“Morning,” Aldric answered, then said nothing further. It was something Zasia had taught him, to force the other person to lead in the conversation when you didn’t have enough information on them. People got nervous in the silence and often offered more info than they should.  Rainer wasn’t a family name he recognized, though a lot had probably changed in the years he’d lived with Zasia. The man was certainly wealthy enough to seem powerful and therefore warrant caution.

“It rather surprised me to hear that a sorcerer would teach general studies, much less such a small group setting. I only wanted to offer any advice or help that a less experienced colleague may need. I also must admit some curiosity about what would qualify you to teach with no prior experience. You’ve heard the rumors, I presume?”

He was fishing for information, rather blatantly, but Aldric wasn’t sure how to dodge the question. He raged internally at how stupid politics were. Thankfully, Kedrin stepped in to save him.

“Aldric is a very accomplished sorcerer, one of the finest I know. I can personally assure his exceptional talent in magic. He will start with a general magic studies class for the time being, to ease him into the position, but I have seen today that their excellent progress is more than enough evidence of his professional ability.”

“Ah, yes, of course, headmaster. I did not mean to sound as if I had a lack of faith in your personal recommendation,” Rainer hastily assured Kedrin. “My curiosity simply got the better of me. Anyone who is a close associate of yourself and Lady Glory are certainly exceptional individuals, regardless of experience.”

“You may address me as Professor Glory within the academy, Professor Rainer,” Zasia interrupted, the polite smile on her face not reaching her eyes.

“Of course, Professor, old habits,” Rainer replied with an equally insincere smile. “I must ask, Professor Aldric, just how have you been accommodating these students? What with their... personal issues?”

Aldric’s brows crashed down into a thunderous frown at the man’s tone. “And what does that mean, exactly?”

“Oh, nothing awful,” Rainer answered, all innocent curiosity. “I apologize. I assumed you already knew about the special circumstances for your students?”

Aldric sent a glance to Kedrin, who looked thoroughly displeased. “We have not yet discussed that, Professor Rainer, though I suppose now is as good a time as any.”

“My apologies, headmaster. I should not have brought it up without your say so,” Rainer said, looking not the least bit apologetic.