Chapter 5: Rune Difficulty
CH5 Rune Difficulty
***
Alex left the Tower Master's office more composed than when he'd entered—but if one looked closely, there was a distinct spring in his step as he walked away.
Back in the office, Merlin turned to Zora with a mock-wounded expression. "I can't believe you sided with an outsider. I'm hurt."
Zora chuckled. "Nice try. You and I both know you were going to give him the grant anyway—with or without me."
"Yes, but I wouldn't have offered that much. The last thing I want is Baldrick sniffing around my office. You'll deal with him, by the way. This is your mess."
"Fine," Zora muttered through gritted teeth.
Merlin laughed at her expense, clearly enjoying himself.
Then, with a sudden shift in tone, he asked, "Do you really believe in him?"
Zora paused, nodding slowly, then shook her head. "I don't know. There's something about him —his passion, maybe— that makes me want to give him the benefit of the doubt. I want to believe in him."
"You think he might be able help with that matter?"