Past Tense (Schooled in Magic Book 10) by Christopher Nuttall

Author:Christopher Nuttall [Nuttall, Christopher]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, azw3
Tags: sorcerers, Fantasy, Alternate world, Magic, Young Adult, Magicians
ISBN: 9781606193150
Publisher: Twilight Times Books
Published: 2016-07-20T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Two

JULIANNE LOOKED HALF-ASLEEP WHEN EMILY entered the bedroom, but she still insisted on cleaning the wound on Emily’s cheek and disinfecting it before lying down on her blankets and downing a foul-smelling potion of her own. She fell asleep moments later, leaving Emily sitting on the blankets, watching her. Emily allowed herself a moment of relief—she’d been considering casting a sleep spell on Julianne to make sure she couldn’t interfere, then checked the potion before lying down and closing her eyes. It was strange to see through her familiar’s eyes—the world always looked weird—but she’d grown used to it. Void had made her practice, back when they’d shared a house.

And I really should spend more time with him, she thought, as the snake slid into a vantage point. Other familiars spend all their time with their partners.

She shook her head, dismissing the thought. Aurelius was just too dangerous to be left off the leash, no matter how she felt about him. His poisonous skin wouldn’t cause her any harm, but anyone else who touched him would be lucky if they only lost a hand. She still shuddered when she heard the horror stories, including a number Lady Barb had told her when she’d been trying to convince Emily to turn Aurelius into alchemical ingredients. But the thought of slaughtering her familiar had been unbearable.

I’ll just have to give him more time in my bedroom, she mused, as she watched Master Chambers and Master Reaper step into the chamber. And when I get home, I can take him to the house for a few days.

She couldn’t help feeling oddly dirty as the remaining masters gathered in Whitehall’s office, even though they weren’t doing anything naughty. Magic provided hundreds of ways to spy on one’s foes—hell, Emily had heard that trying to crack the spells protecting the girls changing rooms and bedrooms at Whitehall kept a number of male students gainfully occupied when they weren’t actually studying. She knew she’d be in real trouble if she was caught spying on another student, let alone a tutor ... she felt, despite herself, that she shouldn’t be doing anything of the sort. And yet, she wanted desperately to know what was going to be said. She had to know.

At least I’m not spying on the boys, she told herself. It wasn’t a convincing argument. And the discussion concerns me.

“We have a problem,” Whitehall said, once the door was closed. “They’ve found us.”

“One of them has found us,” Master Chambers corrected. “And it was destroyed.”

“By her,” Master Keldor said.

“She gave me a copy of the runes she used,” Whitehall said. He passed the parchment to Master Wolfe. “I have no reason to doubt her story.”

“My apprentice confirms it,” Master Chambers said, grudgingly. “The hunters have found us.”

“None of us had any warning,” Master Reaper said. “I have been attempting to divine the future. None of my ... contacts ... gave any warning about this.”

Demons, Emily thought.

“Nor mine,” Master Chambers confirmed. “Are we sure it was one of them?”

“Your apprentice said so,” Master Drake snapped.

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