“Yes, I study necromancy. No, I am not a necromancer- I study all fields of magic; in fact, I’ve studied most things at some point or another. Yes, I know that the Empire condemns necromancy as illegal. To the Empire spies among you- no need to panic, I won’t snitch-, I invite you to bring an army here to stop me. Because nothing less than an army led by Wellsprings is going to stop me from doing what I’m doing, which is the same as what I’ve always been doing and always will do- satisfying my curiosity.” - an interview with Archmage Hoplix, prior to her founding of the Deepvein Academy of Delving.

Kira- ten minutes after being captured.

This has to be a nightmare, a demented dream of the worst case scenario. Because if it isn’t, then I’m likely getting expelled at some point in this conversation; classes haven’t even started yet, and I’m in the Headmistress’ office for trespassing in a staff-only area, for sneaking into the administrative heart of the academy. Me, Mark and Vreem are sitting in three separate chairs at Headmistress Hoplix’s desk, facing the archmage herself; I’m not fooled by her grey hair or clouded blue eyes, nor by the smile lines and wrinkled brow- this is a woman who’s gone toe-to-toe with wellsprings and emerged victorious. I can’t even muster the courage to try and determine what she’s feeling, let alone thinking.

“I must say, I’m curious as to what could motivate three of my students to engage in such… shenanigans before classes even begin. Typically this kind of misdemeanour comes from overconfident chronomancy students.”

In spite of how dire I think the situation is, Hoplix herself seems more amused than anything else, as she leans back into her chair with a faint smile. Before answering, I take a moment to take in my surroundings and centre myself. Her desk is clear and neat, with only an inkwell, quill and a small stack of paper with a lumpy, pitch black marble as a paperweight- a marble that Vreem is staring at intensely, seemingly blind to anything else like the half-civilised animal that he is. The rest of the room is far more cluttered, with cabinets and shelves full of trophies and knick-knacks, artifacts and memorabilia.

“A conspiracy, headmistress. We have reason to believe that our Triad was tampered with for political reasons, and were simply searching for evidence in the archives.” Regardless of what I’m feeling, my voice is level and calm. My training has taught me that much at least.

“Interesting. And what do you two think about that, I wonder?” As she looks over the other two, Mark sits up just that little bit straighter. Vreem, on the other hand, doesn’t even seem to notice. He does, however, give a response.

“I don’t want to be in a group with a telepath for the next few years. I’d probably end up killing her, and then being expelled.”

He’d probably end up doing what? As if I needed more reasons to dislike the murderous midget. Seriously, how the hell did he end up as a student? Part of me wants to ignore the social consequences and just pry open his mind, call his bluff… but another part of me holds it back, because I think he’s serious.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

“Noted. In future, Vreem, please refrain from admitting your murderous intent- especially while your potential target is within earshot! Oh, and there’s no need or use in trying to hide your indignation Kira,” and for a moment her smile vanishes, and I feel the weight of a presence, a soul so ancient and powerful that I am but an ant in comparison being smothered and crushed. “After all, I’ve been playing this game since before the first of the Arkens. Anyway, what do you think Mark? You seem much less… apocalyptically self-replicating than your predecessor.”

And just like that, she’s back to being the smiling old woman asking friendly questions. It’s a harsh reminder that I’m still a very small fish in an unfathomably deep ocean. Clearing those morbid thoughts from my mind, what did she say about apocalyptic? Mark certainly seems uncomfortable.

“I… would rather not talk about it, if that’s alright with you. On the matter of the Triad however, I’ve been trying to find a mutually beneficial solution where both Vreem and Kira can prosper, ideally separate from each other. You see, a draconoid named Kaelan-”

“I know, Nine. Who do you think altered the membership? It’s my name on the the parchment, after all. This is exactly what I was aiming for- to see how a Triad composed of a human, a ‘human’ and a human,” she nods to me, Vreem and Mark in turn. “Would interact, and what kind of trouble you’d get up to. You should be proud! You’ve exceeded my expectations handily.”

Baffled, confused and frustrated, I can’t help but speak up angrily.

“But… Triads are an ancient, revered tradition grounded in Delving sense and truth; how could you of all people disrespect a tradition that you helped found?! When people find out, they’ll-”

“They’ll do exactly nothing,” interrupts Hoplix, a grin like the Cheshire cat. “As you said, I founded the tradition- and can you name a single person in this city that could, would and shall enforce any kind of consequences on me? I thought you would know this by now, little Arken; this city is a kratocracy. That means that the only law here is what you can enforce by your own strength, and I can count the number of people who could harm me on one hand. And none of them would go to war over a disrespected tradition.”

With this proclamation, the pressure and presence from a minute ago come back in full force- and once again, Vreem doesn’t even seem to notice as me and Mark are pushed back in our seats as if gravity just intensified. He’s just staring at that bloody paperweight like it’s the most delicious thing in the world- wait, is he actually drooling?

Hoplix continues, and the pressure vanishes as if it was never there- but I’m still covered in a cold sweat.

“Hopefully that cleared things up a bit for you. Unless there are any questions-”

“There is a soul in the stone.”

Vreem is pointing to the paperweight, and for the first time since sitting down he’s looking away from it. He’s looking Hoplix in the eyes, and for a moment- just a fraction of an instant- I feel fear from her. It’s just for a moment though, and then her eyes harden in a way they hadn’t, even when suffocating me and Mark with her soul’s presence.

“I’m teleporting you back to your dorm. Consider this matter resolved, with no punishments assigned.” she says with a cold tone and then, with a snap of her fingers, I’m in our Triad’s dorm room with Mark, and only Mark. Vreem is still in the archmages office.