The Dragon Nimbus Novels: Volume III: Volume III

dependence upon a familiar to complete the quest, though. Get rid of that nasty little creature.”
    Powwell tucked Thorny into his tunic pocket as he clenched his jaw against an angry retort. Scarface had no patience or understanding of the unique relationship between a magician and a familiar. If given a choice between working with his familiar or his staff, Powwell had to choose Thorny.
    When he could control his words, he replied, “I’ve only been a journeyman for a few weeks, sir. The Commune can’t send me on a master’s quest yet.” He had too many things to learn in the library before he embarked on his own quest—one that had nothing to do with Scarface or the welfare of the Commune.
    “What kind of quest, sir?” Bessel asked.
    Scarface shifted his attention to the older journeyman. “Gilby has been missing six moons in his search for Jaanus, another journeyman magician who has been missing for well over a year. I need you to find them both and bring them back. Coronnan cannot afford to lose any more magicians, especially if a plague threatens us.”
    “Sound reasoning, Aaddler,” Nimbulan said from behind them. “But I think retrieving Rollett from Hanassa would be a more successful quest.” His tone left Powwell with the impression he had more to say on the subject. Nimbulan’s left hand came up, palm out, fingers slightly curled—his old magical gesture used as an extra sense to gather information or concentrate his thoughts.
    Tension flowed out of Powwell at the sound of his adopted father’s voice. Nimbulan would look out for his best interests, even if Scarface had forgotten how.
    If only the old man could take him into the void to search out Kalen . . .
    “We all know your obsession for keeping your students close to you, even though you have nothing left to teach them,” Scarface snarled in contempt. “What else do you hesitate to say?”
    “Bessel is your Senior Journeyman. He has responsibilities here,” Nimbulan replied.
    “I have apprentices who can take over his duties.”
    “Apprentices, sir, not journeymen,” Bessel said, his voice and posture quite apologetic. “Apprentices don’t have the training yet to help you with the younger students, to prepare your potions for special spells, to monitor your glass for important summons, or to research new spells for you. They aren’t mature enough to sit quietly in Council meetings, observing the reactions and whisperings of the lords and ambassadors.”
    Powwell almost applauded Bessel for speaking up for himself, something the Senior Journeyman rarely did—if you could find him outside the library. Bessel spent more time in the treasure trove of knowledge than Powwell did.
    Nimbulan nodded encouragement to Bessel to continue.
    “I would be happy to hasten the studies and exercises of some of the older apprentices, sir, so that they are ready for advancement when I am ready for my master’s quest.”
    Powwell almost snorted in disgust at Bessel’s humble tone and posture. As usual, Bessel seemed more interested in compromise just to keep his place in the University rather than fight for what he knew to be right.
    “It is not your place to question my orders. Either of you.” Scarface’s clenched lips turned as white as his scar. The anger that always simmered within him seemed ready to explode.
    “But it is their place, as the only two journeymen available, to offer observations to help you in your decisions,” Nimbulan said. “I trained them to think and not just to obey orders blindly.” His face worked as if he held back a big smile.
    Powwell wanted to grin, too. Scarface had shown exemplary administrative skills in guiding the Commune this last year. He had stepped into the vacuum left when Nimbulan lost his magic and nearly his life. But Scarface’s temper had won him few friends.
    “I won’t accept your quest, sir,” Powwell replied. He stared directly into Scarface’s hooded eyes so the man would know his determination. Thorny squirmed within his pocket, suddenly uncomfortable with Powwell’s boldness. “I have made no secret that as soon as I figure out where she is, I will leave here to rescue my sister. If no other method exists to find her, I must prepare myself to enter the void to seek out her life force.”
    Powwell would know her distinctive orange-and-brown signature colors in any guise. Now that he was close to learning a way to find his sister, he wouldn’t let Scarface interrupt his