Dimwater's Demons by Sam Ferguson Page B

within the cadre of that unit. The name with the most votes become the next headmaster.” Headmaster Herion smiled again and placed his hands on Feberik’s massive arms. “So what do you say? Want to take a peek at the unit?”
    “What would I need to do?” Feberik asked.
    “Simple, the unit is commanded by the headmaster, which currently is me. However, I answer directly to King Mathias for everything that is done. If you want a chance to mete out justice, this may be the most fulfilling opportunity that will ever cross your path.”
    “Can I tell Janik?”
    Herion shook his head. “You will take an oath never to divulge your involvement to anyone. More than that, a spell will be put upon you so that you never break that trust, even if tortured by the enemy.”
    “The enemy?” Feberik echoed.
    Herion nodded. “There are dark forces all about, my friend. Shadowfiends, necromancers, demons, dragons. The list goes on. To be sure, some of the other masters help from time to time, but if you want the full taste of action and glory, then you need to shake my hand and accept the offer.”
    Feberik nodded and looked down to Herion’s hand. “If I refuse?”
    Herion nodded solemnly. “Then I will wipe your memory of this part of our conversation and you will remember only that I scolded you for your over-zealous indignation at Caspen Manor. The choice is entirely yours. You will not be punished for refusing, but, if you want to help direct the course of Kuldiga Academy, then you should consider joining. I will add that you have no chance of becoming headmaster if you do not join. However, if you do become part of our unit, I have a feeling that in time you will become a top contender for the position.”
    Feberik took in a breath and thought very carefully. “Is it worth it?” he asked.
    Herion smiled and his brilliantly white teeth shone brightly. “Feberik, this is what you were born for. These are special assignments from the king. We root out the most dangerous snake pits in the kingdom, and then we eradicate them. Think carefully before you refuse. I cannot make the offer twice if you say no.”
    Feberik studied Headmaster Herion’s eyes for some time. Everything in his soul was pulling for it. Even despite the doubts in his mind, which were few, he knew what he would choose. The large man reached forward and took Herion’s hand. “I’m in,” he said.
    “Excellent. Go now and take the rest of the night easy. Your induction will occur tomorrow.” Headmaster Herion then wove a spell over Feberik and a silvery tingle ran through the man’s body. “That’s to make sure you don’t say anything about it to anyone else. Go now, supper will be ready soon.”
    Feberik nodded and went for the door.
    “Oh, and one more thing,” Herion called out.
    Feberik spun on his heels to regard the old wizard.
    “You really should try spending a day or two in your pajamas, it does wonders for the mind and soul.”
     
    *****
     
    Kyra opened the door to the classroom and went inside. The early morning sun beamed in from the east, illuminating several spots on the stone floor with its bright light. Cyrus was seated in his chair behind his desk. He was smoking a pipe today, and looking rather weary as the young apprentice made her way to her desk.
    “Figure out the lesson I was trying to teach you?” Cyrus asked, referring to the passage about the wraith.
    Kyra nodded. “I think so.”
    “Good, then tell me what you learned,” Cyrus said as he leaned back and puffed three small rings of smoke into the air.
    “The text doesn’t mention this, but I tried to ask why the wraith would attack.”
    “And?”
    “The boy must have had something,” Kyra said. “It took me some time, but I think it wanted his blood.”
    “His blood?” Cyrus echoed. “Why on Terramyr would it want that? A wraith is not a vampire.”
    Kyra shook her head. “Maybe it didn’t want the actual blood, but maybe there was something about the