Angelique almost choked on her own spit.THAT was the one you were most upset by? It’s the one that makes the most sense! My magic is weaponized—I don’t WANT to use it withoutsupervision!
Enchanter Crest nodded. “You may make your request at a later date—but you’ll need proof and evidence for ourconsideration.”
Enchanter Evariste slightly bowed his head. “Ofcourse.”
“If that’s all, I believe we can declare this hearing over,” Enchanter Tristisim said. He eyed Angelique and Enchanter Evariste with something akin to curiosity. “I assume you are aware of the new records and forms you’ll need to fill out, Evariste, and the provisions you’ll have tomake?”
“Indeed,” Evariste said in his musical voice. “Thank you, Council Members, for my brilliant newapprentice.”
Enchantress Primrose’s forehead puckered slightly—as if she didn’t fully understand what he meant and was bothered by it—and Enchantress Felicienne looked icy, but Enchanter Crest noddedbriskly.
“The Council will adjourn in preparation for the next ruling,” Enchanter Crestannounced.
The spotlights dimmed slightly, and Angelique let go of the breath she washolding.
It was done. She still had her magic,andshe was now the apprentice of one of the most respected Lord Enchanters of their time.The impossible has happened. Though I’m not certain I trustit.
“Angelique,” Madam Quarrellous saidstiffly.
Angelique cringed slightly as she turned to face her Magical Integrity instructor. The older woman’s lips were caught in a severe frown that she rarely wore—except when Angelique was around—and the longer she gazed at Angelique, the sharper that frowngrew.
She opened her mouth—no doubt to remind Angelique that her core magic was based on bloodshed and that her great power was not a good indication of her soul—but before she could say anything, Lord Enchanter Evariste stepped smoothly betweenthem.
“If you’ll excuse us, Madam Quarrellous, Master Gladio. I fear my apprentice and I have much we need to accomplish and see to before we leave, and a very short time in which to do it.” His voice was warm and sunny, and he placed a hand on Angelique’s left elbow—making her jump at the unexpected contact. “Good day to you both!” He bid them farewell with a smile as he gently directed Angelique off the platform and out of thelight.
Blinded by the sudden dimness, Angelique nearly tripped down the last step but righted herself in time to avoid falling on herface.
“We’ll need to gather your belongings from your dorm room, and there are forms I’ll need to pick up, but we needn’t bother filling out any of it yet.” Evariste’s voice remained bright as he gently toted her along, making his way through the dim hall with no difficulties. “With my magic, it’s an easy thing to trot the papers back to the Council. And they won’t expect me to file anything for at least a week I’d say. Given all of that, I think we’ll be able to leave the Conclave by evening, wouldn’t you agree, Apprentice?” he asked as they strode through thedoor.
The war mage still stood guard, and at Enchanter Evariste’s words, she nearly lost her grip on her halberd. She shifted her gaze to Angelique and offered her an excited smile. “You’re going to become an enchantress?” sheasked.
“I’m not sure,” Angelique saidhonestly.
“She is.” Enchanter Evariste grinned charmingly at the warmage.
The guard tightened her grip on her weapon and laughed. “We’ll finally get an enchantress with warmagic!”
Angelique felt her forehead furrow in surprise as she followed Enchanter Evariste.She says that as though it’s a goodthing.
“Good luck, Apprentice Angelique!” the guard called afterthem.
“Thank you,” Angelique repliedautomatically.
“Why don’t we divide and conquer,” Enchanter Evariste suggested. “You pack up, and I’ll grab the forms and necessary registration papers. We can meet at the kelpie fountain in the gold courtyard—I can perform magic there without stirring anywraths.”
“Aren’t there supplies that will be necessary to purchase?” Angelique asked tactfully.He can’t have been planning on taking me on. There will be books, linens, and necessary teaching supplies to buy.The thought made the wrinkles on Angelique’s forehead deepen. Traditionally, an Enchanter bought the supplies for his apprentice, with the thought that the apprentice would pay them back through theirwork.
But given their rather unusual and hasty arrangement, was that fair? On the other hand, Angelique had very little money.I could maybe afford a book or two. But I can sleep on a bare mattress, and my school clothes will suit me. It always struck me as a bit prissy the way many mages demand the finer things of life,anyway.
“Yes, supplies, but we needn’t purchase them here. There’s a larger variety in the marketplaces of Baris, Torrens, and Loire. And I already have much of what we’ll need,” Evariste said. When he glanced over at her, he laughed a little and tapped her forehead with a gloved finger. “And I can see what you are thinking, but worry not! I will spare no expense for my apprentice. You will not pay for a thing,Angelique.”
I can’t afford to make him feel too much pressure for taking me in, or he may regret it.With this thought ringing through her mind, she objected, “But surely I am an expense you were notexpecting.”
“You’d be surprised,” Enchanter Evariste said evasively. “Besides, it is my right as your teacher. Now off with you—to your rooms. Remember, we’ll meet at the kelpie fountain!” He instructed when they came to an intersection in thehallway.
Angelique bowed. “Yes, EnchanterEvariste.”
Enchanter Evariste waved a hand in farewell before he strode off in the opposite direction, his hooded cloak sweeping behindhim.
