“It makes sense,” Christine agreed. “I too have thought that it would be prudent for us to further develop a working relationship with the Dracians. They aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. The more we can integrate ourselves with one another, the better chance we stand of making our home even more impervious to the outside. Especially with the Alignment approaching in our lifetime.”
Circe was nodding visibly under her hood. “Your thoughts mirror my own, in many ways. I am glad that you are looking ahead, not just at the immediate moment. Well done.”
“Thank you, Circe,” she said, appreciating the compliment. “I still want command of this team.”
The other woman laughed, a soft, delicate sound, very at odds with the power she could wield. “I do believe I’m starting to get that impression.”
Christine waited silently for Circe to continue. She was willing to be adamant and up front about her desire, but the last thing she was going to do was demand that Circe hurry up and make up her mind. Christine wanted Circe to appoint her as the team leader because she believed Christine was the right person, not because she’d been bullied into it.
Not that I’ve met a person yet who could bully Circe into anything.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but you have a Test coming up soon, do you not?” Circe asked. “I would think being in command of this team would detract a lot of time from your studies.”
Christine shook her head. “On the contrary, I think it would be the perfect test for me, to ensure that I am ready to move into the ranks of Master. It doesn’t get much more real-world experience than this.” She frowned, her lips compressing into a flat line. “Besides, my Test was actually yesterday, and your message may have interrupted me just as I was in the middle of it.”
To her surprise, Circe laughed again. “My apologies on that. I will look into it.”
Christine bowed her head, not sure what Circe meant with her comment. Would the results of her Test up to the point it had ended dictate whether she did or did not get the position? That hardly seemed fair, but who was she to argue?
“I had hoped that you would volunteer for the team,” Circe said. “I was fairly positive you would, but I needed to gain your impression on the dragon component as well. Some of the others, even those who are not fans of Master Loiner have shown reluctance to work with them, much to my surprise. More a fear of the unknown, than any great distaste or disdain for them, I believe.”
“I understand,” Christine said, and she meant it. When the dragons had first arrived, she’d been wary, suspicious and definitely not at all decided in favor of having them stick around. Her fears and worries had eased considerably as the dragons proved themselves worthy allies, and now she looked forward to working with one of them in detail. It would be a good challenge for her, to figure out ways to adapt their tactics to work together.
“However,” Circe continued, and Christine’s hopes fell.
There was someone else, someone she thought would be better suited to command the team. Which there likely was. Any number of Masters would have more experience if they volunteered for the team. Christine wondered who it was that Circe had picked.
Aldard? Frosser? Both were great witches who would excel in the position.
“I am not appointing a commander of the team,” Circe explained. “Not right away, at least.”
Christine frowned. “I don’t follow. What do you mean? Who will be in charge?”
“Master Pinton is in charge of organizing the project and overseeing the training,” Circe said. “However, she is no longer suited to field command. That will be best for young blood. Whoever proves to be the best natural leader during training, will be given the position.”
“I understand,” Christine said, trying to mask her disappointment even as her mind was already whirring, thinking of how she could prove herself to the rest of the team, and what it would take.
“For what it’s worth,” Circe said warmly, “I will be following Master Pinton’s reports on you closely, Apprentice Sinnclare. I expect great things out of you. I hope you do not disappoint me.”
Christine stood straight, beaming with pride. “Thank you, Circe. I expect the same from myself and will try as hard as I can to ensure your faith is not misguided.”
“Good,” Circe said, standing to indicate the meeting was over. “The position is up for grabs. If you want it, you’ll have to earn it.”
I will, she vowed to herself.
Chapter Six
Altair
“HEY!”
Altair recoiled in surprise. “Sorry,” he said as he nearly bowled over a young witch.
“Pay more attention to where you’re walking next time.”
He thought about firing back a reply, but if there was one thing Altair was smart enough to avoid, it was getting into a verbal fight with a hormonal teenage witch. There simply was no way he would win such a situation. Ever. So, he just nodded his head and continued on his way, letting her feel powerful for the moment.
Besides, his mind had put the incident completely behind him in a matter of seconds as he continued on across the courtyard toward the main building, and his destination within. The image of the irate young witch was replaced by the equally passionate, yet far more driven and learned features of the witch who had sought him out after the meeting.
Christine. Her name was Christine, and she was absolutely determined to be a part of the response
