“Independent of the prejudice and favoritism of Warlocks.” She looked at Emily. “At the very least, I hope to serve as an unbiased observer of whatever Mirabilis intends to do with you.”
Do with me? Emily knitted her brow. “Then you’re a … a sorcière?”
“No, I’m a Witch. It’s only the Warlocks who insist on that finicky sorcière nonsense. They like to reserve the term ‘Witch’ for their dirty jokes.” She glared at Mirabilis for the sins of his gender before continuing. “I’m a specialist in Federalist Earth Magic. Large-scale agricultural blessings, enlightened empire building, destiny manifestation.”
“And your society does what exactly?”
“Our society was formed at the beginning of the century as a way for Witches to help other Witches. To protect ourselves from prejudice, and especially to protest the treatment Witches have always received at the hands of Warlocks.”
Emily was aware of an extravagant sigh from Mirabilis’ direction.
“Treatment?” Emily raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
“My dear, if you have to ask, you obviously haven’t been paying attention.” Miss Pendennis leaned forward, putting her mouth close to Emily’s ear. “Dreadnought contacted me from Philadelphia,” she whispered. “I’m a great friend of his sister Hortense. He thought you could use someone to help you navigate. And I don’t blame him … it’s all hidden knives and squinks and mumbo jumbo around here!”
Emily nodded slightly, then straightened and looked at Mirabilis.
“I shouldn’t mind having Miss Pendennis observe, at least.”
Mirabilis threw up his hands—a gesture of complete hopelessness. His whole body indicated his utter disapproval. Finally, though, he let out a breath.
“As you like.” Mirabilis shook his head. “Females!”
Miss Pendennis elbowed Emily in the ribs and gave her a wink.
“Now that we’ve got that sorted out, can we get on with business?” Mirabilis said. “I wish to perform an experiment. Please come along.”
It was more a command than an invitation, for Mirabilis turned on his heel and began walking, not even looking back to see if Emily and Miss Pendennis were following.
They followed.
He led them into the main hall, above which soared a large rotunda. Two broad marble staircases curved up to the second floor. A shining circle of red and gold had been tiled into the marble at their feet, and in the center of the circle stood a statue of a wise-looking goddess. She had one slender arm up-stretched, and in her hand she held a torch that burned with a low blue flame.
“The Veneficus Flame,” said Professor Mirabilis. “It monitors the mantic energy stored in the earth and serves as a gauge of its vitality.”
“It’s so low!” Miss Pendennis said.
Indeed, the flame was hardly higher than the nail on Emily’s thumb. It looked fragile, as if the smallest gust of wind could extinguish it.
Mirabilis nodded. “It has never burned so low before.” He snapped his fingers at Ben, who emerged silently. “Bring me a ladder and the measuring stick.”
The old man returned a moment later with a tall oak ladder and a stick on which lines had been neatly painted in white. Ben leaned the ladder against the statue’s back.
“Miss Pendennis, Miss Edwards will have to climb that ladder,” Mirabilis said. “You are such a sturdy young woman … would you mind steadying the bottom so she does not fall?”
“Right,” Miss Pendennis said briskly, moving to take her position. As she did, Mirabilis leaned close to Emily.
“Your hand must be reclaimed from the marble for this experiment. May I?”
Emily extended the stump of her hand. Mirabilis gestured subtly, seeming to pull the marble from thin air. Furtively glancing to make sure Miss Pendennis wasn’t watching, he tapped it against the Boundary Cuff three times in a precise rhythm.
Emily found it reassuring to watch her hand resolidify, whole and unharmed. Despite all the trouble it had given her, she’d hate to lose it in some other dimension somewhere.
Mirabilis gestured Emily toward the ladder; she climbed to a level with the flame.
“Now what am I …” She looked down to speak to Professor Mirabilis, only to find that he was right next to her, hovering in midair, the tall measuring pole in one hand. She recoiled. Below her Miss Pendennis tensed.
“Steady now!” the woman called up.
“What are you doing?” Emily glared at Mirabilis, clutching her hand to her chest. “I’ll be killed if the stone absorbs any more magic!”
“Don’t worry, my dear,” Professor Mirabilis said. “I am the supreme master of the Institute. The Sophos. Within these walls, I have access to a variety of useful powers