Fear's Union

Chapter Eleven

-Master Blasetté-

Was this room always so dark? It was oppressive. Caste Master Blasetté sat rigid in his chair simply because there was no other way to sit in it other than rigidly. That was the point of their design. He wound his shoulders, loosening the ache. It had not been long since the fight, and he needed rest. It might be dark outside, but he could not tell. Time had lost its definition.

"Then we have decided what we must do?"

Always the centre of discussion, Anejo stirred more interest than any mandahoi since Keles himself. With Keles though, the praise had been easy. With Anejo, it was always unwilling. The Seat certainly wanted to offer their support, but her rash nature drew prudent outcomes. It had taken a long time to earn consensus. Even now it was reluctant.

There was a general mumbling. No-one was truly happy with the outcome.

"It will be interesting to see her response. Much can be gleaned of a temperament from the response to such news. We will be watching her closely." Archmaster Hephesta looked around the table. Each member of the Seat nodded in turn.

Anejo over and done with, that meant that they were drawing close to the end of proceedings. They only had one student left to appraise. It was Xen's turn.

"So, we move on to Xen." Archmaster Hephesta shuffled in his seat. "Does anyone of the Seat support Xen's ascension to the rank of caste member?"

The Seat was the name for the collective authoritarian structure of the Mandahoi, and he was one of nine members. He was the head of the lion caste, the master duellist amongst a group famed for their duelling capabilities. He was also the gatekeeper for the honour of wearing the lion-mask, an honour most associated with courageous deeds in the field. Xen had had a remarkable time in Nazalia, but could he call her actions courageous? He was not so sure.

The room turned to him, expectant. After all, he was best placed to appraise her actions at Nazalia. Faculty Eldin - his equivalent from an academic perspective - grimaced. That man was not easy to please, but he would not cow under that aged stare. Xen had done remarkable things and the vast injuries that littered her body told of a shuddering bravery. She had surely done everything required for the caste. Surely.

But no. It didn't quite fit and something was missing. He had quizzed Keles, but the illustrious master had not offered enough. His mind was not changed. There was something untoward there, and he had to agree with Eldin. It was too early. Or perhaps it was too late. There was something concealed beneath the surface where Xen was concerned.

And that was a question he truly toyed with: should he share his fears with the Seat? Keles had buzzed around the patient, pressing for a quick diagnosis. He'd been acting like he cared, like there was more to it than master and pupil. He had acted like he had a personal cost associated with Xen's injuries. Put simply, that was against the rules for that very reason. But did he have enough evidence to raise it? It was a big claim.

"Caste Master?" It took a moment to realise he was being queried, but he was quick to compose himself. He had a big say here, but not yet. He would probe further and tease out the evidence.

"No, I do not support her ascension to caste member." Eldin stared rigidly, and nodded. At least this appraisal would be easy. For now. "There was recklessness, or perhaps desperation to her actions. She is not a lion, or at least not yet."

Faculty Eldin sat back and nodded. He didn't like agreeing with that stubborn man, but he was right here. She was not ready. At that, the room quickly settled into agreement; everyone was eager for rest. Xen was still very young, and her career would be long and prosperous if she abided by the rules. He would need to do some digging, and he would need to do it soon. Something didn't smell quite right.