“And the second?”
“Theoretical magic. It’s a bullshit course. People who don’t know what they’re talking about trying to teach it anyway.” At Severn’s expression, she grimaced. “I attempted to get you out of that one, but no dice. Luckily, it’s short. Most of us,” she continued, “also had to deal with spoken Barrani. I’ve been told you can speak Barrani.”
Severn nodded.
“Can you read it and write it?”
He nodded again, but this nod was more hesitant.
“Fine—there’s a test for reading comprehension; there’s a test for writing composition. If you pass one of them, you don’t have to take the other. There is also a series of combat classes.”
“Weapon?”
“Yes. Basic weapons and unarmed. I figured you’d find those useful.”
“Is there a test?”
“It’s not called that, but yes.”
Severn was silent for one long beat. “How many hours a week are these classes expected to take?”
“Elluvian nixed the combat classes.”
“Oh?”
“He told Helmat he’ll train you personally.”
“I think I’d prefer the classes.”
Rosen’s brows rose. “You’re really not as young as you look, are you?” The words were soft, and far more serious in tone. “Why would you prefer the classes? Most of the younger Wolves would have considered Elluvian’s personal interest a bit of an honor.”
“You don’t.”
She chuckled. “I’m not young anymore.”
Severn shrugged. “I’d prefer the classes because most of the younger Wolves will consider Elluvian’s interest an honor.”
“You’re worried about Mellianne.”
“Mellianne is a Wolf, yes.”
“If that’s your concern, you’re going to have to talk to Helmat. He trusts Elluvian. It’s almost safe for him to do so.” The implication that it wasn’t safe for Severn was so clear, extra words would have been superfluous.
“I’m not sure I have the time for classes.”
“No, you probably don’t. Your current mission isn’t a job for new recruits. Mellianne and Darrell weren’t sent on active hunts until they’d passed all of the classes they were forced to take. If Jaren were here, he’d be shadowing Elluvian, not you. Jaren’s not here. I can’t do it,” she added, looking briefly at her leg and the hand that was missing fingers. “Doesn’t matter if you have the time or not. We have to arrange them anyway.”
“Even if I’m forced to miss them?”
“Yeah. You’ll be forced to log missed lessons and to provide written reasons—”
“In Barrani?”
“Barrani is the preferred language for most of our so-called academics, yes. It’s not necessary, but it’s what the hierarchy expects.”
Severn nodded. He glanced, once again, at the mirror on her desk, which was inactive. “If I make a query, will I be logged?”
“Yes.”