After their lesson, Riniock and Niann made their way to the main hall for dinner before heading back to their dorms.
By chance, Siegmun was still there, enthusiastically sharing the news of his recent assignment. The table around him was littered with overturned mugs, spilling the remnants of neblan beer – a mild alcoholic drink – onto the floor.
'Riniock!' Siegmun called out warmly, raising a hand in greeting. 'Come join us! We've saved you a few –' He paused, scanning the table, only to realise there were no beers left. 'Well, we'll get more! Haha!'
Riniock offered a small smile and made his way to the table where Siegmun sat with a handful of others. The group's composition was telling: all of them were older students. Three wore the familiar plain dark blue robes of acolytes, whilst two others, distinguished by their robes of the same colour but with an array of patterns, designs that each designed to their whims, were aspirants – students of higher rank. What also defined their rank from newcomers, was the embroidered college crests which was not prevalent on acolyte robes.
As Riniock approached, he couldn't help but notice the differing reactions. The older acolytes regarded him with genuine curiosity and interest, their gazes lingering as if assessing him. The aspirants, however, exuded a mix of haughty disdain and cold indifference, their expressions hinting at a clear sense of superiority.
'This is Riniock,' Siegmun announced, gesturing towards him as he spoke to the two aspirants. 'The acolyte I told you about – the one who wiped the floor with those Ikshari bastards.' Despite his attempt at discretion, his tone was far from subtle.
At this introduction, the aspirants' stiff demeanours softened. Whilst they still projected an air of superiority, the contempt in their expressions faded.
'So, it was you,' one of them said, his voice carrying a trace of intrigue. 'Quite the commotion you caused. I'm Balidor.'
He extended a hand, and Riniock shook it firmly. The second aspirant chimed in with a smirk, 'Wish I'd been there to see it. We rarely get the chance to remind those fools of their place.'
'I only sought revenge,' Riniock replied, his tone calm but laced with an icy edge. 'Had they not crossed me, perhaps their lives wouldn't be in ruins.'
His cold demeanour seemed to impress rather than unsettle the older students.
'Well said,' Balidor remarked approvingly.
'Good, good. An acolyte with some spine,' the other aspirant said, nodding in approval. 'I'm Aikan. And these are Ulred, Hadfarr, and Lodras.' He gestured to the older acolytes, who each acknowledged the introductions with nods.
'No need to linger awkwardly,' Aikan added, motioning to the table. 'Bring your friend and take a seat with us.'
Riniock glanced at Niann, who appeared uncertain.
'I'll…stay with the others,' Niann stammered. 'I'll wait for you over there.'
'Alright,' Riniock said, taking a seat next to Siegmun.
Ulred leaned in, speaking quietly, his tone far more controlled than his intoxicated counterpart. 'I heard one of them didn't make it, and the other's in a coma.'
'That's right,' Hadfarr confirmed, nodding slowly, his eyes closed in thought. 'I faked an injury to sneak a peek at the healing house.'
'How do you feel about it, Riniock?' Lodras asked, his voice a bit softer, as if trying to offer comfort.
Riniock shrugged indifferently. 'It's not the first time I've killed someone,' he replied, his tone casual, a slight smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. The others paused, exchanging glances of confusion.
He dipped a piece of bread into a bowl of creamy orion dairy – a black-striped cheese – before continuing. 'Once killed one of my family's slaves,' he lied, noticing their reactions. 'Caught him sneaking jewellery out of my room.'
His words hung in the air, leaving an uneasy silence as the group digested his bluntness.
'Well,' Siegmun broke the silence, 'it seems you'll be a real asset during the expedition. Not every day you come across a newbie as talented and decisive as you. I was right to approach you earlier today.'
'You've got a good eye, Siegmun,' Aikan chimed in, nodding with approval. 'I can't wait for this one to become an aspirant. That's where he'll truly shine.'
The group continued eating and drinking, the conversation drifting back to Siegmun's recent assignment and its significance, the mood lightened by the celebration.
After a time, Professor Bhallen rose to the podium, his voice amplified by a spell. When the room fell silent, he addressed them.
'If I may have your attention,' he began, his tone formal. 'After an extensive investigation and much deliberation, the investigation team has concluded that the individual responsible for the murder of Jorian Sador is no longer on the college grounds. As no further evidence has emerged, the arch-maegi has decided to lift the lockdown. Visits to the town are once again permitted. Anyone wishing to acquire a pass of leave should submit a written request to the student committee.'
A quiet cheer rippled through the room, and expressions lightened as the news sank in. Conversations began to murmur, but Bhallen raised a hand, signalling for quiet once more.
'Before you all disperse,' he continued, 'be advised that the list of names for those joining the Ikshari delegation on the expedition will be posted tomorrow. If your name appears, be prepared to depart at a moment's notice. That is all.'
This was welcome news for Riniock.
Although he remained sceptical about the premature lifting of the lockdown, it confirmed that the investigation hadn't tied the murder to him or Linry.
'Finally,' Balidor muttered, his voice laced with relief. 'We've been stuck in here for so long, I was starting to feel like I couldn't breathe.'
Aikan spun around with a grin. 'I could definitely go for a drink at the tavern again. Their ale is to die for.'
The group continued chatting, the conversation flowing easily. Soon, the topic of the murder resurfaced, and the theories began flying once more, each more outlandish than the last.
'Well,' Riniock said after a moment, standing up. 'I'll have to excuse myself. Tomorrow's going to be a long day.'
'Take care, Riniock,' Siegmun replied with a nod.
Riniock made his way out, offering brief nods to his peers as he passed their table. Before long, he was back in his room, settling onto his bed in a position designed to promote the smooth flow of odh throughout his body.