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into his shirt pocket. “I’m so sorry, Kara, but that’s just not possible.” He handed a small, rolled scroll to Journeymage Talbot. “As you can see, sir, between my final trials, the Brotherhood of Flame, and my last mandatory family day, I have no time at all for a triptych duel. Not until after Selection Day.”
    Kara huffed. Selection Day was the day the elders would announce the royal apprentice. If she waited, they would certainly announce Aryn. He had outmaneuvered her again, and it was all she could do not to punch the smile off his face.
    Talbot frowned at the schedule. “Initiate Tanner, you missed your prior duel. Initiate Locke is well within his rights. His obligations preclude another duel this week.”
    “As I said,” Aryn agreed, and Talbot scowled at that. “So again, Kara, you have my genuine apology. After Selection Day, if you still wish it, I’d be happy to—“
    “What about tonight?” Kara cut him off. “Are you free tonight?”
    Sera gripped her arm. “Don’t.”
    Kara only then realized Sera was standing at her side, had been since Talbot approached the table. Then she realized how stupid she had been. Aryn grinned wide as he stared at her, his handsome face positively glowing.
    Aryn wanted to duel her tonight. While she was weak. That was why he had come to her table, denied her a duel and goaded her into a fight. Once again, Aryn Locke had played her like a harp.
    “Tonight?” Aryn tapped his chin. “I was supposed to lead a study group, but I could cancel it. As a favor to you. If you insist.”
    “You’re such a gracious soul.” Kara clenched one fist. “I insist.” She nodded at Talbot. “We’ll duel tonight. Will you officiate?”
    Talbot nodded back. “It would be my pleasure, Initiate Tanner.” He was fair to a fault. She liked him even more.
    Aryn backed up, all warm eyes and half-smirk. “I’m looking forward to this! Best of luck.”
    Byn frowned at her. “Kara, that was—”
    She gave him a look.
    “Necessary.” Byn raised his hands. “But you could barely make it across the Commons.”
    “I’ll do well enough,” Kara said. “I’ve got wind in my sails now.”
    She watched Aryn and dozens of students hurry for the doors, listened to the murmur of excited voices. Tonight’s duel would be a spectacle and she would be its star, yet she would not duel Aryn for fame, or bragging rights, or to settle some schoolyard grudge.
    She would duel him to save her mother.
    Students fresh from supper and eager for a spectacle surrounded the small area of the Commons set aside for their triptych duel. Journeymage Talbot had chosen a square of short grass bordered by meandering stone paths on two sides. Solyr’s central river flowed along the far side, and the cafeteria loomed over her from behind. Its shadow ended at the grass.
    Byn walked ahead of Kara, his size and scowl easily clearing the way. Sera walked beside her, eyes down. The two of them made Kara feel like she could do this, even though her body screamed she couldn’t. She told her body to shut up.
    “You know I can’t enhance you.” Sera was shaking, and it wasn’t even cold. “It wouldn’t be fair.” Her lower lip trembled.
    Kara wanted to hug her friend. “I wouldn’t ask you to. Relax. He doesn’t stand a chance.”
    “We’ll talk later. You have a duel to win.” Sera hurried to join the crowd before Kara could say anything else.
    Kara met with Journeymage Talbot in the center of the grassy square as Byn stood as her second. Dozens of initiates had surrounded the square, some anxious and some cheering. All expected an epic duel.
    Finally, Aryn strode from the crowd and took his place across from her. Jair Deymartin stood as his second. An interesting choice.
    Of all Aryn’s friends, Kara found Jair the most likable. He never raised his voice to anyone and used much of his time helping others study. Though his tall frame, close-cut dark hair, and deep black eyes suggested a gloomy