Chapter 98: Firespark desert
"You can stay in that room and eat, but all other things you will need to take care of by yourself," Ichela said softly.
Daubutim nodded, noting the woman's slightly apologetic tone. He wondered why she seemed to feel she was wrong. They were getting a lot of things for free already.
"Serious? We can't even get a small stipend?" Indoutor grunted.
Ichela's eyes narrowed, and Daubutim quickly turned to his cousin. "Quiet. Be grateful for what we are getting," he said before turning back and nodding at Ichela." Thank you. We will find a way to earn soulshards."
Ichela smiled, then began pulling her braid, her eyes deep in thought. It took a few moments, where Daubutim calmly waited. After a few moments, she sighed and leaned forward.
"You could try to do what your friend, Greldo, was doing. You don't have a fullhand yet, meaning you would fight only the weakest of the serfs," she whispered. "Just make sure the guards don't find out, as it's considered illegal. They don't really act on it, though, as long as things stay calm."
Daubutim nodded, forcing a smile on his face. He had no plans of participating in any illegal underground bouts, especially not with Hult and Uxin'tar still on the loose. Besides, he already had something else on his mind.
"Thank you, but I think I'm going to try something else," he said. "Instead, perhaps you can tell me how I can get permission to join the entrance exam for the junior librarians?"
Ichela's eyes widened, and she began yanking her braid. "Do you have any idea what you will have to do there? To succeed, you need to read and memorize a dozen books in a day. And no easy ones!"
Daubutim felt a tiny bit of joy at his condition for the first time in his life, and he smiled. "I have a good memory. Do you know of a way for me to join? I've heard they sometimes make exceptions and let serfs join?"
Ichela remained quiet as she stared at him for a while, then she sighed deeply.
"Yes. If you can get a citizen to vouch for you and sign a writ guaranteeing that they will secure your living expenses for the duration of one year."