Despite their best efforts in a hunt that they rightfully should have failed at, the reception back at the academy was not what they had expected. As soon as they were home the entire team was summoned to Mr. Silver’s office. “Silver is probably mad at us,” said Rodrick. “Don’t worry though, I’ll explain everything and make sure you don’t take too much blame.”
Silver waited at his desk with his arms crossed, and his eyes were filled with wrath. He said not a word at first so Rodrick stepped forward. “Before you say anything, sir, I’d just like to mention that the locals at West Harbour completely overreacted.”
Silver slammed his hand on his desk. “You levelled a building! The people of West Harbour are expecting the academy to pay damage expenses!”
Rodrick lowered his head. “Oh…”
“Not to mention you let one of the Miakkyra escape!” he went on, rather furiously.
Victor, in his fright, dared to speak. “Sir, if I may, the building collapsing was my fault. There may have been a better way, but Sam was in danger and at the time bringing down the scaffold was the only way to stop the Miakkyra.”
Silver scoffed, addressing the students. “You three may all be fine students but it’s clear to me that you have no respect for this academy, and at present you lack the subtleties required for this line of work. The only reason I will excuse you is because you are unaware of the depth of the hole we are in right now, but you Rodrick should have known better than to face two Miakkyra’s alone!” He sat quietly for a moment and placed his hands over his face. When he spoke again his voice was softer. “Circumstances have changed, Rodrick, plans must be hastened.” He glanced at Victor and then back at Rodrick. “As you know the government has desired our secrets for years, and you have just handed them the ammunition needed to come in and take it.”
Victor was somehow troubled by this news. “With respect sir, what do you mean?”
“Well until now the people have been our shield against those who would use our ways for their own good, but it seems the masses have lost their faith, and have no need of us anymore.”
“And when were you going to tell us this?”
“All in due time, my boy! There are forces at work here that are eminently bigger than you and I, and they must be treated delicately.” To Rodrick he said: “Young Astrid, and your daughter Gretel, were both successful in their individual assignments. Them plus these three gives us five potential candidates, but they’re not safe here! Take them into the mountains, show them how to survive, and teach them a little respect. Caesar and I will handle things here as best we can until you return.”
After the meeting, they were given one night of rest, though Victor barely closed his eyes. His mind was overflowing with questions. What was all that about? What is Silver expecting from us? Why are we being forced to flee? He felt as though he had been thrown into a shadowy game and yet no one had told him the rules, but at the same time, he suspected that he had been playing for longer than he had known.
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