But Nadrina, for some reason beyond her comprehension, was not told to sit in the bleachers. Instead, Professor Aldric instructed her to join the group of competition participants as their sorcerer representative, and Lilianna was to be on the bench.

Madness. Complete and utter madness.

Lilianna had been a good sport when Professor Aldric had announced Codrin would be their representative, but Nadrina could tell her friend had wanted to show off what she’d learned so far. She constantly talked about how she had a chance at this academy to make a name for herself instead of borrowing her family’s. She didn’t doubt Codrin’s skill as a conjurer, but Nadrina was still confused by the professor’s choice.

“Relax, Flemming,” Codrin said next to her. “None of our competition looks particularly skilled. I’m sure we’ll have this done before lunchtime.”

Nadrina flinched a bit when addressed. She still wasn’t used to nobles referring to her as if they were equals, Lilianna excluded, but for all of Codrin’s pride and arrogance, he at least didn’t seem to look down on her.

He’d insisted she not call him Lord Caffaret, saying, “You can call me that once I’ve wrestled away my father’s seat and title. Old bastard can’t live forever.” Nadrina wasn’t really sure how to take that.

“I really don’t know where that optimism of yours comes from, Codrin,” replied Alek. Being the only enforcer in the class, he’d been forced, just like Nadrina, to take part. He’d taken every opportunity he got to complain about it.

“Come on, Carlisle, you’re an enforcer, the spear of the Empire’s army! Have some confidence.”

“Um, what makes you think I’d ever join the—?”

“Think of all the legends of enforcers,” Codrin continued, talking over Alek, “Leveling entire battlefields single-handedly, laying waste to the enemies of the crown. When you later become a lieutenant or captain, such a lack of faith will only lead to inevitable defeat. A man must always look towards victory, else those under you will fear the worst.”

“... my time would be better spent arguing with that wall over there,” Alek whispered to Nadrina, while Codrin prattled on about the qualities of a true man of the nobility. Nadrina gave him a pained smile of agreement. Alek wasn’t exactly a shining example of social grace, but Codrin seemed incapable of not talking, particularly about himself. At least it was distracting Nadrina from her anxiety.