Page 54 of The Fifth Heir

“From several positions.”

“None at floor level.”

The Keeper studied me for a long moment.

My father frequently accused me of speaking questions as though I already knew the answer. He considered it disrespectful.

I considered it efficient.

“What do you believe you found?” the Keeper asked.

“The flame changed direction twice.”

“Torren fought to regain control.”

“The first change corresponds to his position. The second originated from the center of the circle.”

“Magic under pressure behaves unpredictably.”

“Elemental magic behaves according to its source, its channels, and the force acting upon it.”

“The control rune failed. Its channels were compromised.”

“That does not explain the clear section around Talia.”

His grip shifted on the staff.

I looked at the movement rather than his face.

“Nor does it explain the nick beside the control channel,” I said.

He did not look down. “Old stone accumulates damage.”

“You knew it was there?”

“I know the age of my Trial chambers.”

Not an answer.

“The chamber will remain sealed until the runemasters complete their examination,” he said. “You will return to the Fifth Wing.”

“I need access to the First Trial records.”

“You will receive the official rules with the other heirs.”

“I want the construction records.”

“No.”

The answer came too quickly.

“Why?”

“Because candidates do not inspect Trial mechanisms before entering them.”

“Heirs are expected to understand the rules.”

“The rules, not the machinery.”