The Master Magician

“One moment, please,” Ceony said to both Emery and her parents. “I’ll meet you in the hallway.”


Releasing Emery’s hand, Ceony walked toward Mg. Aviosky. As her family shifted toward the exit behind her, she heard Emery say, “Mr. Twill, I have a favor to ask of you—”

“Magician Aviosky!” Ceony called before the glass magician could get away. Mg. Aviosky turned her attention on Ceony, her expression soft but unsure.

Glancing about to be sure they stood alone, Ceony asked, “Have you thought about what I told you? What we should do?”

The Gaffer sighed and removed her glasses from her prominent nose. She rubbed the faint red mark they’d left on the bridge. “It’s all I’ve thought about, Ceony. There are times when I think we should take an oath to never repeat the information, and there are times I think we should offer a multiple-material magics course at Tagis Praff.”

Ceony nodded slowly. “What are you thinking now?”

Another sigh. “I may tell Magician Hughes, but I’m still undecided. Something like this can’t be handled rashly. It could change the fundamentals of magic as we know it—the entire governing structure.” She replaced her glasses. “And if the information leaked out to unsanctioned magicians, we could have real problems on our hands. Magic, even easily obtainable as it is, isn’t meant to be in the hands of everyone. Imagine what would happen to the crime rate if every John and Jane in this city knew how to break through locks and conjure fireballs with a snap of their fingers. There would be no limits.”

“I suppose I shouldn’t mention it if I apply for Criminal Affairs, then.”

Mg. Aviosky smiled, but it didn’t feel genuine. “No, not now. Though I recommend building some experience before you apply for such a position. And I would urge you to also consider the consequences.”

“What consequences?”

“You are a woman, Miss Twill,” Mg. Aviosky pointed out. She glanced toward the farthest exit door, where Ceony’s family was stepping out into the hallway. Ceony knew the magician’s focus was on Emery. “We are beginning to have more leverage in today’s society, especially as magicians. There are dozens of promising career choices for you, but Criminal Affairs is no place for a mother.”

That made Ceony pause. “I . . . don’t know what you mean.”

The Gaffer sniffed. “I am not na?ve, Ceony, though I congratulate you on your modesty. Needless to say I’ll be surprised if you’re still ‘Miss Twill’ by Christmas. I merely wanted to present it as something to consider. Decide where you want your life to go before you set it rolling.”

Ceony’s cheeks tingled at the words, but she realized something. “You never call me by my first name.”

Mg. Aviosky smiled. “We’re equals now. It seems appropriate. As for the bonding . . . I’ll keep in touch to let you know what I decide.”

“Thank you.”

Mg. Aviosky walked up the aisle.

“Ceony?” asked a familiar voice from behind her.

She turned around and spied Bennet approaching from a nearby aisle.

“Bennet! You came.”

“Yeah,” he answered, rubbing the back of his neck. He stuffed his other hand in his pocket. “Congratulations. I knew you’d pass.”

“Thank you. Send my regards to Magician Bailey, if you would.”

“Oh, he’s here . . .” Bennet searched the auditorium. Ceony followed his gaze to Mg. Bailey, who stood near the back with his arms folded. He looked a little less sour, at least.

“But you probably need to go,” Bennet added. “I’ll tell him.”

She smiled. “Thank you.”

“So . . .” he dropped the hand from his neck. “You and Magician Thane are . . .”

The flush returned, but not strongly. “I . . . yes. That’s why Magician Bailey tested me. To avoid favoritism.”

“I had wondered.”

“Bennet—”

“I’m a bit surprised,” he confessed. “I admit I was a little jealous of you when you came to stay with us. You and Magician Thane seemed close. I envied your relationship. But I didn’t think you . . .” He shrugged. “I guess I didn’t think you were that kind of woman.”

Ceony’s muscles went rigid. “And what kind of woman would that be, Bennet Cooper?”

Bennet shook his head. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“No, you shouldn’t have,” Ceony retorted. Clasping her framed certificate to her chest, she said, “You’d better take the test soon, before Magician Bailey rubs off on you.”

Bennet took a step back as though the words had physically moved him, but Ceony didn’t stay to argue. She had only fondness for Bennet, and she didn’t want thoughtless words to change that. She’d lost enough friends.

Ceony hurried up the aisle to catch her family. However, upon exiting the auditorium, she found only Emery waiting for her.

He extended his hand. “Shall we?”

She took his hand and let him lead her outside. “We’re going to Ruffio’s, aren’t we?”