The Great Hall smelled of incense and Raziel stood at the back, hands clasped and head bowed. The posture of a perfect novice.
On the outside, he was the pious student waiting for his assignment, while on the inside, his mind was calculating every move.
'Two days,' he thought. 'Two damn days to convince the instructors that I'm useful as a healer.'
And he had.
The problem was that it hadn't been enough.
They had approved his skill, yes, but the list of apprentices for Saint Sophia was already full.
Six novices with years of training, all with better credentials than him.
Raziel needed openings.
So he created them.
Two Days Earlier
Raziel walked through the halls of St. Celeste with a tray of tea in his hands.
His objective was simple: Brother Matthias, the instructor for the most promising apprentices.
Matthias was in his office, reviewing scrolls, and Raziel knocked on the door.
"Come in."
