Chapter 6: Confronting the Ministry

The late autumn sun cast long shadows across the Stormbane estate as Kael meticulously arranged his completed grimoire on the study's mahogany desk. Twelve spells—each one thoroughly documented, tested, and refined. His fingers traced the embossed title on the leather cover: Grimoire of Arcane Mastery. Pride swelled in his chest as he remembered the countless hours of experimentation, the failures that had preceded each success, and the pure joy of magical creation.

"It's finally ready," he said, more to himself than to his mother, who stood by the window.

Selena Vael Stormbane turned, the sunlight catching her elegant features. Her eyes—the same luminescent blue as her son's—sparkled with pride.

"Your work is exceptional, Kael. Not just for your age, but for any spellcrafter." She moved beside him, resting a gentle hand on his shoulder. "These spells could help countless witches and wizards who struggle with the more complex variations."

Kael nodded, running his finger down the table of contents. "That was the goal. Magic shouldn't be restricted to only those with exceptional power or years of training."

"Your father and I have discussed it," Selena continued, her voice taking on a more formal tone that immediately captured Kael's attention. "We believe your grimoire deserves wider distribution. The wizarding community could benefit greatly from your innovations."

Kael looked up, eyes widening slightly. "You mean... publish it? Officially?"

"Why not?" A deep voice came from the doorway. Azrael Stormbane's imposing figure filled the entrance, his dark robes swirling with an unseen breeze—a trademark of the Stormbane magical signature. "Your ancestors didn't create their magic to be hidden away. The Stormbane legacy has always been about reshaping what's possible."

Despite his father's encouragement, Kael hesitated. "But I'm only nine. Would anyone take it seriously?"

Azrael's rare laugh rumbled through the room. "Son, when has age ever been a measure of magical capacity? Renz David Stormbane was summoning lightning storms at eight. Matthew Zachary was breaking through wards before his voice had deepened." He approached the desk and looked down at the grimoire. "Besides, your work speaks for itself. Any competent wizard will recognize its value immediately."

"There will be opposition," Selena cautioned, ever the pragmatist. "The Ministry has always been... wary of our family's innovations."

"Let them be wary," Azrael said dismissively. "What can they actually do about it?"

As it turned out, quite a lot.

Three days after Selena had sent inquiry letters to several magical publishing houses, the first Ministry owl arrived. By the end of the week, there were five official notices stacked on the breakfast table, each bearing the ornate seal of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

"Unauthorized magical experimentation... potential violation of the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery... mandatory submission for review before publication..." Selena read aloud, her voice growing increasingly incredulous with each letter. "This is absurd. They can't possibly enforce these restrictions on private family magic conducted under parental supervision."

Kael, who had been quietly eating his breakfast, set down his fork. "They're afraid," he said simply.

Both his parents turned to look at him.

"What makes you say that, Kael?" Azrael asked, his expression curious rather than dismissive.

Kael shrugged, his young face showing maturity beyond his years. "The Stormbane name. My age. The spells themselves." He tapped the latest Ministry letter. "They're not concerned about underage magic—that's just their excuse. They're worried about what it means if a nine-year-old Stormbane is already creating publishable spellwork."

A slow smile spread across Azrael's face. "Perceptive as always." He exchanged a glance with Selena. "The Ministry has always preferred predictability over progress. The last time a Stormbane published original spellwork—"

"Was your grandfather," Selena finished, "and three weeks later, the Department of Mysteries had to rewrite their fundamental theories on elemental conjuration."

"Exactly," Azrael nodded. "And now they've sent their representatives to 'discuss' the matter."

"Representatives?" Kael asked, looking between his parents.

As if on cue, the manor's ancient warning wards chimed, signaling visitors approaching the grounds. Selena waved her wand elegantly, and a small viewing portal appeared in the air above the table, showing three figures in Ministry robes making their way up the path to the front door.

"Right on time," Azrael muttered, straightening his robes as he stood. "Kael, bring your grimoire to the formal study. It's time you learned how the Stormbanes deal with the Ministry."

"Mr. and Mrs. Stormbane, we appreciate you receiving us on such short notice." The lead Ministry official, a thin man with a perpetually worried expression named Percival Greengrass, spoke with practiced diplomacy. His eyes, however, kept darting nervously around the study, taking in the ancient magical artifacts and rare books lining the shelves.

"We always welcome the Ministry's representatives," Azrael replied smoothly, though his tone carried a subtle edge that wasn't lost on the visitors. "Though I must admit, sending three officials for a matter concerning a child's educational project seems... excessive."

Beside Greengrass stood a stern-looking witch from the Department of Magical Education and a square-jawed wizard who had introduced himself as an "observer" from the Department of Mysteries.

"We understand your perspective, Mr. Stormbane," Greengrass continued, "but you must understand ours as well. When we received reports that publishing houses were being approached regarding spellwork created by a nine-year-old—"

"Reports?" Selena interrupted, her eyebrow arching dangerously. "From whom, exactly?"

Greengrass shifted uncomfortably. "That's confidential information, Mrs. Stormbane."

"Of course it is," she replied coolly.

"Regardless," the education official interjected, "underage magical experimentation without proper oversight is a serious matter."

"Proper oversight?" Azrael repeated, his voice remaining calm even as the temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. "Are you suggesting that two fully qualified adult wizards—one a renowned spellcrafter and the other a master of elemental magic—are incapable of providing adequate supervision for their son's magical education?"

The Ministry officials exchanged nervous glances.

Kael, who had been sitting quietly beside his mother, chose this moment to speak. "Perhaps the Ministry representatives would like to see the spells in question before making judgments?"

All eyes turned to him, and Kael met their gazes steadily, his luminescent blue eyes betraying not a hint of intimidation. The effect wasn't lost on the visitors—there was something distinctly unsettling about being assessed so calmly by a child who carried the Stormbane legacy.

After a moment's hesitation, Greengrass nodded. "Yes, that would be... appropriate."

Kael opened his grimoire, the pages falling naturally to the first spell. "Fulmen Orbis," he said, turning the book so the officials could see his meticulous notes and diagrams. "A simplified version of the lightning bolt spell. Reduced power output, safer casting requirements, and specific limitations to prevent misuse."

The observer from the Department of Mysteries leaned forward with poorly concealed interest. "May we see a demonstration?"

A brief smile flickered across Kael's face. "Of course."

Drawing his training wand—a beautiful piece of thunderwood that his father had crafted for his early magical education—Kael stood and moved to an open area of the study. With practiced precision, he performed the flicking motion described in his grimoire.

"Fulmen Orbis!"

A small but perfectly formed bolt of lightning shot from his wand, striking a metal testing plate that Azrael had conjured with a casual wave of his hand. The electricity crackled and danced across the surface before dissipating harmlessly.

"As you can see," Kael continued, his voice steady and confident, "the spell is designed to stun rather than harm. The original Fulmen Lancea can shatter stone and cause severe burns. This version is accessible to average wizards while maintaining the core magical principle."

The education official blinked in evident surprise. "That was... remarkably controlled."

"Indeed," the observer murmured, his professional detachment slipping to reveal genuine admiration. "And the other spells follow similar principles of accessibility?"

Kael nodded, flipping through the grimoire to show them more examples. "Ignis Scindo creates a minor flame arc instead of the full blade of Ignis Ruptura. Aegis Ventus summons a wind shield rather than the tempest barrier of its original form."

As Kael continued his explanations, the initial tension in the room gradually eased. Even Greengrass seemed increasingly impressed rather than concerned.

"The theory behind these modifications is quite sophisticated," the observer noted, examining Kael's detailed annotations.

"You've maintained the essential magical structures while reducing the power requirements and simplifying the casting methods. That's advanced spellcraft theory."

"It's a matter of understanding the core principles," Kael replied, allowing a touch of enthusiasm to color his voice as he pointed to a particularly complex diagram. "When you isolate the fundamental magical components, you can reconfigure them for different applications. My mother taught me that."

Selena's expression softened with pride, though her eyes remained vigilant as she watched the Ministry officials.

After nearly an hour of reviewing the grimoire, Greengrass finally cleared his throat. "Well, this is certainly... unexpected. The quality of work is undeniable." He hesitated before continuing. "However, there are still regulatory concerns. Typically, new spells require extensive review before publication approval, and in cases of underage creators—"

"Mr. Greengrass," Azrael interrupted smoothly, "perhaps this would be a good time to discuss the Magical Innovation Protection Act of 1786? Specifically, Section Four regarding familial magical traditions?"

The Ministry official paled slightly. "I'm... familiar with the legislation."

"Excellent," Azrael continued, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "Then you'll recall that it explicitly protects the right of ancient magical families to develop and share family-originated magic without Ministry interference, provided appropriate safety measures are demonstrated." He gestured to Kael's grimoire. "As you've now seen, my son's work meets and exceeds all reasonable safety standards."

The observer from the Department of Mysteries unsuccessfully tried to hide a smile. Greengrass shot him an irritated glance before turning back to Azrael.

"That legislation was intended for established adult practitioners, Mr. Stormbane."

"The law makes no age distinctions," Selena countered immediately. "It recognizes magical innovation as a birthright of certain families, regardless of the age of the practitioner. The Stormbanes have been recognized under this statute for over two centuries."

A tense silence fell over the room. Kael watched the subtle power play with keen interest, noting how his parents had maneuvered the conversation exactly where they wanted it. The Ministry officials were now in the uncomfortable position of either acknowledging the Stormbanes' legal right or openly admitting they were applying special restrictions simply because of the family name.

Finally, the education official spoke. "Perhaps a compromise is in order. Instead of attempting to prevent publication, the Ministry could officially review and endorse the work, verifying its safety for the general wizarding public."

Kael glanced at his parents, catching the almost imperceptible nod from his father.

"I would welcome an official review," Kael said, his voice clear and confident. "If the Ministry will certify the safety and efficacy of my spells, it would only strengthen public confidence in the grimoire."

Greengrass seized the offered diplomatic solution. "Yes, exactly. A formal review by the Department of Magical Innovation. Transparent and by-the-book."

"And conducted within thirty days," Azrael added firmly. "With no unnecessary delays."

After several more minutes of negotiation and the scheduling of a formal demonstration before the Department of Magical Innovation the following week, the Ministry officials finally prepared to depart. As they gathered their notes, Greengrass paused to address Kael directly.

"Young Mr. Stormbane, regardless of the regulatory complexities, I must say your work is... impressive. Few adult wizards could achieve such elegant spell modifications."

Kael inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Mr. Greengrass. I look forward to the Ministry's official review."

As the door closed behind the visitors, Azrael chuckled softly. "Well handled, son. You showed precisely the right balance of confidence and cooperation."

"Indeed," Selena agreed, her expression thoughtful. "Though this is just the beginning. The Department of Magical Innovation review will be much more rigorous."

Kael nodded, already mentally preparing for the demonstrations he would need to perform. "They'll be looking for flaws—any excuse to delay or restrict publication."

"It's the Stormbane way," Azrael said, placing his hand on Kael's shoulder. "Our magic has always challenged established boundaries. Your ancestors faced similar opposition when they first revealed their innovations."

"And yet their magic endured," Kael replied, a hint of determination hardening his young features. "As will mine."

The Department of Magical Innovation occupied its own wing of the Ministry—a cavernous space filled with testing chambers, research libraries, and laboratories where magical breakthroughs were carefully examined before receiving official recognition. Kael had visited once before with his mother, but today's circumstances were entirely different.

As the Stormbane family was escorted through the main hall, witches and wizards stopped their work to stare. Whispers followed in their wake.

"That's the Stormbane boy..." "Nine years old and already creating spells..." "Just like his ancestors..." "The Ministry's in quite a state about it..."

Kael walked between his parents, his posture relaxed but dignified, his eyes taking in every detail of his surroundings while appearing only casually interested. It was a posture he had practiced—the perfect balance between confidence and humility that his father had taught him was essential when dealing with officials and strangers.

They were led to the largest testing chamber, where seven wizards and witches in formal Ministry robes awaited them. At their center stood a tall, silver-haired witch with penetrating green eyes whom Kael immediately recognized from magical innovation journals: Artemisia Blackwood, the Head of the Department.

"Welcome, Stormbane family," Blackwood greeted them with professional courtesy. "We are assembled to evaluate the spell collection titled 'Grimoire of Arcane Mastery' authored by Kael Stormbane." She looked directly at Kael. "Are you prepared to demonstrate your spells for official assessment, young man?"

"I am, Madam Blackwood," Kael replied clearly.

"Very well." She gestured to the center of the chamber, where various testing materials had been arranged. "We will evaluate each spell individually for safety, effectiveness, and adherence to magical standards. You may begin whenever you're ready."

For the next three hours, Kael methodically demonstrated all twelve spells from his grimoire. For each one, he first explained its purpose and limitations, performed the spell with precise wand movements, and then answered the panel's often challenging technical questions.

When demonstrating Arcane Pulsus, he was asked to direct it at a special barrier that measured magical force. The panel nodded appreciatively when the readings showed exactly the reduced power level Kael had specified in his documentation.

For Obscura Mist, they brought in magical detection instruments, confirming that the spell provided visual concealment without interfering with standard detection spells—exactly as Kael had designed it.

The most intensive questioning came after his demonstration of Ventus Salto. A skeptical-looking wizard with thick spectacles leaned forward.

"Mr. Stormbane, the speed enhancement from this spell shows remarkable efficiency for its simplicity. What prevents it from being modified for more... dangerous applications?"

It was a thinly veiled question about weaponization—exactly the kind of concern Kael had anticipated.

"The spell matrix is deliberately structured with internal limitations," Kael explained, sketching a quick magical diagram in the air with his wand. "See here and here? These nodes act as power regulators. Attempting to exceed those parameters would cause the spell to destabilize and dissipate harmlessly." He completed the diagram with a few more precise movements. "I've included comprehensive warning notes about this in the grimoire to prevent misguided experimentation."

The spectacled wizard sat back, clearly impressed despite himself. Several other panel members were taking detailed notes.

As the final demonstration concluded—a perfectly executed Manus Tenebrosa that manipulated test objects with shadowy precision—Kael could sense the shift in the room's atmosphere. The initial skepticism had given way to professional

respect, and in some cases, undisguised admiration.

Madam Blackwood rose from her seat, her keen eyes studying Kael with newfound interest. "The panel will now confer privately. Please wait in the anteroom."

As the Stormbane family was escorted to a well-appointed waiting room, Kael caught fragments of the panel's initial comments:

"...remarkable control for his age..." "...the theory behind the Aegis Ventus alone would merit publication..." "...but the precedent it sets..."

The heavy doors closed behind them, cutting off the rest of the discussion.

"You were exceptional," Selena said, smoothing Kael's hair affectionately. "Your explanations were clear, precise, and academically sound."

"Indeed," Azrael agreed, unusual warmth in his typically reserved demeanor. "Even Blackwood seemed impressed, and she's notoriously difficult to impress."

Kael allowed himself a small smile. "They were looking for flaws—any reason to reject the grimoire. I could see it in their questions."

"Of course they were," Azrael said, his tone darkening slightly. "A nine-year-old Stormbane publishing original spellwork challenges everything they think they know about magical development. It makes them uncomfortable."

"But they found nothing to criticize," Selena added with quiet pride. "Your work is flawless, Kael."

They waited for nearly an hour, with Kael using the time to mentally review his performance and prepare responses to any additional questions the panel might have. Finally, the doors reopened, and they were summoned back into the chamber.

The panel members had rearranged themselves, now standing in a formal semi-circle with Madam Blackwood at the center. Their expressions were carefully neutral, but Kael noticed several of them regarding him with what could only be described as academic curiosity.

"Kael Stormbane," Madam Blackwood began formally, "the Department of Magical Innovation has completed its evaluation of your 'Grimoire of Arcane Mastery.' Our assessment is as follows."

She unfolded an official-looking parchment.

"The spells presented demonstrate remarkable ingenuity, particularly in their accessibility modifications. The safety parameters are appropriately calibrated, and the documentation is thorough and academically sound." She paused, her eyes meeting Kael's directly. "In fact, the panel notes that your technical explanations exceed the standard expected of published magical works."

A ripple of satisfaction coursed through Kael, though his expression remained composed.

"Therefore," Blackwood continued, "the Department grants full approval for publication, with the Ministry's official endorsement regarding safety and efficacy."

Azrael's hand came to rest on Kael's shoulder, a subtle gesture of congratulation.

"However," Blackwood added, "given the... unusual circumstances, the Department requests that the publication include a foreword explaining that these spells are simplified versions of more complex magic, designed specifically for educational purposes."

Kael nodded. "I had already planned such a foreword, Madam Blackwood. It's important that readers understand the context and purpose of these spells."

This response seemed to please her. "Excellent. In that case, we have no further conditions."

One of the other panel members, a witch with silver-streaked hair who had been particularly attentive during the demonstrations, stepped forward. "If I might add, Madam Blackwood—the Department would be remiss not to acknowledge the exceptional magical scholarship demonstrated here." She looked at Kael with undisguised admiration. "Mr. Stormbane's work represents a significant contribution to accessible magical education."

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the panel.

"Indeed," Blackwood conceded, a ghost of a smile touching her usually stern features. "The Ministry recognizes the value of your contribution, Mr. Stormbane. Your approach to simplifying complex magic while maintaining its essential functions is... innovative."

Coming from Artemisia Blackwood, this was high praise indeed.

"The official certification will be sent to you within three days," she continued. "After that, you are free to proceed with publication arrangements."

As the formal proceedings concluded and they prepared to depart, several panel members approached Kael individually, asking technical questions or simply offering congratulations. The spectacled wizard who had questioned him about Ventus Salto came last.

"Mr. Stormbane," he said, his voice low and earnest, "I must confess I came today expecting to find flaws in your work. Child prodigies are often... overestimated." He adjusted his glasses awkwardly. "I was wrong. Your understanding of magical theory is remarkable, and your innovations are genuinely valuable."

"Thank you, sir," Kael replied graciously. "Magic should be accessible to all who wish to learn, not just those with exceptional power."

The wizard nodded thoughtfully. "A refreshing perspective from a Stormbane. Your ancestors were not always known for... sharing their knowledge so openly."

"Times change," Kael said with a slight smile. "And magic must evolve with them."

The journey home was filled with a sense of triumph, though Kael remained thoughtful. As their enchanted carriage soared above the clouds, he gazed out at the setting sun painting the sky in brilliant hues of orange and gold.

"It went better than expected," Selena

observed, watching her son closely. "You impressed them all."

"They were surprised," Kael replied, still looking out the window. "They came expecting to find reasons to reject the grimoire. Instead, they found something they couldn't dismiss."

Azrael laughed, the sound rich and deep. "That's the Stormbane way, son. We don't just meet expectations—we shatter them."

Kael turned to his father, his luminescent blue eyes thoughtful. "The panel member who spoke to me at the end—he mentioned our ancestors not sharing their knowledge." He hesitated. "Is that why the Ministry was so resistant? Because of our family's history?"

A moment of silence fell between his parents as they exchanged glances.

"Partially," Azrael finally admitted. "The Stormbane name carries... expectations. For centuries, our family has pushed magical boundaries, often in ways that made the authorities uncomfortable."

"We've never been content to accept limitations," Selena added gently. "When others said 'impossible,' Stormbanes asked 'why not?' That tendency can be... threatening to those who prefer the status quo."

"But you've done something different," Azrael continued, genuine pride warming his usually stern features. "Where many of your ancestors created magic that only the most powerful could wield, you've made it accessible. That's a kind of innovation the Ministry wasn't prepared for."

Kael considered this. "So what happens now?"

"Now," Selena smiled, "we find a suitable publisher. Your grimoire will need proper distribution if it's to reach all those who could benefit from it."

"And then?" Kael pressed, sensing there was more.

Azrael's expression grew serious. "Then you continue what you've begun. This grimoire is just your first step, Kael. You have gifts that come perhaps once in a generation, even among our family."

"Your father's right," Selena said. "Today you stood before the Ministry's experts as an equal, not just as a child prodigy but as a true magical innovator. That path is now open to you."

Kael nodded slowly, the weight of his achievement and the possibilities it represented settling on his young shoulders. Not as a burden, but as a mantle he was increasingly ready to bear.

"I want to do more," he said finally, his voice quiet but determined. "There are other areas where magic could be made more accessible—potions that could help people, protective spells that could be simplified..."

His thoughts drifted to other possibilities, his mind already racing with ideas and innovations.

"One step at a time," Azrael counseled, though his eyes shone with approval. "The publication of your first grimoire is achievement enough for now."

As the carriage began its descent toward the Stormbane estate, Kael's gaze returned to the horizon, where the last rays of sunlight were giving way to the first stars of evening. Something had changed today—not just in how the Ministry viewed him, but in how he viewed himself and his place in the wizarding world.

He wasn't just Kael Stormbane, heir to a powerful magical legacy. He was becoming something more: an innovator in his own right, charting a course that was both honored his ancestors and diverged from their path in meaningful ways.

And this was just the beginning.

News of the Ministry's approval spread quickly through the magical community. Within a week, three prestigious magical publishing houses had sent representatives to the Stormbane estate, each eager to secure the rights to what was already being described as "the most anticipated magical text from a new author in decades."

Kael, with guidance from his parents, chose Obscurus Books—the publisher with the widest distribution network and a reputation for quality magical education texts. The contract was negotiated, the final manuscript prepared, and within two months, the first copies of "Grimoire of Arcane Mastery" by Kael Stormbane were ready for distribution.

On the morning the first edition arrived at the Stormbane estate, Kael stood in his father's study, holding a beautifully bound copy of his work. The cover featured his name in elegant silver lettering against deep blue leather, with the family's shattered thunderbolt symbol subtly embossed below the title.

"How does it feel?" Selena asked, watching her son's face carefully.

Kael ran his fingers over the cover, a complex mix of emotions playing across his features. Pride, certainly, but also a sense of responsibility and the weight of accomplishment.

"It feels like a beginning," he said finally, looking up at his parents with those luminescent blue eyes that seemed older than his years. "And I already have ideas for what comes next."

Azrael chuckled, exchanging a knowing glance with Selena. "Of course you do. You're a Stormbane, after all."

A rare, full smile spread across Kael's face—the carefree expression of the child beneath the prodigy. "Yes," he agreed, his voice bright with possibility. "I am."

In the days that followed, the initial reception of the grimoire exceeded even the publisher's optimistic projections. Reviews in magical journals praised the accessibility of the spells and the clarity of the explanations. Orders poured in from magical schools, independent tutors, and everyday witches and wizards interested in expanding their magical repertoire without the risks associated with more powerful spellwork.

Even more gratifying to Kael were the letters that began arriving—personal notes from readers who had successfully mastered spells they had previously found impossible. A witch with limited magical strength who could now protect herself with Ferro Parvus. A wizard recovering from magical exhaustion who found Ventus Salto within his reduced capabilities. A young student who had finally succeeded with Glacius Brevis after failing repeatedly with its more powerful counterpart.

Each story reinforced what Kael had believed from the beginning: magic should be accessible to all, not just the most powerful or talented.

One evening, as he sat in the family library reading the latest batch of letters, his father entered with an official-looking envelope bearing a seal Kael recognized immediately—the emblem of the Order of Merlin.

"This just arrived for you," Azrael said, his voice carefully neutral though his eyes betrayed his pride.

Kael accepted the envelope with steady hands. Breaking the seal, he unfolded the parchment and read quietly:

"To Mr. Kael Stormbane,

It is with great pleasure that the Committee for Magical Achievement hereby informs you of your nomination for the Order of Merlin, First Class, in recognition of your extraordinary contribution to magical education and accessibility through your work 'Grimoire of Arcane Mastery.'

The Committee notes that should this nomination be confirmed, you would become the youngest recipient in the Order's history—a distinction reflecting the unprecedented nature of your accomplishment.

A formal hearing to consider your nomination will be held on the 15th of next month at the Ministry of Magic. Your presence is requested.

With highest regards, Tiberius Ogden Chairman, Committee for Magical Achievement"

Kael looked up from the letter to find both his parents watching him, their expressions a mixture of pride and something deeper—a recognition of the path that was unfolding before their son.

"The Order of Merlin," Selena breathed, her voice soft with wonder. "At nine years old."

"They'll debate it fiercely," Azrael noted pragmatically. "There will be those who argue that a child cannot receive such an honor, regardless of his accomplishment."

Kael refolded the letter carefully, his young face serene despite the magnitude of the recognition being considered. "Then I'll simply have to convince them otherwise."

As he placed the letter on the table beside him, his mind was already turning to the hearing, considering what he would say and how he would present himself. But beneath these practical thoughts ran a deeper current of determination—a sense that this was not just an honor but a responsibility, a chance to begin reshaping how the wizarding world viewed magic and its possibilities.

The path ahead would not be easy. There would be skeptics and critics, those who resented his youth or feared his family name. But Kael Stormbane was ready to meet them all with the same calm confidence he had shown the Ministry officials.

After all, as his father had said—it was the Stormbane way.