"I am flattered by the invitation," (Patreon)

Rebecca protested, "but I'm really just a novice. I know a handful of basic illusions, rudimentary nature magick, and potion making. I'm not ready to be a teacher."

“But weren’t you already teaching these young femmes?” Hoardblemish pointed out.

“Yes, but only because there was no-one else available," Rebecca replied. "Now that my lord - I mean Mister Young has returned, my first duty is to remain by his side. It is with a mixture of sorrow and pride that I hand off my students to your faculty. I know they will be in capable hands. We will need to return home and arrange things, since they only signed up for a short visit, but soon -"

"Actually, I packed for a long stay," Harriet declared. "I need only send my family a telegram to tell them that I've been accepted at the school."

"Thame here," Basil nodded.

"I don't think my parents will miss me," Fiona shrugged. "If they even are my real parents."

“I’m real good at stabbin’ thangs," Burnside announced proudly. "You want me to teach?”

“Actually," Hoardblemish said, thoughtfully stroking his beard, "a physical self-defense class would be a good idea. We can’t rely on magick for everything.”

"Don't you also have a commitment to stay by my side?" I muttered. “Awfully hard to be my Security Chief if you stay here. Plus, I worry that if you taught a self-defense class, most of your pupils would not survive.”

“Oh, you ol’ flatterer,” Burnside giggled bashfully.

“I see…” Hoardblemish sighed. "Well, we've got some new students at least."

"If I happen to find any likely teaching candidates, I shall end them your way," I told him.

“Well girls," Rebecca said, with restrained emotion, "I guess this is goodbye for now. Remember to write to your parents to let them know you got accepted. I want you all to know that it was a joy to have you in the coven. Study hard and make me proud. It was a pleasure teaching all of you.”

“Even me?” Fiona asked, fluttering her eyelashes.

“Yes, even you, some of the time. All of you, make sure to behave and help out around here.”

“Yes, Mistress Coven Leader,” the students answered in chorus.

I was momentarily tempted to tell Harriet that her scar-destiny theory was complete hogwash, debunked by elvish thaumaturgists centuries ago, but decided it would incur too great a risk of blowing my cover in front of the school staff. She would have to figure out the truth on her own.

“I can’t wait to start!" Fiona blurted excitedly. "I’m gonna turn SO much lead into gold!”

“Actually," Hoardblemish chuckled, "there’s been a recent agreement about that among alchemists. Creating more gold is off limits, since gold is the basis for all currency. We mustn't tamper with the supply. A surplus of gold would devalue money and wreck the global economy.”

“Oh… Then I’ll turn gold into lead to make all our money worth more!”

“Er, that's also tampering with the gold supply. Let’s just leave gold alone, shall we? Alchemy consists of much more than -”

“Okay, then I’ll turn shoes into black licorice!”

“Well, Mr. Hoardblemish," I interrupted before he could start thinking of ways to send Fiona home with me. "I have full confidence in you and your staff. I shall leave the privilege of sharpening these eager young minds to you.”

With a gracious bow, I turned to leave. Burnside and Rebecca pivoted crisply and followed me in a close formation that looked rehearsed. What an impressive effect that must have conveyed! I tried to conceal my delight as we strode together down the hall.

We emerged back outside the Gate in Percysthorpe. The hardest part was over. Now it was time to ponder what to do next. Sometime soon I should check in on my daughter with her adopted family. I also needed to start cleaning up Albric Tor and restoring it as the capital of the Empire. I should find out how far the Plague of Battles spread, as well as re-establishing ties with various realms that were once under Imperial dominion. I needed to find out what the Duchess of Daisies and the Vulpitanians were up to. I could also try to find General Bonsai and the Shrub Knights before Dr. Cesawonki did. That wily old fox would surely implant some devious command in them with his nature lore abilities. So much to do! What should I tackle next??

PREV www.patreon.com/posts/124322692

Thursday is no longer a good day to do this. I will try doing the Ballad on MONDAY next week. Mark your calendars appropriately!