Mark of the Fool

Chapter 85: Chancellors, Ships and Priests

Astounding, Baelin said as he looked over Alexs sheet. Truly astounding. I am not as involved with the curricula for mana manipulation as Professor ValRok is, of course, but I know well its not an easy subject.

He shifted the papers, looking next at Sinbroks notes for the practical exam. My, my look at this. These are some fairly devilish challenges, especially for a wizard with a lack of experience.

His eyes rose, focusing on Alex again. What did you say you worked in before you came to Generasi? In your story, you didnt mention the sort of magical work or apprenticeships you did.

Uh, Alex scratched the back of his head. I was a bakers apprentice.

I see. Baelin nodded in thought. And which spells did you know before your application or being recruited.

Just forceball, Alex said.

I see, I see. The chancellor stroked his beard-braids. His bronze clasps tinkled as they came together. That would explain some of it: if one could only practice a single spell controlled by mana manipulation, then that would definitely give one more experience with the skill than the average entrant. But, this is something else. We have a fair many who Challenge Exams for Credit at Generasi and a good deal succeed, but this is not a routine example of such a circumstance.

He handed Alex back the papers. Those who pass such exams are usually experts, with plenty of experience or training in a certain subject before arriving at Generasi. For you to pass itand quite nearly master itwith your level of previous training and experience is not common

His eyes focused directly on Alex, and once again, the young man felt as though they were piercing right through him. not common at all. It seems you have a natural talent for the subject, Alex.

Well, that and a divinely granted boon that helps me learn it really damn fast, Alex added mentally. Despite himself, he watched Baelin closely for any sudden changes. No changes. Good. Still no mind reading. Probably.

And your sister is granted a strong fire affinity. Interesting, truly interesting. Baelin almost seemed to be performing mental calculations. And you say your parentsmay they rest well in Deaths embracewere not wizards themselves?

Like I said, they ran an alehouse, Alex said with a little force in his voice, almost defensive about that fact. They might not have been incredible spellcastersready to bend the forces of the cosmos to their will like Hobb saidbut he didnt want anyone looking down on them.

If Baelin did look down on them, though, he hid it well.

Interesting. What about a grandfather or grandmother? Or anyone in your town: a hedge wizard or country witch to show you a thing or two?

No. Alex shook his head. I learned everything from a spell-guide in my church schools library. Maybe that means there was a wizard in Alric at some point, but if there was, then not even our elders remember that time. Trust me, I asked.

I see. Entirely self-taught then, and mastered the entire material of one of the most challenging first-year courses that is taught here. Fascinating. Baelins eyes shimmered for a moment, fading and turning milky until it looked like he had gone blind.

Alex gasped and was about to say something, but by the time he had opened his mouth, the chancellors eyes had returned to normal. Hm? Something the matter? the ancient wizard asked.

N-no. It justnevermind.

Well, then, I will be quite interested in watching your journey through your first year. Especially considering your performance in COMB-1000.

Oh, Im uh, doing well?

Hah, Im uh, doing well? he asks. Let me put it this way: taking into account the adaptability and results youve shown during the practical portion of the class, if you even do moderately well on the written midtermwell lets just say you should come by my office and see a certain list posted to my door. I think you will be pleased by what you see.

Alex thought on those lists Sinbrok had mentioned, and felt a growing excitement.

Please, make sure you keep in contact, Baelin continued. You know my office hours, I would appreciate it if you would join me for a hot drink again.

Alexs stomach flip-flopped. Yes, Id love that. A-as a matter of fact, I worked as a bakers assistant in my home town, Ill definitely bring you some goodies next time.

Baelin gave a hearty laugh. Goodies, you say? Well, you know how to charm the elderly.

Well, you know how to charm your students. Alex waved his hand over the empty mango plate and cider cup.

Ah, careful with that phrasing, the ancient wizards eyes twinkled. You could get me sanctioned.

As they laughed, Alex wondered if this was how merchants felt when one of the great lords of the realm strongly hinted that they would be interested in doing business. One of his goals when coming to Generasi had been to be noticed for his talents so that he wouldnt ever be suspected of being The Fool, and it seemed he was succeeding quite nicely.

Here they were, having a good time like a young man whod gone to see one of their village elders and had stayed for a cup of brew.

You know, I dont think theyd dare sanction you, Alex joked. Im pretty sure you could blow up half the school if you really wanted to. I mean, whos going to stop you? You could just teleport the castle into the depths of the ocean, couldnt you? Like you did with that Hathar-Motkin guy?

Baelin paused for a moment, and suddenly his laughter went from a hearty chuckle to a roar of mirth that seemed to reach the sky.

Alexs laugh caught a little.

Though the chancellor was laughing along with him, that mirth did not reach his goat-like eyes. They were still firmly on Alex.

Measuring. Calculating. Seeing.

Alex remembered the line of skulls on Baelins shelf in the room below.

This is not a village elder, his mind reminded him emphatically.

He shook the thought from his head. While he wasnt sure if he could trust the chancellor completely, the beastman had been nothing but helpful and guiding, if maybe a little terrifying.

Theres a thought. A strange light entered Baelins eyes. The professors here are incredibly talented, and some of the greatest wizards in the world hold associated offices here. Then theres some truly frighteningindividuals in the Watchers of Roal and the city itself. Point being, there is a considerable amount of might gathered hereif I did choose to say, try to teleport the entirecastle to the depths of the oceanwhich Im not quite sure I could by myself, and even if I could that would take quite a bit of time to set upI just wonder how far I could get before someone managed to stop me. Hmmm, youve given me an interesting little mental problem to ponder. Thank you, this will occupy my evening I think.

Alex gave him a polite, tight, frightened smile. Y-youre welcome.

Staying around the chancellor might fray his nerves and make him twitchy. Hed need to do something to relax himself.

Well, hed passed the exam. Hed be writing his midterms this week and finally going to see Captain Fan-Dor; since it was the last weekend theyd be in port. He could bring Selina with him, Theresa, and Brutus since shed enjoy being on The Red Siren and seeing the captain again.

That would get him started with learning the rest of the dance and be a fine way to relax his nerves.

With ValRoks letter coming shortly and Jules letter in hand, he could get his application into Shales as well.

Stop, thief! a voice cried bloody murder from street. Help! Heeeeeeeelp!

Alex stood frozen in the doorway of Shales workshop, watching a hooded and cloaked figure speeding down the cobblestones with a bundle under his arm. Despite the hot sun and clear sky, they wore a cloak hood pulled down over their face.

Behind the thief, an older man wrung his hands and looked for help from the crowd. Several heads turned as the robber pushed people out of the way.

Guard! Guard! someone began to cry, while others levelled their hands toward the running figure.

One person in the crowda stocky grey-skinned womanspat a single incantation. The figure stiffened in the middle of the street and crumpled to the ground. Above the murmurs of passersby, Alex heard a loud snoring sound.

He watched for a time as the woman spoke with the man whod been robbed and watched as the broad-shouldered guardstheir breastplates shining and each marked with a glowing glyphstormed in and dragged the thief to their feet.

Alex shook his head.

The thrill of the big city, he muttered, making his way back to where their sky-gondola was waiting.

It floated above the crowd across the street, and he could see Selina, Theresa and Brutus, poking all five of their collective heads over the side of the gondola to get a better look at the commotion.

A blue bird was painted on the boats hull, which floated down to the crowd when Alex approached. Their gondoliera young man named Kirk, with a smile seemingly permanently pasted to his face and utterly dead eyesgave him a friendly nod when he arrived.

Hello, customer and welcome back to Bluebird sky-gondolas, I hope that my service today continues to please you! His words had the same practiced cadence as Lucias, but his voice was filled with the same sort of false cheer that McHarris had affected when talking to his customers.

Yeah, Im sure, Alex said, climbing aboard. He glanced at his sister. Well, that was exciting wasnt it?

Yeah, she said, watching as the guards spoke to everyone involved in the incident. Her words were still short, but her voice had lost a lot of its flatness and her eyes were coming to life with interest again.

She still hadnt built anything in the last while, which worried him, though. That was okay, though, as Baelin said. She was her own person and would heal in her own way. He just needed to be there to support and guide her. Him and Theresa.

As the boat lifted off again, they settled in with their grinning gondolier as the city passed below.

So, Theresa said to Selina. Are you excited to see Captain Fan-Dor again?

Now some of the young girls normal excitement returned and she nodded quickly. Mhm! Mhm! And Gel-Dor too. Its just She paused and her face dipped a little. Ships

What is it, Selina? Alex asked.

She paused and leaned closer to Theresa and Alex. Captain Fan-Dor said that fire is really, really bad on shipsso maybe he wouldnt want me on there

You dont have to tell him anything you dont want to tell him, Theresa whispered. Like how Alex doesnt have to tell everyone he meets hes a wizard or how I dont have to tell everyone I meet that I like to go hunting. You can keep that to yourself, thats okay.

Butthats different. Maybe Imdangerous, Selina whispered.

Support, Alex remembered.

He placed his hand on her small back. Remember, I have to try really, really hard to cast magic. And youve seen how hard Khalik has to work at it too. As far as I know, you cant really do magic by accident. Ive never seen my friends from me and Theresas class use fire magic by accident. They always do it on purpose and when they have to. Its safe. If you ever talk to them-

He planted the seed, subtly.

-youll see that theyre safe.

She looked between Alex and Theresa carefully before nodding once more. Okay, that makes sense.

Before leaning back, Alex gave his little sister a tight hug and then pulled away. Theresa gave her a hug too, and she looked much cheerier after. Brutus whined and licked her face.

Hey! She giggled.

Her mood improved immensely after that, and she was far more interested in watching and commenting on the city passing below as they drifted over the wall and toward the docks.

There it is! Selina said excitedly, pointing to a ship at the dock. Thats The Red Siren!

Alex smiled as he saw the familiar form of Fan-Dors vessel.

You know. Theresa scanned the entire port town as they neared it. I dont see any sky-pier around here.

Their gondoliers tight, increasingly creepy smile shifted a little. Well thats a bit of a story, you see-

Alex gasped.

What is it? What is it? the gondolier asked. Is there a problem?

No, no, go on, finish telling your story, Alex said. I thought I saw a shark fin.

That was a lie, but what he did see was more cause for alarm.

Down below, standing by several docks were the familiar white robes of Uldars priests, milling around in front of a ship.

It looked like they were seeing their fellows off.