Stunned silence followed Scarlett’s pronouncement. They’d all been hoping that they could bring their discoveries to the professor and that he’d know what to do. To find out that he wasn’t there to help them was disconcerting to say the least. It was Flem who finally broke the silence.

“I guess I’m not the only one who’s thinking; what the heck do we do now?”

After a moment’s pause Aggy answered defiantly, “We stay safe, that’s what we do. These shapeshifters have been here for over a decade without managing to bring about the end of the world so I don’t think we’re tempting fate too much if we take a little time to collect ourselves. It’ll also help our chances of survival if we just go about our level one business. The less suspiciously we behave, the safer we are.”

“That reminds me,” Flem replied excitedly. “There was one bit of good news that came out of our trip. I checked my balance at the accounts department and the professor’s tokens have already been deposited. He must have paid us before he disappeared. Unless I’m very much mistaken we’re all now able to pay for our level two tuition……..oh, with the exception of Scarlett of course,” Flem said with an embarrassed look at the half-elf.

“Don’t feel bad on my account Flem,” Scarlett replied with a laugh, “After all, I’m already a level three mage and a level two rogue so I think it’s only fair if you all have a chance to “level up” a bit on your own.”

“There, it’s settled then,” Aggy said in a tone that brooked no argument. “We go back to being students and lay low while we complete our level two tuition and figure out our next move. And as for my next move, it’s going to be over to the table where I’ll be eating a plate full of beans, anyone care to join me?”

Flem laughed before replying, “Based on the smell when we walked in here, I’d say we’ve all had enough beans for a while, but as we haven’t had a chance to go to the market yet I guess it’s beans or nothing.”

“I’m afraid so,” Aggy replied as she carried the pot from the stove to the table. “You’re not wrong though. It might be a good idea to open the window before you sit down.”

“I strongly support that idea,” Thisss interjected. “Beans do not agree with my digestive system but last night I was hungry and as there was nothing else…….I ate the beans. I now have significant regrets about my decision. Unlike you warmbloods I can actually taste the smells in here and it’s like licking the inside of a sulphurous volcano.”

Terri felt strangely disconnected from reality as she sat down to breakfast with Flem, Scarlett, Aggy and Thisss. So much had happened in the short time since she’d passed her initiation test that it almost seemed like madness to go back to studying again. Still, she had no doubt that Aggy was right and there was no reason to rush into their next move against the infiltrators of Gravenhall, whatever that move might be. The professor was still around somewhere and he’d surely be in touch before long. As a light summer’s breeze wafted in through the now open window and she was surrounded by the laughter of her friends, Terri decided that a six week break away from fear and intrigue was exactly what she needed. Adventure and excitement were all very well, but Terri was more than happy to put them on hold until after she had become a level two cleric of Gravenhall.