Fire Burning

Chapter 10

Quy walked quickly through the district, Shima by his side. Peasants made way for them down the streets, and how lucky for them, else Quy would have split the road with fire.

This is not as planned, Quy scowled. Obtaining a copy of Mai's/Khai's healing license from Taesu's Gate Control archives was straightforward. But in the process, Quy had overheard a handful of guards talking about the search for a potentially renegade Healer Khai down in the lower districts.

Quy halted when he caught sight of the large group ahead. Quickly, he and Shima took hidden positions, close enough, and in time, for Mai-dressed-as-Khai to hand over their mage license.

Fire hummed in his belly as his eyes narrowed. His plans to blackmail Mai had fallen through. Mai had been down there for weeks, healing without attracting official attention. And those peasants, if nothing else, were loyal. They wouldn't betray their beloved Healer.

So who on earth had put the idea of checking for 'Healer Khai' in the mind of the local district council?

*

Thoughts in Tien's head went around in circles.

Was Mai the so-called Healer Khai?

It didn't matter. She still had words for her niece. The earth mage took Mai away, but Tien could still sense Mai's fire magic. They had been, still were, teacher and student.

That was when Tien saw the cluster of official council and Healer Mage Thu facing off with Mai.

Healer Thu had mentioned that she was going to check Healer Khai's license.

Tien tensed when the guards approached Mai. She strode forward. "Stop!"

Thu inclined her head. "Healer Mage Tien. This person has your niece's Healer license."

Mai met Tien's gaze.

Tien folded her arms. "I see. I...did teach Healer Khai." She came over and took the familiar licence off of Thu. "Yes, I authorised this. However...there was a mixup with bureaucracy—you know how it is." She pinched the bridge of her nose.

Thu pursed her lips. "Would you maintain your word in court?"

Tien didn't change her expression. "Yes."

The Council Member curled his lip. "Who are you?"

Tien nodded politely. "I am Healer Mage Tien, from Karashu. I taught and licensed Healer Mage Khai."

Whatever happened, she was not going to let them put Mai into prison.

"And if you say the licence was improperly written out, why haven't you updated it?" The Council Member said imperiously.

"It is pending," Tien said coldly. "I hardly doubt your council moves any faster."

"Tch. Very well. This young man will be charged for practicing under a false licence."

"Council Member Wei," a voice rang out clearly. "Mage Healer Tien is correct."

A female earth mage strode towards them. She was holding a few sheets of paper. "Healer Khai's updated licence has arrive. The only thing left is his blood-thumbprint under the witness of his teacher."

Tien's eyes narrowed. "And that would be me."

The woman glanced at Mai, and Mai nodded.

"Yes," Mai said. "Master Tien..."