Chapter 111: The Seven Potentials

Chapter 111: The Seven Potentials

Loh barged into the principals reception room. She glanced at the vampiress secretary sitting behind her desk. Is he here?

Welcome back, Professor Noir. Lord Noir is in his office. The secretary bowed her head and pointed to the door beside her desk.

Perfect.

Loh pushed the door open with her foot and strode into her grandfathers office. He was sitting at his desk, sifting through some documents.

It seems youve finally returned, took you long enough, he said without glancing at her.

How did you know it was me?

Simple, he looked up. You are the only one who dares enter my office without knocking.

Thats because Im the only one whos not afraid of an old man, she crossed her arms.

Doubtful. Elzri swiped his finger in the air. The door slammed shut behind her.

Neat parlor trick. Do you use it to scare people every time they visit your office?

I have no need to scare you. Youre already afraid, its why you keep talking rubbish.

Lohs lips formed a thin line, but she stayed quiet.

Now, if you are quite done with your drivel, tell me why you are here. Otherwise, leave my office, I am busy.

Loh chuckled, Ah, right, the new school year starts in a few days. You must be swamped with paperwork. But, then again Ive always known you to be methodical and practical. You wouldnt have left so much work for the end. So, what are you really up to?

Elzri tapped his finger on the desk, Work. Im evaluating the incoming 2nd year students. We have lost every single Great Cities Tourney for the past 6 years including this springs fiasco. Our constant and complete defeat at the tourney does not just reflect this academys failings, but House Noirs as well. We cannot afford to continue looking weak in front of the entire Realm.

And by we, I assume you mean House Noir, not the academy, Loh raised an eyebrow.

By we I mean Hollow Shade. If the academy and one of the seven Ruling Families seems weak, then it shows Hollow Shade may not be as impenetrable as she seems. It opens the possibility for dissent within the Realm. We already have the least magi among the Four Great Cities and our relation with Undergrowth is tenuous at best. Imagine what would happen if Frost Rim and Murkton felt the same? How many countless people would suffer if war broke out?

Youre really worried about this arent you?

Obviously, these are the sort of worries that a wise family leader must have if they are to lead the people of Hollow Shade. You would do well to learn.

Loh found herself reluctantly nodding. She cleared her throat, So, what is the plan then? Train the 3rd-years more thoroughly for the tourney?

If only. Theyre already a lost cause, their skills are dismally average. The four magi the Great Cities send to the tourney are expected to be the best of their generation, true talents whose abilities surpass all those around them. Our 3rd-years are nothing of the sort. If we had more time, then perhaps we might have come up with something, but its too late for them.

Loh sat down on a chair in front of Elzris desk. So, what? Were just expected to lose the tourney again?

Elzri leaned back in his own chair, Basically, yes. Well be sending them into the dragon's den so-to-speak.

Wow, great plan, gramps.

My plan threw the 3rd-years out of the equation long ago. Our focus must now be on the 2nd-years. A few of them have shown promise and we still have time. Well single out the best among their year, then well place the chosen few in the same class and give them more training and attention. Ideally, they will be ready to obtain victory by the end of their third year.

The plan seems solid enough. Have you managed to figure out which students to focus on? Loh asked.

So far I have singled out seven students among the 2nd-year class. Strangely, six of them seem to have been in the same class last year, class 1-C. Elzri pointed to the sheets of paper on the desk.

Thats Strygs class.

Yes, an odd coincidence to say the least. Or perhaps fate has her hand in our affairs.

Please, dont go down that route. Im not up for a philosophical debate, she groaned.

Neither am I. He lifted the first sheet, The first of the potentials is a brown mage, an orc by the name of Kegrog. In terms of magic he is the least promising of the group, but we have little to work with.

I remember him, big fella. I dont recall being impressed by his magic at all.

Loh, consider all the possibilities.

Fine, she sighed. For sake of argument, if a person with Strygs abilities were to become our enemy, then wed handle him the same way anyone handles a more powerful opponent, in large numbers.

You forget what his power signifies. Who is to say he wont have powerful allies willing to protect him? To use him for their own gain?

Loh shook her head, Okay, lets assume everything we do from this point on fails spectacularly and Stryg becomes a threat to Hollow Shade. Even if all else fails, he would eventually be defeated the same way every powerful mage who wasnt killed by his enemies were. Time. No one is immortal, give them two hundred years at best and they die like anyone else.

That is a defeatist mentality, Loh. I taught you better than that.

No, Im just not paranoid enough to believe my own apprentice wants to kill us all. Hes a good kid at heart... unlike most of us.

Possibly. But, good people can break like any other. Also, you did not consider Strygs incredibly rare healing mutation. That alone will most likely grant him a longer lifespan than any of us. Who knows how long he could live, 300 years, 400?

So, whats your point? She furrowed her brow.

My point is we need to be careful on how we proceed with your apprentice. Stryg should stay hidden until he is ready to face the worlds dangers, Im not sure the tourney is the best place for him. Sending him to Undergrowth for the tourney next year may not be very prudent. The last thing we want is war with the other Great Cities.

Loh shook her head, Stryg is more than capable of staying out of trouble when he wants to. I trust Stryg and I believe in him. If you trust me then trust him. In other words, do me a favor and stop worrying so much. Whats more important right now is finding him suitable teachers to train him in his other chromatic colors. Without proper control he risks exposing his abilities by accident.

Finding the right teachers has proven a more difficult task than I previously believed. Still, I have managed to find three. I would have had four, there was one promising high-master green mage in Undergrowth, but House Thorn got in my way and got to her first.

Figures, the Thorns are always getting in the way, Loh grumbled.

I cant blame them, Hollow Shades Ruling Families did take their rightful legacy. Not that it matters, I think all seven Ruling Families would agree they would do it again if given the chance.

Why am I not surprised? Loh laughed. Did you even find any promising teachers who can keep a secret and are actually loyal?

Youd be surprised, Elzri waved his hand, the door swung open. You can bring him in now.

Yes, my lord, the secretary nodded from her desk. She got up and left.

You knew I was coming? Loh asked.

I had some watchers placed at the major gates of the city, so yes, I did, he smiled.

The secretary returned a moment later. She stood next to the doorway and bowed, I have brought him as requested.

A handsome drow dressed in a dark purple jacket walked in, Good afternoon, Lord Elzri. He glanced over, Hello, Loh, youre as beautiful as ever.

She slowly turned to her smiling grandfather, Bastard.

Loh took a deep breath and stood up, Hello, Vayu.

~~~

Feli slipped under the blankets and found Strygs sleeping face next to her. She poked him in the cheek. His closed eyes scrunched up, his brow furrowed, and his mouth twisted.

Feli giggled, Wake up, sleepyhead.

I dont want to, he mumbled.

Stryg pulled the naked Feli closer and nestled his head between her breasts.

We cant stay like this forever, you know, she played with his long hair.

Why not? I like it here.

Because there is something I need to tell you.

He cracked one lilac eye open, Which is?

Her lips curled, Happy Birthday, Stryg.