The boy shook out his wrist and nodded.
“Take Maeve,” said Mal, gesturing behind him.
Maeve didn’t think Mal knew she was there. But as she played with his ring around her neck, she laughed softly. Part of him was inside that ring. Of course he knew when she was near.
“Which one of you can tell me how Maeve counters a spell she doesn’t want to block with magic?” Asked Mal.
The taller of the two boys didn’t hesitate to answer. “She takes a knee.”
“Correct,” said Mal. “Which she can get away with because she’s shorter, and she takes advantage of a spell aimed slightly too high. You and I, Sam,” he looked to the taller boy, “wouldn’t be smart to attempt a dodge like that. It’s why you lost control. So, what can you do to dodge a spell and allow yourself to fire back quickly?”
Sam contemplated this for a moment, concentrating intensely.
“I can’t, can I?”
“Not wisely, no,” answered Mal.
“So she has an advantage because she’s shorter.”
“I wouldn’t call it an advantage,” said Mal. “It’s part of how she duels, but do I use it?”
Sam shook his head.
“Has she ever beaten me?”
Sam, again, shook his head. Mal nodded.
“Find your advantage. Find what keeps you from losing focus. Once more, and then we’re done for the day,” instructed Mal.
Maeve pushed off the archway and made her way up the stairs. She wandered down the corridors on the first and second floors, admiring her favorite paintings.
On the third floor, she slipped into the Trophy Room. Large glass casings and shelves that towered over her filled the room. She passed Mal’s three years’ worth of Dueling Club Awards. He’d win this year without question, too.
She traveled back a few rows, where the Magical Sporting awards were.
On the far wall was a large portrait of her brother Atony in his Serpentine Captain’s uniform. He was smiling and holding a trophy. His crystal blue eyes were lighter than hers. But they were just like Arianna’s.
A golden plaque was above it portrait, with a serpent etched into the stone. It read:
In loving memory of Atony Ambrose Sinclair
Usque ad Mortem Sinclair
The actual trophy was on a stand. He had been captain of the Harpastum and Fencing Teams. Under the trophy was a glass case with all the fencing swords he won his Championships with during his time at Vaukore, and his Emerald Green and Silver Captain’s badge. Each one had the date engraved on it. There was a vase of flowers on a stand next to the case. Maeve reached out and touched the green and white hydrangeas. Hydrangea was the Sinclair family flower.
“Is this the first time you’ve allowed yourself to look at this?” Came Mal’s voice from behind her.
“It is,” replied Maeve.
Mal stood beside her, looking up at Atony. Maeve fiddled with his ring around her neck, pulling it closer to her.
“I’m sorry, Maeve,” said Mal quietly.
Maeve remained silent, admiring Antony’s portrait. He was just as she remembered him.
Chapter 29
Professor Hummingdoor was, as promised, back on his feet the next day teaching classes and preparing for his favorite night of the year.
