Sourcewell Academy by S T G Hill

Author:S T G Hill [Hill, S T G]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-12-16T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Parker Stonebridge stood at the front of the classroom. He looked out across the sea of students. So many of them.

Ellie sat near the front of the room, there in body only.

In mind, she was still back in Thorn’s hospital room. He wants me to leave still, she thought. And it didn’t sound like the worst idea.

“I know that this is unusual,” Stonebridge said. He spoke in that slightly nasal, uppity way that people who owned vacation houses in the Hamptons had. “But Magister Cassiodorian and the other Primes and I agree that this is an important lecture, in light of what’s happened.

“Today, we’re going to talk about the ethical use of magic.”

Ellie’s ears pricked.

Parker retreated to the scant safety behind his narrow lectern. “I imagine that many of you have asked yourself why we don’t bring magic to the normal world. Why don’t we just sweep in and solve all problems? Magic is complicated. Magic is dangerous.

“The Errants are proof of that, because magic is also addicting. Not only in how it can make you feel to use, but also in how it can make it feel as though you can do anything. And in that way, it’s open to abuse.

“That is why, in 1793 the Council of Magisters came together and formed a conclave that agreed to keep magic hidden from those without the talent for it. This made it official. The secrecy of magic is of utmost importance, and none of you should forget that.”

Ellie put up her hand, frowning.

Parker, always a little skittish, glanced at her a couple times as though not certain whether he wanted to take any questions. Then he gestured to her, “Yes, Miss Ashwood?”

“Then what’s the point of learning about it if we’re not supposed to do anything with it?” she asked.

“Not like an ab can do any real magic, anyway. What’s it matter?” someone muttered from up ahead of her.

“Quiet!” Stonebridge said, “It’s a good question.”

He stepped out from behind his lectern. His hip bumped into it and it toppled over, nearly banging into the floor before he caught it with a spell. It righted itself. Parker stared at it a moment longer, as though it had a mind of its own and that it would fall once more as soon as he took his eyes from it.

Everyone in the classroom shared glances. According to Sybil, Parker didn’t really teach many classes. Ellie could understand why.

Satisfied that it wouldn’t tumble over again, Parker turned his attention back to the classroom. “Firstly, we teach you to control it so that it doesn’t control you. Secondly, keeping something secret is… isn’t the same as never using it. Many people, when they finish their schooling, go on to normal careers. Lawyers, bankers, politicians. Magic can do a lot to help with that sort of thing.”

Ellie’s frown deepened. “So they just use it to make themselves more money?”

That seemed anticlimactic to Ellie. So mundanely evil, somehow.

Parker nodded and tugged at one of the sleeves of his robe, “Some, yes.

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