Chapter 796: Cabal's Return from Hiatus

Chapter 796: Cabal's Return from Hiatus

It's been way too long since we've gotten together like this. Thundar leaned back in his chair, his arms behind his neck. Way too long.

I agree, Thundar, I know. Alex went to reach for his satchel, his hand pausing partway. In the past, when they would meet on this balcony in Generasis castle, it was to study together, or plan for an event like the Games of Roal. Out of habit, hed just reached for a textbook. He shook his head. Way too long is exactly right.

A lot has changed since the last time we four came together like this. Khalik lounged in his chairNajyah perched on the back of itgazing over the campus grounds. The prince looked pensive. It seems that these days our time is spent thinking of ways to save kingdoms and defeat maniacal monsters, or working with the Heroesor doing other vital things. Weve had a great weight to bear. One that I never would have imagined when we first met in the beastarium or when we met again in the Barrens of Kravernus.

A small smile took Khaliks face. It was chance that brought us together on that day, but little did any of us know just how significant our meeting would be. Our quest to the escarpment was only the beginning of our path together.

By the elements, it feels like our meeting was so terribly long ago. Isolde marvelled. She began muttering under her breath, doing some mental math. Can you believe that nearly three years have passed since we first met?

It doesnt seem that long, does it? Khalik said. It feels like we met yesterdayand yet

it feels like we've known each other all of our lives, Alex finished his friends thought. It's hard to imagine life without the three of you now. I don't know how the hells I managed to get by in Alric. I had a few friends back home, but we were nowhere near as close as the four of us are.

Thundar scoffed. Me and my buddies back home used to roughhousewe were the youngest in the herd for a long timeand you know what they said to me when I left?

What was that? Alex asked.

They said they didn't want that fancy school changing me. But it sure as hells has, Thundar admitted. I was a really different guy before I met the three of you, Baelin, Grimloch, Kybas, my friends from the dorm

Truly? Khalik cocked his head. Unknown to him, Najyah was mirroring his movements, her head tilting to the side as she looked at the Minotaur. Alex barely resisted the urge to laugh. That could explain a lot, the prince continued. When we first met in the Barrens, you seemed much more reserved. You gave the image of a disciplined and valiant warrior.

Thundar winced. I did, didnt I?

Come to think of it, yes you did. Isolde raised an eyebrow. You were far more poised than you are today and do not tell me that we were a poor influence on you, either.

The minotaur scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed. Promise youre not gonna laugh.

Nope, Alex said.

Out of the question, Khalik said.

I would not want to lie to you. Isolde drew a deep breath, so that her impending laughter would have plenty of fuel.

Traitors. Thundar glowered at them, but continued all the same. Alright, look. When I first got here, I had it in my head that I wanted to reinvent myself. I was kind of an idiot in my herd, and I He paused, looking at Isolde. Well, that's not true either, now that I think about it.Ne/w novel chapters are published at novelhall.com

He leaned back in his chair, looking up at the sky. When I was really young, I was what you'd call the smart kid. I'd be the one going on about random things that I'd learned, the teachings of our elders, and any sort of magic I could get my hands on. All the others around my age thought I was weird: they kept calling me names. When I was twelve, I decided I didn't want to be called names anymore. So, I started goofing off: I'd be the one jumping into lakes teeming with leeches just because someone dared me to. I stop talking about magic. I learned to smash skulls with my mates, and found out my skull was tougher than theirs. I got popular, with the boys at least. The girls still remembered me as being this weird kid, or thought I was too braindead to be cool.

Right, Alex said. Then what?

Well, I decided to change myself when I got to university. No more weird kid. No more big, dumb idiot either. I thought I'd come in and be the honourable warrior type. That I'd be respected, that way. People would take me seriously. I'd besomebody.

And what happened then? Khalik asked.

Well, Thundar said. Folks in the dorm thought I was stiff. Then, when I got to know you guys better, I just relaxed. Went back to being the big oaf Id become when I was a teenager. I don't know, the weird kid never really came back. Guess I have more fun this way.

Unless I'm dead, I wouldn't miss it for anything, Alex said emphatically.

I, for one, would be glad to see you walk across the stage ahead of me, hopefully you will not trip and fall, Isolde smiled, pleasantly. You will go first, since the first letter of your surname comes before mine. But, besides that, why did you want to meet with me alone, initially?

Alex focused on her. I wanted to ask you something. What are you gonna do after you walk across that stage?

She raised an eyebrow. What do you mean?

I mean, after the war is over, Alex said. What plans do you have for your future?

Assuming that I live through the war she said. Graduate studies, of course. I have had several offers from my different professors to join them as a graduate student and I have chosen to work with Professor Jules, and Professor Monroe, she specialises in lightning magic.

Two graduate specialties? Thundar asked.

I do believe I can handle them both, Isolde said.

I'm not saying you couldn't, but even doing ones a lot of work, from what I hear, Thundar said.

I do not shy away from that, Isolde said. Expanding my knowledge, and giving back to wizardry through research will be worth the effort.

And what about after that? Alex asked. After you finish graduate studies?

After? she asked. I will obtain a position as a court wizard.

Really? Alex asked. Are you sure about that?

Yes, indeed, Isolde assured him. The Imperial court of the Rhinean Empire could use less vipers and more competence. I will work with my grandfather to provide that.

And you've never thought about doing anything else? Alex asked.

I have, she said. But that is what I want to do. I'm not quite like you, Alex. I must admit, I do enjoy the rush of conquering ones enemies, but to me, combat is a means to an end. I joined Baelins class for the purpose of learning to defend myself and to make a connection with the chancellor. I joined the war in Thameland, to support my friends, gain credits at the university, and partake in the research of a new and exciting magical substance. But I find prolonged battle exhausting. Excitement can quickly turn to fear over whether we will live or die

Her expression darkened. Or if we will lose a close ally again, just as we did at Uldars Rise. No, I do not think I wish for that to be my life. If I feel the need for excitement, I will take a sabbatical from the court and go on an adventure or hunt a monster. But to travel far and wide, constantly risking my lifethat is something I would have no interest in doing.

I think a position as a court wizard would suit you, Khalik said. It would allow you to use your intelligence, your political savvy, and your magic.

Thank you. She nodded at him. My grandfather would be most pleased to hear that.

And how did you know thats what you wanted to do? Alex asked.

It has always been in the back of my mind, Isolde said. Of course, I opened my mind to other possibilities when I progressed through my studies. Last year, I thought about being a professor for a time. Yet, as much as I enjoy academiaI think I miss the court more. And I do not think I would be the best teacher. I also thought of becoming an alchemist, or opening a business like you, Alex. But I have seen your eyes light up at the thought of mercantile enterprise, in a way that mine do not. In the end, I returned to what I set out to do from the beginning. I find that fits me best.

Alex had to resist the urge to laugh, remembering Professor Jules story.

That is me, though, she said, then looked at the others. What about you? What do you three wish to do after the war and graduation?