<b>[Scene Loading...]</b>


    <b>[Location: Leoncrest Castle - Library]</b>


    <b>[Date: February 28, y. 486 of the Fourth Age]</b>


    February flew by in a blur of sweat, aching muscles, and small victories. Zeke threw himself into training with Ingrid with the same enthusiasm he brought to everything else.


    Three times a week, they met in the Training Woods where she drove him to his limits and then pushed him just a little further.


    "Higher knees!" she''d bark as he struggled up a steep incline in his weighted gear. "You think the mountain will care you''re tired? Your enemies won''t wait for you to catch your breath!"


    On the days between their official sessions, Zeke ran on his own, mapping out increasingly challenging routes through the Academy grounds. What started as simple loops around the main courtyard evolved into complex circuits that took him through every corner of Leoncrest''s vast territory.


    He discovered hidden paths worn by generations of students, forgotten clearings where wild herbs grew in abundance, and even an abandoned watchtower that offered a spectacular view of the Mountains of Bones in the distance.


    That view alone made the brutal climb worthwhile, seeing the jagged peaks where his next Trial would take place gave his training immediate purpose.


    "Someday soon, I''ll be up there," he''d told himself, studying the distant mountains. "And when I am, I''ll be ready."


    The improvements came gradually but steadily. First, he noticed he could run longer before his lungs started burning.


    Then his recovery time shortened, what once left him gasping for ten minutes now required only two or three to catch his breath. The weighted gear began to feel almost normal, like a second skin he could move in naturally.


    During their last session of the month, Ingrid had timed him on a three-mile course through the most challenging terrain of the Training Woods.


    "Not bad," she''d said, checking her timepiece as he crossed her makeshift finish line. "You''ve shaved nearly eight minutes off your first attempt."


    Zeke had bent over, hands on his knees, grinning despite his exhaustion. "Next time I''ll make it ten."


    "The speed is good," Ingrid told him, handing him a water flask, "but the consistency is better. Your pace barely changed between the first mile and the last. That''s what will matter on Dragonpeak."


    She''d paused then, looking toward the distant mountains with an expression that suggested personal experience. "There will always be people who can sprint faster than you, that''s just life.


    Some people are born fast, some are born slow. What you can control is what you do with the speed you have, and how willing you are to push your body to its limits."


    They''d walked back toward the Academy together, their footsteps crunching on the frost-hardened ground.


    "The Mountain Run will have a reasonable time limit," she continued. "The challenge isn''t in being the fastest, it''s in not getting bogged down, in always continuing to move forward.


    I''ve seen stronger cadets than you fail because they stopped to rest too often or lost their way. Endurance and consistency trump raw speed every time."


    Zeke had taken those words to heart. Between training sessions with Ingrid, morning sword practice with Victoria, and his regular classes, he established a grueling schedule that left little free time.


    He still made room for Elise''s cooking club and the occasional Strategy Circle meeting, but otherwise devoted himself wholly to preparation.


    Ralph had noticed the change in him, commenting one evening as Zeke collapsed onto his bed after a particularly brutal day: "You know, when you first got here, I thought you''d wash out within a week.


    Now I''m starting to think the rest of us might be the ones who can''t keep up."


    The unexpected compliment had meant more to Zeke than he''d let on.


    On the last day of February, Zeke decided to tackle his most ambitious training route yet, a challenging circuit that took him through part of the Dark Forest and crossed into the edge of the desert training grounds.


    The combination proved even more difficult than he''d anticipated.


    The Dark Forest''s uneven terrain forced him to constantly adjust his footing, leaping over gnarled roots and ducking low-hanging branches. Just as his legs adjusted to that rhythm, the terrain shifted to the training desert, where each step sank into shifting sand, requiring twice the effort to maintain forward momentum.


    By the time he completed the circuit, his legs trembled with exhaustion, and his lungs burned as though he''d been breathing fire. But he''d done it, completed the entire route without stopping once, weighted gear and all.


    He staggered into the library afterward, needing a quiet place to catch his breath before dinner. The silence and familiar smell of parchment and leather bindings was a welcome change from the harsh elements outside.


    His legs felt like overcooked noodles as he collapsed into a chair at an empty table, head dropping back as he closed his eyes.


    "My boy, you look like you just went three rounds with a cave troll."


    Zeke cracked one eye open to find Adrian standing over him, an amused expression on his lined face. The old librarian carried a stack of ancient-looking tomes, his fingers blackened with the dust of ages.


    "That''s about how I feel," Zeke admitted, sitting up straighter despite his protesting muscles. "No, scratch that, I went three rounds with a cave troll without armor, where I was armed with a wet noodle and he had a club the size of my entire body."


    "Someone sounds particularly dramatic today," Adrian observed, setting down his books and taking the seat opposite Zeke.


    "And you seem especially cheerful," Zeke countered, noting the barely contained excitement in the librarian''s eyes. It reminded him of a child on his birthday, trying desperately not to reveal he knew about his surprise party.


    Adrian''s face broke into a genuine smile that made him look decades younger. "I apologize. I just received the first shipment of ancient Levayne books from House Hobbson.


    They''re to be displayed here at the Academy! Pius de''Levayne decided they would be better served here, where scholars can access them, rather than locked away in some private collection."


    "The books you were trying to recover?" Zeke asked, remembering their earlier conversations. "The ones that were... ''borrowed'' generations ago?"


    "The very same!" Adrian''s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm behind his spectacles. "Seventy-eight volumes of Levayne family chronicles, magical treatises, and historical accounts dating back nearly eight centuries.


    Some of them haven''t been seen by anyone outside House Hobbson in over two hundred years!"


    His excitement was infectious, and Zeke found himself smiling despite his exhaustion.


    "I''m rather excited about it," Adrian continued, "and was wondering if you''d like to take a first look? You did play a significant role in their return, after all."


    "Any chance you can use your aura to move my legs for me?" Zeke asked with a grin. "I''m not sure they remember how to work."


    "Technically, yes, I could," Adrian laughed. "Though I rather doubt you would find the experience pleasant. Aura-manipulation of limbs tends to feel rather like being a puppet on strings, most disorienting."


    "You''re probably right," Zeke agreed, pushing himself upright with exaggerated effort. "I''m coming, I''m coming."


    The ache in his muscles eased somewhat as he followed Adrian through the library''s maze of shelves. They passed through the restricted section where only senior students and faculty were permitted, then through a narrow doorway that Zeke had never noticed before, emerging in a circular chamber illuminated by softly glowing orbs that floated near the ceiling.


    In the center of the room stood a large glass display case inlaid with protective runes. Zeke had passed it before during his explorations, but it had always been mostly empty, containing only a handful of mundane-looking manuscripts.


    Now, however, it held several dozen volumes, each bound in ancient leather and adorned with intricate locks and clasps. The titles gleamed in gold lettering, offering tantalizing glimpses of forgotten knowledge.


    "Many of these books contain family secrets," Adrian explained, circling the case reverently. "Spells unique to House Levayne, accounts of battles that were deliberately omitted from official histories, even personal journals of Levaynes who served as royal advisors."


    At the very top sat the most impressive volume, "A Detailed History and Registry of House Levayne", alongside other Levayne family chronicles and records. It was massive, easily two feet tall, its cover embossed with the Levayne family crest in silver.


    "This one," Adrian said, pointing to it, "contains the complete genealogy of House Levayne from its founding to approximately fifty years ago.


    It details not just family lineages but also notable achievements, magical affinities, and even cause of death for each family member."


    "Why would House Hobbson want something like that?" Zeke asked, genuinely curious.


    "Knowledge is power," Adrian replied simply. "If you know a house''s strengths and weaknesses across generations, you can predict their likely moves in the present.


    Most noble houses guard their family histories jealously for that very reason."


    He pointed to a smaller, unassuming volume bound in faded blue leather. "That one contains accounts of the Mage Wars, written by a Levayne who fought alongside the royal forces.


    It contradicts several ''established facts'' about that conflict, facts that happen to paint House Hobbson in a particularly favorable light."


    "So they stole the books to protect their reputation?" Zeke guessed.


    "Among other reasons," Adrian nodded. "Politics between houses is rarely straightforward."


    The collection was magnificent, even to someone without Adrian''s scholarly passion. Zeke could feel the weight of history emanating from the ancient volumes, each one a window into a different piece of the past.


    "This is incredible," he said, genuinely impressed. "I''m glad this happened for you."


    "It is, and it''s all because of you," Adrian replied, turning to Zeke with unexpected sincerity. "I never would have been able to recover these without your help.


    That''s why I''ve added a small plaque dedicating the collection to you."


    Zeke felt a lump rise in his throat as Adrian pointed to the top of the bookcase. There, a row of small brass nameplates had been mounted into the wood.


    The one furthest to the right gleamed a bit brighter than the others, clearly new, with "Zeke de''Godfrey" engraved across its surface.


    "You didn''t need to do that," Zeke said, genuinely touched by the gesture.


    "I wanted to," Adrian insisted. "You''re a good friend and a valuable ally. Most students would have ignored an old man''s problems, but you jumped in without hesitation.


    This may seem small, but your name will remain here long after both of us are gone, a permanent reminder that House Godfrey honors its promises."


    Before Zeke could respond, footsteps approached from behind them, followed by a deep, resonant laugh that seemed to fill the chamber.


    "So you finally got them back, Adrian?"


    Zeke''s blood froze in his veins. That voice, he would recognize it anywhere. The same commanding tone that had directed the cultists in the forest, the voice that had ordered them to capture the intruder.


    Now its owner stood mere feet away.


    Fighting every instinct to run, Zeke kept his gaze fixed on the books, pretending to study them intently while his mind raced. Would the man recognize him?


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    Unlikely, given the darkness that night, but fear had a way of revealing itself.


    "Yes, I did," Adrian replied cheerfully, oblivious to Zeke''s sudden tension. He clapped Zeke on the shoulder. "Thanks to Zeke de''Godfrey here."


    "I''ve heard quite a lot about this Zeke," the voice said. "Any chance you can introduce me?"


    "Of course!" Adrian nodded. "Zeke, meet my good childhood friend, Karl de''Minziar."


    Taking a deep breath, Zeke turned to face the man, forcing his expression into one of polite interest rather than recognition. Karl de''Minziar was imposing, standing well over six feet tall with a build like a boulder.


    Broad shoulders, massive hands, and a thick beard gave him an almost bear-like appearance. His eyes, however, were sharp and calculating beneath heavy brows, seeming to evaluate Zeke''s worth in an instant.


    He wore the traditional robes of a senior magic instructor, midnight blue with silver runes embroidered along the edges that occasionally flickered with faint light.


    A heavy pendant hung around his neck, a silver owl clutching a scepter in its talons.


    Zeke extended his hand, which Karl shook firmly, his grip just a fraction too tight to be comfortable.


    "So you''re the great Zeke de''Godfrey," Karl said, studying him with undisguised interest. "I wasn''t there, but I heard your performance in the Third Trial was quite something.


    Unraveling that much thread in mere minutes... very impressive."


    "Just did what needed doing," Zeke replied with a casual shrug, keeping his voice steady despite his racing heart. "Nothing special about it."


    "Nonsense!" Karl''s laugh boomed through the chamber. "It was brilliant work from what everyone says. Not even your legendary brother managed such a feat.


    Future generations of Godfreys will be looking up to you."


    His smile didn''t quite reach his eyes as he added, "Well, that is, if there are any future generations. Sorry to hear about all the trouble your house is having.


    Hope you don''t wind up following your brother''s path."


    The words carried the faintest hint of a threat, though Zeke couldn''t be certain it wasn''t his imagination. He kept his expression neutral, even as his mind noted the peculiar emphasis on "following your brother''s path", was it simply a reference to Artax''s injury, or something more sinister?


    Before he could formulate a response, Adrian jumped in, apparently sensing the tension without understanding its source.


    "Oh, don''t talk like that! Besides, even if the worst happened to Zeke, his brother is getting married soon."


    Zeke felt his jaw tighten. No, Adrian! Don''t tell him anything!


    "Is he now? That would be Artax?" Karl asked, his interest visibly piqued as he stroked his beard. "The dragon-slayer himself, tying the knot?"


    "That''s right," Adrian nodded enthusiastically, oblivious to Zeke''s discomfort. "The wedding''s happening in the Capital during the Spring Festival.


    It''s going to be quite the event, quite a few of us will be attending."


    "Is that so?" Karl''s eyes gleamed with something that made Zeke''s skin crawl. "Our poor wounded hero, finding happiness despite his... setback. How heartwarming."


    He tilted his head slightly, studying Zeke with renewed interest. "You''ll be there, of course. The dutiful younger brother, standing by his side."


    It wasn''t a question, but Zeke nodded anyway. "Wouldn''t miss it."


    "I''ll have to make sure I send the happy couple a suitable gift," Karl said, his fingers unconsciously touching the owl pendant at his throat. "Something... meaningful."


    He extended his hand to Zeke once more. "Congratulations to your family, and I do mean that."


    With those words, he turned and strode away, his robes billowing behind him. Zeke watched him go, unable to shake the feeling that he''d just been evaluated as a potential threat, and perhaps found lacking.


    It took Adrian a moment to notice Zeke''s unease.


    "What''s wrong?" he asked, frowning. "You look like you''ve seen a ghost."


    "I..." Zeke hesitated, glancing around to ensure they were alone. "What do you know about Karl?"


    "Well, he''s from House de''Minziar, but he''s always seemed decent enough," Adrian replied with a shrug. "We were classmates here at the Academy, and both became teachers around the same time.


    I wouldn''t call us the closest of friends, but we''ve always gotten along well."


    He studied Zeke''s face. "Why do you ask? Did he say something to offend you? Karl can be rather... direct, but he rarely means harm by it."


    "We need to talk somewhere private," Zeke said, lowering his voice and glancing toward the doorway where Karl had disappeared.


    Adrian''s expression turned serious as he led Zeke to his office, located in a quiet corner of the library''s top floor. The room was cluttered with books, scrolls, and curious magical artifacts, but Adrian quickly cleared two chairs, inviting Zeke to sit.


    Once inside, he locked the door and activated a small crystalline object on his desk. The crystal glowed briefly, causing the room''s edges to shimmer with a faint blue light.


    "Privacy ward," Adrian explained. "No one can overhear us now, not even with magical means. Now, what''s this about Karl that has you so troubled?"


    Zeke took a deep breath and recounted his experience in the Training Woods, the strange chanting he''d first heard, the robed figures gathered around a bonfire, the leader whose voice he now recognized as Karl de''Minziar''s.


    He described how they had pursued him through the forest, their words about "awakening" and their apparent connection to the dragons of calamity.


    "They were performing some kind of ritual," Zeke concluded. "And Karl was directing it all. I only caught glimpses of their faces, but that voice, it''s unmistakable.


    It''s him, Adrian. I''m certain of it."


    Adrian listened intently, his face growing increasingly grave. When Zeke finished, the librarian removed his spectacles and pinched the bridge of his nose, a gesture of deep concern.


    "How long have you known this?" he asked quietly.


    "I didn''t know it was Karl until today," Zeke replied. "I recognized the voice the moment he spoke."


    "And you''re absolutely certain?" Adrian pressed, leaning forward. "Beyond any doubt? Karl and I have our differences, but accusing a senior professor of cult activities is extremely serious."


    "I''m certain," Zeke stated firmly, meeting Adrian''s gaze. "That voice is burned into my memory. The way it commanded everyone, how they all jumped to obey, I''ll never forget it.


    It was both chilling and powerful."


    He leaned forward, keeping his voice low despite the privacy ward. "When they realized I was watching, he ordered them to find me.


    They spread out through the forest, calling to each other. If I hadn''t found that hidden passage in the old wall..."


    Adrian sighed heavily, replacing his spectacles. "Well, you''ve placed me in quite the predicament. The evidence isn''t strong enough to take to the Headmistress, a voice identification alone wouldn''t suffice, especially against someone of Karl''s standing."


    He rose from his chair and began pacing, a habit Zeke had noticed emerged whenever the librarian was deeply troubled.


    "But I can''t simply ignore it either," Adrian continued. "I''m bound by oath to investigate any potential threat to the Academy and its students.


    It''s just... difficult to believe. Karl and I have known each other for decades. He''s always been ambitious, perhaps even ruthless in academic matters, but this?"


    "People aren''t always what they seem," Zeke said quietly. "My brother''s core wasn''t shattered by accident."


    Adrian stopped pacing, looking sharply at Zeke. "You think these events are connected? Artax''s injury and this cult?"


    "I don''t know," Zeke admitted. "But it seems like too much of a coincidence. The dragons awakening, cultists performing rituals, and someone targeting my family specifically."


    "You may be right," Adrian nodded slowly. "The trail is cold now, but I''ll have to look into it discreetly.


    The Academy keeps records of which professors leave the grounds and when. Perhaps I can cross-reference those with the night you encountered the cult."


    "That''s too dangerous," Zeke protested. "If he is leading this cult, he won''t hesitate to silence anyone who threatens him."


    "I''m afraid I have no choice," Adrian replied gravely. "If a cult has infiltrated the Academy, it must be rooted out. You''ve given me a location and a name, that''s more than I had before."


    He sat back down, suddenly looking every one of his many years. "Don''t worry, I''ll be careful. I''ve survived in these halls long enough to know how to conduct a quiet investigation.


    More importantly, what will you do now?"


    "I need to learn more about him," Zeke said. "If he''s really involved with this cult, and if they''re connected to the dragons somehow, I need to understand what they''re planning."


    "Be extremely cautious," Adrian warned. "Karl is not just a cultist if your suspicions are correct, he''s a master mage.


    His specialty is divination magic, which makes him particularly dangerous. He can sense when people are lying, track movements through the Academy, even glimpse fragments of the future."


    Zeke hadn''t known that particular detail, and it made his blood run cold. "Is there any way to counter that?"


    "Not easily," Adrian admitted. "Though divination isn''t perfect, it can be confused by multiple possibilities or deliberate misdirection.


    The important thing is to never directly confront him. If he suspects you know anything, you''d be in grave danger."


    His tone made it clear the discussion was over. Zeke reluctantly stood, knowing he couldn''t change the old man''s mind about investigating independently.


    They left the office together, Adrian looking troubled despite his reassurances.


    Rather than returning to his dormitory, Zeke made his way to the main entry hall. He rarely visited this part of the Academy except during official events, but he remembered seeing a directory of faculty offices kept there.


    Finding the massive leather-bound volume on its stand, he flipped it open, scanning the neatly inked pages.


    "Let''s see here," he muttered, running his finger down the list. "De''Minziar... de''Minziar... Here we go. Florence de''Minziar, Greg de''Minziar, Harry de''Minziar... Karl de''Minziar. Tower 3, Floor 10."


    His stomach lurched. Tower 3 housed most of the magical instruction facilities, which meant Professor Karl wasn''t just a cult leader, he was a mage specializing in divination magic.


    The implications were troubling. While Zeke wasn''t worried about being blasted into ash in the middle of the Academy, he was deeply concerned about magical means of detecting lies or reading thoughts.


    Investigating Karl''s office would be risky, but necessary. The question was how, and when.


    The answer came sooner than expected. Barely an hour later, as Zeke was passing Tower 2, he spotted Elise returning from her afternoon classes, a stack of books tucked under her arm and her face flushed from rushing between buildings.


    "Zeke!" she called, surprised. "I thought you had a run today. Were we planning to meet?"


    "No, nothing planned," Zeke replied, glancing around to ensure they weren''t overheard. "But something''s come up. Got a minute?"


    Elise studied his face, immediately recognizing his serious expression. "Of course. My roommate''s gone until dinner, we can talk in my room."


    They climbed the tower stairs in silence, Zeke''s mind racing as he considered how much to tell her. Elise was trustworthy, but involving her meant putting her at risk.


    By the time they reached her door, he''d decided that honesty was the only option, she deserved to know exactly what she might be getting into.


    Her room was small but meticulously organized, with books sorted by subject on shelves and various magical artifacts arranged on her desk.


    A few potted plants sat on the windowsill, their leaves gently swaying despite the lack of breeze, a small enchantment she''d created for her botany class.


    After locking the door, Elise turned to him expectantly. "What''s happened? You look like you''ve seen a ghost."


    "Worse than a ghost," Zeke replied grimly. "I''ve identified the leader of that cult I told you about, the one in the Training Woods."


    "You''re kidding," Elise sat on her bed, eyes wide. "Who is it?"


    "Professor Karl de''Minziar."


    "The divination master?" Elise''s hand flew to her mouth. "Zeke, are you absolutely sure? He''s one of the most respected mages at the Academy!"


    Zeke quickly explained the encounter in the library, watching Elise''s expression shift from shock to concern as he described recognizing Karl''s voice and the subtle threat in his words.


    "And Adrian''s going to investigate on his own," Zeke concluded. "Which I think is too dangerous, but he wouldn''t listen."


    "This is serious," Elise agreed, her usual cheerfulness replaced by grim determination. "If Professor de''Minziar is really leading some kind of dragon cult, and if they were responsible for what happened to your brother..."


    "Exactly," Zeke nodded. "The problem is proving it. If I go snooping around his office, he''ll know something''s up because I have no reason to be in the mage tower.


    If Adrian investigates alone, he could be in danger."


    Elise nodded thoughtfully. "So what''s your plan?"


    "That''s where I could use your help," Zeke admitted. "I need to get into his room somehow, but without raising suspicion."


    "You want me to create a diversion?" Elise asked.


    "Maybe," Zeke replied. "Or... could you use that invisibility trick again? The one where you made us look like mice? I could sneak into his office and look around."


    Elise frowned, considering the options. "I could, but I''m not sure that''s the best approach. Magic leaves traces that other mages can detect, especially someone with divination skills.


    He''d know someone used illusion magic in his office, even if he couldn''t identify who."


    "What would you suggest, then?"


    "Well..." Elise tapped her chin, her eyes brightening as an idea formed. "Your brother''s wedding is coming up in a few weeks, right?


    Originally, I was planning to go with you, but what if I stayed behind instead?"


    Zeke tilted his head, not following her thinking.


    "Think about it," she continued excitedly. "What if you invited Karl to the wedding, since he''s Adrian''s friend?


    If he accepts and travels with you, his office will be empty. I could search it while you''re both away without raising suspicion."


    "I see what you''re saying," Zeke said slowly, processing the idea. "If he''s seen leaving with me for the Capital, no one will connect any disturbance to us.


    Whereas if we sneak in now and something''s discovered missing..."


    "Exactly," Elise nodded. "Plus, I can legitimately be in the mage tower for my studies. If someone spots me there, it won''t seem unusual.


    I''m taking Elemental Theory this term, and our classroom is just down the hall from his office."


    "I don''t like putting you at risk," Zeke said, though he had to admit the plan made tactical sense.


    "Just because you want to do all the exciting parts yourself," Elise teased, seeing through his hesitation. "You hate sitting on the sidelines, but sometimes that''s the smarter play."


    "And I have to wait weeks for answers," Zeke added, though without real complaint.


    "Poor you," Elise laughed, reaching over to punch his arm lightly. "I can do this, and you know it. My plan has the best chance of success with the least risk.


    Besides, I''m already taking classes in Tower 3, I know the routines, the guards, which professors stay late."


    Zeke couldn''t argue with her logic. "You''re right. But we need to be careful about how we approach this. If he suspects anything..."


    "He won''t," Elise assured him. "We''ll make it natural. You''re inviting several professors to the wedding, right? Adrian''s already going.


    It won''t seem odd if you include Karl, especially if you frame it as wanting to mend relations between your houses."


    "That could work," Zeke nodded, impressed by her quick thinking. "But what exactly will you be looking for in his office?"


    "Anything connecting him to the cult or the dragons," Elise replied. "Correspondence, ritual items, books on forbidden magic, anything out of place for a divination professor."


    "And if you''re caught?"


    "I''ll say I was looking for Professor Thorne, she''s been helping me with a special project, and her office is nearby. It''s not unusual for students to get turned around in the mage tower."


    Over the next hour, they refined their plan, identifying potential challenges and backup options. Zeke would need to find a natural way to extend a wedding invitation to Karl without seeming too eager.


    Elise would need to perfect her excuse for being in the mage tower and determine exactly what she was looking for.


    "We should establish a signal," Elise suggested. "Something innocent that lets me know if he accepted the invitation."


    "Good idea," Zeke agreed. "How about I mention the weather when we meet for cooking club? If it''s ''clear skies,'' he''s coming with me. If it''s ''looks like rain,'' he declined."


    "Perfect," Elise nodded. "And I should write down anything I find, not try to take objects.


    Even with his divination abilities, he''d be hard-pressed to detect that someone simply looked at his possessions if nothing''s missing."


    As they worked through the details, Zeke found himself both impressed by Elise''s strategic thinking and concerned about involving her.


    Not because he doubted her abilities, but because he hated the thought of her facing danger if things went wrong.


    "Just promise me you''ll be careful," he said finally. "If anything feels wrong, or if you think you''ve been discovered, abort the mission. No information is worth your safety."


    "I promise," Elise said, her expression solemn. "But the same goes for you. If Karl accepts your invitation, you''ll be traveling with him, possibly for days. Keep your guard up."


    "I will," Zeke assured her. "And I''ll write to Artax tonight to see if he''s comfortable with me adding another guest.


    I''m sure it''ll be fine, he''s never been one to fuss over guest lists, but I should check anyway."


    As twilight fell outside the window, they concluded their planning. Zeke rose to leave, still feeling uneasy about the whole situation but confident they were taking the right approach.


    "One more thing," Elise said as he reached the door. "Be careful what you say to Adrian going forward. I know you trust him, but if he''s investigating on his own..."


    "Karl might be watching him," Zeke finished her thought. "Good point. I''ll keep our plan between us."


    <b>[Scene Close]</b>


    <b>[Earned Emblems:] Heart of the Warrior, Endurance, Cunning</b>


    <b>[Active Quests:]</b>


    <b>[Uninvited Guest: Write Professor Karl de''Minziar a wedding invitation]</b>


    <b>[Forgiveness/Permission: Ask Artax if it''s okay to invite Karl de''Minziar to the wedding] </b>


    <b>[Many Plans: Prepare for the wedding]</b>