Chapter 195 The Ruin is Compromised (1/2)

Illai was tentative and weak as she reported back to her Master's headquarters. She'd thought that by attacking in the middle of the day, that she'd be able to best the little Shadow Magician with ease. He'd been more efficient than she thought. Still young though. If he'd been older, it was likely that he probably would have been able to attack her rather than simply defend.

The Mist was a complicated thing. It only awakened in younger individuals, but when it did it was unlikely to give the individual full access to the scope and depth of their abilities. Until they come of age at eighteen, they are capable of exploring both in small steps. The little Shadow Magician had clearly had plenty of opportunities to explore scope, more so even than he would have in an Academy, but he had not done as well in depth. He still looked seven or eight years from coming of age, but that was a lot of time to explore depth.

Illai had severely underestimated her opponent on this occasion, and it was likely she would not have such an opportunity again. She had already let down her Master one too many times. It was likely that her punishment would not be light.

”Reporting to Master,” Illai spoke as she knelt by the edge of his office. Ishta Alamone was alone this afternoon, clearly waiting for her return. The eagerness in his eyes faded considerably when he realised she was alone.

”You have failed me again, Illai?” he asked.

”I have no excuses, Master,” Illai stated, leaning forward to placed her forehead on the ground, ”Please punish me as you see fit”.

There was a pause, then a rage-filled roar echoed from Ishta's desk as he stood and flipped the desk and everything on it in the process.

”Incompetent, useless woman!” snapped Ishta, ”Report to the Solarium immediately. Don't even think of getting out before the Summer Solstice”.

Illai closed her eyes in sadness. Being in there that long for very near kill her.

”Yes, Master. As you wish,” stated Illai.

She stood and walked from the office, her steps strong until she was out of earshot of her Master, then they turned heavy and dragged terribly.

She would not die physically, being completely cut off from her element, but it was likely that she would want to. It was going to be a long two months.

Back in the office, Ishta glared at the mess on his floor. Even with Rassa Moonshadow out of the picture, this was beginning to become tedious. It had been over a month since he'd left the Island. Two months since he'd begun selling the charms. He must have made a fortune during the festival…

But now that Ishta thought about it, there had been no new stock on the market since. Despite Falla Startree taking over the business, and Illai having found the other individual capable of making the charms, they had not made efforts to make a profit out of such a commodity.

Why?

The question bothered him. Almost as much as his subordinate's inability to do as asked.

”It's time I have a conversation with Falla Startree,” Ishta mused, ”I refuse to believe that woman can continue to stay ahead of me when it comes to business wits”.

***

Kit had a splitting headache. It was without a doubt the first thing that called his attention as he awoke. The next, as he groaned low and raised a hand to nurse his pounding head, was that the rest of his body wasn't all that great either. He was aching as if he'd just recovered from a flu.

”Kit?” Iah's worried voice made its way through his pained consciousness and his eyes fluttered open. Iah sighed in relief upon seeing him awake.