Taiga had never been outright hostile to Kade, but he’d also never tried to hide his disapproval of Kade’sunderhandedmethods.
The three others, Rayea and Boen and Hoss, Kade was more than familiar with. They were seemingly quiet during lessons, kept to themselves, but when Hokda turned his back they glared and sneered and turned up their noses at him.
Each apprentice had a tall mug in front of them, spiced wine or ale. They lounged, enjoying a drink with friends before their day of rest.
Rayea’s high pitched voice came drifting out into the hall, and her words made Kade freeze. “I still think he shouldn’t be here. Hokda gave del Torau his chance. Hokda can say it didn’t work out—that he made one mistake too many—and expel him. They surely couldn’t fault Hokda for that.”
Kade plastered himself to the wall outside the kitchen, peeking through the open doorway, his ears pricked.
It clearly wasn’t the first time this topic had been discussed.
“He hasn’t done anything worthy of being expelled for,” Taiga mused impartially. Ever the voice of reason. “And Hokda not liking him isn’t good enough reason.”
“Him not truly earning his spot here isn’t good enough reason?” Boen asked. “If anyone else had tried what del Torau did, they’d be hauled out by the guards and thrown into the streets.”
Rayea latched onto that. “Hokda doesn’t dare touch him because he’s scared of what would happen if he did. That must be it.”
“I don’t think Hokda’s scared of anything,” snorted Taiga.
“But you have to admit he’s careful with him,” said Rayea, leaning forward. “Do you remember that timeIbotched a potion and Hokda poured it over my head? My scalp itched for two weeks! I don’t see Hokda pouring anything overhishead, and how many potions has he fucked up by now?”
Taiga hummed. “Has he actually fucked up potions? Or has Hokda just said he has?”
They all frowned at that.
Hoss said, “Must be because of that brother of his, the captain. Not even Hokda wants to get on his bad side.”
“No one does. He is quite terrifying, isn’t he?” sighed Rayea dreamily. “Captain Killian del Torau.”
Kade jerked. He didn’t like how Killi’s name sounded in her mouth.
“You would,” Hoss snorted, “If it meant he would notice you.”
“I’d let him put me in chains any day,” giggled Rayea.
Kade wanted to hurl.
“Don’t be gross,” said Boen. Then, “Do you think he threatened Hokda? Oh man, I would’ve paid good money to see that.”
Rayea propped her chin on her hand. “How nice forKadeto have a brother whose coattails he can ride. Didn’t have to lift a finger to get this job. Lucky him.”
They couldn’t be more wrong.
Porthos spoke for the first time, his low timber garnering thetable’s attention instantly. “Are you not just jealousyoudon’t have a name that can garner you favor, Rayea?” His lips curled in a small smile to show that he was teasing. He sobered, and continued more seriously. “Kade isn’t the only one whose name holds weight here, whose connection to those with status and position may have…eased his way.Icertainly would’ve had a harder time catching Hokda’s attention. Same with Taiga. You don’t hold that against us. Why is Kade any different?”
“Because Hokda refused him, and del Torau went above his head,” said Rayea. “It’s the principle of it! It’s unfair!”
“Hokda agreed.”
“Because del Torau’s brother twisted his arm! He didn’t have a choice!”
“But he still agreed,” said Porthos calmly. “If Hokda really thought Kade was unworthy, he would have said that and it would be a done deal, but his reasons for turning Kade away had nothing to do with skill or knowledge.”
“Yes,” Taiga agreed. He fiddled with the mug on the table, spinning it slowly in his hands. “Perhaps he saw something in Kade—a talent, or potential. He certainly has the magical prowess and ability to excel here.”
Porthos laughed as the others scowled. “I quite like him. You should give him a chance.”
Such high praise.
