blankets

Vincent

Agarma returned 30 minutes later with Claire and several guards. “Search him,” he said. The cell was unlocked.

“What’s happening?” said Vincent. His hands were placed behind his head, he was made to kneel. His books were opened and shaken.

“Channel,” said the guard holding him. He wore a robe and a large hat.

“Pardon?” said Vincent.

“Channel,” said the guard.

“I don’t understand?”

Agarma sighed and flicked his hand. The guard sucked magic from him. He contracted, as if an electric current were flowing through. He groaned.

“We’re getting a…” the guard closed his eyes. “…purple and a greenish-yellow.”

“Shit,” said Agarma. “Dammit.”

The current stopped. “Oh, my thaums? I haven’t cast anything in here.”

“I can see that…” said Agarma.

“Books are clean,” said another guard.

“You never said how the execution went, Your Highness.”

“Let him out,” said Agarma. “You’re free to go. You want to study the bag, study the bag. There’s no princess for you to break out of prison anymore.”

Still kneeling, he smiled, concerned, and twisted his head. “You’re being vague, Your Highness. And, I never intended to break her out.”

“Yeah, well.” He looked to Claire. “Acknowledge?”

“Acknowledged. Time is 2:13. PM.”

“Quicker. Good job. Come.”

“Can someone help me carry these books?” asked Vincent, and one of the guards obliged. One of the guards picked up the scattered deck of cards.

And so Vincent walked to his room. The guard deposited his books on a cabinet, bowed, and left. His bed still lacked one of its blankets, having been impounded as evidence. He could’ve replaced it, he’d had a week. But, he had wanted that one. And still did.

Classes were going to be screwed up. He taught a ‘topology’, ‘linear algebra’, ‘intro astronomy’, and assisted with ‘intro to dei theory’. He took a ‘survey of magic frameworks’, ‘intro to music’, ‘model theory’, ‘nonstandard alchemy’, and ‘dynamical systems theory’. It had only been a week, but he hadn’t spoken to any other students or teachers about his absence.

The requisite work for his station had concluded 6 years ago, however, on the completion of his placement tests. Everything after that was elective. Father was overjoyed that he wished to continue his studies.

Staring at the bed missing a blanket, and thinking on his indefinite study, a nervous smile flashed on his face and just as quickly disappeared.