Chapter 30: I need to borrow Kestovar
Severa bowed lightly toward Min, posture composed, voice smooth with the grace Fabrisse could never hope to replicate. “Magus Assistant Hajin,” she greeted with a respectful incline. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything critical.”
“What business do you have?” Min asked.
Severa met his gaze. “I need to borrow Apprentice Kestovar—briefly,” she said. “A personal matter, but one that intersects with institutional relevance. If it helps, Exemplar Konan is likely already aware of what this concerns.”
Min said plainly, though without particular heat. “I need to see proof of Exemplar Konan approving displacements of first-session apprentices.”
Severa inclined her head again, expression unruffled. “Of course. And under ordinary circumstances, I’d never presume to extract a new apprentice without formal clearance.” She stepped lightly forward, just enough to meet Min’s gaze at the proper angle of deference. “But I believe this qualifies as a gray-zone prerogative under Interdepartmental Clause 8.4b,” she continued, tone calm but precise, “which allows for provisional removal of a student in the event of a time-sensitive matter involving arcane resonance. You must have heard of the recent . . . incident.”
Clause what? Synod Magi really need to stop citing rules. It turns everything into a threat.
Min regarded her in silence for a long moment, then nodded.
Then Severa turned toward Fabrisse. “Let’s go, Kestovar.”
Fabrisse didn’t move.
He didn’t even blink at first. His hand was still resting lightly on the drawer of layered sediment samples, his hat slightly askew. But I was about to move on to minerals. And I don’t want to meet your father.
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