The seven apprentices that Hokda appointed earned their spots over thousands.
“Killian—”
Onto the next problem. “I know.” Killian deflated. “If and when Hokda says no, Kade can’t stay. I know.”
“It’s nothing personal.”
No unauthorized personnel were allowed on the premises. A simple and reasonable law.
Killian smiled grimly. “I know that, too.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
KILLIAN FOUGHT THE urge to wrap his hands around Hokda’s neck and squeeze until the healer’s head popped. It was only due to his impeccable self control that he was able to gallantly keep his hands at his sides.
The healer stared at him in utter disbelief, “What the fuck did you just say?”
Killian opened his mouth to repeat himself when Hokda rudely cut him off with a hand in his face. He snapped his teeth at the healer.
Hokda said, “This is your one and only chance to say‘Oops, never mind’and turn around, Killian. Don’t squander it. I’m being generous.”
After a frosty breakfast—Kade brooding and sulky after their unexpectedmeetingwith Fyar—they had set off to find Hokda. He wasn’t in the infirmary, so they had knocked at the healer’s private quarters. Just a down the hall from Killian.
Hokda had answered, bleary eyed and confused, still in his healer's robes though they were sleep rumpled and stained with small splatters of red. Killian really hoped that it wasn't blood. The healer had clearly had a long night.
As soon as he’d seen that it was Killian, Hokda had shut hiseyes and banged his head into the door a couple of times, cursing. He’d then squinted at them, and forced them to state their business while standing outside in the hallway like idiots.
They should have waited for another day.
Kade stepped forward. “Sir—”
Hokda stuck a finger in Kade’s face without even looking at him. “Don’t speak. I have even less to say to the likes of you.”
Kade withered.
“Could you be reasonable for once in your fucking life?” Killian shot, his temper flaring. “Kade is an amazing candidate. There’s no reason not to consider—”
“No reason except that I already chose my apprentices.Six months ago. Each and every one of themearningtheir spotfairly.” Hokda sent Kade a pointed glare. “He’s welcome to try again next time. Not that I’d want him then, either, after this stunt.”
“His magic—”
“Is not the issue. He could have all the magic in the fucking world and I still wouldn’t want him. And if you can’t see why, then you’re stupider than I thought you were, Captain. I have no use for an apprentice who runs to daddy to fight his battles for him whenever he has a problem in the real world.”
Kade squawked.
“I’m not his daddy,” said Killian petulantly.
Kade pushed to the front. “Sir. I’ll take your test. I’ll take five of your tests. I know I can pass. I wasn’t able to attend your interviews six months ago. I-I was going through a family emergency.”
“Oh. Really?” Hokda’s face transformed. He smacked himself on the forehead with the palm of his hand. “I’m so sorry. I should have realized you had afamily emergency. Why didn’tyou say so? That changes everything! Who amIto questionyouand your family emergency?”
Killian clenched his jaw so hard he thought his teeth would crack under the pressure.
“No,” Hokda barked. “That’s my final answer. And if you ask me again, I’ll get you blacklisted from every master healer in Ingara.” And with that, he slammed the door in their faces.
The first words out of Killian’s mouth should have been ones of comfort, he knew that. Truly. Instead, he found himself slowly turning to Kade. “I told you.”
Kade gaped at him.
