Volinette's Song (27 page)

Fulgent Casto looked at the trio, then to the Head Master. “I trust I’ll have my students back when repairs have been completed?”

“All but one of them, I’m afraid,” Maera replied.

Volinette’s blood went cold. Were they still planning to punish Janessa for the theft of the Prism? Why hadn’t Adamon stayed?

Faxon stepped forward, casting an appraising eye on Baris, who involuntarily took a step back, away from the towering
Quintessentialist.

“Olin tells me that he thinks you’d make a good
Inquisitor,” Faxon said. “What do you think, young Baris? Want to learn the mysteries of the realms and become a defender of what’s good and pure?”

Maera snorted and Faxon shot her a sideways glance. “Alright, she’s probably right. Forget good and pure. Want to learn to hunt down rogue mages and put them in their place?”

“Really?” Baris bounced from one foot to the other. “Who’s going to train me?”

Faxon feigned shock. “I am, you foolish boy.”

“You?”

“Of course.” Faxon grinned. “Who do you think taught Adamon everything he knows?”

Faxon declared that he wanted to return to King’s Reach, but there was time enough for a quick goodbye. Baris promised Volinette and Janessa that he’d be back as soon and as often as his training would allow. As they made their way through the curtain, Baris was peppering Faxon with questions as fast as he could think of them. Their conversation was lost beyond the partition.

“So I get these two back?” Fulgent asked, his tone dubious.

“It would appear that way,” Maera said, ignoring the sigh of long suffering that Fulgent heaved in reply.

“Very well,” the old Master said. “Return to class on Monday morning. We have much to discuss.” He offered his arm to Janessa. “Come along, dear girl. I believe the Head Master has some words for Volinette’s ears alone.”

Janessa glanced at her, as if for permission, and Volinette nodded with a smile. Whatever was to come next, she could handle it. The past few days had been a study in treachery, death, and destruction. She had little to fear from Maera or the other Quintessentialists who lived and worked around the Academy. As Fulgent and Janessa left the Head Master’s chambers, Maera walked out on the balcony, beckoning for Volinette to follow.

They looked out over the grounds. From above, the workers looked like industrious ants, scurrying back and forth to complete their varied assignments. It wouldn’t take long for them to return the Academy of Arcane Arts and Sciences to the condition it deserved, and that made Volinette smile.

“How do you feel?” the Head Master asked, her eyes never leaving the bustle below.

“I’m good,” Volinette said. “For the first time, it feels like I belong somewhere.”

Maera nodded. “There’s no other place you
could
belong, but here, Volinette. You are a uniquely skilled and talented individual. Master Jotun believes you will go far in the Academy.”

“What do you think?” Volinette asked earnestly. The Head Master’s opinion meant more to her than probably anyone else
’s that she’d ever met.

“I think you’ll excel at anything you put your mind to. If your interest is in academics, you’ll go far within these walls.”

Volinette thought that over. She’d come a long way in just a few short weeks. “I’d like that. I think I’d like to spend some time with Master Jotun in the library. I’m sure he has amazing stories to tell.”

“I’m sure you’re right,” Maera said with a tolerant smile.

Volinette took the lift down from the Head Master’s office. She walked across the entrance hall and out through the wide doors that had seemed so imposing when she’d arrived. Her feet carried her into the sandstone courtyard beyond, where her journey had begun.

Turning in a slow circle, she took in the Academy grounds, the blue sky, and the city beyond. A happy sigh escaped her lips.

Her life had just begun.

# # #

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Martin F. Hengst is a science fiction and fantasy author whose
fantasy novels, the Magic of Solendrea series, have sold more than 100,000 copies
worldwide.

He resides in South Central Pennsylvania with his lovely wife
and two amazing children. An avid reader since childhood, he attributes his love
for fantasy and science fiction to his father. When not working on his next release,
Martin enjoys music, reading, and playing video games.

Martin welcomes interaction with readers. You can find him on
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