The Emperor's Wolves (Wolves of Elantra #1) - Michelle Sagara Page 0,171
educated in the uses of magic. The illegal uses,” Helmat added. “To that end, the Imperial Mages have been sent to their classroom of one.”
“He can’t be integrated with the Swords and the Hawks?”
“He can take the same classes, yes.”
“Ah. The Imperial Mage came to assess him.”
“Yes.”
Elluvian’s shrug was less graceful. “That cannot be avoided. The assessment is done for every student. I assume that Severn’s results were considered unusual.”
“You assume so without any evident surprise, yes.” Helmat folded his hands on the surface of his desk. “Did you know about this?”
“I had some reason to suspect, yes.”
“And you chose not to share?”
“Helmat, things have been—as you must be aware—complicated of late. What did the mage say?”
“The mage, as you call him, was Johannes.”
Elluvian grimaced. “In general, Johannes feels the aptitude tests are hopelessly optimistic and the results of those tests—when conducted by mages who are not named Johannes—the subject of wishful daydreams. This should be in our favor.”
“It should be, yes.”
“Johannes feels Severn shows actual promise.”
“It’s Johannes. But he feels in this particular case—and Severn is not to get his hopes up—that the testing may have unearthed some natural proclivity toward magical arts.”
“Arts?”
“I believe that’s the word he used; his scrawl is practically code.”
“And is he suggesting that Severn should now join the Imperium?”
“He is, if I’ve decoded his scrawl correctly.”
“Has the private been informed of what Johannes clearly considers his incredibly good fortune?”
“I’m sure he has—by Johannes.”
“I am far less certain; Johannes dislikes the offensive egotism of youth. He is certain to consider the news itself too much for the young to handle with grace.”
Helmat considered this. “You’re probably right.”
“You disagree.”
“Severn is absent any of the obvious edges of youthful ‘optimism,’ as Johannes calls it. I think it likely that he has told Severn about his great good fortune.”
“And you have summoned me, why? Surely this is a topic for discussion with the private.”
“I want to know what you know, of course. I want to know why you failed to bring this to my attention.”
“It is a test for aptitude, no more.”
“You consider it accurate.” Helmat kept accusation out of his tone with years of long practice. His fingers, however, had unclasped themselves and were now drumming the surface of his desk.
“I consider it accurate.”
“Why?”
“He has come to the attention of An’Tellarus,” Elluvian finally said. “And the tests of the Barrani are, in my opinion, far more accurate.”
“They are calibrated for the Barrani.”
“They are calibrated for, perhaps, the magical aspects the Barrani might prize.”
“And An’Tellarus?”
“I do not know what she hopes for or expects.”
“You’re lying, En.”
Elluvian smiled. “I am. I have every intention of preventing any of An’Tellarus’s plans from coming to fruition. The Imperium, however, I consider your problem. You are Lord of Wolves. You may clash with the Imperium on your own time.”
“If his magical potential is remarkable—and given your reaction, I assume it is—the clash with the Imperium will become difficult. The Imperium is not the equal, in any way, of the Arcanum, and the Emperor has need of mages whose service he trusts.”
“The service, however, must be voluntary.”
“If Severn is a Wolf, there is a loophole.”
“Indeed. Should the Emperor command him to enter the Imperium, he will be forced to obey. Do you think that command will be forthcoming? Ah, never mind; that was a clumsy question. You do.”
“I consider it a distinct possibility. You have been part of the Wolves, and the Emperor’s thoughts on their constitution, for all of our existence. What do you believe the Emperor will do?”
“I believe he will leave the decision in Severn’s hands.”
“You are certain?”
“I am never completely confident when it comes to second-guessing the Emperor—but accepting that, yes, I am certain.”
Helmat nodded and relaxed.
“You were worried.”
“I was.”
“And you are not now.”
“If the decision is the private’s, no. This might work to our advantage.”
“You cannot send him out on any mission of any difficulty while simultaneously forcing him to attend the Imperial Mages.”
“No. No,” Helmat said, rising, “I can’t. But it’s been a long time since the Wolves have had a mage—however insignificant he might be—of our own. He can take both our classes and the Imperium’s initial classes; I will keep him off the streets unless a situation arises that demands his presence.”
“He’s a private.”
“Exactly.”
“He was given this case as a private on probation.”
Helmat shrugged.
“You don’t believe he will choose the greater power?”
“No.”
“Why?”
Helmat met Elluvian’s gaze. “Magic is a tool.”
“It is a more significant tool than daggers or swords.”