Mage's Blood by David Hair Page A

of God and the demons of Hel.’
    That’s because I don’t believe in them
, Alaron muttered to himself.
    ‘Well done, Boron.’ Fyrell smiled. ‘Malevorn, tell me of Affinities, using your own as an example.’
    Malevorn drew himself to his feet, half-closing his eyes as he spoke. ‘Every mage is different: our personalities define the Studies we excel at. Most of us have greater aptitude at one or more of the four Classes of the gnosis. We also usually have one elemental aptitude greater than the others. My element is fire and I am strongest in Thaumaturgy and hermetic-gnosis.’
    Fyrell looked approving, as he always did when Malevorn spoke. ‘Well done, Malevorn.’ He turned to his other favoured pupil. ‘Gron, what is Blood-Rank?’
    Gron Koll smoothed back his lank greasy hair. ‘The Ranks of Blood are numbered First to Sixth. The First Rank are the pure-blooded, those descended directly from an Ascendant or two pure-bloods. The Second Rank are the three-quarter-blooded; the Third are half-blooded, the Fourth are the quarter-blooded, the Fifth Rank the eighth-bloods and the Sixth Rank those with a sixteenth. There are no lower ranks, as anyone with less than a sixteenth of mage’s blood does not have the capability to utilise the gnosis.’ He paused, then added, ‘Above all are the Ascendants, the Three Hundred progenitors of all magi.’
    ‘Excellent,’ said Fyrell. ‘And what are the degrees of relativity between the Blood-Ranks?’
    ‘Each is roughly the square of the previous, sir. If we use the quarter-blood as a base, a half-blood is twice as powerful, a pure-blood is four times more powerful and an Ascendant sixteen times more.’
    ‘Meaning that we pure-bloods are worth at least four of Mercer,’ remarked Malevorn lightly, waving his hand at Alaron, ‘and sixteen of Sensini.’
    Alaron steamed, but Ramon just shrugged.
    ‘Seth,’ invited Fyrell with a lazy gesture, ‘what can be done to improve one’s powers?’
    Seth Korion had a placid face, short blond hair and a solid build. Everyone had expected much of him, the only legitimate son of thefamous General Kaltus Korion, but he’d been a plodder: a timid mage and fighter. He had shown none of the strategic and tactical thinking his teachers had expected would come naturally. The only thing he excelled at was healing, which was regarded by the boys as ‘girls’ magic’. Seth had always been the easiest of the Pure to get at.
    ‘There are varying levels of skill, talent and equipment, sir. An ill-equipped, inept or poorly trained mage is less effective than a well-equipped skilled and well-trained one.’
    ‘Fortunately we have the best in everything, sir,’ put in Francis Dorobon, sticking his chest out. His dark hair was slicked back, and he affected a little moustache on his upper lip, making his pale skin even whiter. He wore rings and diamond studs, and he liked to throw little Rimoni phrases into his conversation to remind people that he was rightful King of Javon, nominally a Rimoni country even though it lay in Antiopia. He raised his hand, displaying a large diamond ring on his middle finger. ‘This is a
primo
periapt.’
    Students could own periapts, but they were not permitted to use them except in class until after they had successfully graduated. Alaron’s was a modest crystal, Ramon’s even poorer. Alaron knew his father was trying to purchase a better one for him, but quality periapts were rare and expensive.
    Fyrell clapped his hands. ‘Excellent. Next week, your exams will begin. You will be tested on all aspects of the gnosis, as well as your ordinary academic lessons to decide whether you are to be granted the right to act as a mage and serve the community.’ His eyes swept over the Pure. It has been a pleasure to teach most of you.’ His gaze flickered disdainfully over Alaron and Ramon and then back to the Pure. ‘I wish you well for the coming weeks.’
    Malevorn stood up. ‘Sir, it has been a privilege