A few hours later, within the grand hall, students gathered for lunch, their chatter filling the vast space as they unwound from the day's lessons. Amidst the clinking of utensils and the murmur of conversation, Professor Bhallen rose to the podium, his expression alight with anticipation.
'If I could have everyone's attention – I won't keep you long,' he called, his voice carrying an odd dissonance.
Acolytes, aspirants, and students alike turned their heads, silencing their discussions to listen.
'This announcement concerns those selected for the upcoming expedition. Once lunch concludes, you are to return to your dormitories and pack your belongings.'
Excited whispers rippled through the hall, a clear reflection of the students' growing enthusiasm.
Professor Bhallen pressed on. 'When you're finished, report to the abandoned docks. Roll call begins in the late noon hours – don't be late!'
The great hall had turned into a frenzy, students devouring their meals as if the expedition would depart without them. Some acolytes had already abandoned their plates, eager to pack and make their way to the docks as instructed.
At Riniock's side of the table, he and his companions ate at a more measured pace, though their excitement was undeniable.
'Finally,' Niann sighed, tearing into a thick piece of neblan bread. 'I'd imagined at least a thousand ways this trip would be cancelled.'
'You almost sound like you wanted it to fail,' Elred chuckled, stuffing his mouth with soriz.
Niann tilted his head. 'Not at all. But my luck has been abysmal since the day I was born.'
'No need to worry,' Elred assured him with a grin. 'With Riniock's god-blessed fortune, nothing's stopping this expedition now.'
The group turned to Riniock, who had yet to say a word. He sat staring into his bowl of orion cream cheese, his expression unreadable, lost in deep thought.
For a few moments, his companions exchanged puzzled glances, wondering what had seized his attention so completely.
Then Siegmun approached their table. 'Everyone holding up alright?'
Karia was the first to nod, her usual rosy smile in place.
'And you, Niann?' Siegmun pressed.
Niann gave a half-hearted shrug in response. He didn't particularly like Siegmun.
Finally, Siegmun turned to Riniock, a smirk tugging at his lips. 'And you? Ready to make those Iksharis eat dirt?'
Riniock remained silent, his mind drifting elsewhere.
Siegmun frowned. 'What's gotten into him?' he asked, glancing back at Niann.
Niann simply shrugged.
'Beats me,' Elred muttered through a mouthful of food. 'He's been like this since we sat down.'
Siegmun circled the table and stopped behind Riniock. With a firm clap on the back, he jolted him from his trance.
Riniock coughed, startled. 'Siegmun? What was that for?'
Elred leaned forward. 'See? Something's definitely off with him.'
Siegmun nodded in agreement. 'You're not yourself, Riniock.'
Riniock blinked, looking between them. 'What are you talking about? I'm fine.'
Before anyone could respond, two more figures approached.
'He just needs to keep his head in the game,' Balidor remarked, Aikan standing beside him.
Riniock exhaled, nodding as he rose from his seat, falling in step with Siegmun and the others as they left the hall.
Their departure did little to ease the tension, and the rest of the group finished their meal in silence. Once satisfied, they rose from the table and made their way back to the dorms.
The room buzzed with activity – about twenty acolytes moved about, talking and packing their essentials: clothing, provisions, and personal effects.
'Bedroll?' Niann asked, checking his.
'Check,' Riniock replied. 'Elixirs from Idrass' lesson?'
Niann tapped the end of his pack. 'They're in.'
They went through the rest of their supplies, double-checking the list they had prepared earlier.
As they packed, Niann kept stealing glances at Riniock, observing him closely. To most, his usual detached demeanour seemed unchanged, but Niann could tell – something was weighing on his mind. And knowing Riniock, whatever it was had to be important.
When they finally closed their bags and sat by their beds, their eyes met.
'You look like someone with something to say,' Riniock remarked, noticing Niann's persistent gaze.
Niann exhaled. 'You probably wouldn't tell me even if I asked.'
Riniock tilted his head slightly, caught off guard by the response. 'Try me.'
Niann hesitated, then bit his lip. 'Why are you so tense?'
'I'm not –'
'Don't dodge the question.' Niann's tone sharpened. 'I know you better than anyone here, and something's clearly got you in this state. So what is it?'
Riniock hesitated. If he told Niann, he'd be pulling him into something dangerous. 'I – I don't want to burden you with this…'
Niann shot up from his seat, frustration clear on his face. 'Then why do I even bother?'
'Fine,' Riniock relented, raising a hand to stop him. 'I'll tell you.'
Still sceptical, Niann sat back down, waiting for the truth.
Riniock glanced around the room, lowering his voice. 'I have reason to believe the delegation plans to harm us during the expedition.'
Niann's brow furrowed. 'Where in Murat did you hear that?'
'Well…' Riniock shifted slightly. 'Let's just say the source is reliable. No need to trouble yourself with the specifics.'
Niann scoffed. 'It's that girl, isn't it? Linry told you.'
'What gave you that idea?'
Niann scoffed. 'Please. I'm neither daft nor blind.'
'I told you, Niann. Do with this information as you will.'
With that, Riniock slung his bag over his shoulder and strode towards the exit. He didn't wait for Niann's response – he had already said enough.
Once outside, he made his way to the docks, where Linry and the rest of the delegation were waiting with their moored ship. The usual tranquillity of the area had been replaced by a chaotic buzz – students milled about in anticipation, their voices merging into a cacophony of excitement and tension.
As the moment arrived, Professor Bhallen stepped forward, his presence commanding attention.
'I trust you've all gathered your wits – and your belongings,' he said, his tone both firm and expectant. 'Once I call your name and you step onto our ship, there will be no turning back.'
A collective gulp rippled through the crowd, the weight of his words settling over them.
'Without further delay,' Bhallen continued, turning towards the water, 'let me summon our seaworthy vessel.'
He lifted his hands, focusing intently. The surface of the water trembled, gentle ripples spreading outward. Then, something stirred beneath – the deep groan of wood grinding against wood, followed by the unmistakable creaking of a ship emerging from below.
A massive vessel broke through the surface, larger than the Ikshari delegation's, its hull draped in thick strands of algae, water cascading from every seam and plank. The sails hung limp and soaked, their colours obscured by moisture.
Professor Bhallen gestured grandly towards the ship. 'Welcome aboard the Absconder!' A glint of excitement sparked in his eyes as he spoke the name. 'Step forward when I call your name.'