LITMIR.BIZ

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pale.

      “Since you were in charge of this operation, you shall have the honor of reporting directly to her.” He watched the officer’s eyes fill with horror, glancing around him as if searching for support. None of his fellow officers dared make eye contact. “You will be escorted to the palace to ensure you arrive safely.”

      Lieutenant Kato was still speechless when two of his colleagues grabbed his arms and marched him off. The minister went back to studying the body. He wondered what had been so important that the spy had jumped to protect it.

      “Orders, sir?”

      “Bury him. He deserves that at least.” Then he turned and walked away.

       #

      Minister Lensworth strode down the empty but grand marble hall. After searching the abandoned wielder’s college and finding nothing useful, he had made his way back to Flintwood Castle. The granite-faced guards at the double doors leading to the throne room nodded at him as he approached.

      “Her Majesty is expecting you. I’ll announce you.”

      “Thank you,” said the minister, waiting to be announced.

      It took only moments for him to be shown in. For once, no courtiers were in attendance, but the stench of burnt meat filled his nostrils, and he noted the still smoking corpse of a nearly unrecognizable Lieutenant Kato in the corner of the throne room.

      As for the queen, she was lounging on her throne, reading a book.

      The minister approached at a steady pace, neither too fast nor too slow. He wasn’t keen to anger her. Once at a distance he knew to be safe, he stopped and waited.

      Several minutes passed, during which he remained mute.

      “Wise of you to send him first before making your own appearance.”

      The minister wisely continued to keep quiet.

      “It seems I’m becoming a disposal unit for the dredges of our military and intelligence agencies. I’m disappointed you think that’s all I’m here for.” Queen Kallesa closed her book with a snap that almost made Minister Lensworth cringe.

      “However, you’re not completely useless. At least you found this spy in our midst.” Minister Lensworth relaxed a bit. “Though, I am surprised he turned out to be a wielder.”

      Turning to fix her livid green eyes on the intelligence minister, she added, “And you know how I hate surprises.” She delivered her last words with a hiss.

      Mindful of the burnt body beside him, he said, “That fact wasn’t relayed to us by our informant, Your Majesty.”

      The queen glared at him for a long moment. “Well, I suppose it’s not entirely your fault. Any news on the merchant ship responsible for the destruction of four of my new warships?”

      For once, he was grateful for her habit of abruptly changing subjects. “Our informant asked for more time. He is yet to gather enough data on all those involved—”

      “Time is a luxury we cannot afford,” cut in the queen in a calm, icy tone. “Inform our spy of the consequences of not sticking to the agreement. Maybe that will be an incentive.”

      The minister swallowed nervously. “By your command.” He turned to go.

      “Oh, Lensworth, I have an idea.”

      He tried not to flinch at her words. Her ideas usually resulted in someone dying horribly. Ensuring his face was a mask, he turned and asked carefully, “Yes, Your Majesty?”

      “Maybe you also need an incentive. I think from now on, a division of my Specialists will work with you.”

      Minister Lensworth felt the blood drain from his face. Surely, she wasn’t talking about them ?

      The queen laughed softly at his expression. “Oh yes, the Specialists will work with you from now on.”

       #

      Britea stared at the blank sheet of paper before her, then glanced at the closed envelope beside it. It had been easy writing letters to her parents, and even one to her sister.

      But each time she tried to think of what to put in this next letter, she found herself at a loss for words. Well, to be honest, this was the first time she’d written to this particular person.

      “Better get on with it.” She sighed to herself as she picked up her pen. The more she hesitated, the more anxious she became. What if he thought she was a fool?

      Still, she found herself reaching for the blank parchment.

       Dear Kahl,

      Was that too forward? Britea shrugged and continued.

       I hope this finds you and your family well and happy. I have been at Syla College for two weeks now, and it has been an interesting experience.

      She thought about telling him about the bullying, then decided against it. She hadn’t even mentioned that to her family. Why make him worry unnecessarily?

       I have been fortunate enough to make a few friends. They are helping me with my general studies but not wielding. Only instructors can do that here. I can’t really talk much about it.

      Because there is nothing to talk about , she thought. She was still in the most junior wielding class. Not that she minded. It hadn’t taken long for her to see the wisdom in Instructor Shelley’s decision. But she hoped a certain student never found out. Lady Arkei always found ways to make her life unbearable. At least for now it was just a few snide words here and there, though the noble was always careful not to do it in front of the instructors. Britea had a feeling that things would escalate at some point though.

       I am still trying to adjust to the school. It is very different from Weldaros. My village seems so small compared to the college and even smaller compared to Raven’s Fall. My roommate, Danai, feels it’s time for me to explore the town. We got permission from our instructor yesterday, so wish us luck.

      Britea leaned back and reread her letter. For a first attempt, she thought it was all right. She wondered if she should ask him to write back. Then she shook her head. That would be up to him.

       Kind wishes from Novice Britea D’Tranell of Syla College, Raven’s Fall, Malaquey.

      Britea folded the letter, stuffed it into a separate envelope, then wrote out Kahl’s full name on it.

      “You ready to explore?”

      She looked up at an excited Danai. Her roommate was dressed in a soft cream blouse with puffy sleeves that ended at the elbows. Dark reddish-brown, close-fitting leather pants, and thigh-high black boots completed the outfit. Clearly not a college uniform.

      “What?” asked Danai when she noticed Britea’s expression.

      “You’re…you’re not in uniform. I thought we would be in…” Britea’s voice trailed off as she thought of the few clothes she had. Back in Weldaros, she hadn’t minded what she wore. But here, she’d soon realized how she compared to others—especially Lady Arkei and her cohort of nobles.

      “Ooh.” Understanding shone in Danai’s eyes. “I’ll change back into my uniform, and then we can match.”

      Britea jumped up. “No, no. It’s all right. It is your day off after all. I can buy some clothes in town later for other outings.”

      Danai frowned. “Are you sure?”

      “Absolutely,” said Britea firmly.

      “All right, but I’ll only accept your decision if I get to take you shopping.”

      Britea smiled with relief. “Deal.”

       #

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