Strength in Numbers

Martel knew he would not allow Shadi to become homeless. Having seen the despair of those evicted, cast out to live on the streets, and aware of how Morcaster treated people in such a situation, Martel would find a way to prevent that. He would need a new strategy, though. Just getting money to pay the rent would not work; partly because their landlord kept increasing it, partly because Martel had none. But he had other ideas that he would pursue, tomorrow. Today was Pelday, and Martel had another issue to deal with.

Not until tonight, however. First, he had two classes with Master Alastair and one shift in the apothecary to work. As before, the latter took place quietly. Neither he nor Nora mentioned their plan, though Martel assumed it weighed on her mind as much as his.

As for Master Alastair, he had other matters worth mentioning. "I have spoken with Mistress Juliana. Your examination will take place the day after tomorrow, on Glunday. During your usual first class with me."

Another concern to add to the others, though Martel was not truly worried about this. He knew by now his spellwork exceeded what any other novice at this school might achieve. "Great."

"Now, I'm not supposed to instruct you specifically," his teacher said with a wry smile, "but I will allow myself to ask whether you feel confidence in your chosen spells?"

Martel nodded. "Yes, master. I'll do you proud."

"You already have, my boy, but that's good to hear."

***

Passing through the entrance hall, a voice that Martel disliked called out to him. "Letter for you."

The novice looked to see Jasper approach him, waving something in his hand. At least this message came in an envelope, preventing the acolyte from reading it. Martel grabbed it and looked down to see the seal of a horse, and he immediately felt worse recognising the crest of Cheval.

"Mingling with the nobles, eh? You really wasted no time licking the boots of your betters," Jasper said with a mocking voice.

Martel stared at him, and all his anger and frustrations rose up in him. His hands felt hot, ready to burst into flames. "What did I ever do to you? Why do you treat me this way?"

A sneer ran across the acolyte's face. "You pretend you don't know? You came here, gangly and awkward, pitiful. Far too old to be a novice. Yet I showed you friendship, I let you sit at my table. And in return, you ingratiated yourself with the mageknights, the nobles, thinking that makes you better than me?"

Jasper turned on his heel, stalking away. Confused, Martel tried to make sense of what he had just heard. The way he remembered it, Jasper had been reluctant to show any kind of cordiality. And why would Martel's friendship with Maximilian preclude him from being friends with anyone else? Shaking his head, Martel left. Given Jasper's behaviour in general towards him and others, he did not feel guilty about any missed opportunity for friendship with the earth acolyte.

Returning to his room, Martel finally remembered the letter in his hand. He broke the seal and let his eyes run over the brief missive.

To Martel of Engby,

You are cordially invited to the winter solstice celebration at the house of Duke Leonard of Cheval on the fifth Solday of the first winter month.

Not this again. Unlike what Jasper might think, Martel desired to tangle with the nobility as little as possible. He opened the drawer of his desk and threw the letter inside.

***

It was finally evening. Martel made his way to the Chamber of Earth, arriving as one of the first. He declined any invitations to spar, waiting in the corner to see who else arrived. Jasper might not show, of course, in which case Martel would have to confront him at another time. But tonight, under the guise of a training match, seemed the best. Alain arrived, and they exchanged nods but otherwise kept their distance. Nora appeared as well, looking nervous and out of her element.

Martel noticed the green robe first. With satisfaction, he watched Jasper enter. Quickly, before anyone else could get in the way, he walked over to the earth acolyte. "I challenge you."

Jasper snorted with laughter. "Gladly." He stepped forward and leaned in to whisper, "You better lose."

They took position. Henry offered his staff for Martel to borrow, but the novice shook his head. Pure spellcraft was all he needed.

Alain appeared and gave a signal for them to begin.

As Martel expected, Jasper raised a wall of earth as his first defensive move. Martel was not the only one who had studied the spells used in this chamber. Even as Jasper's defence rose into the air, reaching the height of a man, Martel retaliated.

Sprinting forward, he raised a small mound of earth to act as a step ladder. With an empowered jump, he leapt over the wall. All eyes turned to the novice soaring through the air, though the obstacle on the battlefield prevented most of them from seeing what happened next.

As Jasper stumbled backwards in surprise and panic, Martel landed in front of him. Clumps of earth rose up in the air to push the novice away, but before Jasper could finish his attack, Martel grabbed the acolyte by the throat and slammed him to the ground with empowered strength.

Keeping his grasp around Jasper's windpipe, Martel knelt to whisper in his ear. "I know about Alain, Nora, others." As he spoke, those mentioned by name appeared in the background, filling Jasper's vision. "I know about Dawn."

"Let me go," gasped the acolyte.

"You try anything against one of us, all of us will come for you. We'll haunt your every step inside the castle." Martel allowed his magic to heat up his hand. Not sufficiently to burn into Jasper's throat, but enough that he could feel the latent fire.

"Please –"

Someone approached, but Alain held them back. Martel kept his attention on the terrified acolyte in his grasp. "If you try to get rid of us? Every time you leave the castle, my Night Knives will be waiting for you. You go to see your girl, they'll leave nothing but a bloody mess." He increased the heat in his hand. "You understand?"

"Yes! Stars, yes!"

Martel finally released his grip and stood up. As Jasper coughed and massaged his throat, he could look up to see three vengeful faces staring down at him as Alain and Nora joined the novice. "Don't forget this moment," Martel cautioned him.

As people stared and muttered among themselves, the novice, the mageknight, and the apprentice left the chamber. Behind them, another acolyte demolished Jasper's wall and made the floor smooth again.