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given further demonstrations of magic, gentlemen, and I will tolerate no
further questioning of Scholasticate policy. You have had your fun, but it is
over. I will not hesitate to discipline any Student who seeks a repeat
performance. This is not a democracy, gentlemen. Either you accept the rules
and strictures placed upon you, or you may consider a vocation outside this
establishment."
Crohn folded his arms and glared at the Students. Is there any boy here who
will not give of his all, without question and without complaint? If so, you
may speak now and save both of us much wasted effort and frustration."
The boys looked at the floor and made no reply. Crohn allowed uncomfortable
silence to hang over the room like a funeral pall.
"That is well, the Magemaster intoned at last. Now, if we have all had our
fun, perhaps we may explore the thaumic resonances of runic groups of the
Second and Third Families when combined with root tones..."
Chapter 20: The Broken Instrument
^
Self-control and discipline; these had become the new mantras, the new
watchwords for Grimm's class. Again and yet again, the boys practiced writing
and chanting of the most obscure and complex spells under all kinds of
conditions.
Sometimes Kargan would burst a paper bag behind a boy engaged in a chant. On
one occasion, the boys took it in turns to intone chants in which they were
proficient, whilst being spun around in a rotating chair and suddenly stopped
at irregular intervals. Many boys became nauseous, and several vomited. Only a
few, including Grimm, managed to hold on to their senses and the contents of
their stomachs long enough to complete the chant with sufficient control and
attention to detail. Grimm studied meditation techniques in the Library, so as
to allow the divorce of his mind from his body at these times; these exercises
proved very useful.
Even the bullies of Grimm's year were pent by this constant discipline, as,
where the Magemasters had once overlooked various infringements including the
sporting of fight injuries, now they pounced on the least infraction with
ruthless severity. Should any boy enter the class bearing inexplicable
bruises, the Magemasters used Divination spells to ascertain the reason for
this, and they were liberal with their punishments.
Shumal and Ruvin now left Grimm alone, preferring to pick on Students in lower
years.
At one point, Argand caught Shumal tormenting a first-year Student and beat
the bully without mercy, but he was careful to leave no marks that would be
visible to the Magemasters. After pointing out to the prostrate Shumal that,
next time, he would be given a black eye and a broken nose despite the risk of
punishment, even Shumal took a sabbatical from his unpleasant activities. If
the Magemasters had performed a Divination on him in such circumstances and
discovered his bullying of smaller boys, he would surely be dismissed from the
House, and he seemed aware of this fact. Some of the boys told Grimm that
Shumal's father was a more brutal bully than his son, although the charity lad
could not bring himself to pity his enemy. Nonetheless, even Shumal's wings
seemed to have been clipped.
* * * *
"Now, Afelnor, you will demonstrate to the class the correct form of the
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secondary type of Joining spell for a round, inanimate object in no more than
five fragments, Kargan drawled to the twelve-year-old Grimm, who was now
almost as tall as the Magemaster.
Grimm composed himself and stood before the class. He knew the exercise well,
but he worried that he might have difficulties with the higher notes. For some
weeks, he had had to struggle to reach notes that he had sung on previous
occasions without the least trouble. He felt sure that this was some passing
minor malady, and he began to sing.
"Churaah, aharantai, khohauugh nimaimetooreh ... Grimm broke off in
confusion, as his voice descended to a ludicrous bass, rose to an off-key
croak and then sank again on the last three syllables. A peal of laughter
burst from the class, and, for once, Kargan did not admonish them.
"Perdition on it! Kargan sighed, adding: I should have had you bloody
castrated last year!"
Grimm felt by no means certain that Kargan's words were given in jest.
The Magemaster drew another deep sigh. I expected that voice to last you at
least for another year. Oh, well; once the instrument is broken, it cannot be
mended again. You will just have to learn to cope with the new one, which I
hope serves you as well. Gaheela! May I prevail upon you to lead the class in
this chant for a little while? I need a private word with our newly
disharmonious friend, Afelnor."
Numb with shock, Grimm allowed Kargan to lead him into the corridor, while
Madar ran through the same spell-chant with the other Students, his voice
ringing out in its customary, clear treble.
Closing the classroom door behind him, the Magemaster laid an almost paternal
hand on Grimm's shoulder, as the boy fought to control hot tears. For once,
the Magemaster's usual boisterous manner was absent, and he seemed almost like
a normal human being.
"It was a fine instrument, boy, Kargan said, leaning close to Grimm's ear,
one of the finest I have ever heard, but it would be a great shame were you
to reach my age with the same voice. Imagine if I were to stand before you,
stern and forbidding, and then declaim in a dulcet soprano!"
Grimm laughed in a hoarse, scratchy tone. Then he became serious again. Lord
Mage, will this affect my chances of progressing further? What if I can never
sing again?"
Kargan shook his head. All men, including the greatest of Acclaimed mages,
have been through this, Afelnor. It is part of becoming a man, and even the
mightiest mage has had to cope with the change in voice sooner or later.
"In your case, it is sooner, so you will have plenty of time to gain the
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