In addition to serving as the Collegiate Justice and Magister of Divination, Valera also held the dubious honor of Eldest of the Council. The position was one of respect and an honorific at best, with no real power or authority beyond presiding over meetings for such things as calls to order, calls for votes, and adjournment.
“This meeting of the Council of Magisters of the Society of the Arcane is hereby called to order,” Valera said, tapping a small square on the table near her left hand.
Images of each magister’s School glyph appeared above the backs of their chairs, and red orbs appeared at the top corners of every doorway into the room.
“Tauron,” Valera said, “will you begin, please?”
A man in red robes with silver runes ringing the cuffs of the sleeves stood. The glyph of Evocation above his chair brightened, indicating this magister now held the floor.
“In the matter of the Society of the Arcane vs. Rolf of House Sivas, the Council has determined that the matter be dropped.” Tauron resumed his seat, and the glyph of Divination brightened above Valera’s chair.
“Does anyone have anything to say before the Council adjourns?”
Gavin stood, saying, “I have something to say.”
“The Council recognizes Gavin Cross,” Valera said. “Please, approach the Council.”
Gavin moved to the stairs that led from the lower gallery to the Chamber’s floor. The moment he stepped into the recessed area, the glyph of House Kirloth appeared above his head, and hushed whispers erupted from all around the galleries. Gavin walked to stand near Rolf to address the Council, guessing the room’s embedded effects would carry his voice to everyone in attendance.
“I fail to understand how the Council-in its supposed wisdom-can vote to drop the matter we have come here to address. I caught him in the act of assaulting a woman who was bound by a paralysis effect, unable to resist or cry out for help, and statements I overheard indicate it was not the first time he’s done something like this.”
“Do you have any evidence that Rolf of House Sivas has done what he is alleged to have committed before?” Tauron asked, interrupting Gavin.
“Beyond the words I overheard, no,” Gavin said. “However, it is an easy matter to verify; cast Divination of Truth on him.”
“There has been no complaint filed against Rolf. With no formal complaint, there is no accusation of a crime, and it goes against the Arcanists’ Code to cast Divination of Truth on anyone not accused of a crime,” Kantar-the elven Magister of Tutation-said.
Gavin spoke, his voice savage, “I was one of three who witnessed Lillian Mivar sign the completed form in the office of the Collegiate Justice four days ago! What happened to that form?”
The Magister of Tutation turned to look at Tauron, saying, “As Chief Inquisitor, Tauron would be the one to answer that question.”
Tauron shifted his eyes away and swallowed. “We’re here to deliver a verdict, not answer questions, and that verdict is delivered. I move we adjourn these proceedings and consider the matter closed.”
“The Council cannot adjourn until all parties have yielded the floor,” Valera said, her eyes on Gavin.
Gavin stood motionless, except for the slight shaking of his head as he worked through what he was hearing. What the Council was doing went against the very basis on which the Arcanists’ Code was written.
“I will not stand by and allow the Council to do nothing about a piece of filth who has committed one of the most heinous violations of the Code possible, not to mention sullying the honor of wizardry and the Society as a whole,” Gavin said, his teeth clenched. He pivoted on his heel to face Rolf. “Rolf of House Sivas, I myself witnessed you attempting to assault a woman held by a paralysis effect you yourself placed upon her, and before this assembly, I declare you a coward and beyond redemption.” Gavin stepped within arms’ reach and slapped Rolf across the face with the back of his left hand. “I hereby challenge you to a wizards’ duel.”
“Now, see here,” Tauron said, “there’s no call-”
“You’re out of order,” Gavin said, turning to look at the Magister of Evocation. “Nothing else matters until he accepts or declines.”
It seemed like every eye in the room then turned to Rolf. The young man was pale, and rivers of sweat ran down his face. His eyes darted about like cornered prey.
“I - I accept,” he said at last. “Name your terms.”
“I see no reason to wait,” Gavin said. “Let us visit the Arena once this hearing is concluded.”
“Gavin,” Valera said and cleared her throat, “it’s been the custom for several decades to allow both parties to a duel some time…to make arrangements and that sort of thing.”
Gavin turned to face Valera. “Very well. I can agree to two days, on the condition he is restricted to the College grounds for that period. I would hate to have to hunt him down like an animal; it would interrupt my studies.”
Valera nodded. “Very well. Do you have anything further to say?”
“No. I yield the floor.”
“Do we have any further business?” Valera asked, addressing the remark to the Council in general.
Tauron pulled away from glaring at Gavin to look at Valera. “I move we adjourn.”
Kantar directed a speculative gaze toward Tauron for several heartbeats before he looked to Valera. “I second the motion.”
“Any opposed?” Valera asked. When no one spoke, she said, “Then, I declare this meeting of the Council of Magisters adjourned.” Valera once more tapped the small square beside her left hand. Both the glyphs above the magisters’ chairs and the red orbs above the doors vanished.
Rolf darted for the nearest door, and Gavin watched him for a few moments before turning to join his friends. Just as he was reaching the steps that led to the lower gallery, he heard a voice behind him.
“Gavin, do you have a moment?”
Gavin turned to see Valera standing behind him. “Of course, Valera. What do you need?”
Valera glanced around the room. “May I have a word…in private?”
Gavin nodded and followed her.
Valera led Gavin to an empty classroom not too far from the Council chambers. Such an occurrence was not all that odd, though; there were times throughout the week’s class schedule where one or two lecture halls would be devoid of use. Valera leaned against the table beside the lectern.
“So, what’s on your mind?” Gavin asked as he leaned against a desk in the front row.
Valera pursed her lips for a moment before she took a breath, saying, “I just wanted to be sure you’ve thought through this matter of a duel. Events seemed to happen rather fast in there.”
Gavin shrugged. “I don’t see what all there is to think through. He attacked my friend, and the Council is apparently incapable of doing its job of policing the Society. I will not allow him to walk these grounds a free man, knowing what he’s done and what he’s liable to do again. That leaves me with two choices: murder or a duel. One’s legal; the other isn’t.”
“Gavin…he is the only son of a powerful family close to the king. No good can come of this.”
“Valera, he was using the Art to paralyze women so that he could brutalize them with no resistance! How in the name of all the gods can you stand there and say no good will come of this?” Gavin turned and started to walk out, but he stopped after a few steps, his back ramrod straight, and turned slowly to face Valera once more. “Tell me you had nothing to do with Lillian’s complaint disappearing.”
“And if I did? Will you challenge me to a duel as well?”
The glare in Gavin’s eyes softened as he sighed. “No, Valera; no, I won’t. I will, however, be very disappointed and have nothing further to do with you.”