The Magicians' Guild

providing a framework for a powerful shield which protected everything outside from the forces thrown about during Warrior classes. Four novices stood within, but today no spectacular show of power was in progress.

Instead, the novices stood in pairs, swinging swords in controlled, synchronized movements. A few paces away stood Fergun, sword in hand, observing the novices closely.

Watching them, Rothen struggled not to disapprove. Surely the novices' time would be better spent on study than pursuing this redundant martial art?

Sword fighting was not part of the University's studies. Those novices who were determined to learn the art gave up their spare time to do so. It was a hobby, and Rothen knew it was healthy for the youngsters to have an interest that didn't involve magic and got them out of their stuffy rooms.

However, he had always believed that robes and swords did not go together well. There were already too many ways a magician could harm another person. Why add a non-magical one to the list?

Two magicians stood on the steps surrounding the Arena, watching intently. Rothen recognized Fergun's friend, Lord Kerrin, and Lord Elben, a teacher of Alchemy. Both were from the powerful House Maron, as was Fergun. He smiled to himself. Novices and magicians were expected to leave House alliances and enmities behind them when they joined the Guild, but few ever did.

As he watched, Fergun called one of the novices over to him. Teacher and novice saluted each other and dropped into a crouch. Rothen caught his breath as the novice advanced, sword flashing in a confident attack. Fergun stepped forward, his weapon all but vanishing in a blur of movement. The novice froze and looked down to find Fergun's weapon pressing against his chest.

'Tempted to join Lord Fergun's classes?' asked a familiar voice behind him.

Rothen turned. 'At my age, Administrator?' He shook his head. 'Even if I were thirty years younger, I wouldn't see the value in it.'

'It sharpens the reflexes, I'm told, and is useful in teaching discipline and concentration,' Lorlen said. 'Lord Fergun has some support for it now, and has asked us to consider including sword fighting in the University studies.'

'That would be for Lord Balkan to decide, wouldn't it?'

'Partly. The Head of Warriors must present the addition to the Higher Magicians for vote. When and if he does that is up to him.' Lorlen spread his hands. 'I heard you had decided to give the searchers a rest for the day.'

Rothen nodded. 'They've been working long hours, sometimes late into the night.'

'It has been a busy four weeks for you all,' Lorlen agreed. 'Are you making any progress?'

'Not much,' Rothen admitted. 'Not since last week. Every time we sense her, we find she has moved to another location.'

'As Dannyl predicted.'

'Yes, but we've been looking for repetitions in her movements. If she is returning to some of these hiding places, we might be able to locate them in the same way we did the first time, but over a longer period.'

'And what of this man who helped her escape? Do you think he was one of the Thieves?'

Rothen shrugged. 'Perhaps. He accused Lord Jolen of invading his territory, which suggests he was, but I find it hard to believe that one of the Thieves is a Lonmar. The man may simply be a protector and his accusation designed to lure Jolen over the trapdoor.'

'So there's a possibility she is not involved with the Thieves?'

'A possibility, yes, but it is unlikely. I doubt she has the money to pay for protectors. The men Jolen encountered in the tunnel, and the comfortable rooms she was staying in, suggest that someone well organized and funded is looking after her.'

'Either way, not good news.' Lorlen sighed and looked at the novices in the Arena. 'The King is not happy about this, and he won't be until we have her under our control.'

'Neither will I.'

Lorlen nodded. He pursed his lips, then regarded Rothen again. 'There is another matter I should discuss with you.'

'Yes?'

Lorlen hesitated, as if considering his words carefully. 'Lord Fergun wishes to claim guardianship of her.'

'Yes, I know.'

Lorlen's eyebrows rose. 'You are unexpectedly well informed, Lord Rothen.'

Rothen smiled. 'Unexpectedly, yes. I learned of this by accident.'

'Do you still intend to claim her guardianship yourself?'

'I haven't decided yet. Should I?'

Lorlen shook his head. 'I do not see the need to tackle that issue until she is found. But you understand that I must call a Hearing when she has been, if you both still intend to claim her?'

'I understand.' Rothen hesitated. 'May I ask a question of you?'

'Of course,' Lorlen replied.

'Does Fergun have a strong argument to support his claim?'

'Perhaps. He says that, since he experienced the consequences of the girl's magic, he was the first to know of her powers. You reported that you saw her after she used her powers, and that you guessed it was her from her expression, which means you never saw or sensed her use her powers. It is unclear how the law should be applied in this case, and when it comes down to bending a law to suit a situation, the simplest interpretation often wins the vote.'

Rothen frowned. 'I see.'

Gesturing for Rothen to follow, Lorlen began walking toward the Arena, his strides slow and measured. 'Fergun is determined,' he said quietly, 'and has much support, but many would support you, too.'

Rothen nodded, then sighed. 'It is not an easy decision. Would you prefer if I did not stir up the Guild by contesting his claim? It would cause you less trouble.'

'What would I prefer?' Lorlen chuckled and gave Rothen a direct look. 'It would cause me no less trouble either way.' He smiled crookedly, then inclined his head. 'Good day, Lord Rothen.'

'Good day,' Rothen replied. They had reached the edge of the stairs surrounding the Arena. The novices were paired now, practicing moves on each other. Rothen stopped and watched, bemused, as Lorlen descended toward the pair of magicians watching the lesson. Something in the way Lorlen had looked at him hinted that the Administrator had been suggesting something more.

The two watchers started as Lorlen appeared beside them.

'Greetings, Lord Kerrin, Lord Elben.'

'Administrator.' The pair inclined their heads, then quickly looked at the Arena again as one of the novices gave a yell of surprise.

'A fine teacher,' Lord Elben said enthusiastically, gesturing to the Arena. 'We were just saying that Lord Fergun would make a worthy guardian for this slum girl. After a few months of his strict guidance, she'd be as refined and disciplined as the best of us.'

'Lord Fergun is a responsible man,' Lorlen replied. 'I can offer no good reason why he should not guide the training of a novice.'

Yet he hasn't shown any interest until now, Rothen thought. Turning away, he continued his stroll through the gardens.

Guardianship was not common. A few novices were favored each year, but only those who had demonstrated exceptional talent or power. No matter what strength or aptitude the slum girl proved to have, she would need help and support as she adjusted to living in the Guild. By becoming her guardian he could ensure that she would receive that help.

He doubted Fergun's reasons for wanting her guardianship were the same. If Lord Elben's words were an indication, Fergun intended to discipline the unruly vagrant girl into a meek and obedient novice. He would receive a certain amount of praise and admiration if he succeeded.

How Fergun was going to achieve that would be interesting, since her powers were probably particularly strong and his were weak. He would not be able to stop her if she took it into her mind to disobey him.

For that reason, and others, magicians were discouraged from taking on the guardianship of novices with