Chapter Thirteen – Hollis is no friend of mine
The ship-pair stopped at the Academy briefly to pick up the Dean of the Academy, who was also Gunrow’s brother. Fake and Andin stayed aboard. They had been invited to attend Gunrow’s retirement ceremony at Breakwater Island. When the Moontide and Thresher returned Lady Pria would be their sole Commodore.
“Are retirement ceremony’s big occasions?” asked Fake.
“Gunrow’s life work was commanding these two ships, in his case very much so a big occasion,” answered Andin.
“I’m Dean Harper, and you must be our new faculty member,” said the Dean as Fake and Andin introduced themselves.
Andin had imagined the Dean would be unpleased at the idea of him teaching at his school, he wanted to make sure his stay there was as easy as possible. “Yes, I wish I could have included you in the discussion but the Brothers were eager to finalize all of my arrangements in one sitting,” said Andin clearly sensing the Dean’s begrudged attitude.
“The Brothers do technically have authority here, though they rarely exercise it.”
“Have you given any thought to what I’ll be teaching?” asked Andin cordially.
“My new faculty typically work as assistants to existing professors before they can teach on their own,” answered the Dean.
“I’ve taught before at the College in Beldur; I’m sure if it were possible Svoi would endorse me.”
The mention of Svoi’s name had a strange effect on Harper. Andin wasn’t quite sure what to make of it but the Dean recomposed himself quickly, “Advanced Fire seems fitting then, I’ve heard you are quite proficient.”
The two ships were back in deep water. The chain of islands was sprawling and the ship-pair was never out of sight of land. Fake left to question the deck chief; he didn’t like Andin acting diplomatically, it wasn’t genuine.
“Might I ask fire prince, why do you wish to teach?” asked the Dean
“Imparting deeper understanding of the magical sciences isn’t just altruism; it’s the best way to deepen your own understanding as well,” Andin said this with conviction.
“The Brothers’ missive to me said we would be delving into portal-type magics.”
“That is correct; if we’re lucky it may be possible to communicate with the other planes.”
“Until I read the reports I didn’t believe such magic was possible.”
“News travels fast here in Pelagos,” said Andin. He was impressed that the Dean already knew so much.
In just a few minutes Andin had converted the frustrated Dean to his side. He never felt quite right going into a conversation with an agenda. Andin left the Dean with his mission accomplished; the seed of trust was planted. The more leeway the better.
“Having him at your schoolhouse might be the best thing that ever happened to it,” said Gunrow to his brother.
“I’m surprised you aren’t more nervous, he could burn your whole ship if he snapped,” answered the Dean.
“Maybe I’ll also come teach at the Academy after I retire,” teased Gunrow.
The idea of enduring his older brother at the Academy silenced Harper. Gunrow broke the hush with a laugh. For the first time in a long time, the two brothers set aside their deep-seated rivalry and just enjoyed the presence of an equal. The two ships sailed northwest. In the morning Pria would officially take command.