Prologue pt. 2
Every member of the high council was subdued when the joined to discuss.
Hanselman started the conversation with a small, sad smile.
“So, what do we do with our small magician?”
“She’s strong; she needs to be close to us,” Mage Cicero started.
“She needs a family,” Mage Maclean added.
“She killed her last family,” Cicero responded, sad, not combative.
“She’s only seven,” Maclean answered softly.
“Maclean is right,” Sesling interjected, his voice matching the somber mood of the room. “She needs someone to look after her, but I’m afraid it can’t be just anyone. She’s dangerous and she’s scared.”
“She doesn’t look it,” Cicero commented.
“But do not doubt that she is,” Sesling replied. Hanselman looked down at his desk where the water in his glass moved in waves he created in concentration. He looked up to fill the silent room with his decision.
“Mage Maclean, you should be the girl’s guardian.” Maclean pulled back.
“I know nothing of raising children,” he protested.
“But you know much of caring for people. The child needs a mage to watch her.”
Maclean nodded slowly, aware of the incredible weight of his decision.
“You cannot teach her,” Mage Sesling addressed. Mage Maclean tilted his head in question. “It is a conflict of interest: one wants her to learn, the other wants her safe.”
“It shouldn’t be,” Maclean answered.
“But you know that it is. I will teach the girl.” And Mage Sebastian Sesling left without another word. Mage Maclean was the last to leave the room.
The girl, Sandry, was standing outside as still as she had stood among the remains of her family and the three unlucky bandits. Her lips were pressed tight in what Maclean knew to be worry. She looked at him expectantly.
“Hi, Sandry,” he smiled. “I will be you guardian.” She responded with an
underdeveloped but genuine smile.
“Mage Maclean?” she asked.
“Michael,” he corrected. “Call me Michael,” he requested as he took her hand and led her gently away from her past.
Nihilistic Porcupine 