Han made it a point to arrive early. Master Gryphon came early also, so he could get into the room and settled before everyone else arrived. Han was surprised to see Gryphon, since he and Abelard didn’t seem to get on. Maybe his family had clout too.

Timis Hadron, the proficient who’d greeted Han the day he arrived, circled the table, arranging writing materials and books in front of each seat.

Mordra arrived soon after. Han was relieved when she took a seat next to Master Gryphon instead of him. He didn’t care to be lectured in manners again in front of a crowd.

The Bayars walked in with Abelard. The dean must have briefed them on their new classmate. Micah pretended to ignore Han as he found a seat on the opposite side of the table, by the door. Fiona’s eyes brushed over Han like icy fingers, making his skin pebble up.

He wondered what Abelard had said to them. Don’t worry, he’s my hired bravo?

Fiona and Mordra exchanged daggery glances, then ignored each other.

“Good evening,” Abelard said, taking the empty seat at the head of the table. “I’ve invited Hanson Alister to join our gatherings. Although Alister is a newling, I think you will find that he brings a special range of skills to share with us.”

Resting a proprietary hand on Han’s shoulder, Abelard pointed out each of the members in turn. “Timis Hadron is a proficient, though he’ll soon take his master’s examinations. You know Master Gryphon. You met Proficient deVilliers at dinner, and, of course, you already know Micah and Fiona Bayar.”

Abelard walked to her seat at the head of the table. “Alister, each week, one of our members presents on a topic in advanced charmcasting, and leads the others through a practical demonstration, if possible. Of course, some types of magic are impossible to trial safely. Others we cannot master because we no longer have the tools that were used when the techniques were developed.”

Han nodded.

“Some of these techniques are, in fact, forbidden by the Nǽming. For that reason, it is imperative that nothing of what we do here is discussed outside our small circle. Do you understand?”

Han nodded again, knowing that his life would hang by a thread once Abelard found out that he was working for the clans.

“We will expect you to contribute to our series eventually,” Abelard said. “Alister has special expertise in the area of travel to Aediion,” she said to the others. “He has agreed to share it with the rest of us.”

I don’t really remember agreeing to that, Han thought, but he kept shut.

“Now, let’s continue our discussion from last week,” Abelard said. She nodded to Timis Hadron. “Proficient Hadron, if you would, please.”