“Since this is our first lesson together, let us start with something I fear most of you will find insultingly simple. Nevertheless.” He pointed at Yenni. “Explain the Law of Self-Preservation.” He crossed his arms and smiled a smug smile, waiting.

Ah! The dragon had explained that one. “The Law of Self-Preservation means that magic cannot affect the person who casts it,” Yenni said.

Mainard squinted at her. “Correct,” he said. “Therefore, what is the law’s negative?”

“One cannot heal themselves,” Yenni answered without missing a beat. Now the smile took hold of her face. This was more like it. She was used to having all the answers back home.

“Also correct,” Mainard said, his voice flat.

He went around the room, his shoes making muffled thuds on the deep green carpet of the rows separating the desks. He pointed out students, demanding they answer his questions.

“What is the principle of spatial maneuvering?”

“Objects can be physically moved through space with source energy,” replied one young woman.

“What is the principle of stasis?”

“Through source an object, or with advanced casting a living being, may be commanded to remain still,” a serious young man intoned.

On and on Mainard went, and Yenni did her best to keep up with her charcoal stick—a pencil, she now knew. She scribbled awkwardly with the strange writing tool, noting what she could.

“The principle of energy to light?” she heard Mainard demand.

“Source energy may be transformed into illumination,” a high female voice replied.

“Very good. Well then, perhaps a practical demonstration. Mam’selle Kayerba!”

Yenni glanced up, surprised to find Mainard right in front of her desk.

“Give us your best magic lantern,” he said.

Yenni stared at him. “I-I am unfamiliar with this magic,” she said, the admission burning like bile in her chest.

Mainard let out one sharp bark of incredulous laughter. “Queyor’s Magic Lantern? But this is elementary, Mam’selle Kayerba. Come, class, what is the incantation for Queyor’s Magic Lantern?”

“Source to light and here remain,” her classmates chorused.

Mainard nodded and held out a hand. “Source to light and here remain,” he said. Yenni felt a spike of ach’e and a gentle, white-blue light, like runelight, glowed in the professor’s hand.

“Please stand, Mam’selle Kayerba.”

Yenni stood warily.

“There now. You have the incantation. Show us your lantern.”

Yenni held out her hand and carefully pulled ach’e, feeling the energy tickle and tingle down her spine and to her palm. “Source to light and here remain,” she said softly. A hint of light glimmered across her palm.

Mainard chuckled. “Oh yes, that lantern would come in quite handy. On a pleasant stroll on the surface of the sun, perhaps.”