BM chapter 2

Black Magic - chapter 2
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“Lord Yikmo?”

Sonea’s thoughts echoed Director Jerrik’s surprised response. Yikmo...Was that name familiar?

“…evening classes in other subjects that would allow time during the day,” Jerrik continued speaking.

Akkarin nodded. “That would be appropriate. I believe an assessment by Lord Yikmo will be sufficient to supplement the Warrior Skills tests Sonea missed yesterday?”

“Yes,” Jerrik replied. “It’s not normal, but I think an exception would be prudent in this case.” He smiled at Sonea, “I can draw up a timetable now if that pleases you both?”

Sonea remained silent as Akkarin rose from his seat, his black robe falling to hang just above the floor. “That will be fine, Director. I will leave Sonea here to collect it. Thankyou Director.”

He bowed his head politely to the Director, and then strode towards the door. He both felt and heard Sonea’s sigh of relief at him leaving. A pang of regret stung at him, and he brushed against Sonea’s mind as he walked down the corridor towards his office. Through her eyes he watched Jerrik begin to draw up the required table, his pen ruling lines and dancing over the page. He felt Sonea’s sense of irony and disbelief as Jerrik told her of her ‘good fortune’ and how her new position would better her situation both with the other novices and within the Guild.

At least the extra classes won’t be so bad, she thought. They will just make it easier to avoid him.

Akkarin firmly barred her thoughts from his mind. Perhaps it was best that she thought that way. While she was avoiding him, there was less chance of her getting involved in things she shouldn’t, and maybe her avoiding him would ensure her protection if his activities were ever discovered. He opened the door to his office and entered, collapsed into the chair near the fire and rubbed his forehead. He was going to have to trust that Sonea could take care of herself, because he couldn’t compromise his mission. If she got in his way-

If she got in his way he would have to deal with the problem appropriately.
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Lord Elben’s eyes didn’t match his smile as he approached Sonea in the corridor outside the classroom.

“Good morning, Sonea,” his smile widened. “Congratulations on your new guardianship.”

Sonea took an immediate dislike to the cold glitter in his eyes. She bowed, “Thankyou, Lord Elben.”

He nodded, then moved past her and entered the classroom; hesitantly, Sonea followed.

She glanced around the room as she entered. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, surely they all knew? Gossip spread through the Guild like wildfire. A day had already passed, news that the High Lord had finally chosen a favourite, let alone that the favourite was the slum girl, should be common knowledge by now. Her eyes turned to Regin, who was lounging on a desk in the middle of the room, and she noted his smirk as he stared at her. Trouble.

“Everyone, take your seats,” Elben ordered.

Sonea began to make her way to her place near the window, but she had to walk past
Regin to get to her seat. She tugged her sleeve around to hide the newly attached Guild insignia, but his grin widened as she drew near.

“Your highness, how gracious of you to grant us the presence of the High Lord’s favourite. You humble us with your generosity,” his smirk grew bigger still.

All idle chatter stopped and silence reigned.

So, she thought. They didn’t know. How ironic that the last people in the Guild to hear the news would be her classmates. She schooled her features to stone and took her seat. She busily set about settling her box on her desk and arranging her things.

“Take your seat, please, Regin,” Elben growled.

Regin slid into his seat, satisfied with the class’ reaction to his news.

“Sonea.”

Sonea looked up. Lord Elben was standing in front of her desk, wearing the same smile as he had in the corridor.

“I have saved you a seat at the front,” he gestured to what had previously been Poril’s seat. “Please make use of it.”

Where-? Sonea glanced around the room. Ah, there he was. Poril sat glumly in the back row. He flushed when he saw her watching, and pointedly avoided her gaze.
Sonea turned back to face Lord Elben. “Thankyou, my Lord,” she said politely. “That was very generous of you, but I would prefer to stay here.”

His cold eyes narrowed, “Very well.” He turned and strode back to the front of the room.

He sat at his desk facing the class and pointed at a large stack of papers on his desk. “Today, you will be undertaking tests of your knowledge of Alchemy. The test will include both questions and exercises. Practical tests will not take place until after break.”

Lord Elben picked up the papers and began to wander around the classroom handing them out. When he had finished, he returned to the front of the room and faced the class.

“Begin.”
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At the end of the session Lord Elben dismissed the class. Sonea packed up her things into her box and followed her classmates to the door.

“Sonea, wait, please. I wish to speak to you.”

Sonea sighed inwardly and detoured towards Lord Elben’s desk. She resisted the urge to raise her eyebrows at Elben’s stern expression as he sat behind his desk, hands folded neatly in front of him. He was silent until the room cleared.

“After break, I would appreciate it if you took the seat I’ve arranged for you,” he smiled grimly.

What was the importance of the seat? Surely she could learn just as well where she was. “I prefer to sit near the window.”

Elben’s fists clenched just enough for Sonea to notice. “I think it would be more appropriate if you were to sit at the front.”

Appropriate? Jerrik had said that her new guardianship would better her position within the Guild, but this was ridiculous. She did fine in her normal place, and she wasn’t going to make Poril move. She had enough problems with the other novices already; she didn’t need to risk furthering their dislike.

She raised her chin defiantly. “I’ll stay in my usual place.”

His eyes narrowed, “It’s easier to see and hear at the front.”

“I have no trouble doing either, Lord Elben.”

“Sonea,” his jaw clenched. “It may be seen as neglectful of me if you do not move to the front seat.”

“Perhaps I should tell Akkarin that you would not let me sit where I wished.”
He stared, wide-eyed. “You wouldn’t bother him over something so insignificant?”

She smiled, “I honestly doubt he would care about where I sit at all.”

He paused, then nodded. “You may sit where you wish. Go.”

Gossip followed her as she walked down the corridor, idle chatter of confusion and it being an insult to the Houses. They wouldn’t be so upset if they knew the real reason why he chose me, she thought. Regin attempted to waylay her on the way to the Foodhall, but was quickly quieted by the other novices, and chastised with, “Are you stupid? She’s the High Lord’s novice now.”

The novice’s stares were unnerving as she entered the Foodhall. She met their eyes defiantly, collected her food and sat at a table alone. What was happening to her? She had argued with a teacher. Novices did not argue with their teachers. Although Regin being forced to leave her alone had to be a good thing, right?
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Akkarin leant back in his armchair, and tapped his chin. He had watched Sonea’s exchange with Lord Elben, and couldn’t help but smirk a little. Elben was foolish, and admired Sonea’s defiance, but really she should have taken the seat, but it was of little consequence. At least it seemed that she wax not above using her position to her benefit when the need arose.

The novices’ reactions did not concern him; their resistance was to be expected. It would not be long before they all began to hurry for her favour. However, he was going to need to show interest in her studies. He rose from the chair and stretched, arching his back. Perhaps weekly dinners starting tonight. Yes, that would be appropriate.

Takan?

Yes, master?

Don’t- Akkarin sighed. Tonight Sonea and I will be dining formally, and every Monday night following the break.

Of course. I will prepare your favourite.

Akkarin smiled. Thankyou, Takan.

Yes, Akkarin thought as he walked towards the door, some of his guilt assuaged. Things would get better for Sonea within the Guild now. She couldn’t have contact with Rothen, but that could not be helped. Things would turn out well.