Page 143 of The Fifth Heir

Subject continues physical activity beyond safe thresholds.

Monitor right shoulder and wrist. Do not rely upon self-reported discomfort.

My face warmed.

“Who wrote that?”

The healer followed my attention. “The assessment team compiled the precautions.”

“Based on what?”

“Prior examinations and interviews.”

“With whom?”

“Your instructors, family, and the other heirs.”

Family.

Camilla and I had spoken about my shoulder in the study. She knew I had trained through pain and cataloged records instead of sleeping.

So did Torren.

The healer outside the Trial had seen the bruise herself. Any of them might have supplied the notes.

I looked at Camilla again.

She appeared worried, not guilty.

Malcolm signaled Torren.

“Fire first.”

Torren placed one hand on the control pillar. “Minimal exposure.”

“I know the procedure,” Malcolm said.

“I was speaking to the runemaster.”

The man adjusted the Fire channel.

A narrow red line moved from Torren’s position toward the central platform. It reached the inner containment ring and paused.

“Ready?” Torren asked me.

“Yes.”

He released the smallest pulse of fire I had ever seen from him.

It traveled through the channel and entered the clear rune beneath my feet.

Heat moved over my boots.

The crystal torc flashed red.

My scale tingled under its protective wrap.

The sensation ended before I could decide whether it hurt.