She held it before the judges, who looked at it closely, the grand master even poking it with a finger at one point. Natalia could only wonder what was so interesting, for Mistress Nina's back blocked her view. Natalia moved slightly, trying to get to a better vantage point, only to see a bemused look on the face of Master Gregori. A heated discussion was underway between the three judges, and then the grand master said something to Mistress Nina, nodding as he did so.

The mistress turned to the assembled crowd, showing the target to everyone. Natalia's shot had been a solid hit to the body, fewer points for accuracy than a head shot, but the ice shard had punched a hole clean through the breastplate, destroying the underlying chest of the mannequin.

Master Kelvin raised his hands to get their attention. "Though the chest hit is only worth five points," he said, "it is the opinion of the judges that the attack, this ice streak if you will, was the equivalent of ten ice shards. We award fifty points to the women's team."

The women in the room broke into spontaneous applause while the young men grumbled. Mistress Nina, having set the target down for everyone to examine, made her way towards Natalia. "You did well today," she called out.

"I should have done better," replied the young woman, "I was aiming for the head."

"It's as well you didn't hit where you were aiming then," the mistress said, "for had you, I have no doubt you would have knocked the head clean off the target."

"And that would be a bad thing?" said Natalia.

"Had you knocked it off, I doubt we would have been able to assess the damage as easily, and the force of your attack would have been mitigated. When you hit the chest, there was enough mass to resist the attack, making it easier to view the damage. You should be proud of yourself."

"I could feel the power getting away from me," complained Natalia. "I need more control."

"Nonsense, you did exactly as you should have. You'll make a fine addition to the cause when you graduate."

"The cause?"

"Yes, the family and its interests," explained Mistress Nina. "You made quite a name for yourself today. Now, go and celebrate, you've earned it."

Natalia turned, wandering through the rest of the students. They were shaking her hand, patting her on the back, all thoughts of her upbringing completely forgotten in the joy of victory. She looked for Katrin, but her friend was nowhere to be seen.

Natalia spotted Master Gregori coming towards her, a bemused look to his face.

"Congratulations," he said, "that was quite an accomplishment. I knew you had it in you."

"You knew we'd win?" she asked in surprise.

"Let's just say I rather suspected you would. I saw you casting, remember? Where's that friend of yours, Katrin?"

"I don't know, I was just looking for her."