Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

L eaving the portal, Bella led them to the old dungeon that was part of the academy when it was actually a castle. While the alterations upgraded the upper buildings, nothing touched the lower levels. She contacted several security guards from the outer edges.

“Greetings, Headmistress Thalberg, how may we assist you?” a guard said.

“Greetings. There will be some changes. This is one of them.” Bella motioned to Emrys and Julian, who moved the floating guide. “Do you have the keys to these cells?”

“I do, but no one used these cells in decades.”

“I understand, but the ability to suppress magic remains. We need a rotating watch down here,” Bella said.

The guard opened a cell and Emrys sent the body floating to the back wall and built-in shelf. Then he locked the door.

“I need to return upstairs, but we’ll speak soon. Please inspect the lady and see if there are any weapons or locator beacons. Awake or asleep. I don’t care about her privileges. Far as I’m concerned, she entered our academy illegally and tried to cause harm to others,” Bella said.

“The vines remain sentient and can assist you,” Julian said.

“Yes, Headmistress. Thank you for the information, Professor Scarlett.” The guard turned to the others and explained their additional duty while Solomon left with the others.

While they returned to the protective room, Solomon said, “Now that she’s hidden until we figure things out, it’s time to figure out that bracelet.”

On a low table, the child’s body covered with a white burial shroud and tied together with black ribbons. A single white candle burned at the feet to allow the light smoke to drift over the body, blessed it, and assisted the spirit in their travels to the Grim Empire, the realms’ underworld. A small spell prevented decay. It would remain ‘fresh’ until they reached the facility and placed it in a testing room to facilitate the lie.

Emrys walked over to the wrapped body. Selecting a few tools from a hidden pocket, he offered a druidic blessing for the child and finished with, “Blessed be, dear child.”

“Blessed be,” Julian repeated.

Emrys returned his tools back in their pocket.

“Thank you,” Bella said.

“I hope it would settle his soul along with the academy. A death, especially in one so young, rattles many things around it and needs blessing to assist in the clearing of spirits and shadows,” Emrys said.

“Does the rest of the room need a cleansing?”

“It could do with a good smudging smoke to cleanse and refresh the atmosphere.”

“Something we’ll figure out.”

“After we figure out what’s happening with all of you first. Do you need my help with a circle?” Emrys asked Solomon.

“No, it’s not dangerous magic. Just require a finite touch.” Reaching into a hidden pocket, Solomon pulled out his beloved Aechore Blackthorn wand. He flicked the wand.

“Using the old fashion wand waving?” Emrys teased with a grin.

“When I need to focus on minute spell details, yes, it controls the flow of magic. Would you prefer I use a regular stick like druids?” Solomon teased back.

“Sticks. Please.” Emrys flicked his hand and a sharp-bladed knife appeared in his hand. “This is our focus for serious spells.”

“How archaic. An athame.”

Emrys stuck out his tongue and flicked the blade back to his hidden pocket.

“Part of me wonders if I should permanently leave my position and move out here. Got room for a somewhat useful fellow and his family,” Layton asked with a smile.

“Would you truly do that?” Julian asked.

“This entire realm has a wonderful feeling the moment I entered. Like nothing I felt. Oh, yes, I would definitely move my family here. Especially if it means we’re protected. Especially my children.”

“Children?”

“Twins. A boy and girl.” Layton glanced at Solomon and Bella. “Both are showing signs of early magical abilities. White sparkles.”

“Is your wife gifted?”

“Actually, it’s my husband and yes, he’s gifted. Arcane and earth. His gift is stronger than mine, but having the earth magic helps him hide. We knew it was a gamble, but we wanted children.”

“May I ask how?” Julian asked.

“My husband’s best friend offered to be our surrogate. My husband was the donor and my sister gifted us multiple eggs. The medical facility did the rest, along with our wonderful surrogate. She remains their heart mother,” Layton said.

Noticing Bella’s smile, Solomon kept his attention to Layton. “After we figure out this mess, I hope with your assistance, I believe we can create some room for you and your family. The twins can attend school here when it’s time.”

“Personally, as Head of Botany and the greenhouses, I could always use another strong earth mage. Especially if he has a green thumb and knowledge of plants,” Emrys said.

“He currently works for the Parks and Recreation department in their botany department for our city and realm. I’m the bookkeeper for another department in the city,” Layton said. Pride flowed through him as he spoke of his husband.

“Perfect for me,” Emrys said with a grin.

“Right now, we must manage our current situation. Which is tricky,” Solomon said.

“Right. Right. Sorry, but I didn’t want to lose the opportunity. What do you need from me, Professor?” Layton said.

“You wanted to gather the body and leave,” Emrys said.

“Then my children popped in my head,” Layton said. “If we let things continue as they are, my husband and I could lose them. Either to a life in hiding or death. Seeing the children run around, play, and learn here, no matter their gifts, I wanted another path for them. For all of us.” He returned his attention to Solomon. “Whatever you need. I’ll do it. I ask only one thing in return.”

“What is that?”

“If something happens to me, please collect my husband, Kosta, and our children and bring them here. Keep them safe. Tell them I loved them and kept my oath.”

Solomon let out a sigh, altering his plans for the bracelet, and nodded. “On my honor and word, I’ll make it happen. Not that I’m planning on losing you.”

“How can you do that?”

“By creating a new bracelet, but we’ll keep the original that will respond so no one is the wiser.”

“Can you do that?”

“Yes, just needs to be subtle. Add a few adjustments to fill in pieces of what we’re doing. Hence the use of the wand. Hold out your arm and keep it still.”

“Do I need to say an oath?”

“Only that you promise to maintain your original oath to the Guild, its principles, and do all you can to protect the Guild and the arcane,” Solomon said. “I’ll tell you when.”

Layton held out his arm. “Do whatever you can.”

Solomon flicked his wand and tapped on the current bracelet to make it visible. “Let me see what this mage did. Hmm…” He flicked the wand over different areas and sent up little floating balls. “Ahh… Yes. Yes. Remove this one. Lower this one. This is useless, a waste of energy. Not necessarily. Ahh, there’s the marker.”

“Marker?” Emrys asked while he stood next to Solomon’s side.

“Why are you right there?”

“To watch you work and manipulate the arcane. It’s fascinating. My entire family is magical, but only three have arcane magic.”

“Are they protected?”

Emrys blinked at the odd question. “Oh, you mean all those directives and laws. Those laws are only for the central realms.”

“The group behind it wants those laws expanded to cover all the realms. All arcane users are to be captured, gathered, and placed in one area because arcane magic is against the law of nature.” Solomon knew the annoyance and anger thickened his voice.

“That’s what you’re fighting against. Why you guide children away. Is it only in the central realms?”

“We’re spread throughout all the realms, especially where the Carmine are dug in deep. Arcane children disappear from facilities. Not even their parents were told when they came to pick them up and told the results,” Layton said, but didn’t move. “Sometimes we’re too late to respond.”

“Dearest leaves, does anyone know what happened?” Julian asked.

“One of the great mysteries. Some believe they are kept in a building that suppresses their magic. Some think they’re being tested on by who knows what. Others are more direct and say the children are…” Layton sighed.

“Dead,” Emrys said.

“No one ever sees a child that is whisked away by the Carmine.”

“You’re talking about the Society of the Carmine Knot?” Emrys asked.

“Yes, the very one. We call it the Carmine.” Bella walked over. Her arms wrapped around her waist. “Do either of you know about them?”

“Some of my family do, yes.”

“Julian?” Bella asked.

“No, no, I haven’t heard anything more than what is reported,” Julian said.

“Then, for your knowledge,” Bella said, “this is the high society group of mages and regular members who all believe that arcane is evil. While arcane may have created the realms, they believe and teach that arcane destroys everything because it is uncontrollable. A wild, dangerous magic that goes against all the laws and conformities. It started slow. Many didn’t listen or believe, but slowly the Carmine gained ground, supporters, members, and spread their hate.”

Solomon picked the explanation and said, “Many folks followed their twisted beliefs instead of the truth that arcane is the foundation magic. The most powerful creative magic that flows into all the other magical gifts. It’s all based from arcane, but naturally, the realms recognized the need for different types and generations adapted.”

“Over the last three generations, they focused on children,” Bella continued. “Some of the Carmine believed if they captured the arcane-gifted children early, they could twist the child’s magic. Children’s magic is flexible and trainable. The younger the better. Though the younger, the often more gifted in their main magic.”

“Dearest leaves,” Julian said.

“That is where our guild came into creation. The Guild of the Blind Eye. The Sentinels, our elders, created it after those first arcane children disappeared. Then it was only in the central realms. The closer to the center, the more children disappeared. Arcane is now a rare gift. Instead of cherishing it, the Carmine made it something to be feared,” Layton said.

“The Guild designed ways to build testing facilities they’re in charge of and can control what happens. If a child comes in and the analysis is arcane, a quick plan is put in place, along with a talk to the parents. We lay it out in simple terms. Their child’s death or a hidden life with a chance to learn,” Bella added.

“Hidden life?” Julian asked.

“A child is taken away from the facility in secret by the guides and, first, move outside the central realms to another place. Their physical features and coloring are permanently altered. Sometimes it happens over multiple visits. They’re given a new name, new birthday, and a new background. Even with young children, the Guild guides, explains, and comforts each child to help them understand why,” she said and continued. “Back at the facility, with magic and models, it appears the child died and returned to the family. All the records reflect the death. While a newly altered child can live. Yes, they’re mostly free from the danger while they attend school far away in specially chosen academies. But they’ll never see their family again. Some adults tried to contact their family and forge a connection. It doesn’t always work because of the secrets.”

Julian stared at them with wide eyes. “Both of you?”

Bella nodded.

“And no, please don’t ask our original names. It’s painful to go back in time,” Solomon said before Julian could ask the obvious question. He flicked the wand and maintained his concentration on the bracelet. He dropped all the revised pieces back in place. The bracelet was thinner.

“Memorize the feel of the mage’s magic,” Emrys said.

“Yes, since it could be the only way to distinguish the truth of those Guild members who are spies. Even the subtlest twist could be a factor.”

“Sounds like you’re planning to jump into the thick of it.”

“There might be no other way to end this threat. Only way is to blow it up from the inside and reveal the dangers the Carmine is doing,” Solomon said. “If it must be me, then I’ll jump.”

“What about Mac?”

“I’ll speak with him. Explain everything.” If Mac would even speak or meet with him. Maybe showing up at Cad-Wyn would show his intent?

“Professor?” Layton asked.

Shoving Cormac and their relationship problems into a tight box, Solomon cleared his throat and flicked his wand again to establish the connection.

“Pardon. Trying to figure out the next steps,” Solomon said. “For your knowledge, the bracelet will remain. If the mage checks, it’ll respond and react normally. Away from the mage, it will not activate. The bracelet I create will take over that position.”

“How bad was it?”

“It was basic protection, but a regular defense ward that you could create with a spell would do better. There are some things I’m not sure what to believe.”

“Whether they meant these bracelets to do what they said or another way to track our movements and report.”

“I couldn’t quite find those spells, but they could be hidden. I’m doing a bit of a rush job. There isn’t time to unwind the layers, just the important ones.”

“Do what you need to, Professor?”

“You can call me Solomon. I don’t mind.”

“For now, I’ll stick with Professor. If that’s in my memory, then that’s easier to push forward during any questioning,” Layton said.

“True. All right, let’s build you a new bracelet.”

“Could I watch and learn?” Emrys asked.

“Sure. It’s possible that you can create one with your druid magic. The one that has the kick,” Solomon said without mentioning Emrys’s unique weaver gift. An even more rare gift than arcane magic. Emrys could ‘weave’ multiple layers of different magical gifts from different mages into one spell.

“My ‘kick’ gift could be next on this Carmine list to exploit,” Emrys said.

“Possibly.”

With a tilt of his wand and a few words, Solomon spun out a length of flickering white rope that he wrapped around Layton’s wrist. He explained how to form the bracelet with layers of spells and intent.

Within a few moments, Solomon spun the wand and clipped off the last piece of magic. “That should finish it.” Then he tapped it to make it disappear on Layton’s wrist. “It’ll remained concealed unless you need it.”

“What will your bracelet do for me?” Layton asked.

“The bracelet will sense anything dangerous aimed at you and create a full barrier. You can crouch under the dome shield so it will drop to the floor in full coverage. If there are others you trust, have them touch you while the barrier forms, and it will enlarge to cover them. The barrier will dissipate after the danger passes. You or your companions can send spells out through it if there is a fight, but none will enter from the outside.”

“That is wonderful.”

“Far superior to the miniscule shield the other mage provided. I’m sure the mage did the same to all the other bracelets.”

“They were all designed at the same time.”

“Some of your companions or colleagues could be in danger. It will be your decision about what to do if anything happens.”

“How will I know about them? Whether I can trust them. Unlike you, I don’t have the capability of sensing their magic.”

“That’s a hidden part that I designed after Emrys’s suggestion. It’s a sensor of dark magic from known Carmine members and spies. The bracelet will buzz and vibrate against your inner wrist whenever you are near one. It will mark their presence for you to record their name and position.”

“I can hide a notebook and pen to record all my findings.”

“That would be perfect. As for the other members, it can scan them for any potential ticks or spells. If there is no buzz, then you can consider them friendly to the Guild and loyal to their oath.”

“And, hopefully, I can explain what is happening and get the word spread. Quietly.”

“We don’t know how high the treachery and spy network goes. Switching around a person’s role or even get them a testing facility position. This could only be recorded and ordered by someone near a Sentinel.” Solomon stepped back and studied Layton. “Please be careful.”

“With every step, I will be cautious in my approach and investigation. How should I alert you?”

Solomon snapped a card from his hidden pocket and held it out.

Layton took it and spun it. “It’s completely blank.”

“Whisper this phrase to it. ‘Connect me to Solomon’.”

Layton whispered the words. Solomon’s name and contact information appeared on one side. Then a special swirl marking appeared on the opposite side.

“Tap that side to create a direct connection portal to me. It bypasses the need for a phone. Only use that when you’re alone or in a safe location. If you can create a sound bubble, do that as well.”

“And to turn it blank again?”

“Say ‘Close connection’.”

Once more, Layton whispered the words. The card became blank. “That’s a wonderful spell. Can it do anything else?”

“One other thing. Can you turn your notes into a paper bird? A small one that can travel through portals.”

“Yes.”

“Good. Turn your notes about the spies into a bird. Pull out the card and whisper. ‘Portal to Solomon’. It’ll buzz me and I’ll activate the portal. Send the bird through and the portal will automatically close.”

“So I don’t need to create one?”

“No. The tiny portals can’t be traced and are powerful enough to cross multiple realms,” Solomon said.

“Your magical ability is a little scary.”

“Yes, yes, it is. But useful,” Solomon admitted.

“Thank you for the card.” Layton tucked it into an inner fold of his outfit.

“Hope that little spell comes in handy.”

“Anything else I need to do,” Layton said.

“Figure out who you can talk to close to the Sentinels. Once you feel things out. Remain aware of your surroundings and maintain a cautious attitude. I don’t want to ask too much. Overall, just continue with your normal behavior and activities. In time, we’ll clean the Guild,” Solomon said.

“And put an end to Carmine.”

“That will take another intense investigation of a different level,” Solomon said. “After their latest actions and threats, I agree it's time for them to be brought to face the law and end the Carmine’s influence.”

“Bring the worst of their actions and behavior to the forefront of all the realms to make them face what they are doing,” Emrys said.

“That’s the hope.”

“Then it’s time for me to leave. This poor child needs to be returned to their family.” Layton walked over to the child’s body and whispered a levitation spell to lift it. Then he walked to a far corner. “Lower the barrier.”

Bella lowered the protective barriers.

Layton spun up a portal and floated the body next to him as he left. The portal closed behind them.

Before they could discuss what happened, there was a knock on the double doors.

“Enter,” Bella called out.

A guard that covered the dungeon’s security entered the room. A clear globe hovered next to him. “Pardon my intrusion, Headmistress. The other guard and I inspected the prisoner. We discovered three locator beacon devices. They remained active. I clustered them here in this globe.”

“Please send the globe to Professor Windham for further inspection,” Bella said.

The guard sent the hovering globe toward Solomon, who created a flat surface. With care, the guard released the globe to allow the devices to drop onto the hovering tray.

Solomon inspected the devices, intrigued by the technology used in creating them. He sensed a touch of magic within each one.

“Was there anything else?” Bella asked.

“The vines, Headmistress,” the guard said.

“What about them?”

“They unraveled from the prisoner and moved on their own to the front bars. Then they created a woven pattern around the bars, even went around the door, and the ends dropped to the ground and burrowed deep.”

“The vines are burrowing to rebuild their roots and connect to the main vine collection. They’ll maintain the cell security. Their spines and leaves are facing inward. Correct?” Julian asked.

“That is correct, Professor,” the guard said.

“Then she’ll be well secured. Another benefit is that they can suppress magic, so she’ll be a regular prisoner,” Julian said.

“That is good to know. We don’t need to be as vigilant. Since we’re unprepared to maintain a prison. Technically, we’re trained to protect the students and the grounds, not prisoners,” the guard said.

“I’m grateful you accepted and followed my request. There could be more prisoners with what we’re facing,” Bella said. “I’ll look into the problem of hiring proper security officers for the dungeon if things continue and we can’t remove them.”

“Do you suspect there could be spies here?” Emrys asked.

“I’m going to investigate and take care of the potential threat. Solomon, I’m entrusting the rest of the investigation outside the academy’s walls to you,” Bella said.

“As is proper. Someone will need to cover my classes. Especially if I need to travel,” Solomon said.

“It will be done.”

Emrys moved toward Solomon’s side to study the devices. “What about these beacons?”

“Would your family know anything about them?” Solomon asked.

“Not that I know. Mac and Gray don’t deal with this kind of technology, but there could be other companies in Gledinium that might. I don’t know what everyone does for a living.” Emrys flicked a rune toward the tray to see what would happen. “Hmm. Even if we deactivate them, we can’t let them remain here.”

“The beacons would have stopped the moment we entered this room, but it could have been long enough to give someone a location,” Solomon said.

“Like the meadow. She stood there a long time,” Julian said.

“Dark flames, yes. Blast! Once I test something, we’ll send them on their way,” Solomon said.

“How?” Emrys asked.

“Add a little beacon of ours to follow what happens to them as we send them on a journey. Along with a hidden surprise that could guide us into discovering who they are. Bella, I’ll need three small portals to different locations. Toward central, west, and south.” Solomon flicked his wand to add his hidden touches to each beacon, including a special surprise. Then he created small birds with the beacon in each center.

“Interesting choice,” Emrys said.

“Follow the little birdie,” Solomon quipped while he activated the birds’ flight capabilities. Then he removed the floating tray.

Bella spun up the three small portals.

Solomon sent one bird into each portal that snapped shut. “I’ll get a tug on my magic with their locations if someone comes after them. Until then, we need to upgrade our protective measures. Any portal will need verification and approval from the Headmistress.”

“I’ll make sure that is set. Then I’ll make sure the dungeons are prepared for more… guests,” the guard said.

“Just ask the Gloriosa to expand the vines to cover the remaining cells. They’ll do what you request,” Julian said.

“Thank you for your help,” Bella said.

With a nod, the guard left.

Spinning around, Bella paced a few moments. “There’s a lot that happened today. The potential consequences are weighing heavily. I need to begin the investigation and altering the security plans. I’ll start with recent hires and spread from there.”

“At least you can count me out,” Emrys said with a grin.

“That’s one relief, though you look a little crazy,” she teased.

“Excuse me?” Emrys said.

“It’s because he’s dealing with me,” Julian added in a teasing fashion.

“You are a little nuts, my dear. Must be all those acorns,” Emrys teased while they bumped elbows.

Solomon watched them tease and push each other. Part of him thrilled how his oldest friend found his beloved after being alone for so long. Julian deserved all the happiness and love Emrys could give him. Emrys’s extended loving family took the lonely dryad into their own groves and hearts.

“Contact me if you need anything,” Solomon said while Bella walked past them toward the door.

“I believe your side will be far more difficult,” she said.

“And far more expansive. Nothing like a challenge to interrupt a quiet life.”

“At least this time, you’re not traveling the road alone.”

“Yes, I’ll have some trusted friends.”

“Explain everything to them. Crack open the secrets of the Guild. It’s been cracked on someone else’s terms thanks to the intrusion here and that flyer,” Bella said. “We’ll deal with those consequences later.”

“I’ll do that,” Solomon said.

Bella patted his arm. “Good hunt.”

“Same to you.”

Bella slipped out to return to her office.

“Where do we begin this hunt?” Emrys asked.

“You don’t need to return to the greenhouses?”

“No, Casper has everything in order, though I know he misses having Miller by his side,” Emrys said, mentioning his graduate assistants that assisted him within the massive greenhouses and his classes. Only Casper and Miller were no longer graduates. Casper was a permanent junior professor in the botany department. Miller’s journey took him a little further away after his graduation.

“How is Miller enjoying his time at Cad-Wyn?”

“According to his latest letter, he loves his new position. He’s working directly under Gray thanks to that internship. Gray and Mac were smart to snatch him up after his graduation thanks to Miller’s project that helped us figure out what was happening to Julian’s grove,” Emrys said.

“Any new potential graduate assistants to fill the ranks?”

“We selected three new candidates. Did I tell you that Loukas and Archie ended up working for my cousin, Ronan, in his landscaping corporation?”

“No, when did this happen?”

“A couple of months ago. They went to different places after graduation, but neither one liked their situation. Then my cousin reached out to offer positions.”

“Hopefully it all works out for them,” Solomon said.

“Even this walk down memory lane, while it was a nice distraction, will not stop us from helping you. Casper is more than capable of managing the classes and greenhouses. Which gives me time to assist you. I have a feeling we’re going to need some members of my family. They have the connections we’ll need in the inner realms around central that I no longer want.”

“You know that I’ll do anything I can to help and support you.” Julian wrapped his fingers around Solomon’s upper arm. “My dearest friend. I remember your arrival as a young boy. A little unsure of yourself. Scared down to your shoes, but trying so hard to hide it. You grew up quite respectable. Kind and lovable. An immense amount of magical power hummed through you, but you maintained a tight control. Due to all those secrets wrapped around you, now I understand everything.”

“What about your grove?”

“Emrys’s dear nana and family taught me how I can leave my grove for longer periods. I’ll always be stronger here. Thanks to the teachings and the gift of my new home tree, I can face anything away from Nucira.”

“Guess I don’t have any other way to prevent you. Even though this could all get messy and nasty when we circle closer to the Carmine,” Solomon said.

“Nope. You have no way. I never saw Bella so quiet about anything, so I know this is going to get crazy, scary, and dangerous,” Julian said.

Solomon turned to face his friends. While he hoped he might not have to face returning to the Central realms alone, he was relieved to hear his friends standing up and joining him before learning anything about what they would need to accomplish. He realized Cormac would be right there with the others, along with Grayson. Why didn’t he open his mouth to Mac and revealed everything when he had the chance? Pulling off his glasses to rub his eyes, he replaced them while his mine churned with regret for not opening up to Mac.

To go against the Carmine outright and upfront was indeed going to be crazy, scary and dangerous. But he wouldn’t be alone in the fight. At one point, he would reach out to Mac. He wasn’t going to give up that fight for a chance to stand with Mac.

“Still with us?” Julian asked.

“Yes. Yes, I am,” Solomon said while he studied them. “What do you want to do?”

“First, let’s leave this room. It’s rather creepy. Definitely needs a good smudging,” Emrys said.

“Done,” Solomon said.

“What’s it used for?”

“Testing any new students with unstable magic. Not just arcane. I come here to practice new or adjust current arcane spells. The walls are made with laumeldite and other suppression features. It’s heavily warded and protected.”

“So… potentially life and death.”

“Unfortunately yes. Including that poor boy, we have lost six youngsters over the last twenty annuals. Out of two dozen youngsters, it’s devastating. We couldn’t save them.”

“Could they have had a similar spell attached to them?”

“That’s a potential issue. Unfortunately, I hadn’t considered the idea that someone would be capable of sabotaging a child’s life. Though I know far too well how horrific Carmine could behave.”

“That’s something we’ll consider. For now, we should leave. Too much has happened here. It’s not set up for a planning session,” Emrys said.

“Plus, I’m getting hungry. How about we retreat to my home? I’ll cook. We’ll be a little more isolated. The Gloriosa will be close and might assist. They are really quite brilliant,” Julian said.

“It’s the direct injection of arcane into their roots. When sentient plants are exposed to more arcane, they become far more brilliant and almost humanlike,” Solomon said. “Even the Gloriosa mentioned the power of the arcane for sentient plants.”

“Really? I’ll need to have better conversations with the vines. How about it? My place?” Julian asked.

“Sounds wonderful. I need to retrieve some items that will help with the explanations and planning,” Solomon said.

“We’ll give you an hour. No more. Otherwise I’m sending the Gloriosa after you,” Julian said.

“I’ll be there. Promise.”

With plans settled, Solomon remembered he left his professor’s robes hanging over a chair before he dove in to assist with the boy. Looking around, he let out a little whoop of cheer.

“What was that?” Emrys asked.

“Oh, just found my robes again. Thought I left them here earlier.” Solomon scooped up the robes, shook them out, and hung them over his arm. He twitched down the gray-patterned vest he chose this morning. His pale blue shirt was rather limp, wrinkled, and covered in grass and dirt stains. There were a few other stains he didn’t want to name. “I hope I can get these stains removed. One of my favorite vests and shirts.”

Julian glanced over his shoulder and sighed. “If you can’t, I’m sure the laundress ladies can manage those stains. Yes, we can add a bit of time for you to clean up.”

“Appreciate that,” Solomon said while they left the protected room.

Before closing and locking the double doors, Solomon snapped his fingers to blow out the candle. He led them back out into the fresh air and light. Then they split to go separate ways until Solomon returned to the grove.