The Wizard Test by Bell Hilari

Author:Bell, Hilari [Bell, Hilari]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wild Writers Books
Published: 2015-04-08T23:00:00+00:00

Endaffi Jeman, who greeted Dayven with politely steepled fingers, did not laugh. Dayven was so grateful for it, he had to crush down an impulse to bow in return. A Guardian did not bow to his enemies. Still, he had to fight a ridiculous desire to cling to Reddick as the wizard introduced him to the Endaffi and departed. And that was ridiculous, for Reddick was as much his enemy as the Cenzar! Though the wizard did seem to have left Dayven in capable hands.

Perhaps the austere richness of the Endaffi’s office had something to do with this feeling of nervous respect. Who’d have thought people who dressed so gaudily would appreciate unadorned wood? The intricate carving of the shutters and desk surpassed anything Dayven had ever seen. Lord Enar had nothing so fine, and this man was what, a schoolmaster? Perhaps that was the Cenzar equivalent of a bard. For it wasn’t merely the setting, Dayven realized as the Cenzar boy recounted their story; the Endaffi, whose clothing was almost as restrained as a Tharn’s, would command respect in a back alley wearing beggar’s rags. Even that cocksure idiot, Vadeen, seemed a little … quelled. Somewhat to Dayven’s surprise, the boy told the complete truth.

“So you see, Endaffi,” Vadeen concluded, “the wizard’s apprentice walked into a snare set for another. No one could blame him for his rage, especially when I laughed.” He laughed again, remembering, but soon fell silent under the Endaffi’s cool eyes.

“Dayven,” Endaffi Jeman turned to him, “do you have anything to add to Vadeen’s account of this lamentable incident.”

“No, Endaffi. He told you everything.”

“Vadeen always confesses,” said the Endaffi dryly. “It is only unfortunate that he has to do it so often. But that is nothing to do with you. You have, in fact, been the victim of a grave fault in our hospitality. I offer you profound apologies on the behalf of the zondar and of the Cenzar people. Vadeen, no doubt, will offer his own apologies eventually.” He steepled his fingers again and bowed slightly.

“He already did.” Dayven found himself bowing in return. He had expected to be punished, not apologized to. The Endaffi must have read his face.

“In view of the provocation you received, your punishment will be light. For the future I warn you; brawling is not allowed.”

He turned back to Vadeen.

“I suppose you, as usual, aren’t the least bit sorry.”

“Well, I’m sorry I got the wrong one, but aside from that, no, Endaffi.”

Endaffi Jeman sighed. “Then it must be my job to make you sorry.

“First, as punishment for your breach of hospitality, you will be Dayven’s companion for as long as he is here. He was a Tharn Watcherlad, but his people rejected him when he chose wizardry. He and his master are my guests in the city. Explain our ways to him, and keep him from trouble.”

It was, Dayven supposed, the polite way of assigning Vadeen to guard him. He was glad he didn’t need to spy on anyone but Reddick.

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