Page 33 of Claiming the Tower (Council Mysteries #1)

It made Blanch laugh, a sudden sharp sound. “That is true, a true-spoke kenning of the world.”

Hereswith lowered her eyes for just a moment, acknowledging the praise.

“You have questions.” Blanch picked up her tea now.

“Many. Most of which I will not ask today, I have not yet earned the right.” That made the other woman’s eyebrows go up and brought Hereswith a brief smile.

Hereswith went on, keeping her voice even.

“I would like to understand more about the protocol of making a Challenge, and what preparations you advise. I looked at reports from the current papers and the last few Challenges, but they are not at all helpful.”

“They will go on about the clothing. You are no duellist. You need not dress like one. A gown you can move in, suitable to the formality of the occasion.” She flicked her fingers, the first unguarded gesture Hereswith had seen her make.

“You know the colour symbology as well as I do, something that makes your point.”

Hereswith did not inquire why Magistra Ventry chose unrelieved black.

That would certainly not be answered. A shift to first names did not reach that far.

She nodded, however. “And should what I wear have additional charms and protections woven in, or sewn in?” Her usual dressmaker could probably arrange something of the kind, but it would be tricky to arrange.

Hereswith once again felt that direct gaze on her.

“Whatever suits your skills. Bring your best self into the Challenge, whatever that looks like. I cannot tell you that. I barely know you.” There was a heartbeat before she added, “Yet. I hope we will become colleagues. We could use another woman of good sense among us.”

“And what does that mean to you? What obligation am I taking on by this? Whatever comes from this?” That last bit was a little uneven, too eager or uncertain.

“Oh, I will sponsor you without obligation or expectation, other than that you bring whatever skills you have to the work. You would do that anyway. It is not an onerous burden.” Blanch waved a hand, another of those theoretically unguarded movements.

“You are a mistress of Incantation, if in a different line than I am. But you are of Horse House. I expect your loyalty, once gained, is not easily shaken. You will not shirk the work, or seek to turn it to your own primary gain. That is rather refreshing.” She then lifted one finger.

“Perhaps most relevant, you are used to people who reach for ambition. It will not break you, not as it might break some.”

“Ah. No.” It wouldn’t. That was a thing Hereswith had seen enough of, that kind of squabbling over minute points, or grasping greed, or poisonous jealousy. She certainly had her own flaws, but rarely those. “What is the protocol, then?”

“We meet as a group tomorrow. If you wish, I will put in your name. There will be a formal note, acknowledging it and giving the time and place of the Challenge. You may invite those you wish to have present. That’s your family, ordinarily, perhaps a few close friends or an apprentice master or mistress.

Your partner at the Ministry, Marcus Everett.

Five to ten is the ordinary number, but more can be accommodated.

The note will include how to make the arrangements. ”

Hereswith suspected it would not be so many.

Her apprentice mistress had died five years ago; she’d been elderly when Hereswith had apprenticed.

Papa was perhaps too frail for an evening out, though he might insist in this case.

Bess would come, and Marcus and William.

She would perhaps think of a couple of others.

She did not much want her brothers and sisters-in-law there, but she would consider how to handle that.

Or perhaps one of the older nieces or nephews, as a token of the rest of the family.

“Thank you.” She considered. “And the work of the Council, beyond what’s generally known? ”

“Ah.” Now Blanch’s eyes danced. “I think it is fair to say that you will have challenges to keep you intrigued for the rest of your days. There are certain cycles and repeated tasks, of course. Some are more tedious than others. But there are also many problems that need clever, caring minds and magic to tend.”

Hereswith took a breath, then she said, as bravely as she could. “Entice me, then.”

It was what was needed. She had, she recognised, as Blanch spoke, needed to admit that this was something she wanted.

Something she was willing to risk herself for.

And the truth of it was her work so far had not involved that kind of risk.

As Blanch laid out a handful of examples, Hereswith began to get a sense of it.

Not only the work— she was seeing only a fragment, of course— but also some of the other personalities involved.

She was certain that was deliberate on Blanch’s part.

It was the sensible way to do things. It was a gift.

And it would give Hereswith a great deal to keep her busy between now and the end of August.