Author

Three days later, a sealed scroll arrived at the stronghold, bearing the official crest of the Royal Academy of War and Statecraft - gold wolf and silver book, stamped with the headmaster’s personal seal. Aria broke it open after dinner, sitting beside Malphas by the fire, the children dozing or playing quietly nearby.

She read it through once, then again, and let out a quiet breath.

“What is it?” Malphas asked.

“Official request,” Aria said, handing him the parchment. “For the next academic term. They’re asking if I will return as visiting Arch-Instructor, and formally take up the seat on the Academy Governing Council that was left vacant after...