16

"I have an ongoing disagreement with the Royal Arcane Academy," Alvis said, stepping forward.

"He's not a mage. They won't let him in," Verity said.

"I've studied the history and theory of magic all my life, longer than most of their practitioners," Alvis said. He narrowed his eyes down at Verity. "And magic has been known to surface later in life. There have been—"

"He's not a mage. They won't let him in," Verity said again, with a hint of a smile.

Alvis sighed. "They…have been reluctant to let me in. But Verity studied there, and I met her while I was trying to persuade the chancellors. She told me her plan, and it occurred to me that if I wrote the prophecy she made everyone believe came true, that should prove my prophetic talents to the Academy's satisfaction."