Page 100 of Destined to Fight

The Grand Master spoke again. “It appears you hold great power, Ms. Hart. Abilities such as yours have not been present in our society for centuries. Why were your abilities not reported to the Council?”

Fabian didn’t give her the okay to speak. Instead, he took a single step forward and spoke on her behalf. “Your honor, Ms. Hart’s abilities were not reported because she expected years of training in order to become a bonded mage. She was not raised by Arcane and has much to learn before she is ready to come before you all for her bonding.”

The Grand Master raised an eyebrow. “Yet here she is, facing the charge of unsafe use of power. Obviously, she has been using her abilities despite her lack of knowledge.”

Fabian didn’t miss a beat. “May I ask the specifics of that charge, Grand Master?”

“You may, but there are not any details. The allegation was filed anonymously without any detail.” She paused, seeming to gauge their reaction. When Fabian and Kelly remained silent, she continued. “As you are aware, it is a crime to present false accusations to the Council. Surely, you do not plan to contest.”

Everything in Kelly told her to speak up, but Fabian didn’t give her the go-ahead, and Kade yelled in her mind so loudly it made her flinch a little.

“No, Grand Master, we do not contest.”

Kelly’s jaw almost dropped, but she caught herself.

“Very well, then. Ms. Hart, you are forbidden from practicing any of your powers outside the safety of your own home. This shall be deemed as a single property, reported to us for the record. If your powers strike anyone beyond the walls of that dwelling, you will be summoned here again for sentencing. It will go on record that you are a timekeeper with an affinity to earth and water. Do you possess any other abilities?”

She didn’t dare look at Fabian for support.

No, Grand Master. Kade said in her head.

“No, Grand Master.”

“Right. Do you have a mentor?”

“She does, Grand Master. Virginia Jobe has been selected as her formal mentor. This is a new arrangement within the past thirty days, therefore within the allowed time frame for report.”

Grand Master Jones gave Fabian a look that said he was pushing his limits.

“Let the record show Virginia Jobe as the acting mentor for Kelly Hart.”

Typing sounded as a woman to the far right of the lowest level took notes.

“Ms. Hart, you are dismissed. I suggest you learn fast. The Council offers you no protection as an unbonded mage.”

Fabian bowed slightly and Kelly did the same before following him out.

The handle on the door echoed loudly as it clicked to release. It slammed just as loudly when it closed behind them.

Not a word until yer back at the apartment, lass. People are listening.

Asmund fell into step behind them as they approached the elevators. A ding sounded, and the doors to their left opened. A man stood in the far corner of the elevator car. Long black hair hung in front of his face as he stared down at his shoes. His hands were clasped in front of him, and he had one foot crossed over the other with the toe of his boot balanced on the ground. He was trying too hard to appear casual.

Fabian stiffened. “We’ll wait for the next one.” He told the man.

A smile shone from behind the man’s hair. “As you wish.”

We’re on our way. Kade thought, with enough urgency that his thought put her on guard.

The elevators dinged again. This time the doors to their right opened.

Another man stood in the back corner, this one looked much more put-together. Short hair and a clean shave accented a well-tailored navy suit.

Fabian didn’t acknowledge the man. He turned to Kelly and gestured back toward the reception desk. “I think it best we wait here for a few minutes.”

The hairs on the back of her neck stood up. “What’s going on, Fabian? Who are they?”

Fabian just looked at her, his eyes reflecting the fear she felt.

---