The Eldest of Ancients opened his desk drawer and began counting out several stacks of rectangular metal. He formed six stacks of copper shields then added two stacks of silver staves and a single gold beam. He gestured at the coins.
‘Four dozen copper rounds, twelve slips, one blip. When an avatar is raised to Master Avatar status they receive the value of one solar to defray the costs of any supplies they need to perform their missions in Banok and Luqura. It also allows them to purchase the weapons of their choice, or to have the blacksmith forge one for them.’
Annev stared open-mouthed at the coins then looked back at Tosan, barely able to fathom the reality of what was happening. The headmaster stood and placed a hand on Annev’s shoulder.
‘This is your stipend, Ainnevog. Take it, with my congratulations. You’ve just been promoted to the rank of Master Avatar.’
Chapter Forty-Seven
The rest of the afternoon was a whirlwind of activity. Carbad arrived to record Annev’s new rank in his ledger. He would become Master of Sorrows, a role that had been vacant since the chapel had been built and Sodar had come to Chaenbalu.
‘He’s earned it,’ Tosan said when Carbad questioned the title. ‘Odar knows the boy has caused me enough sorrow, but he also has the theological training, which Ancient Jerik and I can expand on. The nave has been cleaned for the first time in over a decade, so we should put it to use. Once he’s earned the trust of the villagers, I’m certain he’ll fulfil the other tasks Master Flint performed for us.’
Carbad had whisked Annev away to see Master Brayan, the Academy’s hulking quartermaster, who was almost seven feet tall and had a thick neck-beard besides. Despite his imposing figure he was a jovial man, and today was no exception.
‘Master of Sorrows?’ Brayan bellowed, grinning from ear to ear. ‘Well, that’s wonderful! Titus will be glad to hear it. He’s been asking about you, you know.’
Titus had been assigned to work as Brayan’s apprentice in much the same way that Markov assisted Narach in the Vault of Damnation. ‘He’s going to work with Carbad, too,’ Brayan said while searching for Annev’s Master Avatar robes. ‘He’s good with numbers and the like, so that’s useful, but he’s got a real quality with animals, too. I can barely tend the stables, let alone the kennels and the dovecotes, and he’s a steady pair of hands. He’s tending to the birds right now.’
Annev had barely had time to thank the man for his new boots and red tunic before Carbad whirled him off again.
‘Master Keyish will measure you for your wardrobe when he returns from Banok later today,’ Carbad said. ‘We’ll need to catch him before he and Duvarek get too deep in their cups.’
They’d visited Master Der next, but the Master of Stealth was not in his quarters. ‘The masters are always quick to celebrate on the last day of Regaleus,’ Carbad harrumphed. ‘I suppose you’ll want to celebrate, too – and why not? You leapt from acolyte to Master Avatar. That’s worth two celebrations.’ He led Annev farther down the hall to an unpainted door. ‘This is yours for the moment. Once it’s cleaned, we’ll move you to the rectory, but it’s probably littered with rat droppings at the moment.’
‘Thank you,’ Annev said, and he meant it. Carbad pushed open the door, and Annev stepped into a cell just big enough for a bed and clothes chest. A small window at the back of the room faced the southern side of the village and gave Annev a decent view of the mill, the adjacent pond and the Brakewood. All told, it wasn’t much bigger than his room at Sodar’s chapel, but it felt like a palace.
‘It’s a real bed,’ Annev said, squeezing the pillow and feeling the feathers beneath the soft fabric.
‘Of course it is,’ Carbad said, tossing Annev his new clothes and the purse holding his stipend. ‘Leave your acolyte robes here. I’ll see that they’re burned.’
‘Where do I go once I’m dressed? Elder Tosan said something about seeing Master Edra about a weapon.’
‘If you can find Edra, you’re more than welcome to ask him for one. My guess, though, is that he’s getting drunk with the other masters. Probably in the kitchens or down in the plaza. Join them if you like. We won’t announce your promotion till tomorrow, but you’ve earned the right to. May as well enjoy the celebration.’
Annev was quick to decide it was a bad idea. The masters had their own rituals and friendships, after all, and though Annev admired several of the older men, he wasn’t especially close with any of them. He’d been looking forward to seeing Titus and Therin once he’d finally earned his avatar title, but he felt self-conscious about meeting them now he’d been promoted to master. Though he wouldn’t mind seeing Fyn …
‘Wait,’ Annev said, stopping Carbad as he turned to leave. ‘What exactly does the Master of Sorrows do? And do I have to see Master Edra for my weapons, or could I use one already in my possession?’
Carbad tilted his head, squinting once more at Annev. ‘What kind of weapon?’
‘I did some work for Sraon and he gave me an axe as payment. I’d like to keep it.’ He was also hoping to return to the Academy with Mercy, though he knew better than to mention that weapon or its origin.
Carbad grunted. ‘If it’s yours, you can do what you like with it. You’re a Master Avatar now, you’ve earned that privilege. As for your duties as Master of Sorrows: you’ll serve as the village priest and deliver sermons here in the nave. If anyone comes to you seeking counsel or penance, you will administer it in accordance with the Academy’s values and share anything of import with the headmaster. I’m sure Elder Tosan will find other duties for you as well, alongside artifact retrieval missions.’
Annev nodded. ‘Do you ever go on retrieval missions?’
Carbad scowled. ‘I’m too valuable here. I barely have the privilege of leaving the village, let alone hunting down magic artifacts.’
‘Oh,’ Annev said, realising it was a sensitive subject. He awkwardly passed the bag of coins from one hand to the other. ‘Well, thank you. I appreciate your help.’ Carbad gave a stiff nod then retreated down the corridor, leaving Annev to sort through his clothes, and his thoughts, alone.
A quarter of an hour later, Annev emerged from the building wearing his new robes. As he walked down the Academy’s steps he savoured the weight of the heavy coins chinking in his pocket. He had left most of the money in his room, but he had taken a score of coppers, a few silver clips, and the single gold beam that Tosan had given him. He had plans for that gold beam – plans that involved Myjun – but he put that thought aside for the moment and focused on the here and now. With evening fast approaching, Annev indulged in the thrill of his recent successes and allowed himself to live in the moment.