Page 25 of Ashes of Aether
“The severity of the punishment depends on the specific circumstances of the incident,” Archmage Gidston states. “Furthermore, this is the first time Reyna has committed such an offense, and no one was harmed by it.”
My lips part. The tears freeze in my eyes before they can spill onto my cheeks.
I think she might be defending me. Though she let Kaely beat me horribly in the arena, she’s arguing on my behalf. Even when my own father is not.
Is she doing this because I’m the daughter of Grandmage Telric Ashbourne, or because I’m Reyna?
“No one was harmed?” Branvir exclaims. A few adepts flinch at his shout. Koby is one of them. “My daughter could have been killed!”
“While your concerns are understandable,” Lorette replies, her words as cool and precise as ice, “it’s unlikely that Kaely would have been killed by a mere fireball. As the Archmage of Knowledge, the Arcanium falls under my jurisdiction. I know the capabilities of every adept in my charge. Kaely is one of the most talented second-years, and that is evident from her performance in the arena.”
It seems Archmage Gidston is far more calculating than I realized. Though Branvir was moments away from exploding in a fit of rage, his wrath is pacified by the praise she offers Kaely.
He shifts his weight and scratches his brown beard. “Hm, perhaps that is true. But Reyna Ashbourne should not be let off lightly. It’s fortunate my daughter is so talented, or else this incident could have proven disastrous.”
“Again,” Lorette responds, dipping her head, “your concerns are understandable. I can assure you that she will not escape lightly.” She pauses and glances across at my father, her eyes tight with wariness. “I am of the opinion that suspension would be the most fitting punishment.”
Hearing her words lifts some of the weight from my shoulders, and my exhalations come out steadier.
Suspension—I can live with that. It doesn’t mean expulsion. And hopefully it won’t mean disownment, either.
“For how long?” Branvir demands.
“I believe a month would be sufficient. What do you think, Grandmage?”
My father is silent, a contemplative frown etched deep into his brow. Before he can respond, a shout comes from behind.
“This isn’t fair!” Eliya exclaims, her fists balled.
Everyone turns to Eliya. My father’s expression grows sterner, while Archmage Gidston’s fills with irritation.
“Adept Whiteford,” she snaps, “you will remain silent. Or else you too shall be disciplined for speaking out of turn, especially while in the presence of the Grandmage of Nolderan.”
But Eliya isn’t so easily deterred.
“Archmage Gidston,” she begins, placing her hands on her hips. “Was I not brought here as a witness? Does that not mean I have the right to recount what I saw with my own eyes and heard with my own ears?”
“Eliya Whiteford, I will not tell you again.” Lorette’s tone is glacial. “While it is true that you were summoned here as a witness, we no longer require your account since the perpetrator pleads guilty. There is no debate to be had, for this judgment has already been made—”
My father raises his hand. “Archmage Gidston, why don’t we see what the girl has to say?”
Eliya bows her head, her crimson hair cascading over her shoulders. “Thank you, Grandmage.”
“But be quick about it,” he continues. “As I said, I must return to Tirith’s ambassadors, and I do not wish to keep them waiting.”
“Yes, Grandmage.”
“Then speak your piece, Adept Whiteford,” Lorette says. “Why is it you believe Reyna is undeserving of this punishment? Do you instead believe she is innocent?”
“No, Archmage Gidston,” Eliya replies. “It’s true that Reyna struck Kaely with a fireball spell, and I do agree she must receive some punishment for that.”
I arch a brow at her, wondering whether she’s even on my side. I’m quite content with a month’s suspension, and I dearly hope whatever Eliya says won’t worsen my punishment. Though I wouldn’t be aggrieved if they decide to extend the suspension to three months.
Archmage Gidston folds her arms. She’s not a particularly patient woman, and it’s clear Eliya is testing her limits. “If you agree that Reyna is guilty and that she should be disciplined for her actions, then what more do you wish to add? As the Grandmage has already said, he has far more pressing matters. We should not waste anymore of his time.”
“All I wanted to point out is that no one’s bothered to question why Reyna struck Kaely. Like you said, Archmage Gidston, this is the first time Reyna has ever committed such an offence. And I, as the primary witness, can assure everyone in this room it was not without good reason.” When Eliya finishes speaking, she glances at me. Determination burns brightly in her eyes.
Determination to see justice be dealt.