trouble on the road?", Akkarin asked.

"Nothing serious."

"I see. That's good to hear."

The door clicked open, and a man rushed inside. He was about the same age as the High Lord, but wore blue robes. Savara noticed with interest that he was wearing his hair tied in a low ponytail, just like Akkarin.

Sonea rose, and greeted him with a bow.

"Administrator."

"Hello, Sonea", he replied with a smile.

He greeted Akkarin with a nod before fixing his attention on Savara – and looking as though he didn't quite know what to do.

Not really knowing what to do, either – she had no idea what kind of rank an "administrator" held – Savara inclined her head in greeting.

"This is Administrator Lorlen", Akkarin said by way of introduction. "The administrator is the most powerful man after the high lord – and without him, the Guild would descend into chaos."

"And without you, we would all die", Lorlen quipped.

"Indeed", Sonea chimed in. "People can adapt to chaos. They usually have a hard time adapting to being dead."

"Thank you for your keen insight, Sonea", Akkarin said dryly.

"You know me, always happy to help", she quipped.

Lorlen let out a chuckle. Akkarin huffed.

Savara started suspecting that he didn't like it when people thanked or praised him.

Interesting. Men of his station usually thirst for compliments, and for others to acknowledge their greatness.

"I assume you would prefer it if Rothen sat next to you?", Lorlen asked Sonea.

"I would. No offence."

"None taken."

Lorlen narrowed his eyes at the third chair, which rose into the air and joined the circle, positioning itself in between Savara and the divan.

The next person to arrive was another man, older than all of them, wearing purple robes. He bowed to the other men and Savara before greeting Sonea with a hug, and sitting down next to her.

"And this is Lord Rothen, one of our teachers. He used to be Sonea's guardian before me", Akkarin explained.

"Oh, a teacher? What kind of subject do you teach?", Savara asked curiously.

"Chemistry."

"Fascinating. Oh, but someone has to explain the bowing to me. I am thoroughly confused by now."

"Basically, those of lower status bow to those of higher status", Akkarin replied. "This is not always strictly required – Sonea doesn't usually bow to Rothen, for example, unless in formal settings. Lorlen has never bowed to me in his entire life. Since you have about the same rank as a Guild ambassador, you outrank Rothen and Sonea, but not myself, or Lorlen."

Takan slipped into the building, bowed, and took Savara's empty plate with him before disappearing again.

"On that note – I propose that we refer to our guest as 'Ambassador Savara', unless she objects, of course", Loren interjected.

"Good idea", Akkarin replied before shooting Savara a questioning look.

"I don't mind. Though it does sound strange."

"You'll get used to it, believe me", Sonea assured her.

Savara hummed, and took the moment to observe the four Kyralians. Lorlen was slightly shorter than Akkarin. While he had similar facial features as the High Lord, his hair was brown, and his eye blue. Rothen, meanwhile, was even shorter than the Administrator – though still taller than Savara – with black hair that had started turning grey in places, and blue eyes. By comparison, Sonea was tiny. Taller than Cerinyi, yes, but shorter than Savara.

"Well, then", Rothen said. "How do we proceed?"

"I suggest meeting with just the Higher Magicians first", Akkarin replied. "We'll have to win them over before anything."

"Who are they?", Savara asked.

"The leaders of the Guild", Lorlen replied. "Currently, they number seven, myself and Akkarin included: Lord Balkan, head of Warriors, Lord Sarrin, Head of Alchemists, Lady Vinara, Head of Healers, Lord Peakin, Head of Alchemist Studies, and Lord Telano, Head of Healing Studies. There should be a Head of Warrior Studies, as well, but Lord Balkan occupies both positions."

"And which of those, do you think, will be hardest to convince?"

"Balkan", Akkarin replied at once, "and possibly Sarrin. Vinara is a very compassionate person, we might be able to make use of that to get her to yield."

"Compassionate people are usually easy to work with", Savara agreed.

"I am not certain about Telano and Peakin. But we should expect all of them to oppose us in some form or other. I was, admittedly, a bit shocked when, after I had been elected High Lord, I was taught about the evils of higher magic, how terrible it was. The average magician only knows that it is forbidden. I was not aware of how much the Guild's leadership loathes and fears this power – a power I had already used to kill at that point."

Savara grimaced in sympathy, an expression that was mirrored by Sonea.

Lorlen winced.

"In other words, Ambassador Savara will have to be very convincing", Rothen concluded.

"Oh, you don't have to worry on that front, I'm just as determined to make this work as you are", Savara promised, leaning forward. "I will make them agree. The only question is – what methods am I allowed to use?"

"Anything short of teaching them higher magic is fine", Akkarin replied.

"Excellent. I would be willing to let them read my mind, if it came to that."

"Aren't you worried that they might find out something they shouldn't that way, though?", Lorlen asked with a frown. "Akkarin can sing ballads about that."

"What do you mean?"

"Sonea had a stray thought when I read her mind – it's how I found out that Akkarin practises black magic. Sonea herself had not understood what it was that she had seen."

"I thought he was an assassin", Sonea added with a grimace.

"Well, you were not completely wrong", Akkarin replied with a shrug.

"I'll have you know that I've met assassins", Sonea huffed. "You're not like them at all."

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

"You may take it as such."

Akkarin let out another huff, although he didn't seem angry.

"You needn't worry about me accidentally revealing our secrets", Savara assured them. "I'm good at this."

Takan reappeared, bringing a tray laden with cups and a small pot. Lorlen gestured at another small table, and it rose into the air, positioning itself in between himself and Rothen. Takan put the tray down, and Lorlen thanked him with a smile. He then proceeded to pour himself and Rothen a cup of a greenish looking liquid. It reminded Savara a bit of a herbal infusion.

"What is that?", she asked curiously.

"Sumi", the Administrator replied. "It's what all the magicians here drink – Sonea is the only exception."

"And you'll only find raka in this house", Akkarin added.

"What is it made from?"

"Dried and/or fermented leaves of a certain bush", Rothen explained. "This is the unfermented variant. The fermented one has darker leaves, and a stronger taste." Then, he eyed Akkarin critically. "I wasn't aware that you drank raka, High Lord."

"I acquired a taste for it during my travels", Akkarin replied with a shrug.

Rothen blanched. Lorlen balled his free hand into a fist, and Sonea looked ready to murder someone.

"I see", Rothen managed in a somewhat strained voice.

"I got lucky, really, that I moved into a house where the people were already used to drinking this stuff. Just imagine what it would have been like if the High Lord was one of you fancy sumi drinkers", Sonea interjected, her eyes twinkling. "He would have been probably horrified at my lack of refinement."

"What's this all about?", Savara asked.

"Here, in Imardin, it is typically the lower classes who drink raka", Akkarin explained. "Nobles and magicians drink sumi. For that reason – and because I wouldn't want to have to explain why I started doing this – I usually refrain from drinking raka when in the company of others."

"I see."

"Why do you think that Lord Balkan will be the fiercest opponent, High Lord?", Rothen asked, cradling his cup in his hands.

"As Head of Warriors, he is the one primarily in charge of defending Kyralia – and, by extension – the Allied Lands. Although he cannot make a move by himself – and I could overrule him if I wanted to. However, given his duty, he has been taught things the rest of us were not, and I know that he has been taught knowledge on how to deal with someone capable of using higher magic, specifically. If he ever were to find out that I have used this ability, he'd come barging into my home in an attempt to arrest me, no matter our shared history. I fear he would lose all reason. It might even come to a fight, something I would rather avoid."

"That might be problematic", Savara said with a frown. "For, you see, even if we manage to convince the Guild to revoke the ban on higher magic, there is no telling that this would deter the Ichani from invading – it would certainly not deter Kariko. He wants you dead. He will not rest until you are dead. And keep in mind that nothing would prevent him from revealing that you have broken your laws if he thought it would give him an edge. As long as he lives, he will remain a threat to you, at least."

Sonea made a distressed sound, while Rothen's face morphed into a deep frown. Lorlen looked grim.

"Well, as long as he doesn't show up to challenge me, I shouldn't have anything to worry about", Akkarin replied with a shrug. "We have rather strict rules concerning accusations – the accuser has to prove his claim by allowing what we call a 'truth-read'. If he refuses, he has to withdraw the accusation. I very much doubt that Kariko would allow a Guild magician to read his mind."

"Oh. That's good, I suppose."

"It would be a different matter if they had evidence, though", Lorlen interjected. "The Higher Magicians would have to investigate in that case."

"What kind of evidence are you talking about? I disguise myself when going out to hunt Kariko's spies. Even the people I work with don't know who I am. How would anyone have evidence of me using higher magic?"

"Evidence can be forged, pieces of evidence can be planted", Sonea pointed out. "Remember what Regin did. You would have to prove that you hadn't done it, and that would be hard considering that you can't let anyone read your mind."

Akkarin frowned, but didn't argue her point.

"I could make sure to let the Higher Magicians know that sowing dissent and mistrust is a strategy that Sachakan magicians use", Savara mused. "Try to discredit the Ichani before they can make such a move. Make it so that if they hear of 'you' going around murdering people, they would, at the very least, suspect that this might be a ruse. You just need to make sure that you have nothing incriminating stashed away here somewhere, High Lord."

Akkarin paused.

"Wait, you do?", Savara asked in disbelief.

"I had only a very basic and rudimentary understanding of higher magic", Akkarin huffed. "After accidentally finding an ancient store of magical knowledge, I began experimenting. And, like every good scholar, I kept records of my experiments."

"You're insane", Savara groaned. "It's like you're asking for trouble."

"What else was I supposed to do? I'll remind you that I have an entire country to protect!"

Lorlen cleared his throat. "Nothing's happened yet, and we can take measures to ensure that no-one will ever find these notes. We'll just hide them somewhere else until Kariko is no longer a threat."

"But where?", Rothen asked. "No matter where we hid them, if anyone familiar with the High Lord's handwriting were to find them, the secret would be out. And the one who hid them would be in trouble, as well."

"True", Lorlen admitted.

"Can we hide them somewhere inside the secret passages?", Sonea asked. "People are not allowed to go in there, so they should be safer there than anywhere else."

"That might work", Akkarin replied thoughtfully. "There are hidden rooms within those passages. Although we might have to move them again once Fergun returns. He's too familiar with the passages for my taste."

"Just give him a good dressing-down and warn him never to go in there again", Lorlen suggested. "You should be able to scare him to the point where he'd willingly give them a wide berth. Also, he's rather weak, from what I've heard. Someone like him shouldn't be using the passages at all."

"Hm, yes, I like that plan. Perhaps I could also ask Lord Donevin to keep an eye on him."

"I'm sure he'd love to", Sonea said with a chuckle.

"What about those historical records you found, High Lord?", Rothen asked. "Wouldn't they help with convincing the Guild that black magic isn't entirely bad?"

"They might, and they might not", Akkarin sighed.

"Still, I don't think that it's a good thing that the Guild isn't aware of its own past", the older magician insisted. "You can't learn from your mistakes if you don't know of them."

"That is very true", the High Lord admitted. "However, I would have to hide the copy that I wrote. The others cannot find out that I've known about this chest."

"Well, that should be simple enough."

"But how to lead them to the chest?", Lorlen mused. "You said that Balkan doesn't know of its hidden location."

"No, that knowledge was lost."

"How did you find it, then?", Savara asked.

"I stumbled upon the diary of a man who had accidentally found the chest. He buried it again, but left a hint as to where to find it in his diary. Using that information, I was able to locate the chest myself. It was intended as an emergency measure, should the Guild ever come under attack again. We would probably be in a better situation if Balkan actually knew about this. Unfortunately, we can't just risk someone stumbling across the chest – anyone reading those books might teach himself higher magic. And if the wrong person were to do that, the consequences might be devastating."

"That's true", Sonea said with a grimace.

"Then we have two options", Savara concluded. "Plant the diary in the path of someone who would be cautious enough not to read forbidden texts, maybe also place the books in the chest in a way that would encourage the finder to read the historical text first. If any of those present have a habit of using these passages, you could also have them 'find' the chest. Alternatively, you could have me 'find' it. I can't accidentally teach myself higher magic again", she chuckled.

"But which method would arouse the least suspicion?", Lorlen mused.

"We don't have to hide the chest where it originally was", Sonea pointed out. "All we have to do is put it somewhere that might be considered a good hiding spot, somewhere the books would have survived all those centuries."

"Which would be underneath the university", Rothen replied. "Neither wood nor paper do too well with humidity, as you ought to know. Burying them in the forest, for example, would be a bad idea."

"Oh. Right."

"Are those passages something one might stumble across accidentally?", Savara asked.

"I find people in there who shouldn't be inside now and then", Akkarin replied with a shrug before fixing his eyes on Sonea. "Incidentally, how did you find your way inside?"

Sonea winced, and glanced away. "Not by accident", she admitted. "I knew where the entrances were before I went inside."

"How?"

"I spotted a cabinet with old texts in the Magician's Library, and Lady Tya explained that those were some of the oldest things in there, originals from back when the university was built. She claimed that there was a map of the passages in there, as well, but that she had never seen it herself. I may or may not have talked into locking me inside the library when she had to run an errand, and then extracted the map from the cabinet so I could make a copy. I left everything as it had been, and was done by the time Lady Tya returned. I don't think she ever suspected that I might have been inside the cabinet. It was locked with magic, after all."

The men had listened to that explanation with various expressions of disbelief and shock – except for Akkarin, whose face gave nothing away.

"Then, how did you get inside?", Rothen asked, confused.

"By finding another way in", Sonea replied with a shrug. "If a frontal assault doesn't work and all that."

Akkarin let out a chuckle, surprising them all.

"This is not what I had expected. But I suppose it makes sense."

"Right", Sonea replied, looking relieved that she hadn't just got herself in trouble. "I suppose that, hypothetically speaking, I might leave that map somewhere Ambassador Savara could find it, which could, hypothetically speaking, lead to her wanting to explore the passages."

"That won't work", Rothen replied, shaking his head. "Nobody would ever believe that you'd just leave something like this lying around."

"Indeed", Akkarin agreed. "People know how fastidious you are when it comes to your things. It would be better if you just showed her your maps."

"But, why would I do that?", Sonea replied, sounding confused.

"To show off, perhaps?", Savara suggested.

Sonea whipped her head around to stare at her as if she'd just grown another head.

"Why would I ever do that?", she asked, aghast.

Savara had no idea how to respond to that.

"It's not a bad idea, though", Akkarin mused. "And the fact that you draw maps isn't exactly a secret. I'm certain that Lord Larkin shared that story with everyone who didn't get away in time."

"Although, people don't usually go around and show things like that to someone they've just met", Lorlen pointed out.

Rothen hummed in agreement.

"How pressed for time are we with this?", Sonea asked, furrowing her brows.

"I'm certain that I will be able to convince those Higher Magicians that dying at the hands of the Ichani is a bad idea without those books", Savara replied loftily.

"Oh, that's good. In that case, I have an idea." She twisted her hands together in her lap, as though steeling herself for something. "We could pretend to be friends. That way, it wouldn't seem too strange if I showed you the maps, which then might lead to you 'finding' those 'lost' texts."

Lorlen looked thoughtful, but not disapproving. Akkarin looked exasperated.

Savara had to admit that she was surprised.

"You want to pretend to be friends?"

"Oh, ah, it was just an idea. I'm sure we can come up with something else if you don't – I'd understand, of course, I just – "

"Wait, slow down, you misunderstood my meaning. What I was trying to suggest is that we go and skip the 'pretend' part."

Sonea gaped at her. "You want to be friends? With me?"

"Of course."

"Why? We've only just met!"

Savara let out a chuckle as she noticed the near identical looks of fond exasperation on all the men's faces.

"I quite like what I've seen so far. And besides – I'd been hoping that I would get a chance to meet you, after what the Queen told me."

"I don't understand."

"Look. For about eight years, your High Lord has been cheerfully ignoring us, giving the impression that he was an oath-breaking liar – or, as we would say, any man outside Sanctuary. Then, you come along, and suddenly, he's talking to us, explaining himself, and offering to make amends for the 'wrongs' he's committed. How could I not be intrigued? You had to be truly special in order to pull that off."

"I'm not", Sonea protested, her eyes widening. "I'm not special."

Noting the now outright exasperated looks on the others' faces, Savara let out another chuckle.

"I fear you are alone with that opinion, Sonea."

Sonea muttered something under her breath. Rothen let out a chortle and nudged her with his elbow.

"I mean, I'm not opposed to the idea, obviously", Sonea grumbled. "You just surprised me."

"Splendid", Savara replied. "Although I couldn't help but notice that you seemed somewhat displeased by this, High Lord."

"It's a good plan, certainly", he replied, giving Savara a flat look. "The only issue I have is – Sonea is already a menace by herself. The two of you together? I fear acutely for my sanity. And the continued survival of the Guild."

Sonea let out a chuckle. "They won't know what hit them", she told Savara, her eyes shining.

"I am looking forward to stirring things up a bit", Savara replied with a grin.

"Please don't stir things up too much", Lorlen begged. "I'm the one who would have to deal with the resulting paperwork."

"Right. We'll try not to go overboard", Sonea promised.

"Oh, Akkarin – how should we vote about this matter?"

"If we make it a vote only among the Higher Magicians, it would be easier for us to control the outcome", Akkarin replied with a frown.

"If I may, High Lord", Rothen interjected. "If I didn't know what was going on, I would be resentful, at the very least, if I got excluded from a vote that would have such an impact on my life, and the Guild as a whole."

"Noted. I will see how the meeting goes, and then decide. I do hope, however, that, no matter how this ends, that you and Lorlen will try to sway the people in favour of this change."

"Certainly."

"I will also try to steer the conversation during the meeting in a direction we want", Lorlen added.

"I thank you both. Lest I forget – Ambassador, I take it that you have a Blood Gem on you?", Akkarin asked.

"I do, the Queen's", she replied.

"I see. I would ask that you only use it when you need to communicate with her."

"Certainly. I have no intentions of spying on you."

"Thank you."

"Speaking of spies – Akkarin, did you catch him?", Lorlen asked.

"There's another spy here?!", Rothen asked, a panicked edge to his voice.

"No, he eluded me. I'll have to go look for him again tonight. Don't worry, Rothen, Sonea will be safe."

"An Ichani spy?", Savara asked for clarification.

"Yes", Akkarin replied.

"Would you like help hunting him down?"

"I wouldn't be opposed to that, but – wouldn't that put your people in danger?"

"Only if he sees my face. If I manage to stay behind him, it should be fine."

"Cery might be able to lend you some equipment", Sonea interjected. "Can he come back downstairs?"

"Yes, unless we need to discuss anything else Guild-related", Akkarin replied.

"How do we proceed with me meeting those Higher Magicians?", Savara asked.

"Come to the Guild gates tomorrow, and ask to see me", Lorlen replied. "If the guards refuse to let you through, ask them to send for me. A servant will take you to my office, where we will 'talk', and then – depending on the hour – I will summon the others."

"Sounds like a plan. Wait – how do I even get to the Guild? I came in via an underground passage, I have no idea where we are."

"Oh, right. The Guild is situated in the eastern part of the Outer Circle. You will have to cut through the Inner Circle to get here."

"I see. Thank you."

"Anything else?", Akkarin asked.

The others shook their heads, and Akkarin gave Sonea a nod.

"Cery! Get down here, we need you!", she bellowed.

It didn't take long for the young man to come sauntering down the stairs. He grinned when he saw the new additions.

"Rothen! Administrator! It's been a while."

"Hello, Cerinyi", Rothen replied. "I think I'd better not ask what you are doing here."

"Nope, you'd better not", he chuckled. "So, what's up?"

"Ambassador Savara wishes to assist me with hunting down that murderer", Akkarin replied. "Sonea suggested that you could provide her with equipment to make her stand out less."

"Sure, I should be able to get my hands on some gloves and a mask, no problem", Cery replied.

"Thank you. Incidentally, can you also hide her somewhere out of sight until I come to fetch her? We can't have her stay at the Guild yet, and I wouldn't want to risk her encountering the murderer on her own."

"Sure. Do you want me to take her back to the slums straight away?"

"We still have some preparations to take care of on our end. You will be able to pass through the barriers from this side."

"Great."

"I need to get back, too, I have another class to teach today", Rothen said as he rose to his feet. "High Lord, I'd like to give you some of my magic."

"I appreciate this", Akkarin replied as he rose as well.

Both Savara and Cery watched curiously as Akkarin took Rothen's hands in his, and they stayed like that for a while.

"Do you have any idea what's happening?", Cery asked Savara in a whisper.

"I've heard that they can share magic somehow, I guess that's what they're doing right now", she replied.

After a while, Rothen withdrew his hands, and Akkarin thanked him softly. Sonea rose next, and offered her hands. The exchange between them lasted longer, and Savara surmised that Sonea was sending more power than Rothen – Savara remembered her being a Natural. She had to be powerful.

"Enough", Akkarin said softly. "You can give me a bit more later, if you'd like."

"Sure."

"Thank you, Sonea."

"Don't mention it."

Rothen bid them all farewell with a bow, and left.

"All right, this has lost its novelty, I'll be waiting downstairs", Cery announced before leaving the room.

Savara let out a chuckle at the somewhat scandalised look on Lorlen's face. However, she sobered when she saw that Takan had appeared, holding what was undoubtedly an Ichani's knife. He handed the knife to Akkarin, and sat down in the chair the High Lord had previously occupied. He rolled back his sleeve, and Savara had to suppress a wince when she saw how badly scarred his wrist was.

Akkarin lightly touched the blade to his skin before closing his hand over the wound. He stayed like that for a while before removing his hand. There was no trace of the injury left.

Savara let out a startled sound, causing the others to look at her.

"Did you – did you just use this healing magic of yours?"

"Of course", Akkarin replied with a huff. "I sincerely hope that you hadn't expected me to just leave him with a cut on his arm."

"No, that's not – that was so fast!"

"Healing cuts as small as this is a trifle", he replied with a shrug.

Savara noticed, a little belatedly, that Takan was busy cleaning the blood off Akkarin's fingers before cleaning the knife.

"I wish I could do that", Savara sighed. "I hate the fact that we have to hurt our sources, even if we try to keep the wounds as small as possible."

"It is certainly a useful skill to use in synergy with higher magic."

Akkarin moved back to allow Takan to rise to his feet, and thanked him as well. Takan hummed in response, and left the room again, taking the knife with him.

Savara continued to be pleased by her observations. She had no idea what Kyralian men were like, as a whole, but those she had met so far appeared to be decent, at the very least.

"Well, then, I think I've given Rothen enough of a head start. I'll be seeing you later", Lorlen said, and turned to leave.

Sonea bowed in his direction, and he gave her another smile. Akkarin received a nod.

"Am I expected to bow to everyone, too?", Savara asked as she rose to her feet.

"No – at least not until someone officially explains Guild protocol to you. It would seem strange if you just strolled into the Guildhall and bowed to everyone like you knew you were supposed to do that. Your way of greeting people should do fine for now", Akkarin replied.

"All right. Well, then, I wish you a nice day, Administrator. Until tomorrow", Savara said, placing her head over her heart.

Lorlen smiled in reply, and gave her a nod as well. The next moment, he was gone.

"Now, then", Akkarin said. "I hate to kick you out, but we still need to make preparations for tonight. And I imagine that Cerinyi is getting antsy down there."

"Right. And I would like to rest up a bit before hunting down that slave."

Savara slung her bag over her shoulder before pulling on her cloak.

"I thank you for your hospitality, High Lord", she said, placing her hand over her heart again.

"You are most welcome", he replied, inclining his head.

"Rest well, Ambassador", Sonea said softly, dipping into another bow.

"Thank you, Sonea."

She briskly made her way downstairs to find Cery pacing the length of the underground room.

"Ah, there you are. Done with all the plotting?"

"What makes you think that we were plotting anything?", Savara asked innocently.

"Oh, just the fact that I was asked to smuggle you into the residence – with very detailed instructions, too – instead of, you know, you going in through the gates, like any normal person would", he replied with a chuckle as he took the lead again.

"Oh, I see. Out of curiosity – do you know what's going on?"

"Not really, no. The High Lord isn't particularly forthcoming with information, and prefers it if I don't ask questions. Although he does provide me with the information that I need to get a job done. What I do know is that there are these foreigners who keep coming here, who have a nasty habit of killing people, and that they all happen to be from Sachaka. Oh, and I've recently been told that they hunt for people who have magical potential, although I don't know why."

"I see. How did this happen, by the way? The High Lord and the Crime Lord?"

Cerinyi let out a chuckle. "He saved my life a few years back, and I offered to repay him. This is a mutually beneficial arrangement, really. I would have never made it to where I am now without him. And he's a good man – I like working together with him."

"Hm. What can you tell me about the Guild?"

"Curious, are we? Nothing much, I'm afraid. Magicians rarely ever leave the Guild, the ones you met today are the only ones I've ever really interacted with – except for that bastard Fergun."

"They mentioned him earlier, and that he had been sent away, apparently. What did he do?"

"Locked me in a hidden room inside the secret passages so he could blackmail Sonea", Cery growled. "The High Lord found me, and we managed to make it in time to thwart his plans. He got banished to the Sachakan border as punishment."

"I see. So, there are evil men here, as well."

"I'm afraid you'll find evil people everywhere", Cery replied with a sigh. "And this evil takes many forms. Sometimes, it's something as simple as looking down on others for being different. Whatever that means. But it can take more extreme forms – like what that Fergun did. Or that Regin boy. I still want to drop a house on top of him, but Sonea won't let me."

He pouted. Savara found that quite adorable.

"He was mentioned earlier as well. What did he do?"

"I don't know everything he did, but he used to harass Sonea, until she had enough and challenged him to a fight. Proceeded to wipe the floor with him. He was certainly less cocky the last time I saw him."

"I see", Savara replied with a frown.

"Anyway, back to your question. What I do know is that there are three factions – or disciplines, as they call them – Healers, Alchemists and Warriors. I know that Rothen is an Alchemist. Oh, and Sonea is still a novice – a student, basically – which is why her robes are short. She'll get floor-length ones once she graduates, and chooses a discipline. All magicians in the Allied Lands have to be part of the Guild, and all of them have to wear those robes."

"Like a uniform?"

"Something like that, yes. You're supposed to be able to tell that the person before you is a magician. Which also means that ordinary people aren't allowed to wear those robes. But I'm afraid that's the extent of my knowledge – just pester them with questions when you get to meet the rest of them", he suggested with a grin.

"Right. It might also seem strange if I know too much already. Although – what can you tell me about the others I met today?"

"I don't know the Administrator or Rothen terribly well, but Sonea tells me they're good men. She's grown very close with Rothen over the years, I think she considers him a father. Sonea is the one I know best, as we grew up together. She's one of the best people I know", he said with a wistful smile.

"I see. And she lives there, at the residence? With the High Lord?"

"Yup. And his servant. Who is a genius of a cook. I've never eaten food like what he makes. I'm not sure why, but apparently, there's a room for the High Lord's chosen novice somewhere on the upper floor. I haven't been inside, though – I have no desire to get eviscerated by Sonea."

"Aren't you worried she might attack you with magic?"

"No. Magicians aren't allowed to use magic against non-magicians. She'd come at me with her knife."

"Oh? I didn't know Guild magicians knew how to use knives."

"They don't. I taught her."

"Ah, I see. That makes sense."

Cery stopped, and unlocked a door before ushering Savara inside. He lit a few lamps, and she saw that they were inside a small, but cosy-looking room with two comfortable-looking chairs and a low table.

"Through there is a small bedroom", Cery said, pointing. "Make yourself at home. There's some food stashed in here, too, you're free to help yourself. I'll come back once I got the equipment you need."

"Thank you, Cerinyi. How much do I owe you?"

"Oh, ah, I hadn't really considered that."

"Will this suffice?", she asked, offering him a handful of silver pieces.

"That is rather generous, my lady", he replied with a bow.

"Why did you call me that?"

"Oh, that's how they address magicians at the Guild."

"I see. We don't do that. We only use titles if someone has a position."

"So, like 'high lord'?"

"That's right. Just Savara is fine."

"All right, then. Savara."

She had to admit that she quite liked how he said her name.

"I'll be back soon. Take it easy."

"With the requested equipment, I hope."

"Naturally."

"All right. Until later, then."

Cery gave her a wink, and departed.

Sonea drifted into wakefulness when she registered Akkarin's voice calling her name, very softly. A hand was on her shoulder, gently shaking her. Making an indistinct sound, Sonea rolled onto her back, and blinked her eyes open.

He was smiling at her. Sonea found that being woken up in the dead of night was somehow not all that bad if he was the one doing the waking – and part of her already mourned the fact that this wouldn't last.

Akkarin reached down and brushed an errant curl from her face, similar to what he had done the last time.

"Thanks", Sonea muttered, still not completely awake. "Sometimes, they irritate me to the point I'd like to chop them off again."

"I understand that sentiment", he replied with a chuckle. "But I've decided to keep it like this for the aesthetic."

"The 'Brooding High Lord' look", she agreed, nodding her head sagely.

"Who called me 'brooding'?"

"Trassia did. And I bet she isn't the only one. They love to gossip about you. Every single one of them seems to think that you're quite the catch."

He made a displeased sound. "Of course they would. Shallow fools, the lot of them. They wouldn't be quite as eager if they knew the truth."

Sonea bit her lip. She'd only meant to tease him, not make him angry.

"I'm sorry", she whispered, reaching out to lightly touch his hand before withdrawing again. "I didn't mean to upset you."

He blinked, and shook his head. "It's fine. And I shouldn't be taking this out on you, it's unfair of me – after all, you're – can we please talk about something else?"

"Oh, sure. I just had the most fascinating dream."

"Do tell", he said as he settled down a little more comfortably, his mood instantly improved.

"Zeldra got turned into this weird creature – it was like a lizard, just much bigger, and longer. As in, I think she was about as wide as the Tarali River. And she could fly. And Linken got turned into a human, and was chasing her riding a burning log. Don't ask. It made no sense to me, either."

"Who are Zeldra and Linken?"

"They're 'my' horses, the ones who pull my curricle", Sonea replied, realising she'd never mentioned their names before.

"Ah, I see. That does sound like a rather bizarre dream."

"Oh, for sure. I was just completely lost."

Akkarin let out a chuckle, and Sonea was relieved that he could smile again.

I shouldn't have said that. Stupid, stupid, stupid. He must hate all of that so much. And I just had to go and bring it up. Stupid.

Thankfully, Akkarin didn't appear to have noticed the direction in which her thoughts had gone, and was still smiling at her.

"You should write down dreams like that, and turn them into fantastical stories", he suggested. "You could publish them, even."

"That sounds like a great idea. Remind me of that – uh. What time is it?"

"About an hour after midnight."

"Right. Remind me of that in a couple of hours, once I've woken up again. Wait – you're here earlier than last night. Did you get him this time?"

"I did. Ambassador Savara was a great help. I read his mind – Kariko doesn't know about you. I've told Cerinyi to let your aunt know at his earliest convenience."

"Oh, thank goodness", Sonea breathed, feeling like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

For months, the phantom of this threat had hounded her steps, had shadowed her wherever she had gone. And now, it was no more.

She reached for his hand, and gave it a squeeze. "Thank you so much for looking out for my family, too. I appreciate this so much, I can't even put it into words."

"Don't mention it", he replied, squeezing back. "I'm just glad they didn't get caught up in all this, too. It's bad enough that I dragged you into this."

"I'll remind you that I dragged myself into this by being too curious", Sonea chided.

"I suppose."

"I guess that means no more occupying Lorlen's office", she mused.

"Will you honestly miss that?"

"It was kind of fun."

And I'll miss having someone beside me. Takan made for a great snuggle buddy.

"You're a strange one."

"What, it took you this long to figure that out?"

He let out a chuckle. When he shifted his weight a bit, Sonea realised, to her horror, that she was still holding his hand. She quickly let go.

"Sorry", she whispered, caught somewhere between feeling "sheepish" and "mortified".

"Don't worry about it. I can imagine worse things than that."

"Right."

"Now, then, time to head back. We've kept Takan waiting long enough."

"Oh, right. Wait – where is he?", Sonea asked as she sat up, and scanned the room for him.

"Lurking in the passage."

"What? Why? It's much warmer in here!"

Akkarin merely shrugged in response, and she narrowed her eyes at him. She was certain that he could easily find out Takan's motivation if he wanted to – then again, that didn't mean he would share that with her. Perhaps he had a reason for not doing so – and she wasn't entitled to know Takan's thoughts.

"I'll go join him, so you can get dressed", Akkarin told her, rising to his feet.

"Thanks."

Sonea waited until he was gone before scurrying over to the chair she had draped her robes over and dressing herself quickly. Then, she called that she was done before unlatching one of the windows.

She felt so light as they packed their things, light enough that she might float away, like Zeldra in her dream.

She was in an excellent mood as they started the trek back to the residence. Another spy was down, neither herself nor her family were in any imminent danger, and Savara had finally arrived. Things were looking up.

Vinara and Telano hurried into the entrance hall to find the rest of the Higher Magicians gathered already – except for Akkarin, which made sense.

Lorlen was talking to a foreign-looking woman while Balkan and Sarrin watched with a frown. Peakin's expression was neutral.

The stranger was wearing boots, trousers, a shirt and a vest as well as a hooded cloak. The clothes were of simple make, but she didn't carry herself like a commoner. The ease of her stance and the fact that she was watching Lorlen intently as he spoke indicated that she thought of him as an equal rather than someone of higher rank.

Vinara also noticed that she was carrying a knife.

As they drew near, Vinara realised that Lorlen was currently explaining the architectural history, especially Lord Coren's achievements, to her.

"What's going on?", Vinara asked Balkan in a whisper.

"I have no idea", he rumbled softly, casting another worried glance in the stranger's direction.

The sound of brisk footsteps drew their attention. Akkarin had entered the university building, and came striding toward them, robes snapping around his ankles.

While the stranger had seemed perfectly at ease until now, the High Lord's arrival caused a slight shift in her stance. Vinara suppressed a smile. Akkarin had that kind of effect on most people.

"Good, you're all here", Lorlen said. "I apologise for the short notice, but we have a bit of a situation."

The "situation" smiled a set of perfect white teeth at them. Balkan shifted his weight, apparently eager to find out what was going on.

"May I present the Higher Magicians, the leaders of the Guild. High Lord Akkarin, Lady Vinara, Head of Healers, and Lord Telano, Head of Healing Studies. Lord Balkan, Head of Warriors and Head of Warrior Studies. And over there we have Lord Sarrin, Head of Alchemists, and Lord Peakin, Head of Alchemist Studies."

The stranger eyed them all curiously, her eyes lingering on Vinara and Telano for a moment.

"This is Savara, a magician from Sachaka. She has requested an urgent meeting with the leaders of the Guild."

Vinara's eyes widened at that. Since Sachaka wasn't part of the Allied Lands, and its magicians not part of the Guild, she had no idea what Sachakan magicians were like – had never given this much thought, as her work usually didn't involve dealing with magicians from foreign countries, except when they turned up as patients.

Vinara tried to remember what she'd learned about Sachaka in history lessons, so long ago, and came up mostly blank.

Savara seemed amused by the reactions to her status.

"Well, then, I suppose we had better get on with it", Akkarin stated calmly, as though the appearance of a Sachakan magician here at the Guild was a perfectly ordinary thing to happen.

Vinara rolled her eyes. Would it hurt him to show some emotion for once?

Akkarin gestured toward the doors leading into the Guildhall, which swung open on silent hinges. He turned, and took the lead, Lorlen falling in step behind him. The others followed them, Savara bringing up the rear.

She cast a curious glance around the Guildhall, noting the tired seats where the magicians would sit, before her gaze was arrested by the seats reserved for the Higher Magicians at the front of the hall.

They were arranged in tiers, as well, but had more levels, and stairs connecting the rows. Telano and Peakin settled into chairs on the lowest level, and Vinara and Sarrin took the chairs above them. Balkan took the third one on their level. Lorlen was seated one level above them, and Akkarin another level higher. The topmost tier remained empty – the King hardly ever attended Guild meetings, and his advisers rarely ever showed up, as well.

The last time Vinara had seen one of them was after Sonea had thrown that stone.

Savara shrugged off her cloak, folded it, and placed it on the floor next to herself. Vinara noted that she was back to her previous relaxed self. She locked eyes with Akkarin, and placed her right hand on her chest.

"Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Savara, a magician from Sanctuary, and I was sent here as an envoy by Queen Zarala. I would like to relay the Queen's words to you, the leaders of the Magician's Guild."

Vinara frowned. The name "Zarala" didn't ring any bells. Although she couldn't recall the name of King Amakira's wife, either.

"Please, speak", Akkarin replied.

Savara lowered her right hand, and dug her left hand into the pocket in her trousers. Her eyes lost focus, and she proceeded to stare into space for a few moments.

Sarrin made an impatient noise while Balkan leaned forward in his seat.

Vinara resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

"I am Zarala, Queen of the Traitors", Savara said at length, modulating her voice to make it sound like someone else was speaking. "I extend my greetings to High Lord Akkarin, and the leaders of the Magician's Guild of Kyralia. I come to you with a warning, and an offer. But first, allow me to outline how Sachakan society works – if you should already be aware of this, I apologise, but it is important for context."

"Wait a minute!", Sarrin gasped. "Is that the Queen speaking?"

"Of course", Savara replied, her voice back to normal. "Did you honestly think that I would claim to speak in her stead like this? The Queen is, by the way, not happy that you just interrupted her."

"But, how?", Vinara breathed. "I didn't hear anything."

She shot the others a confused look, and got identical looks of confusion in return.

"My dear Lady Vinara, I believe it is far too early in our relationship for me to share such secrets with you", Savara replied with a wink.

Vinara gaped at her.

"I apologise for the interruption", Akkarin cut in smoothly, "to both you, Ambassador, and you, Queen Zarala."

"Your apology is accepted by both of us", Savara replied after a moment.

How does she do this? It should be impossible for her to have a private conversation with someone over such a great distance!

"Now, where were we?", Savara muttered. "Oh, right. Sachakan society." She cleared her throat, and changed her voice again. "Roughly speaking, Sachakan society can be split into two groups: The Ashaki – noblemen who live in walled estates resembling small towns or fortresses, and the Ichani, outcasts who were banished to the wastes by King Amakira. There is no sense of unity between those magicians – no school for magic, no sense of community. They are more ready than not to turn on each other, even infighting within families happens frequently, especially if a son or grandson feels that he's waited long enough to inherit. They will use any underhanded methods they deem effective to get what they want. The Ichani are particularly awful in this regard, often killing each other for resources, or because they can't stand one another.
"Recently, an Ichani by the name of Kariko has discovered that the Guild no longer uses higher magic. This has caused him to believe that the Guild is weak – that, if he could gather others to his case, they could easily invade Kyralia, and destroy the Guild. This is my warning."

Savara paused to let them absorb this. There was a moment of total silence as Vinara and the others tried to process this.

"What is higher magic?", Telano finally asked with a frown. "I've never heard that term before."

"The ability to draw magic from another living source, and store it to increase your own strength."

"That's black magic!", Sarrin exclaimed.

"What you choose to call it is irrelevant. What matters is that, if Kariko's assumption is, indeed, correct, and you no longer know how to use this power, you are doomed. This is the Queen's offer: I am willing to teach you how to use higher magic – for a price, of course."

"What – are you suggesting that we use this evil power?", Balkan gasped.

Vinara felt chills all over. Sarrin shifted uneasily in his seat.

"By that logic, this would make me evil, and I take offence to that", Savara replied in a frosty voice. "Magic is magic. Power is power. It is neither evil nor good."

"You – you know how to use black magic?", Vinara breathed, her face draining of colour.

"Of course. It is a common skill in Sachaka – just as it used to be in every other country before the Guild banned it. You would not have won the War seven hundred years ago if your ancestors had been unable to use this skill. Sachakan magicians all know how to use it. No Ashaki would teach his son magic, but withhold that information, if he is interested in his line enduring. A magician incapable of using higher magic would not survive long."

"But – there are no mentions of this kind of magic having been used in our historical records", Sarrin protested.

"Do you know when its use was banned?", Savara asked with a frown.

"No."

"Hm. If that happened long ago, your records might have been re-written, and that knowledge of that happening was lost to time."

"That is a worrisome thought", Peakin muttered. "That we might have lost part of our history."

"So – what you are saying is that we wouldn't be able to hold our own against those Ichani unless we learn how to use black magic?", Balkan asked, a deep frown on his face.

"Indeed."

"Why do you think that those Ichani want to invade us? We've never done any harm to them", Lorlen pointed out.

"According to what we know, Kariko wants revenge for the War. Now, us Traitors understand that children should not be blamed for the deeds of their parents, and that descendants should not be held responsible for the actions of their ancestors. Unfortunately, this simple truth is not universally acknowledged in Sachaka – many still remember the atrocities committed by Kyralian magicians, and the creation of the wasteland."

"Atrocities? What atrocities?", Vinara asked in a faint voice.

"The invaders killed whomever they found, and took their magic", Savara replied in a quiet voice. "Now, killing slaves makes sense from a tactical standpoint, but they also killed women and children – the ones who were already suffering under the rule of their fathers and husbands."

Vinara felt sick.

"Furthermore, we assume that he wants the resources Kyralia has to offer – magical and otherwise. The wasteland is inhospitable, survival without magic impossible. If Kariko managed to take over Kyralia, he would become unstoppable. The Ichani would kill every single magician they find, and enslave powerful non-magicians to use as power sources."

"They keep slaves?", Telano asked, aghast.

"They do", Savara replied in a grave voice. "Not all slaves kept by an Ashaki are used for magic, but Ichani cannot afford to keep 'useless' slaves alive."

"And you?", Vinara forced herself to ask.

"We do not keep slaves. Our magicians take magic from willing sources."

"Unbelievable!", Balkan ground out. "Why would anyone agree to such a thing?"

"The process of drawing power itself is not inherently harmful. We wouldn't want to hurt our brothers. Besides, it is a good and noble way for those who cannot use magic to contribute something to the future and defence of Sanctuary, our home."

Vinara mulled this bit of information over. She knew that it was possible to use this power to kill, had been taught how to recognise deaths caused by black magic. However, she didn't understand how it worked. It made sense, though, that the person using it could decide not to kill with it – to let the person he had been drawing power from live, instead, she supposed.

Still, the thought made her uneasy.

"Why do you want to help us?", Telano asked. "Why come here to warn us? You're Sachakan, too, aren't you. Why would you care what happens to us?"

"While we are Sachakan, in a way, we are also an independent society", Savara replied. "Our way of life is very different from that of the Ashaki, or the Ichani. And we do not like the idea of the Ichani taking over Kyralia. They are cruel. We would not want them to inflict their cruelty onto other people. Not to mention that they might turn on us next. And besides – you have something that we want. If the Ichani take over, there is a high chance that all of your knowledge will be lost. Forever."

"And – what is it that you want?", Vinara asked tentatively.

"Healing magic", Savara replied with a smile, locking eyes with her. "We are willing to trade higher magic for healing magic."

"That would not be an easy decision to make", Balkan replied with a frown. "We are not allowed to teach magicians who do not belong to the Guild."

"We can discuss the legal issues at a later point", Lorlen interjected. "We would have to decide what to do about this impending threat first."

"If that threat is, indeed, real", Balkan grumbled.

"How many of those Ichani are there?", Akkarin asked.

"Our latest reports indicate fifteen, two of them women", Savara replied. "Although this number might have changed recently. They may have killed each other again. Or King Amakira might have banished more people. So far, Kariko hasn't succeeded in uniting them yet – some doubt his claims that the Guild no longer uses higher magic, and are afraid. If Kariko were to obtain definitive proof, however, I imagine that all fourteen would join him."

"Fifteen!", Balkan exclaimed with a disbelieving laugh. "Fifteen magicians would not pose a threat to us. We vastly outnumber them."

Sarrin, Peakin and Telano joined in his laughter. Vinara felt relieved. She had, for a moment, feared that they might be in actual danger.

"I would like to point out that each of you only fights with the strength of one magician", Savara replied, her tone dark with warning. "And I imagine that some of you may be quite weak. The Ichani, meanwhile, keep as many slaves as they can afford to feed, all of them with the potential to become magicians themselves. They collect powerful ones, keep them alive for as long as they can, so they can drain their magic over and over. An Ichani will take magical strength from at least some of his slaves every day to remain in fighting form in case of an attack. If they were to invade, they would store up more power in preparation. And keep in mind that they would grow stronger with every magician they kill – and that nothing would stop them from cutting a bloody swath across Kyralia, taking magic from non-magicians. If I wanted to, I could kill you all, and attempt to take over the Guild, right here, right now. I might even succeed, especially since none of you could kill me safely. However – I have no desire to take over the Guild, or crown myself queen of Kyralia. I have my eyes set on a different throne."

"You are certainly confident", Balkan observed, leaning forward. "Care to put that to the test?"

"I'll take you all on at once."

"You're on."

Vinara thought she'd just misheard. A groan sounded from above, and she looked up to see that Akkarin had buried his face in his hands.

Balkan was already on his feet, descending the stairs.

"Curse those Warriors and their hotheaded, competitive ways", Vinara muttered.

"I take offence to that statement", Akkarin groused.

"I'll give you a blanket exception from every comment I make about Warriors", Vinara declared.

"We had best go with them", Lorlen urged as he watched Peakin, Sarrin and Telano rise to their feet to follow Balkan. "I fear this may end in bloodshed otherwise."

"Not on our side, if she is what she claims to be", Akkarin replied. "Although I do agree that we had better keep an eye on them."

"Our unruly family", Lorlen muttered, causing Akkarin to let out a weak chuckle.

"Where are we going?", Savara asked as she fell in step with Balkan.

"The Arena."

"Let's make haste", Vinara urged, rising to her feet. "I worry about Balkan."

Lorlen and Akkarin rose as well, and they hurried after the others.

Savara stopped dead when they stepped out into the open, and made a face.

"And now it's raining. Great. How do you people live in these conditions?", she griped as she created a barrier around herself.

The rain hissed as it made contact with it.

"We get used to it", Akkarin replied with a shrug.

Balkan took the lead again. The Arena was, thankfully, empty. Savara let out a small sound as she beheld the Arena – and Vinara noted, somewhat belatedly, that she'd removed her hand from her pocket before leaving the Guildhall.

"I sense a lot of power from down there", the ambassador observed.

"The barrier surrounding the Arena is supposed to contain whatever magic is let loose during practice, or Formal Battles", Akkarin explained. "All Warriors – myself included – add their magic to it from time to time to keep it strong."

"Fascinating."

"Well, then, who is with me?", Balkan asked, turning around to look at the others.

"I am", Sarrin declared. "We can't let her get away with questioning our skills like that."

"I will abstain", Akkarin announced. "Someone ought to make certain you survive."

"I promise not to kill them", Savara huffed. "That would be quite a blunder for an ambassador to make."

"I will shield you, Ambassador Savara", Lorlen offered.

"Shield me?"

"All combatants need an inner shield when fighting inside the Arena."

"I doubt that you could protect me any better than I can protect myself", she replied, sounding amused.

"Rules are rules", Balkan rumbled. "You will allow someone to shield you, or this fight is not happening."

Savara rolled her eyes.

"I'll support you, Balkan", Vinara announced, much to everyone's surprise. "I'd be too worried otherwise."

Besides, she was curious to see for herself just how powerful Savara actually was.

Telano and Peakin exchanged a glance, looking far less eager than Sarrin and Balkan.

"Too many people would mean a bigger shield, wouldn't it", Telano mused.

"Indeed", Akkarin replied. "There is no telling that the extra magic you two could offer would make up for that."

"Then we'll stay here", Peakin announced.

"Very well. I will explain the rules", Akkarin said. "We'll keep it to just one bout. The winner has to strike the other's inner shield with a force considered lethal. Mindstrike is forbidden."

Savara nodded.

"The bout will begin when I say 'begin', and ends when I say 'halt'. When I do, you are no longer allowed to attack. We do not want any accidents."

"Agreed."

"Well, then", Balkan said, starting toward the Arena portal.

Vinara and Sarrin followed. Savara came next, and Akkarin and Lorlen brought up the rear.

It had been many years since Vinara had last fought in the Arena, and she tried to remember what she had learned during Warrior Skills. She had never thought that she would actually have to utilise this knowledge.

Part of her was worried. Deeply worried.

They reached the bottom of the stairs, and Vinara, Balkan and Sarrin dropped their respective shields. Akkarin instructed them to cluster as closely together as they could before placing a hand on Balkan's shoulder. A shield flared into existence, barely noticeable. However, Vinara could tell that it extended below ground, offering protection from all sides.

On the other side of the Arena, Lorlen was creating a shield around Savara, who thanked him good-naturedly.

Akkarin and Lorlen left the Arena, and moments later, Akkarin appeared on top of the portal.

"Begin!", he shouted.

Balkan threw up a strong shield.

"Just send me your magic, you can leave the fighting to me", he instructed.

Sarrin and Vinara placed their hands on his shoulders.

Savara had, in the meantime, created a shield of her own. Balkan took the initiative, and sent out a spray of Force-, Fire- and Heatstrikes, curving them around the Arena to batter Savara's shield from all sides, looking for a weak point.

Vinara remembered Regin and Sonea having done the same during their Formal Battle. This tactic left the defender with two options – create a shield strong enough to repel all Strikes, at the cost of using up magic faster, or adjust the shield in time for each Strike, which took a lot of concentration. Sonea had done the former, Regin the latter – however, this had worked to his disadvantage when Sonea had managed to sneak a more powerful Strike in before Regin had time to strengthen his shield again.

Savara took the brunt of the attack without any outward sign of exertion.

Even Sonea had shown sings of strain during her fight. Vinara felt another stab of worry.

A powerful beam of energy smashed into their combined shield, obliterating it. Balkan cursed while Sarrin swayed, a hand pressed to his temples.

"I'm spent", he whispered. "I can't send any more magic."

Vinara made a distressed sound as she called upon more magic to channel it into the shield Balkan was re-creating.

"We have to trick her into using up her power", Balkan ordered.

Another blast shattered his shield moments later, and Balkan staggered. Vinara grabbed his arm to keep them both upright.

"I had hoped we would last longer than this", she whispered, her eyes wide. "Can you make another shield?"

"I'm trying."

However, both Balkan and Vinara were running low on magic now, and the new shield wavered and failed even before Savara sent out her next attack.

Vinara held her breath as Savara tilted her head to the side, deliberating. Once more, Balkan tried to throw up a barrier, and once more, he failed. A single Forcestrike smashed into Akkarin's shield, and the force of the impact made the three of them stagger.

"Halt!", Akkarin called.

Savara relaxed her stance, and dropped her own shield. Thankfully, Akkarin's inner shield appeared to be still intact, and Vinara deduced that Savara had used less power for her last Strike.

Vinara looked up to see Savara strolling toward them, her posture deliberately non-threatening.

"Was that sufficient?", she inquired politely when she reached them. "Or would you like to see more? I could go for a couple more rounds. Are there any stronger magicians around I could have a go at?"

Balkan gaped at her before collecting himself. "That would be difficult, as we would need someone powerful enough to be able to shield them", he replied. "The High Lord is our most powerful magician, so fighting him is out of the question, I fear."

"Pity. I would have loved to spar with him."

"What about that young magician who volunteered to help out with Akkarin's training exercises, Lord Donevin?", Vinara asked.

"I suppose we could ask him", Balkan replied. "Although I doubt the outcome would be much different. I'm nearly as powerful as he is."

"So, we're done here, then?", Savara asked.

"Yes, we are", Balkan grumbled.

He looked annoyed at having lost.

"Good. I hope that you now understand the gravity of this situation."

Balkan gave her a terse nod.

— How bad is it?, Vinara sent.

— It's been a long time since I've lost a fight, and I've never lost so quickly, or against a single opponent.

— I see. That doesn't bode well.

— No, it does not.

They dragged themselves up the stairs. Lorlen and Akkarin were waiting for them, and dispelled their barriers. Akkarin extended a hand toward Vinara, and she took it gratefully.

"You look pale", he murmured as he sent a trickle of Healing magic into her body. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, I'll live", she huffed. "I just never thought I'd find myself back in the Arena, much less facing such an opponent." She squeezed his hand. "Thank you for this."

"Don't mention it. And I commend you for wanting to help Balkan, despite everything."

Behind her, Lorlen and Telano were offering to Heal Balkan and Sarrin, who perked up moments later.

Savara was watching with undisguised curiosity as she threw up another shield to keep the rain at bay.

Akkarin created a barrier around himself and Vinara, and started back toward the university.

"Well, Lord Balkan, what is your verdict?", Akkarin asked as soon as they had retaken their seats.

Vinara noted that Savara had, once again, stuck her hand into her pocket.

"I amend my previous statement", Balkan groused. "I would not want to fight fifteen magicians of Ambassador Savara's calibre. Lord Sarrin was out of magic after the first hit. And we didn't have the time to employ any tactics, either."

"Fights between magicians capable of using higher magic are contests of brute strength", Savara explained. "The stronger one wins. End of story. Trickery is not part of our repertoire."

"You were holding back with your last Strike, Ambassador", Vinara observed.

"Of course. I know how much power is needed to kill a human."

"Have you killed before?", Telano asked, narrowing his eyes at her.

"I have. Usually in self-defence, although I have carried out assassinations before, as well."

"Assassinations?", Vinara asked in a faint voice.

"Sometimes, we need to take out an Ashaki or other in a discreet manner. A fight is always risky – the Ashaki might be stronger than the woman we sent. It is much better to catch them off-guard."

"So – you sneak people into their homes?", Lorlen asked.

"Indeed. They pose as slaves. The Ashaki have figured that out by now, but they've never been able to catch one of us."

"Where does this leave us, then?", Peakin asked. "If even the strongest of us can't stand against a single magician, I shudder to think of the devastation fifteen of them might cause."

"You only have one choice, really", Savara replied. "Revoke the ban on higher magic. Allow at least some magicians to learn how to use it. Equip them with the skill and strength needed to defend Kyralia. If the Ichani learn that you still know how to use this power, this might deter them. And, even if they were to invade, you would be able to defend yourselves. There is, of course, a chance that Kariko might not succeed in convincing the others to join him, but it is by no means certain that you will be able to hide this weakness forever. Perhaps, one day, you might face an army of Ashaki instead of fifteen Ichani."

Vinara paled at hearing that. Everything within her rebelled against the thought of doing as Savara suggested, but – she had a point.

"Is it safe to assume that King Amakira doesn't know about this yet?", Balkan asked.

"If he did know, our spies at the palace would have reported back about it", Savara replied. "And Kariko wouldn't willingly share this information with someone who is not Ichani. He wants to be the one to seize this prize."

"Well, that's something, at least", he sighed.

Still, the others seemed to share Vinara's apprehension.

"What about you?", Telano asked. "Couldn't you repel those Ichani for us?"

"Both the Ichani and the Ashaki nip at our heels, determined to find out where we are hiding. We cannot spare even a single woman."

"But you are here", Balkan pointed out.

"I'm here to broker an alliance, not to fight your battles for you! Even I couldn't take on all of the Ichani, especially since I didn't bring a source with me. Eventually, I would run out of magic. And I'd rather not fall into the hands of even a single Ichani. You do not wish to know what they do to defeated enemies."

Her tone was grave, dark, and Vinara shuddered.

"If you refuse our offer, you risk the total annihilation of the Guild, of your culture. The Ichani will inflict horrors on your people you cannot imagine. Horrors I have seen, and, to some extent, experienced myself. I urge you to think this through with a rational mind."

"But how do we know that this threat is, in fact, real?", Sarrin demanded. "I've certainly never heard of these 'Ichani' before. Surely, traders must have heard of them?"

"The Ichani are not publicly spoken of in Arvice", Savara replied. "Besides, why would I make this up? What could I possibly gain?"

"You want Healing magic", he shot back. "That seems like a good enough motivation."

"I offered you a trade – you would get something of equal value to yourselves in return. Listen to me – I'm offering you a way to stave off almost certain doom. Why do you reject my offer? Do you want to die?!"

"We have all been taught that this power is evil", Akkarin explained in a soft voice. "The average magician only knows that black magic is forbidden, but we were taught more about it upon being elected into our respective positions. And some of us have firmly believed this for many years. Not everyone can be pragmatic about something like this. What is more, we do not even know when this magic was banned, or why. All we know is to fear it."

"Sanctuary was founded in the wake of the war with Kyralia", Savara replied, sounding exasperated. "That was over seven hundred years ago. Ever since that, our magicians have used this power for the benefit of all. There has never been an instance where it was used to harm one of our own. We would never do such a thing – the mere thought is laughable! I'll repeat this – not a single case of abuse in seven hundred years."

That was rather impressive, Vinara found.

"I fear that we are not nearly as noble as that", Akkarin replied with a sigh. "There have been cases of abuse recently. Magicians who caused harm to others – both magicians, and non-magicians."

"Pick the right people, then. Read their minds. Make sure that they are as well-suited for this as can be."

"Power has a habit of corrupting people", Sarrin pointed out.

"If you fear too much, you will still die", Savara retorted. "Literally, in this case."

"Can you prove any of these things you claim?", he pressed.

"Certainly. Come. Read my mind, if you must."

Vinara sucked in a sharp breath.

"Don't", Balkan warned. "You might learn black magic accidentally."

Savara let out a peal of laughter. "You have nothing to fear on that front. I have no intention of giving you that knowledge for free."

"We could hardly charge you with 'seeking to learn black magic' if that did happen", Akkarin added. "As long as you never used that power, you should be fine."

"Great", Sarrin muttered as he rose to his feet. "That's very uplifting."

He descended the stairs and stopped in front of Savara.

"I should warn you", she said in a quiet voice. "Some of the things you are about to see may be deeply upsetting. Both the Ashaki and the Ichani are known for their cruelty."

"I understand", Sarrin replied in a tight voice.

"All right, then. Go ahead."

Taking a deep breath, Sarrin placed his hands on Savara's temples. Their eyes closed, and they stayed like that for what felt like hours. Vinara certainly lost track of time as she watched them with a worried frown.

Sarrin's face was pale, and he looked unwell.

When he finally released Savara, he swayed. Savara's hand shot out to steady him.

"It's true", Sarrin whispered. "It's all true. Those people – I've never seen such evil in my life. There were so many memories – both the Ambassador's, and those of people whose minds she has read."

He turned away, and slowly made his way back to his chair, looking haggard.

"Another ability you seem to have lost", Savara observed. "Your way of 'reading minds' is incredibly clumsy."

"What do you mean?", Vinara asked.

"Our method is faster, and we can read unwilling minds."

"That – sounds like the High Lord's ability!", Balkan exclaimed, turning to look up at Akkarin – who stared back with an impassive face.

"I thought that was an innate ability", Peakin said with a frown.

"I never said it was", Akkarin replied smoothly. "I simply thought it better to let people believe that."

"Why?", Balkan demanded.

"Because the potential for abuse is too great."

"A sensible choice if your magicians are truly so easily corrupted by power", Savara interjected. "Both the Ichani and the Ashaki abuse this power, use it to keep their slaves in line. And to take information from their enemies. This power could do great harm in the wrong hands."

"I feel I have to agree", Lorlen added. "And I don't believe Akkarin capable of abusing this power, himself. I know him well."

"Still, it might be useful if more magicians could do this", Sarrin, who was looking slightly less pale by now, mused.

"I would have had to read the mind of the person I was supposed to teach, and that would conflict with the rules I have imposed upon myself."

"And those are?", Vinara asked.

"I would only use this power if one of the Higher Magicians asked it of me, as has happened previously, if there is an imminent threat to the safety of Kyralia – or any of the other Allied Lands, and I saw no other way to proceed, or if the person whose mind I wish to read consents to it."

"I cannot imagine someone ever agreeing to that", Vinara exclaimed in disbelief.

"Sonea did."

Vinara stared at him for a heartbeat. "She did? Did she understand what she agreed to?"

"Of course. Sonea is very well aware of the extent of my abilities."

"Might I ask why you wanted to read her mind?", Balkan inquired.

"Mostly out of practicality. I imagine you are aware that the King decided to speak with Sonea very unexpectedly when I brought her to the palace?"

"I've heard about that, yes."

"I had no time to prepare her, and she was terribly worried that she might have revealed something she should not have. I told her that reading her mind would be almost as good as me having been there, and Sonea agreed. She made two stipulations, and I promised to abide by those."

"And you kept your word?", Vinara pressed.

"Of course. You are welcome to ask her."

She considered this. Sonea's meeting with the King had happened a while back – if Akkarin had overstepped the boundaries Sonea had laid down, she surely would no longer trust him the way she did.

"I believe you", she sighed. "And I apologise for voicing such doubts."

"Don't be. I appreciate how thorough you are, and your genuine concern for her well-being."

"If you are worried about this ability being abused, may I suggest that you only teach it to the people who are also taught higher magic?", Savara offered.

"That seems like a decent compromise", Balkan replied. "Would you be willing to teach those people, High Lord?"

"If you ask it of me, and I may read their minds first, I will", he replied. "I do not mind sharing this ability. I merely meant to forestall abuse."

"I'm not certain that this is the best approach", Vinara objected. "I fear that many people would be frightened at the prospect of having their minds read by you, High Lord. Might I suggest a normal truth-read instead? If we feel that those people were withholding information, or being untruthful, we could still ask you to read their minds."

"That is acceptable."

"So, is it decided, then?", Telano asked, looking around. "We agree to this trade?"

The others exchanged a glance.

"We don't have much of a choice, do we", Peakin said with a weak laugh.

"I would like to discuss this with the King first, though", Akkarin replied. "This would be a monumental change. I'm not entirely certain if we might need his permission. And there are certain legal problems as well. Ambassador, I would like for you to accompany me to the palace, if you don't mind."

"Certainly. The King is not a magician, I take it?"

"No. Guild magicians are not allowed to be involved in politics."

"I see. How strange."

"If the King agrees, we could hold an unscheduled Meet to make the rest of the Guild aware of this."

"How should we vote?", Vinara asked.

"I think we should allow every magician to vote", Lorlen replied. "The evidence presented to us today should be enough to convince everyone that this change is necessary."

"Agreed", Balkan rumbled. "Although we should also put measures in place to make sure this power can't be abused easily, in addition to having the candidates submit themselves to a truth-read."

"How many people should we allow to learn this skill?", Sarrin asked.

"I would suggest two", Balkan replied. "Have them keep an eye on each other. If we appoint more than that, they could band together to overthrow some of the others."

"That sounds good", Lorlen replied.

"They should not be allowed to strengthen themselves without permission from one of us", Akkarin suggested.

"We could confine them to the Guild", Sarrin added.

"No", Akkarin replied. "If we came under attack, this would mean that they would be stuck here until the enemy is at our doorstep. From a tactical standpoint, it would be better to intercept our enemies before they can strengthen themselves too much."

"But we can't risk our magicians just going into the slums to look for people with magical potential", Vinara pointed out. "Or the Inner circle."

"How about a compromise?", Lorlen asked. "They should not be allowed to leave the Guild grounds without permission, and would have to report back as soon as they return. If they stay out for too long, we could send the other one to look for them."

"That sounds acceptable."

"They should not be allowed to teach, or hold a position of authority", Peakin suggested.

"But we should make them members of the Higher Magicians", Telano replied with a frown. "Otherwise, this might sound too much like an underprivileged position."

"Fair enough."

"All of that seems all right to me", Akkarin observed. "I will relay this to the King. If anyone has any more ideas before the Meet, do let the rest of us know."

"So, are we done here for today, then?", Lorlen asked.

"Actually, I do have one more question, mostly out of curiosity", Savara chimed in.

"Go on."

"I've noticed that all of you are wearing the same clothing, but that there are different colours. I cannot make sense of that. It's been bothering me ever since I arrived."

"Oh, that", Lorlen replied with a chuckle. "That is easily enough explained. Basically, we have four colours – for the three disciplines – Warriors wear red, Healers green, and Alchemists purple – and the novices, who wear brown until they choose a discipline. There are only two people who do not fall under this rule – the administrator, who wears blue, and the high lord, who wears black. Oh, and the heads of disciplines wear black sashes."

"Why black?", Savara asked.

"Black is the colour of power", Akkarin replied.

"How ironic", she chuckled.

"Oh! That's another thing – what kind of colour should our – uh – Black Magicians wear?", Peakin asked.

The Higher Magicians exchanged a glance.

"Black?", Balkan suggested.

"The High Lord wears black", Lorlen reminded him.

"We could change his colour. How about white?"

"Absolutely not", Akkarin snapped. "I refuse to go along with this. I would look dreadful in white."

"Can't they just wear the colour of their disciplines?", Savara asked.

"They would have to be distinguishable from ordinary magicians", Vinara replied.

Savara frowned. "Distinguishable, but in a different way from you?"

"Indeed."

"I might have an idea. Let me think on this for a bit."

"Certainly."

"We'll need to find lodgings for the Ambassador", Balkan interjected.

"Good point", Lorlen agreed.

"How about letting her stay at the residence?", Sarrin suggested.

"I fear I am all out of spare bedrooms", Akkarin replied smoothly.

"You could send Sonea back to the Novices' Quarters for the time being. Surely, the comfort of an ambassador is more important than that Dwell's."

Akkarin was on his feet before Sarrin had finished speaking, the expression on his face murderous.

"Lord Sarrin, if you could please comport yourself in a manner befitting one of the Higher Magicians", Lorlen said sharply. "What must the Ambassador think of us."

"Sonea has a right to that room", Vinara added. "Sending her back to the Novices' Quarters would seem like a punishment."

Akkarin exhaled forcefully though his nose, still looking livid. "Consider this your first and final warning. If you insult her again, I will challenge you – or perhaps I'll let her do it, seeing as how she is the injured party. I imagine it would be more humiliating to get ground into the dust by a woman less than half your own age", he growled.

Sarrin paled.

Akkarin gave him one last glare before sitting down. Vinara started breathing again.

"Forgive me, but – I'm not sure I follow", Savara interjected, her brow furrowed. "Who is this Sonea I am meant to replace, and what just happened?"

"Sonea is the High Lord's favourite, a unique – and coveted – position among novices", Lorlen explained. "Many noble families were hoping that he would choose one of their sons – but instead, he chose Sonea – the only Kyralian magician not from one of the Houses. This has enraged quite many people, I'm afraid. As for the matter of the insult – 'Dwell' is short for 'slum dweller', a derogatory term used by the people of the city to refer to those who live in the slums. However, those people decided not to put up with that, and embraced that word. If Sonea refers to herself as a Dwell, that's fine. If someone else here does it, it's an insult – and Sonea would take it as such."

"Ah, so this is a class thing, then", Savara replied, her mouth twisting into a displeased line.

"Do you not have social classes in Sanctuary?", Vinara asked curiously.

"No. We have a hierarchy, of course, but all the women who hold positions of power – including the queen – are elected. And nobody – including the queen's daughter – gets special treatment based on who their parents are. We encourage our children to find something they're good at, something they enjoy doing. We urge them to utilise their talents to their fullest capacity. For that road leads toward prosperity."

"I've noticed that you tend to mention 'women' a lot when speaking about people in power, or magicians", Balkan said with a frown. "Why is that?"

"Ah. Well, you see, we do not teach men magic – unless they are Naturals, but even they may not learn higher magic – and they may not hold positions of power."

"That strikes me as unfair", he replied.

"Perhaps. However, history has shown us that men cannot be trusted with either power, or higher magic. Numerous generations of women have suffered at their hands. I cannot say if men in other countries, men belonging to other cultures would be just as bad, but this is something we learned the hard way. As a result, most of the people who volunteer to be sources are men."

"I can understand where you are coming from", Sarrin muttered.

"I maintain that this is unfair", Balkan muttered.

"Does it also strike you as unfair that Lonmar only sends boys to the Guild?", Savara inquired.

"How do you know that?"

"It is as well-known fact that they treat their women even worse than the Sachakans", she huffed. "The Ashaki, at least, allow their wives and daughters to stir outside. You haven't answered my question, though, Lord Balkan."

"I suppose that is unfair, as well", he amended.

"As for my lodgings – all I need is a room I can stay in. If you cannot host me here, at the Guild, I can find lodgings in the city."

"That will not do", Lorlen replied. "The reason why we sequester ourselves in one part of the city is because we are supposed to keep an eye on each other. If word got out that a magician not from the Allied Lands was staying somewhere in the city, it might cause an outcry from the nobles – or the lower classes to panic. If you stay here, at the Guild, we can, at least, pretend that you won't be a danger to anyone. We should have space in the Magicians' Quarters, and a servant will be assigned to you."

"I don't need one", she huffed. "I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, thank you very much."

"Ah, but you will require food", he replied with a smile. "We'll assign someone to you, but you are free to dismiss that person if you don't need help."

"Very well. Oh, about this Sonea you mentioned – I believe I would like to meet her."

"That can be arranged", Akkarin replied. "I was considering hosting you for a meal, as the Guild's leader – I will ask her if she would like to join us."

"Splendid."

"I've been wondering as to why you call yourselves 'Traitors'", Vinara chimed in.

"Well, for one, the rest of Sachaka certainly considers us just that", Savara replied with a chuckle. "But there is a historical reason, as well – long ago, long before the War, there was a princess who was raped by one of her father's guests. Instead of punishing the perpetrator, the king instead called his daughter a traitor, and had her executed."

Vinara made an angry exclamation, almost at the same time as Akkarin. She turned her head to see that he looked ready to murder someone again.

The other Higher Magicians likewise voiced their disgust and anger.

Savara looked surprised for a moment before giving them the first genuine smile.

"This caused outrage among the women of the country, and they began calling themselves 'Traitors' out of solidarity. They started a secret network to help women in danger, becoming better organised as time passed. However, there was one thing they lacked – none of them knew how to use magic. At the time, men grew suspicious of the women in their households, and would not teach their daughters – they would sooner let a distant male relative take over the estate. However, shortly before the War broke out, a young woman named Stara joined the Traitors in an attempt to save her brother's wife – she was barren, and Stara's father was making plans to kill her so that his son could marry again. Stara's mother had been from Elyne, and she'd spent her childhood there, with her mother. A friend taught her magic, and her brother later higher magic, as payment for her help. In the aftermath of the War, Stara led a group of refugees away from Arvice, and laid the foundation of what would later become Sanctuary. She taught other women magic, and that's how our society was born."

"That's quite an interesting tale", Vinara replied. "You were very lucky to have that Stara."

"Indeed. In a way, we must be thankful to her father – as awful as he was. If he hadn't permitted his wife to return to Elyne, Stara may have never learned how to use magic."

"Strange, how these things sometimes work out", Akkarin observed.

"Any more questions, anyone?", Lorlen asked.

The others shook their heads. Sarrin frowned.

"We should make some sort of statement concerning the Ambassador's presence here at the Guild", he suggested. "She won't exactly blend in, even if we gave her robes to wear."

"Please don't. I can't imagine doing that. They look awfully impractical."

"You get used to them", Lorlen chuckled.

"I will come to the Night Room later to make an announcement", Akkarin decided. "Lorlen, can you prepare something for the teachers so that they can inform the novices tomorrow morning?"

"Certainly."

"Then we are done for today", he replied, rising to his feet.

The others followed suit, and started descending the stairs.

"I need to go fetch my things, I left them in my temporary quarters", Savara said.

"Very well. We should have your rooms ready by the time you return", Lorlen replied. "Just ask a servant to show you the way."

"I thank you."

Savara once again placed her hand over her heart, picked up her cloak, and left the Guildhall at a brisk pace.

The others dispersed, Lorlen muttering about extra work under his breath. Vinara held out a hand to stop Akkarin.

"Walk with me for a bit?"

"Certainly."

They exited the university building and turned left to take the route past the Novices' Quarters toward the Healers' Quarters. Thankfully, the rain had stopped by now, as Vinara still felt too drained to create a shield of her own.

"Your reaction earlier surprised me", she stated.

"I apologise if I alarmed you", he replied smoothly, clasping his hands behind his back. "I fear there are a few things that rise my ire, and people thinking that they are better than others due to circumstances is one of them."

"That is understandable. However, I have never seen you act like this before."

"I am Sonea's guardian."

"True. But I've never seen such a passionate display from Rothen, either. And you've given me to understand that he considers her family."

"If it helps, I react the same way if someone mistreats or insults my siblings", Akkarin replied smoothly.

Vinara narrowed her eyes at him. He was not doing a good job of digging himself out of the hole he was currently in.

"Akkarin, have you developed feelings for Sonea?"

His steps did not falter, and his expression did not change, however, he turned his head to glance down at her. Vinara forced herself to meet his gaze.

There was a chance that he would refuse to answer, or even lie to her. However, Vinara was fairly certain that she was correct. It would explain a great many things.

"If, hypothetically speaking, that were the case, what would you do?"

"Nothing – that is, if, hypothetically speaking, there is nothing going on between you."

"Sonea is unaware of my hypothetical feelings. And I have no intention to make them known to her while I am still her guardian. I would not want to put her through this. Hypothetically speaking."

She frowned as she mulled this over.

"Lorlen knows, if this helps", Akkarin ventured softly. "And, as you know, he has regular access to Sonea's mind. If anything untoward were going on, he would know."

"Did you tell him?", Vinara asked, surprised.

"No, he figured it out through observation, just as you did", Akkarin sighed. "He has been quite insufferable ever since. He warned me about the Guild's laws at first before encouraging me to tell her once she graduates."

"Will you?"

"Yes. However, it will depend entirely on Sonea whether anything will come of this. While I know that she likes me – trusts me – I am certain that she does not feel the same way about me as I do about her. I am – prepared for her rejection. If she wishes to leave, I will let her."

"I am glad to hear that. And that Lorlen knows. Wait – when you spoke about her having so much power over you – is this what you meant?"

"In a way. She could, very easily, make me do almost anything she wanted. I do hope that she never realises this."

"And – is this a recent development? Or did you make her your novice because you had feelings for her?"

"No and no", he replied, frowning slightly. "My feelings for her changed after she moved in with me, once I got to know her better. But this is not a recent development. Sonea has been living at the residence for almost two years now, and I have loved her for the better part of that time. I have been very careful not to let anything on, however. Part of me is frightened that she may grow to resent me again if she were to find out just how long I have been pining for her."

"That's understandable", Vinara muttered. "It is a delicate situation."

"Hm. But you need not worry about her. Worry about me, instead."

Vinara let out a chuckle. "I will, if it makes you feel better."

"Thank you. Lorlen can't bring himself to do that. He is far too thrilled at the prospect that we might get married. I wouldn't be surprised if he was secretly drafting wedding invitations", he said, sounding fondly exasperated.

"I see. Well, anyway, I appreciate that you were so open about this."

"I know better than to fight a losing battle. And I would rather not have you jump to conclusions and do something that might cause Sonea distress – even if you meant well. There has been an incident recently – she suffered a panic attack after one of her classmates started speculating that I might be interested in her. Sonea feared a repeat of what had happened with Rothen."

"Ah. Right. I heard about that. Thank goodness Lorlen was there to sort it all out."

Akkarin hummed in agreement.

By now, they had reached the road, and he stopped.

"Was there anything else you needed, Vinara?"

"No, that was all. And don't worry, I will keep your confidence. I imagine that Lorlen is responsible enough to place Sonea's well-being above all else."

"You don't have to worry in that regard. He would not let our friendship stand in the way of duty."

"I see. Well, then, I shall take my leave."

"Would you like some more Healing magic?"

"No, but thank you. I'll just go and prepare some medicines or organise supplies."

"Very well."

Akkarin inclined his head in greeting and turned away. Vinara made her way over to the Healers' Quarters, deep in thought.

A/N:

Originally, I had Lorlen hide Sonea and Takan in his sitting room so that there'd be a magician on hand in case they were found. However, this would have meant that they would have to get into Lorlen's room through the window without being seen by anyone. Then, I remembered that there is an entrance to the secret passages in his office.

I'm still upset that "Zeldra" isn't the official name they used. Oh, and no spoilers for TokT, please. I haven't been able to finish the game yet as I am busy writing this.

A note on the residence:
Sadly, we don't get a complete description of the building – I'd love to have a map, too – so I tried to come up with a layout based on what we do know.
On the ground floor, we obviously have the guestroom – I'd imagine that the kitchen would be down here, too, and there have to be storage rooms for food (and all of Akkarin's wine), too. I also decided that Takan's room is on the ground floor, as well – and there has to be somewhere he and Akkarin can wash, as they can't go to the baths for obvious reasons.
The right-hand staircase leads both to the underground room aka Akkarin's black magic research lab, and the first floor. This means that the dining room has to be on that side of the building, and I've decided that it takes up the southern end, as you'd have a nice view of the forest from the windows that way. It would make sense to have more "public" rooms face the road, meaning the library is next to the dining room on the south-western side, and the small sitting room next to it, closer to the left-hand staircase. Sonea and Akkarin's bedrooms are on the eastern side of the building, facing the forest.

Idioms in this chapter:
He can sing a song about this (er kann ein Lied davon singen) – something bad has happened to that person, similar in meaning as "once bitten, twice shy"
If you fear too much, you will still die (Zuviel gefurchten ist auch gestorben) – literally, it means that you can die of fright, but the meaning is that you shouldn't let fear hold you back, that you won't be able to live if you are constantly afraid

Lorlen: How on earth do you deal with them on a daily basis? This is aggravating.
Takan: It is. I wish they would get on with it.
Lorlen: Sonea is getting there. Just give her a little more time.

Sonea: You want to be friends with me?
Savara: Of course.
Sonea: Why?
Akkarin, Lorlen and Rothen: Face, meet palm.

Balkan: Fight me!
Savara: Bring it on!
Akkarin: Children, behave.

Vinara: All Warriors are idiots. Except Akkarin.

Akkarin: I'll kill him!
Lorlen: No, Akkarin, we've discussed this.

Vinara: Are you in love with Sonea?
Akkarin: Would you believe me if I denied it?
Vinara: No.