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Dawn came honest and early, washing the trampled clearing in a flat, pewter light. Proctors made their last circuits with ledgers and chalk; wardens compared tallies; seniors in sashes counted again for the pleasure of being right twice.
At the center table the head proctor drew a fat line and read the results aloud so the jungle could hear it too.
"Team Lord Fizz," he said. "Five points awarded to each registered member for successful completion of the initial hunt requirement."
He tapped the names as he spoke them, scratching chalk beneath each.
"John — plus five. Rhea Flame — plus five. Ray Flame — plus five. Contracted spirit Fizz: contribution recognized under John — plus five noted and applied."
Fizz lifted both paws like he was receiving a coronation. "At last," he said gravely. "An institution that understands bookkeeping."
