The Apprentice's Apprentice

Part 29

Warren and Cora had barely walked through the front door of Selena's house when she appeared from one of the side rooms. "I need to speak with both you. Immediately."

They exchanged a look before dropping their backpack almost in unison and following her into the front living room. Done in a light blue grey and with white furniture, a big front window and a glass tables, the room felt light and airy. Selena settled herself into the white wingback chair that looked almost like a throne, especially with the stiff backed way she sat in it. Warren and Cora sat on the couch to the side of it with their eyes on her.

"We have an issue," she said once they were both still. Lines that Cora had never seen before radiated out from Selena's mouth and eyes though her voice remained cool.

"Magical?" Warren asked.

She nodded. "It appears a rogue mage has made their way here. I had seen signs earlier but had taken them to be your Philippe friend, but today I came across the unmistakable signature of someone using offensive magic. Offensive magic used by someone with a strong affinity for it. Since I haven't yet trained you in its use and it wasn't me, that leaves only another mage. It's clear they attempted to hide their signature but weren't able to erase it properly. Likely this person has a certain amount of difficulty with spell breaking."

Cora frowned, not really sure what being a rogue meant in terms of magic but not liking what she'd heard so far. "How do you know this person's a rogue? And what do you mean by that?"

"A rogue's someone who misuses their magic and who avoids most other Line mages because of us. Most mages are good people but there are always a few...bad eggs," Warren said, his change of word after a glance at Selena obvious to Cora. "That cause problems for the rest of us. Those are rogues. And when another mage comes into town and doesn't greet the mage or mages who live there within their first week or so, it's generally a sign that they're a rogue. So is hiding their magic signature when doing magic."

"I've contacted those communication mages I'm most familiar with to see if they have any reports on rogue mages. If we can find one that is known for offensive magic then there's a good chance that's who our new acquaintance is," Selena said. "That, however, is something we will have to leave for the moment. Having a rogue skilled in offensive will make things... interesting for us. The best way to handle an offensive mage is with a defensive one, and while it is hardly my speciality, I will be able to give you enough of a grounding to be effective."

Cora choked. "Me?"

Warren winced. "I'm not so sure that's a-"

Selena cut them both off. "In this instance we don't have another choice. If this rogue decides to take a position against, we'll be in danger. And unless and until the communication mages I spoke with can find us another defensive mage, Cora dear, you'll be the only one who can truly handle our rogue. If you can draw their attention, myself and Warren will be able to take care of the rest. Only provided we get your shields up to an acceptable level. I won't send you into harm's way unless you're as safe as possible."

"My spell breaking-"

She cut Warren off again. "Is effective only if you're not being attacked directly at that exact moment. You need time to unravel spells. If Cora can shield herself, then you'll have the time if the rogue's attention is on her. If Cora can learn to shield a larger space, then we can act more openly. Until then, we have limited options. Especially if this rogue decides to move against us directly."

Cora swallowed hard as she opened and closed her hands. This wasn't what she'd been expecting. The way Warren had spoken about magic had left her with the impression it was like school, not something that would be putting her in danger. She looked at Selena and Warren, both of who were watching her. Selena seemed to think she could do it, that she was in fact their best chance of weathering this storm. Warren looked less sure and more nervous, licking his lips as his gaze flickered between her and Selena.