Page 14 of Grave Situation

“Anyone else at all?”

~Yes~

We exchange glances. “Representatives from the dragon riders and healers?” I suggest. They have their own senior councils, academies, and structures within the city. We more or less work in harmony, with representatives from each council invited to take part in most meetings of each.

~Yes~

“Just their council chairs?” Master asks.

~No~

“Their entire councils?”

~Yes~

“Support staff?”

~No~

This is getting easier.

“Anyone else?”

~No~

Phew. There are still thousands of others living in the city—if we’d had to start guessing, it could have become very tedious.

“Are we calling the meeting immediately?”

A very decided yes.

“Very well then.” Master turns to me. “Could you please send word of an immediate, closed emergency meeting of all three councils, to take place in our council chamber here? There should be room, if you’re the only apprentice there.”

I try not to let my feelings show on my face. A “closed” meeting means councilors only, and whoever brings word of it is always asked dozens of questions. I don’t like being interrogated. “Of course.”

“And send word to the kitchen for refreshments to be provided. This may take some time.”

I nod, already halfway to the door. Lunch. Yes, please.

“And Talon?”

“Yes, Master?” I half turn to look at him.

“Before you do any of that, go to the infirmary and have that headache seen to. I need you at your best.”

“Thank you.” The life stone turning up and a closed emergency meeting of all three councils? My best isn’t going to be nearly good enough.

CHAPTER FIVE

In a completely unsurprisingact of defiance, I go to the kitchens first, to give the cooks as much time as possible to prepare. I know what side my bread’s buttered on—and more importantly, who does the buttering. I also wheedle an apple to tide me over until I can get something more substantial.

Then I begin the task of advising councilors of the meeting. As I expected, there are many, many questions. I find myself frequently repeating the excuse of “need to tell others, immediate and urgent, must go,” while backing toward doorways.

But it’s safe to say that by the time I’ve told everyone who needs to be told and they’re getting themselves ready—though, come on, all they need to do is walk down to the chamber. Who cares if their robes are wrinkled?—my headache has worsened, and the infirmary seems to be a shining beacon on my horizon.

Which is why I’m horrified to stumble inside and find myself faced with Jaimin Kahwyn.

It’s like this day is doing its utter best to fuck with me.

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