Scholar of Magic (Art of the Adept #3) - Michael G. Manning Page 0,223

knew you’d come to me eventually.”

There hadn’t been enough chairs or space in the room, so Tiny waited in the hall, while Janice and Dulaney occupied the other two chairs beside Will’s seat. Dulaney had finished describing Will’s request a moment before, and he responded first. “I know it sounds ridiculous, but I do have some reason to give credence to Mister Cartwright’s claims.”

Master Courtney’s attention never left Will. “You wouldn’t tell me his name before, are you ready to share now? I promise not to tell the king.”

Dulaney glanced at Will, but said nothing rather than betray the young man’s trust. Will’s response was unexpected, though. “You can’t make a promise like that when he could compel you to reveal what you know.”

The Head of Research laced his fingers together. “You’ve learned some unsettling things then, haven’t you, Mister Cartwright? I assume you’re referring to the graduation seal?” Dulaney’s expression turned to confusion when he heard the last question.

“You mean the heart-stone enchantment,” corrected Will.

“Even so. I assume this is the source of your long-standing conflict with the king then?” asked Courtney.

“I won’t abide slavery,” said Will. Meanwhile Dulaney’s eyes went back and forth as he began to piece together the meaning of their conversation.

Master Courtney chuckled. “And yet, it is sorcery that we require to survive our present crisis, is it not? If we can construct this ritual it will need the input of hundreds of sorcerers to power and control it. No simple wizard could maintain the energy required for any length of time.”

“True wizards could,” countered Will. “If there were any these days.”

“Apparently there is one,” said Lord Courtney. “Or is it two?”

“My teacher died, but there might be another in a few years.”

“The princess?”

Will’s lips formed a hard line, but he didn’t answer.

Master Courtney’s eyes turned to Dulaney. “Mister Cartwright trusts you. He told you the name of his teacher, did he not?”

Professor Dulaney lowered his head. “Yes, Master Courtney, but he told me in trust.”

“I won’t ask you to reveal it then,” said the old wizard. “Was it a name you recognized?”

“Yes, sir. I scarcely believe it, though I don’t doubt he believes himself.”

The Head of Research rose from his chair and went to the door. Looking out, he spotted Tiny. “Make sure no one eavesdrops.” Then he closed the door and began constructing a spell. A few seconds later the room was enclosed in a rectangular structure of force that closely conformed to the walls of the office. The sound in the space also became strangely muffled. “This is a spell I designed myself, for moments when I desire absolute privacy.” The old educator returned to his seat and leaned forward.

“The king cannot ask about a thing if he doesn’t suspect its existence.” He paused and let that sink in. “I have been aware of the nature of elementals and the cruel truth of the graduation seals for much of my career. In fact, I’m an accomplice of sorts, and have been for many years. When I first confronted His Majesty about my suppositions, he quickly took steps to ensure my loyalty, first by demonstrating the efficacy of the heart-stone enchantment on me and also by reminding me of my duties to my family.

“So, you are absolutely correct, Mister Cartwright. I cannot be fully trusted, and neither can Professor Dulaney.” At the same time, Dulaney started to rise from his chair, a question on his lips, but Master Courtney waved him down. “Sit, Franklin. I know some of this is a shock to you, but I can answer your questions later. Right now, I need to make my position clear and settle the matter of how we can help the boy.”

Dulaney closed his mouth and sat. Will tried to hide his surprise. Franklin? Professor Dulaney’s first name is Franklin?

“From this point forward, you are all part of a new cabal,” said Courtney. “A conspiratorial group with the express purpose of undermining the status quo. Does that sound sinister enough for you?”

Janice stifled a faint laugh. “Yes, sir.”

Lord Courtney continued, “The risk