‘Hello, Fyn. Looking for Elder Tosan?’
The dreadlocked avatar frowned at Annev as he stepped into the room. ‘Where’d you get those?’ he snapped, gesturing at Annev’s robes. ‘You should be in tan, like your boy Titus.’
Annev’s lip curled, but he restrained himself. Master Carbad was leaning against the wall outside, catching his breath. His cheeks were pink from exertion and his armpits nearly black with perspiration. Fyn turned and waved at the man, dismissing him.
‘You don’t need to stay on my account, Master Carbad. I’m sure you have other duties to attend to, and Ainnevog and I can keep each other company.’
The Master of Operations brushed at the grey hair streaking his temples. ‘I’m not sure that—’ He paused, taking note of something in the hallway. ‘Never mind. Elder Tosan will be here soon.’ He nodded. ‘Good afternoon, gentlemen.’
While Fyn watched Carbad go, Annev checked that the battered tome and journal were safely back in their places. By the time Fyn turned around, Annev had stepped away from the bookshelf and joined the avatar beside Tosan’s desk.
‘Where did you go yesterday?’ Fyn growled, stepping closer.
Annev savoured Fyn’s confusion as they both heard rapid footsteps approaching the door. On a hunch, he said, ‘Why don’t you ask Elder Tosan?’
A moment later, the headmaster walked in with Kenton close behind. The dark-haired avatar eyed the other two boys suspiciously while Tosan shut the door and sat down. He looked seriously at the three boys in front of him.
‘In case you have not already heard, Annev has been raised to the status of Master Avatar. His title is now Master of Sorrows,’ he said, without preamble.
Kenton and Fyn both sputtered for words.
‘He’s what?’ Fyn asked.
‘Master. Avatar,’ Tosan repeated loudly. ‘Are you deaf or stupid?’ They were silenced, yet it was clear Fyn and Kenton were still full of questions. Tosan apparently sensed it, too, for he added: ‘Ainnevog outperformed your entire reap in Duvarek and Edra’s final lesson, and defeated both of you in the last Test of Judgement.’ He steepled his fingers. ‘Yesterday in the Brakewood he also passed both the Test of Competency and the Trial of Commitment, earning his status as Master Avatar.’
Fyn seemed even more confused by this, yet understanding appeared to dawn for Kenton.
‘You mean, Annev brought back a magic artifact … and he killed someone?’
Tosan nodded. ‘I see Duvarek taught you more than how to blend into the shadows.’ Kenton’s mouth formed a tiny line that was almost a smile, while Fyn still looked as if the world had suddenly gone mad.
‘Now that your reap has finished testing, we will begin apprenticing avatars to masters or ancients whose area of expertise corresponds with that avatar’s strengths. In time, your classmates will have the opportunity to reach Master Avatar status. One or two may even become masters before the end of the year, though most will take five to ten years.’ He paused, looking each boy in the eyes. ‘Except for you three. Master Annev has already proved himself a Master Avatar, and I am now giving you the same opportunity.’
Kenton nodded, his face solemn. ‘I accept this opportunity, Elder Tosan.’
Fyn glared at his usually reticent companion then turned back to the headmaster. ‘If Annev can do it, so can I.’
Tosan raised an eyebrow. ‘We shall see. Typically, the tests are administered as part of a retrieval mission supervised by a Master Avatar. The tests can be accomplished during the same mission or as separate events.’ He paused. ‘Today, I am sending all three of you on a retrieval mission to Banok.’
Kenton brushed his shaggy black hair out of his eyes. ‘Banok? That’s where Master Duvarek has just gone.’
Tosan flinched at the name of the Master of Shadows. ‘Yes, it is. Master Duvarek and Master Keyish were sent to Banok two nights ago to confiscate a dark rod from a merchant named Janak Harth. The man spends his wealth and resources acquiring magic artifacts from all over Luquatra. We do not prevent this, but whenever he comes into possession of something truly dangerous, the Academy confiscates it.’ Tosan’s fingers drummed on his desk with irritation.
‘Last night Masters Duvarek and Keyish failed. Janak was waiting for them with a Rod of Compulsion. Duvarek was captured and Keyish was forced to return empty-handed.’ Tosan frowned, licking his lips. ‘For your Tests of Competency, you must retrieve the dark rod and bring it back to the Academy. Do you accept this mission?’
As one, the two boys nodded.
‘For your Trials of Commitment you have different targets. Janak Harth has become a threat and must be eliminated.’ Tosan looked at Fyn. ‘Avatar Fyunai, do you accept this task?’
Fyn nodded, almost eager for the challenge. ‘I do.’
‘Excellent. Now, I believe Janak has compelled Duvarek not only to abandon his mission, but also to betray the Academy. He is lost to us.’ Tosan looked at Kenton. ‘Avatar Kenton, if Master Duvarek is not dead when you arrive, you will eliminate him.’ Tosan allowed his words to sink in. ‘Do you accept your Trial of Commitment?’
Kenton’s eyes focused on the ground in front of him. ‘You want me to kill Master Duvarek … my mentor.’
Tosan inclined his head. ‘Exactly. Do you accept?’
Kenton’s eyes were shadowed by his long black hair. ‘I do.’ He and Fyn both suddenly looked very grim.
‘Excellent,’ Tosan said. ‘You are lucky to have this opportunity. Things become … complicated around Regaleus. Most of the masters have been drinking in preparation for the evening’s festivities, which weakens their resistance to the Rod of Compulsion.’ He pursed his lips in frustration. ‘I need fresh, alert minds and you are the best available.’ He raised a slender finger. ‘You are all top of your class,’ he said, pointing at the boys, ‘with reputations for being stubborn, bull-headed and rebellious.’
Annev winced at the accusation and he thought he saw Kenton turn away, though Fyn accepted it as a compliment.
‘Those flaws,’ Tosan continued, ‘have held you back within the Academy, but tonight they will serve you in resisting Janak’s Rod of Compulsion.’
There it is, Annev thought. That’s the real reason Tosan chose us. Not because we’re the most skilled, but because we’re the biggest pain in his ass.
‘Avatar Fyunai,’ Tosan said, ‘it was my intent to apprentice you to Master Edra this summer. Instead, if you accomplish your mission, you will become the new Master of Arms, with the responsibility of training the next reap in combat, arms and armaments. Do you feel adequately prepared for that task?’
Fyn nodded, his eyes wide. ‘Yes, Elder Tosan.’ He paused. ‘What of Master Edra?’
‘Edra will become our new Ancient in the Art of Warcraft,’ Tosan explained. ‘It was to be announced tomorrow along with the news of Ainnevog’s appointment, though he will continue to teach. You will assist him in training the older reaps.’