Fyn nodded. ‘Thank you, Elder Tosan.’
‘Avatar Kenton, you are adept at identifying magical artifacts.’ Fyn and Annev both looked at Kenton, their surprise visible, and the third boy shied away from their gazes, his hair falling to cover his scarred cheek.
‘I’m all right,’ he said, his voice barely above a whisper. ‘I’m better at stealth and camouflage. I was doing extra training with Master Der and Master Duvarek …’ Kenton’s voice drifted off.
‘I was already aware of your relationship with Master Duvarek,’ Tosan said, not missing a beat. ‘In truth, it is one of the reasons you were chosen for this mission, but it is not the primary reason.’ He paused. ‘You are aware that Narach, our Master of Secrets, is very old – almost ninety. Ancient Dorstal was apprenticed to him before he joined the Council of Ancients, and Steward Markov is ineligible for promotion. Given the Academy’s needs and your talent, I’m assigning you to Master Narach and the Vault of Damnation. If you pass your tests, you will become our new Master of Curses.’
Kenton stiffened. ‘You want me to work with Narach in the Vault?’ He grimaced. ‘I don’t know the first thing about cataloguing magic artifacts.’
Tosan held up a single finger, forestalling his objections. ‘Steward Markov can catalogue, and Dorstal assures me you are the most skilled in magical identification. You will have plenty of time in the archives to learn your new duties, and when Narach dies, Steward Markov will serve as your personal assistant. This is assuming, of course, that you succeed in your mission.’
Kenton frowned but bowed his head in submission. ‘Of course, Elder Tosan. I will serve where I am needed.’
‘Yes, you will,’ Tosan said. He turned to Annev. ‘Master Ainnevog, you consistently puzzle out difficult problems, you do not hesitate to do what is required when the situation demands it, and you have demonstrated leadership skills and a willingness to sacrifice yourself for the greater good. You’re also damnably wilful.’ Tosan stroked his goatee. ‘Fortunately for you, that is what we require today. You will be leading this expedition.’
Fyn and Kenton snapped their heads towards Annev, burning with indignation.
‘Lead?’ Annev said, his voice sounding small. ‘Lead Kenton and Fyn …?’
‘Avatar Fyunai, Avatar Kenton, you will report to Master Annev and follow his orders. Master Annev, you will supervise your lessers and you will not prevent them from passing their Tests of Competency and Trials of Commitment, regardless of how they treated you as an acolyte. The success or failure of this mission rests entirely on your shoulders.’ He paused, tapping his lips with a finger. ‘Fyunai and Kenton’s talents exceed Titus and Therin’s. You will use your resources, as I instructed you to in the Test of Judgement.’
Annev swallowed. ‘I understand, Elder Tosan.’
But he didn’t, not really. Tosan had encouraged Annev to betray his friends in order to win the Test. Was Tosan now giving Annev permission to sacrifice his companions, if necessary, to secure the rod? Annev wasn’t sure, but he didn’t put it past Tosan.
‘Good,’ the headmaster said, standing. ‘Avatar Fyunai, go and see Brayan, Der and Edra. They will outfit you for the mission and provide additional supplies for your companions. Avatar Kenton, you will be briefed by Keyish, Folum and Dorstal. I wager they will all be in the kitchens.’
Kenton and Fyn left the room, but not without making eye contact with Annev. Kenton’s gaze was dark, though that was hardly uncommon for the morose teenager. Fyn, on the other hand, seemed at odds with himself, and Annev didn’t blame him. The young man was being offered the chance to become a Master Avatar with a single night’s work. But only if he did as Annev said. He had never done anyone’s bidding before.
Gods, this is going to be painful.
With the other boys gone, Tosan looked at Annev critically. ‘I’m trusting you, Ainnevog. Don’t disappoint me. This is your first step towards a rewarding career here at the Academy. Perhaps even a step towards proving your worthiness to Myjun.’
Annev’s cheeks reddened. Was Tosan giving him permission to court his daughter? His heart surged at the prospect that Tosan might actually allow it, and he tried to look the headmaster steadily in the eyes.
‘I will not fail, Elder Tosan.’
And this time, Annev meant it. This wasn’t like being ordered to murder a lost pedlar: Janak had captured Duvarek and turned him against them; the merchant was a threat to Chaenbalu and the Academy, which meant he was a threat to Annev’s future. Using a Rod of Compulsion against another human further proved he was beyond salvation; there was justice in Janak’s death.
Killing Duvarek was harder to rationalise. Tosan said the man had betrayed the Academy after being snared by the wand, but it seemed just as likely that the headmaster was punishing Duvarek for failing in his mission. Annev was glad the man’s death was not his direct responsibility – he just needed to guide the mission, steer the other boys in the right direction, and bring them home.
Tosan squeezed Annev’s shoulder. ‘Do you know the blacksmith Sraon?’
Annev froze, suddenly wondering if Tosan knew of his conversation with the smith. ‘Yes. I’ve done chores for him in exchange for things Sodar needed.’
Annev was relieved to see his words had not angered the headmaster. ‘Good. Speak with him. Before Sraon came to Chaenbalu, he lived in Banok. Find out all he knows about the city and about Janak’s castle in particular. I expect the blacksmith had dealings with the Harth Household, and perhaps even Janak himself.’ He paused. ‘You will need weapons as well, and to collect your belongings from the chapel. You can explain your new role to your former guardian at the same time.’
‘You want me to see Sodar?’ Annev asked, surprised. He had already been planning to visit the priest to collect his axe and sword, but having Tosan’s permission set Annev on edge.
‘Yes,’ Tosan said, walking Annev towards the door. ‘I know you’ve told Sodar you’re leaving the priesthood, but the situation has changed. As Master of Sorrows you will be relieving him of his duties and all church services will shift to you. Tonight’s Regaleus celebration will be the last service held in that chapel, and all future meetings will be here, in the nave.’
‘I see.’ Annev felt his anxiety spike.
‘Excellent.’ The headmaster gestured to the door. ‘I hope Sodar is pleased by this news. He always hoped you would replace him. Given his age, I’m sure he will embrace retirement … and if not, I’m sure you can make him see it that way.’
Had Sodar had been a normal priest, Annev might have agreed – he might even have found comfort in Tosan’s words – but Sodar was far from normal, and Annev doubted anything he did or said would change Sodar’s mind about the Academy or Annev’s true purpose in this world. He had to try, though. If he wanted to preserve his dreams, he needed the old man’s support.
‘I will persuade him, Elder Tosan.’