Page 34 of Hex Appeal

"Headmistress," Thorncraft's smile faltered slightly."We weren't expecting you.I was informed you were away on urgent business."

"How convenient for you."Her voice was silk over steel."Yet here I am, and with such interesting company."

She stepped aside, revealing two stern-looking witches in the formal robes of the Educational Standards Authority.Between them floated a stack of files that radiated official displeasure.

"These representatives from the ESA have some fascinating questions about your educational supply company, Thorncraft."Headmistress Raven's smile could have frozen lava."Particularly about how it secured exclusive contracts with every school that recently adopted your 'modernized' hexes curriculum.The very same curriculum you've been pushing so aggressively here."

The boardroom erupted into murmurs.Thorncraft's face drained of color.

"That's—that's preposterous," he sputtered."My business dealings are completely separate from my educational concerns."

"Are they?"Headmistress Raven raised an eyebrow."Then perhaps you can explain these documents we found in your other office.The ones detailing your plan to force out experienced educators who questioned your curriculum changes, to be replaced by those more amenable to your business model."

The ESA representatives stepped forward, unfolding a document that glowed with magical verification spells.

"Or these communications with your manufacturing facility," Raven continued relentlessly, "discussing the profitability of required new equipment for the Bewildering Fog Hex—equipment that only your company produces, at highly inflated prices."

Edgar the raven cawed triumphantly from her shoulder, sounding remarkably like he was laughing.

"You set them up," Raven said, gesturing to Ceries and Malachai."You manufactured a conflict, knowing Principal Starcatcher's history with the hex would make him resist, and that Professor Frostwind's innovative approach would put them at odds.You counted on their professional friction to either force Starcatcher out or provide grounds for his dismissal.What you didn't count on was them finding common ground—or something more."

Thorncraft stood, blustering."These accusations are completely unfounded.The board will not—"

"The board," interrupted an elderly witch who'd been silent until now, "will most certainly review all evidence immediately.And suspend you pending a full investigation."

The self-writing quills had recovered from their shock and were now frantically documenting every word, occasionally underlining particularly damning statements for emphasis.

Thorncraft looked around the table, finding no allies in the faces of the board members who moments before had been ready to follow his lead."This is absurd.I've devoted my life to educational advancement—"

"And your bank accounts," added one of the ESA representatives helpfully.

"Principal Starcatcher, Professor Frostwind," Headmistress Raven turned to them, her severe expression softening slightly."While the personal aspect of your relationship should have been handled with more discretion, it seems clear you were manipulated into an impossible situation.The board will require a full hearing on the matter, of course, but I see no reason for immediate action regarding your positions."

The elderly witch who had spoken before leaned forward.“I warned this board six months ago about the unusual pattern of equipment purchases.Magical schools across the country suddenly requiring identical specialized supplies from a single source?The coincidence stretched credibility.”

“Yet you said nothing,” Headmistress Raven observed coolly.

“I was gathering evidence,” the witch replied.“As, it seems, were you."

Thorncraft was now being escorted from the room by the ESA representatives, protesting loudly about persecution and misunderstandings.The last thing they heard as the door closed behind him was his indignant yelp as Edgar swooped down to peck at his expensive hat.

The silence that followed was broken by the headmistress clearing her throat."I believe we could all use some tea.And privacy."She fixed the remaining board members with a steely gaze that sent them scurrying for the exit.

Once alone with Ceries and Malachai, Raven settled into the chairman's abandoned seat with a satisfied sigh."I've been watching Thorncraft for months.Suspected his schemes but couldn't prove anything until now.Your situation provided the perfect opportunity to catch him in the act."

"You knew?"Malachai asked, disbelief evident in his voice.

"Please."Raven's lips quirked in what might have been a smile."I'm the headmistress.The school itself reports to me.Those practice dummies that have been following you around?Excellent surveillance devices."

Ceries felt her face flame."So you saw..."

"More than I wished to, I assure you."Raven waved a hand dismissively."Your personal lives are your own business—provided they don't interfere with your professional duties."

"And the Bewildering Fog Hex?"Malachai asked cautiously.

"Should be taught with proper safeguards and experienced supervision.Perhaps," Raven gave them both a meaningful look, "by two talented educators working together, combining experience with innovation."

They left the board room together, walking through the empty hallway in stunned silence.The reality of what had just happened—their near termination, Thorncraft's exposure, their unexpected reprieve—seemed too much to process.

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