In a large wood-panelled room of a mansion on the east bank of the river, four kandar of The Academy of the Mind discuss the issues of the day.

"Things are going from bad to worse", says Althuis Zalyn, the finely-dressed noble whose residence this is, "I see we've gained yet another human apprentice, safe in the hands of the Guardians-damned Progressors, where we can't touch her".

"This is the one who allegedly killed a noble", says Kardol d'n Ekeyn, the son of a merchant who's risen rapidly through the Academy ranks, "If we had the Konaics running the show, the creature wouldn't have been allowed a second chance".

"Neither would anyone else", replies Althuis, "Just remember, your enemy's enemy is not always your friend. Friends of mine have died at Vorsath's orders".

"Some say she is implicated in the assassination of one of our own in Calbeyn", says a third wizard, a stern-faced middle aged woman, known only as Uthale, whose background is shrouded in mystery. "The assassin was never identified, and mundane methods were used; but this human apprentice was never put to the question. Progressors shielding her, of course".

"Meanwhile, we have some more pressing problems", says Althuis, "Everyone in the city with any strength in The Way of Vision must have felt that effect from the north end of the city not long ago. I don't know what in Vandrak's name it was, but I think we ought to find out".

"And where's Dhermyrdh", asks Kardol, "We are one short".

"He vaninshed on some errand", Althuis replies, "From which he has yet to return. It is enough to make me suspicious".

He turns to Veluitara, who has yet to speak, "Don't suppose you have any idea what our friend Dhermyrdh was up to, do you?".

Veluitara

"No," she said tersely. She hated these people, she really did... but she had to play nice, so they would never suspect. "I haven't seen him in quite some time. And I do not care to speculate what he is up to."

"Apart from the fact he's clearly up to something", says Althuis, "He's been working a lot with the Gurnyla at lot lately, even though the two hate each other".

"Anything to do with that effect in the north?", asks Kardol.

"That wasn't him", says Uthale, "He's not that powerful in the Way of the World. That was neither kandar nor human, it was a machine".

Veluitara

She listened, arms crossed over her chest.

"So long as he isn't going to compromise us, I honestly do not care what he is doing. But that effect... worryingly powerful."

Almost on cue, the missing member of the group arrives.

Dhermyrdh is looking somewhat dishevelled. Not quite as if he's been in a fight or a psionic duel, but it's clear that something has happened to him.

All eyes turn on him.

Veluitara

She looked at Dhermyrdh, raising a brow. She didn't say anything. Veluitara had a reputation as a woman of few words - valued by Kasraanth Sar because she wasn't going to say anything to compromise them. Of course, the main reason she didn't say anything was because it was hard enough concealing her disgust with them when she was silent...

"So", says Althuis, "You have deemed to appear at last. Just what have you been up to?".

"Spot of bother at the docks. Strictly personal, I assure you. Nothing of concern to this organisation".

Veluitara can spot lies like that miles off.

Veluitara

"Hmm," she said, looking at him with a characteristic intense stare that made most people uncomfortable.

Still, now might not be the time or place to press...

Dhermyrdh fixes Veluitara with his attempt at the same stare. It's not quite as effective.

"You're not telling us the whole truth, are you", says Althuis, "What happened down that part of the city? We all felt it; that was very strong use of The Ways. You were involved, weren't you?".

Veluitara

Her reputation as the quiet but dangerous 'troubleshooter' type wasn't about to be shattered at this juncture. She did, however, add a creepy little smile to her intense stare, and take a half step forward.