After the battle for Codrean, we gathered our wounded and regrouped at the fortress.
The wounded were tended to by Bernar and Garett, as well as a few other of the senior synners. Any of our number that died during the assault were burned in a pyre to avoid the spread of disease that rotting corpses caused.
It was always a tough, but honorable way to say goodbye.
Meanwhile, I went over to speak with the Master, still covered in the Ochelon's blood from the battle. I found the Master in his study, accompanied by the Anwill. The two were discussing something I couldn't quite overhear.
"Master," I interrupted, knocking on the door. "Ah, if it isn't the ochelon slayer himself. What can I help you with?" he asked, acknowledging my presence. "Might I have a word with you?" I asked. "Of course," the Master replied. The elf remained stationary. "I assume the subject of our imminent conversation is to be held in private," the Master said, noticing the awkward stare I'd given Anwill.
"No, Master. The only privacy here would be considering that topic. However, if you trust him like Bernar, then Anwill may stay. After all, he might have information that could be useful," I gave Anwill a respectful half-bow. "I would trust him with my life, Thoma, so there is no need to worry. Please, sit," he motioned to the chair nearest to the desk.
"Master, Anwill. What I am about to say here is not out of conjecture, but out of my observations I've gathered during my time here," I began. "I understand," the Master said reassuringly. I paused and gathered my thoughts.
Ah, I wish it didn't have to be this way, but here we go, I thought.
"I've heard Batch mention that Irun has been scurrying off to study after their training sessions, although I don't believe that. Not one bit," I began. "What do you mean?" the Master asked, leaning forward intently.
"Well, you see, Master, Irun has never been one to study much of anything. He's naturally intelligent when it comes to books and academic studies. I know this because we have shared quarters during our time here together, and I've never once seen him reading so much as a book before bed," I explained. The Master tilted his head. "Is that so?" he asked, to which I could only nod my head solemnly.
The Master looked over at Anwill, who was visibly disturbed by the news, then back at me inquisitively, but it felt like he'd just probed my mind. "I can already guess what you are proposing, but I want to hear your reasoning for such a thing," he gestured for me to continue.
"I don't propose we do anything yet, as we have no concrete evidence. However, I do think we should try to keep a closer eye on him," I said hesitantly, trying to choose my next words carefully. "Given current events, and everything that has happened since our return from the council at Coltend, I have begun to see a pattern," I continued. "Forgive me for interrupting, but what exactly has happened since you returned?" Anwill asked, trying to grasp the situation.
"To make a long story short, we have seen ravens leaving from the direction of the fortress, as well as another which flew just before the attack," the Master said. "And you believe this to be the work of one of your own?" Anwill asked. "Yes," both the Master and I replied simultaneously.
"These are dark times, indeed," Anwill began, but paused to think for a moment. "I believe you may have a point, young Thoma. While on my way here, I heard rumors about creatures stirring far to the North. Even along our borders in Caegwen, plenty of portals bring these bastards to our world, though none have spawned so close to our school. This is a bit of a reach, but perhaps those ravens being sent out were to update someone to keep an eye on all of you?" Anwill asked with a raised eyebrow.
You've got to be shitting me. They haven't had any spawn that close? And why would anyone want to keep tabs on us? What the hell is going on? I thought as I processed Anwill's words.
"The problem is: What if I'm right and he really is a traitor? I don't want to sit here thinking that someone I've basically grown up with could do such a thing," I said, my voice shaking a little near the end. "I mean, I don't think I could beat him in a fight if it came to that," I continued with uncertainty in my voice.
"You've unlocked the second stage of mana manipulation, taken down three ochelons, as well as a few dozen glicks and daemons; I think you'd manage," the Master said with a grin. I felt a sigh of relief wash over me, but knew I still had a long way to go.
"Thank you, Master, but I can't seem to control the second stage fully just yet," I said, momentarily shifting my gaze away from him. "Your time will come, Thoma. However, Anwill and I must discuss our next moves. You're welcome to stay, if you want to," the Master suggested with as warm a smile as he could muster.
Like hell I'm about to miss an opportunity like this, I thought.
"If it's not too much of an inconvenience, Master. Since the incident with Edryd and the injury I caused him, I've learned the value of situational awareness, and would like to gain as much as I can," I replied. Surprisingly, he gave me a look as if he understood what was going through my head while the probing feeling returned once more, but I said nothing.
"There should never be any shame in seeking more information or bettering yourself. After all, pursuing knowledge is not a gift granted to all. Some taste wisdom once and chase it their entire lives, while others enjoy the taste of rocks and windows," Anwill said with a light chuckle at the end.
Oh, he's definitely spent a lot of time with Bernar, I chuckled, then followed the Master's instructions for me to sit on a nearby stool.
The Master returned to the map that was spread out on the desk. "As we were saying earlier, these attacks are becoming more frequent. It's not just near the school, either. Just a few days ago, another report was made of an attack near Coltend Castle. If these attacks are going to continue and progressively get worse, we will require reinforcements," he stated, giving Anwill a worried look.
"I agree. However, Caegwen is much too far away, and we have troubles of our own with some of the outcast Synners in our own country, let alone the creatures on our borders," Anwill said grimly.
I took in the words, though they sat like spoiled milk in my stomach. It made me realize two things: that outcasts in other countries were starting to cause trouble, and that they were much closer to Anwill's home than they could ever be to Codrean.
But why now? I mean, he's right that if we go to Caegwen we'd only end up wasting time. Not to mention the incidental damage to their reinforcements. Wait a minute… my thoughts trailed as an idea sparked in my head.
I got up from my stool and walked over to the table where the map was, looking at it carefully. Both Anwill and the Master regarded me curiously with a raised eyebrow as I leaned over the map.
"What if we went to Hjalfar?" I asked shyly, forcing them to share a wordless glance. "I mean, we're practically a stone's throw away from the nearest Synner school once we cross the border. As far as we know, we haven't heard of any large-scale attacks happening there. If I'm right, we might find our reinforcements there," I said, pointing to the general location on the map.
"He's got a point, Master," Anwill said after measuring the distance and surprisingly agreeing with me. "Indeed he does. However, we haven't had news from them in nearly forty years. While not hearing news of other schools is not unheard of, to go such a lengthy period of time without anything is cause for concern," the Master said grimly.
I observed the map again, noting the distance between them and Odensby. "What if we went and asked the king?" I suggested, prompting the Master to look at the map again. "It's almost the same distance, not to mention the king might offer us some help, Master. He seemed friendly enough the last time we saw him," I said, hoping for a positive answer from him.