The briefing hall smelled like chalk and hot wax. Proctor Pierce tapped the board again. "Red span has no wardlight and a crosswind lane. Show me how you keep your people upright without frying them or flinging them."
Aldric smiled too wide. "Easy. Aura anchors. Lightning line. We pull them across."
Pierce looked tired. "And if you slip? And if you snap your own rope? And if a student touches your live line because they panic?"
Aldric's smile thinned.
"Valcrey," Pierce said.
"Rope, ribs, and bodies where they pay rent," I said. "Two anchors, one moving. Bone Warden for the wedge. No light. People first."
"Demo," Pierce said. "Out to the field. Five minutes."
We took the near yard. Ward posts marked a low practice pit. A beam lay across its center with two gaps. A wind frame hummed to blow a steady push. Students formed a ring fast. The rope of attention pulled tight.
