They were interrupted in their third name search, Callis Creekson, by the interoffice Records gremlin: Kaylin had an incoming call. She didn’t immediately recognize the chime, which was a relief: it meant the Hawklord hadn’t inserted himself into the call for a possible Records meeting.

She shuffled the report on Callis Creekson to the figurative side as a familiar face loomed large in the mirror’s frame.

“Corporal,” the new Arkon said, his voice a Draconic rumble. “You wished to make an appointment to speak with me.”

Kaylin nodded.

“Is it urgent? I have become, regrettably, a far busier man than I was before Lannagaros chose to accept the Academia’s chancellorship.”

“I want you to either personally examine a possible candidate for the Imperial College of mages, or to personally select someone whose oversight and ability you trust to conduct the examination.”

Lord Sanabalis blinked. “Pardon?”

She repeated her request.

“Then the appointment would not involve you in any way?”

“I intend to accompany the candidate; I believe she’ll be too nervous to go, otherwise.”

“And you somehow believe that a Dragon examiner will put her at ease?” His eyes were orange, but flecked now with gold; he was amused.

“Well, you’re not allowed to go full Dragon without Imperial permission, so I’m not entirely certain she’ll know that you are a Dragon.”

“Technically, I am allowed to go—as you so inelegantly put it—‘full Dragon.’ I’m the Arkon.”

“Wait—the old Arkon was allowed to do that?”

“The position is a position of trust across the whole of our race. We are, and were, trusted to do so only in situations of dire necessity. And no, I imagine meeting one human would not warrant it. Why, exactly, do you consider one possible mage—a profession about which you complain almost as often as you breathe—so important you insist that I conduct the interview myself?”

“She’s a bit unusual.”

Sanabalis’s eyes became a darker orange. “This had better not be a waste of my time.”

“What do you mean?”

“Exactly what I said. Very well. It is my hope that she is a far better student than you’ve proven yourself to be. I have time in two days. If you arrive at the palace before the early dinner hour, I will see you then.”

Teela was drilling figurative holes in the side of Kaylin’s head by the time Sanabalis’s face faded from view. Callis Creekson was waiting for their perusal.

“Records, pause,” the Barrani Hawk said, over Kaylin’s shoulder. “You intend to take Mrs. Erickson to see the Arkon.”

“To see Sanabalis, yes. Could you do me a huge favor, by the way?”

“Probably not. I try not to accept requests from the almost criminally insane.”

“Very funny, Teela.”

“The Arkon?”