The news Lyra brought from Thomas had solidified my resolve. Lord Valerius's public donation, the new Elemental wing, the whispers of 'modern' decrees – it was all a carefully constructed fortress of influence.
My subtle jabs at Cassian would now need to be precise, calculated to chip away at that fortress without drawing overwhelming retaliation too soon. The Ancient Grove field trip, as Lyra informed me, now held a new, intriguing significance.
The morning of the faculty meeting dawned grey and damp, mirroring the mood of much of the academy staff, myself included. We were gathered in the Headmaster's private council chamber, a circular room with heavy oak furniture and tapestries depicting ancient Eldorian battles. The air was thick with the scent of stale parchment and unbrewed tea.
Headmaster Eldrin, a man whose formidable beard was rivaled only by his even more formidable ego, sat at the head of the polished table. Flanking him were the deans of the major magical disciplines, including Professor Mark, his face still holding a lingering scowl from our last encounter. I took my place among the newer, less influential professors of the smaller schools, my Elias Thorne persona firmly in place: quiet, observant, slightly detached.
The Headmaster began, his voice booming. "Gentlemen, and esteemed ladies, we are gathered today to discuss the exciting new developments in the academy, spearheaded by the generous patronage of Lord Valerius.
The new Elemental Research Wing promises to elevate our standing in the kingdom and foster groundbreaking advancements in Elemental Magic."
A murmur of polite, if unenthusiastic, agreement rippled through the room.
Many of the older professors, rooted in their traditional disciplines, seemed less than thrilled by this sudden, grand shift in focus.
Professor Mark, however, puffed out his chest. "Indeed, Headmaster. It is a testament to the Valerius family's foresight and dedication to Eldoria's magical future. This will allow us to push the boundaries of elemental control, to truly harness the raw power of the land." His gaze swept over me, a smug challenge in his eyes, as if daring me to question this.
I remained impassive, but internally, a cold anger coiled. "Harness the raw power of the land." I knew what that truly meant for the Kaelans and their allies: Elemental Shackling, draining life force. This new wing wasn't for research; it was for refinement and expansion of their illicit practices, shielded by academic legitimacy.
The discussion moved to new policies, then to the upcoming mid-term exams. It was all procedural, dull, designed to maintain the illusion of seamless transition. My mind drifted, trying to piece together where the Kaelan influence might also be subtlely at play.
Then, the Headmaster cleared his throat. "Finally, we must discuss the upcoming inter-disciplinary field trip to the Ancient Grove at the end of the month. All fourth-year students will attend. It is a vital exercise in understanding the interconnectedness of magical disciplines in a naturally potent environment."
Professor Mark nodded. "A good opportunity for Elemental students to experience raw, untamed power firsthand."
My ears perked up. The Ancient Grove. Raw elemental power. This was exactly what I needed to learn more about the Kaelans.
"However," the Headmaster continued, "there have been some… concerns expressed regarding the safety protocols for the Grove, given its wild nature and the recent increased magical fluctuations reported by the Crown surveyors."
A wave of murmurs, this time of genuine concern, swept through the room. The Ancient Grove was legendary for its potent magic, but also for its unpredictable surges of energy.
It was then that a voice, clear and precise, cut through the hesitant mumbles. "Perhaps, Headmaster, the solution lies not in stricter protocols, but in a deeper understanding of the Grove's innate magical rhythms."
My head snapped up. The voice belonged to Professor Cecilia, the Head of the Conjuration School. I hadn't paid her much mind before. She was an older woman, perhaps in her late fifties, with intelligent, piercing eyes and a severe braid of grey hair. Her Conjuration robes were a deep, earthy brown, adorned with intricate, precise runes. She always seemed reserved, almost aloof.
"Indeed, Professor Cecilia?" Headmaster Eldrin asked, clearly surprised by her intervention.
"The Grove is a place of immense power, yes," Professor Cecilia continued, her gaze direct and unwavering as it met the Headmaster's. "But it is also a place of ancient balance. It has always resisted attempts to 'harness' or 'control' it. Its fluctuations are not chaos, but a natural response to imbalance. Perhaps we should consider who has been 'surveying' these fluctuations, and what methods they have employed to do so."
Her words carried a subtle, yet profound, implication. She was questioning the very source of the Headmaster's information, and by extension, Lord Valerius's narrative.
Professor Mark bristled. "Are you suggesting the Crown surveyors are incompetent, Professor Cecilia? Or worse?"
Professor Cecilia merely raised a cool eyebrow. "I am suggesting, Professor Mark, that one cannot understand a delicate, ancient ecosystem by merely trying to dominate it. The Grove responds to aggression. It requires respect. Perhaps a focus on Life Magic principles, on understanding its inherent growth cycles, would be more beneficial than merely seeking to 'harness' its raw power." She paused, and her gaze, almost imperceptibly, shifted to meet mine. There was no direct acknowledgment, but a brief, knowing spark in her eyes, a shared understanding of her deeper meaning.
My mind reeled. Professor Cecilia. She was criticizing the Elemental emphasis, advocating for Life Magic principles, and subtly questioning the Valerius-backed narrative. She saw the same underlying truth I did – the aggressive, domineering approach to magic that had led to my family's ruin. She seemed to understand the inherent wisdom of Life Magic, its opposition to forced control and draining.
The meeting continued, but my attention was now fixed on Professor Cecilia. She spoke rarely, but when she did, her words were sharp, intelligent, and often carried a subtle defiance that belied her quiet demeanor.
She seemed to champion the older, more balanced magical philosophies, those that valued harmony over domination.
After the meeting finally concluded, Elara made her excuses quickly, slipping away before Professor Mark could corner her again. Her initial plan, while still viable, now had a new layer. Professor Cecilia. A potential ally within the very heart of the academy, an unexpected voice of reason amidst the brewing storm of ambition and corruption.