Craftsman Primrose stood up. “Perhaps you could alert me to the fact, should the occasion ever arise again – which I doubt it will. As you say, two of these are my apprentices. And I’m sure Master White would feel the same.”

Master Sollentude narrowed his eyes.

“Imagine if they had happened to catch the bear, or wolf, or whatever it was that preyed upon our dear Rayana. Perhaps they’d be heroes.”

Master White turned to Master Sollentude. “Master Sollentude, I am in agreement with Craftsman Primrose.”

“Of course you are,” said Master Sollentude accusingly.

“Master Sollentude, I can assure you I am quite capable of an independent opinion. I think the apprentices have learnt their lesson. I will explain to Master Woolstenbury and, as Guild rules stipulate, the choice of consequences for any minor inappropriate behaviour from apprentices lies with the direct mentor. Perhaps you should question why your own apprentices took over a week to report to you that they thought the three were up to something in the woods? If they suspect fellow apprentices to be in any danger, it is their duty to report that immediately.”

Master Sollentude’s cheeks burned.

Prue could feel Edwin stifling a grin beside her, and her own shoulders relaxed for the first time all morning.

Master Sollentude stood up stiffly, nodded and left the room, flashing a last look of disapproval in Prue’s direction.

“We didn’t mean to catch him. We’re sorry,” said Prue, once the door had closed.

Master White clasped her hands together. “There’s plenty for us to focus on with the blood moon approaching; we really don’t need these distractions. There are still one hundred personifates to finish, and I trust you will be too busy with the voice box task to get up to anything else problematic. I will assign a suitable task as a matter of consequence for your actions when I have a moment to think. In the meantime, you may go.”

They all left Master White’s office, Master Sollentude glaring at the apprentices as he waited for the lift.

Craftsman Primrose walked with them across the atrium.

Edwin repeated how sorry they were.

“Look, there’s no harm done, really,” Craftsman Primrose said, pausing. “Except when it comes to apprentices being kept on long term, it’s not just me who gets a say. The masters can collectively overrule any decision I make. While Agapantha is at a slight advantage being apprenticed to a master, I’m afraid I don’t yet offer you two that benefit. I don’t want you to go near the forest again. Is that understood?”

They nodded.