Fire Burning

Chapter 6

"Must you continue to associate with the riff-raff?" Han's mother hissed as they walked back home.

Han clenched his jaw. "They're not."

His mother's nostrils flared. "In the company of poor folk. Your father and I didn't work hard for you to do this."

Han flinched, a familiar sense of guilt at the pit of his stomach. He wanted to protest, but something stopped him.

His mother grunted. She herded him and his sister into their house, and closed the door heavily behind them, nevermind that Han was the only mage in the family and could take out the lock—or the wall.

His father, Lang, was there, and Han's feet felt like lead.

"Father," Han said heavily. "I hope you had a good trip." His father had been gone on a business trip since the previous season—after Han had been accepted into Baashi, and before the classes had started.

"Indeed. I heard interesting things."

Han stilled. "Yes?"

His father leaned forward. "Congratulations, Han, on making friends with Lord Quyen's youngest son. His rise at Baashi Unviersity is as prolific as the eldest son. More so, if he conquers the second years tomorrow," he said, voice smooth and his eyes glinting.

A bitter taste filled Han's mouth. His friendship with Khai was as real as his friendship with Thon. He hadn't done it gain favour. Han forced himself to meet his father's gaze. "I believe he will."

His father gave the driest of smiles. "Such confidence he has inspired in you. Be careful, however, my son. Fire mages can cast spells on your heart, and lordlings are even more dangerous."

Han's eyes dipped. "Yes, father," he said dutifully.

"What about the fact that I found him with that single mother, Yang," Han's mother said sharply.

"Ah, that. There is no need for you to be in her company. There are many accomplished earth mages at Baashi." His father picked up some papers, a clear dismissal.

His mother snorted.

Han gave them both respectful good-nights and quickly retreated to his room.

What if he had told them that Healer Khai was Quy? Would they congratulate him on that? Would his sister blanch at what she had said to Khai?

Han scowled and tugged one of his university books towards him. He was going to Baashi for a reason, and it wasn't the same as his father's goal. He was going to graduate, and make a living his way, and pay his parents back and escape them the moment his debt was fulfilled.

*

Khai left the house with all his belongings before the sun rose, before Quy awoke.

His feet didn't want to move.

He could try to return to his original apartment block. But he didn't want to see the landlady again. But there were more places in the city. His fingers skimmed over the bump in his pocket: coins, from his savings back in Karashu, and his earnings from Quy. It should be enough—as long as he wasn't in the rich district where Quy's house stood.

His head dropped, and he forced himself to step forward.

*

Han headed out of the house early and away from his family. A happiness burst in him when he spotted Khai at the front gates of Baashi, next to a tall unknown swordsman.