The woman left and returned with several sheets of paper. “You’ve got some shopping to do, young lady. These are the texts required for each course and”—she looked Yenni up and down—“you’ll need a uniform as well. You can find everything at the academy shop. It’s just on the west side of the campus.” She shuffled and arranged the papers. “Interested in dragons, I take it?” she said, then leaned in, scratching at her spotted nose. “You know, my cousin’s wife is dragonkind.”

“Uh, yes. There are no dragons where I am from, so I am very curious about them.” That was an understatement. Clearly, Yenni knew nothing about dragons, and she would need all the information she could get to deal with the one who now stalked her.

“There is one more thing,” Yenni began, a warm flush of embarrassment creeping up the back of her neck. “I’ve been advised to seek a tutor.”

“A tutor you say? And you’re interested in dragonkind? Hmmm,” she frowned, lost in thought. “I believe . . . yes. I think I know someone who would be a good fit.” She scribbled something down and put it into a letter box behind her. “Be back here at around four strikes of the bell tower. I’ll introduce you to someone who can help you.”

Yenni went off to purchase her class materials and secure her lodging, and when the bell tower struck four times she was already back at student services. She took a seat on one of the cushioned benches, wondering just who this tutor who knew so much about dragons could be.

“Hello?”

It was a feminine voice. Yenni looked up and found a young woman with dark hair standing over her.

“I heard you’re looking for a tutor?”

Yenni stood. “Yes, that’s right.”

“A pleasure to meet you. My name is Carmenna.”

She held up a hand and Yenni touched palms with her. “I am happy to meet you, Carmenna. My name is Yenni Ajani.”

“And what can I help you with, Yenni . . .”

“Ajani. Yenni Ajani.” She eased back on her seat and patted the spot beside her. Carmenna followed her lead. Yenni noticed her eyes were a little red, tired.

“I need help learning Creshen magic.”

“Oh? I was told you were interested in, erm, dragonkind.”

Yenni made a face. “I am not so much interested in dragonkind as in deterring one dragon in particular. He has told me I am given to him, or some such nonsense.”

Carmenna’s face went slack with shock. “Oh Watcher above, you can’t be serious.”

“Yes! Have you ever heard of anything so brazen?”

“What’s—” Carmenna swallowed. “What’s his name?”

“Washi? Ah no. It is Weh-sheh.”

“You—you don’t by chance mean Weysh do you?”

“Yes, that is what I said. Weh-sheh.”