The doors to the classroom slammed open, and a tall, angular woman marched in, followed by Fiona. The stranger’s hair was straight and chin length, a steel gray streaked with wizard red. Her robes were edged with heavy embroidery, and the multiple velvet bands on her sleeves said she was a high up.

“What’s going on, Master Gryphon?” she demanded. “Newling Bayar tells me there’s a student in trouble.”

“Dean Abelard!” Gryphon gripped his canes and struggled to rise to his feet, seeming embarrassed to be caught on the floor.

“Can I help?” Dancer asked, squatting next to him. When Gryphon nodded, Dancer slid his hands under the master’s arms and lifted him up. Gryphon shook him off as soon as he was upright. Dancer handed him his double canes.

“There’s no trouble,” Gryphon said. “Newling Alister delayed too long returning from Aediion.”

“From Aediion?” Dean Abelard stared down at Han, biting her lower lip. “Really?”

Gryphon nodded. “He is recovering now.”

Scrunching her robes in her hands, Dean Abelard knelt next to Han. She pressed the back of her hand against his cheek. Her hand felt blazing hot against his cold skin.

“Get the boy some water,” Abelard commanded, and somebody rushed away to fetch it. Moments later, a cup appeared, and Han drank it dry.

Someone knelt next to them, knees pressing into Han’s hip. He turned his head. It was Fiona, lips parted, her pale eyes fixed on his face.

“What’s the matter with him?” she said, leaning forward, her hair brushing Han’s cheek. “Will he survive?”

“If he’s lived this long, then, yes, I expect he will,” Abelard said. “It was good you came to fetch me.”

She reached for Han’s amulet, then jerked her hand back as if startled when she saw the design.

“An interesting choice, Alister,” she murmured, straightening her wizard stoles. “We need to talk about that. Among other things.” And then, without taking her eyes off his face, she said louder, “Master Gryphon, dismiss your class.”

Gryphon turned to face the gawking students. “Newling Alister has demonstrated for us all the price of carelessness and arrogance combined with ignorance. Do take note.” He paused, to let that sink in. “For tomorrow, I want two pages from each of you about your experience in Aediion to share with the rest of the class. Class dismissed.”

The other students collected their things. Han felt the vibration of feet and the touch of eyes as they shuffled out. Fiona didn’t move, as if hoping to be overlooked.

“You too, Fiona,” Gryphon said. “And you, Hayden. Out.”

Fiona’s knees were removed from Han’s side as she stood. He heard her walk away, a door opening and closing.

“I’ll wait and see Alister back to his room,” Dancer said. “Or Healer’s Hall. Wherever he needs to go.”