“Johannes feels Severn shows actual promise.”
“It’s Johannes. But he feels in this particular case—and Severn is not to get his hopes up—that the testing may have unearthed some natural proclivity toward magical arts.”
“Arts?”
“I believe that’s the word he used; his scrawl is practically code.”
“And is he suggesting that Severn should now join the Imperium?”
“He is, if I’ve decoded his scrawl correctly.”
“Has the private been informed of what Johannes clearly considers his incredibly good fortune?”
“I’m sure he has—by Johannes.”
“I am far less certain; Johannes dislikes the offensive egotism of youth. He is certain to consider the news itself too much for the young to handle with grace.”
Helmat considered this. “You’re probably right.”
“You disagree.”
“Severn is absent any of the obvious edges of youthful ‘optimism,’ as Johannes calls it. I think it likely that he has told Severn about his great good fortune.”
“And you have summoned me, why? Surely this is a topic for discussion with the private.”
“I want to know what you know, of course. I want to know why you failed to bring this to my attention.”
“It is a test for aptitude, no more.”
“You consider it accurate.” Helmat kept accusation out of his tone with years of long practice. His fingers, however, had unclasped themselves and were now drumming the surface of his desk.
“I consider it accurate.”
“Why?”
“He has come to the attention of An’Tellarus,” Elluvian finally said. “And the tests of the Barrani are, in my opinion, far more accurate.”
“They are calibrated for the Barrani.”
“They are calibrated for, perhaps, the magical aspects the Barrani might prize.”
“And An’Tellarus?”
“I do not know what she hopes for or expects.”
“You’re lying, En.”
Elluvian smiled. “I am. I have every intention of preventing any of An’Tellarus’s plans from coming to fruition. The Imperium, however, I consider your problem. You are Lord of Wolves. You may clash with the Imperium on your own time.”
“If his magical potential is remarkable—and given your reaction, I assume it is—the clash with the Imperium will become difficult. The Imperium is not the equal, in any way, of the Arcanum, and the Emperor has need of mages whose service he trusts.”
“The service, however, must be voluntary.”
“If Severn is a Wolf, there is a loophole.”
“Indeed. Should the Emperor command him to enter the Imperium, he will be forced to obey. Do you think that command will be forthcoming? Ah, never mind; that was a clumsy question. You do.”
“I consider it a distinct possibility. You have been part of the Wolves, and the Emperor’s thoughts on their constitution, for all of our existence. What do you believe the Emperor will do?”