Cass’s breaths were shallow, and she had to force herself to breathe deeply and calmly. But that was often more than she could manage, because Hall had returned today and she had not finished the stack of books he had left her. She was terrified, but Maurice had met with her a couple more times and been kind enough to share some things to reduce pain and anxiety.

According to Maurice, the more tense you were, the more pain would hurt. Coming off the street, Cass had never been relaxed in her life, but she had to try. But she could not overcome her fear before the guards took her back to the room and she saw Hall.

“Ah, Cass.” Hall smiled, and Cass trembled. “How have you been?”

Such an innocuous question, but the casual welcome made her more worried. “I am sorry my lord Hall, I was unable to finish the books you gave me.” Cass bowed her head, trying to hide her tears.

“How unfortunate,” Hall did not seem disappointed at all, but rather his smile had widened. “What did you think of the material?”

“I-it was fascinating, Lord Hall.” Cass was not lying, but the fact he had not brought up her punishment had scarred her even more. Anxiety over the unknown was worse than knowing what he would do… “But I had some questions…”

“Oh?”

Cass bit her lip, and then forged ahead, she really was curious and she was already going to be punished, so it wasn’t like it could be too much worse. “I read about Glyphs of Linking, where a glyph would be placed on the throat of one person and on the ear of another, allowing them talk over distances.”

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“Ah, not a very useful glyph really. It requires a mage to charge both parties, and the charge drains rapidly compared to enhancement glyphs, and your question?”

“Given that I have an Absorption Glyph, could I pass mana through the link to charge other glyphs? Perhaps even a glyph could be applied to a bird to let me see through their eyes…”

Hall was surprised by her question, “You did not finish the books you say, but I have to admit I am impressed by your thinking. Thinking above and beyond to see what is possible, that is the essence of a mage.”

Hall looked at her for a moment, then nodded. “Unfortunately, mana can not be transfered with a Glyph of Linking. I understand why you would think it to be possible, but the mana is absorbed by the first glyph instead of being transfered. Further, Linking eyes is not possible, glyphs are typically applied in tattoos, and knowing that you can ‘see’ the issue.”

“I understand, thank you lord.” Cass said, she was somewhat surprised that he had answered the questions, but if nothing else she had gained that information. Now she knew she would be tortured.

“Oh, you are welcome.” Hall said cheerfully, “It is pleasent to have a student capable of thinking creatively, you would be amazed how many noble children fail at that… I think that deserves a reward.”

Cass was stunned, “A… reward?”

Hall reached his hand out and Cass flinched, but he merely patted her on the head.

“Your reward today will be to avoid punishment,” Hall said as she looked up at him, utterly stunned. “Haha, no need to look at me like that. I will always punish failure, and reward success, if you had not already earned a punishment I would have given you something nice.”

Was this really Hall? Cass thought he hated her, but the more she had applied herself to her studies the more kindness he had shown her. Sometimes, Cass had a strange thought that Hall actually liked her, but she could not believe it.

“Which books did you complete?” Hall asked, changing the subject.

Cass told him, and Hall seemed to think for a bit, then nodded.

“I think it is time for you to begin learning to use magic.”