Chương 154: Chapter 15: Apprentices of the Board

A few moments later, she saw Einar approaching. His pale, slender figure stood out among the crowd like a statue of salt in a wheat field. Selena smiled faintly upon seeing him. He drew near and greeted her with an inclination of his head. —Good —Selena said, rising from the bench— Let us hurry. It is already late afternoon, and we might have better luck if the head of the track is still in his office. She paused and pulled out a small package wrapped in clean white cloth. —By the way, I brought you something.

Einar took the package with careful hands. Unwrapping it slightly, he saw the contents: a sandwich of rye bread, filled with smoked cheese and thin strips of roasted ornitura, still warm. —It is a sandwich —she said, laughing softly— If you help me, your food is on me. It is a custom I learned, and a fair trade, don't you think? Einar looked at the sandwich, then at Selena, and for the first time, a genuine, warm, and unguarded smile lit up his pale face.

—More than fair, my lady —he said, tucking the package away carefully— Let us go. The workshop awaits us. A few minutes later, they stood before the master in his office. The space was spacious and bright, with light wood shelves filled with architectural models, rolls of parchment containing detailed blueprints, and racks of polished tools that gleamed under the twilight. Master Corvus was a slender man of slow, expressive gestures, as if each movement were a deliberate stroke in the air.

He wore a fine wool tunic of brown color like dark wood, almost black in the shadows, his black hair peppered with the first and distinguished silver strands of age. His eyes, an intense and observant dark brown, seemed to have studied not only stone and wood, but also the fractures of human character. Einar stepped forward with a slight but precise bow.

—Master Corvus —he began, his voice clear and polite, each word measured— Lady Selena of Solendra has contacted me so that, through your favor, she might gain access to the workshop rooms. She states it is of vital importance for something she wishes to study. His tone was incredibly formal, almost protocolary, yet without losing that serene quality that characterized him. Corvus slightly inclined his head, his long, sensitive fingers resting on the polished edge of his desk.

When he spoke, his voice sounded tempered and deep, like that of a classical theater actor who has learned to project without effort. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. —I understand, young Einar. That such a request comes from a student as outstanding as you is something I value. He paused, and his gaze settled on Selena, scrutinizing her without haste. —But our countess must abide by the rules of the establishment.

This workshop is not open to those who do not pursue this track, except in very exceptional cases. Exceptionality, in this university, usually comes sealed with royal or rectoral authorization. It was then that Selena interrupted, not with rudeness, but with a clarity that cut through the air like a chisel on marble. —As you must know, Professor Corvus —she said, keeping her gaze steady— and by the mandate of His Majesty, I must clarify that this is of vital importance.

For that reason, and by virtue of my title as Lady of the Circle of Wisdom, I request full access to the workshop through the royal power that said title confers. His words were formal, cold, imbued with that noble authority she so despised, but which she now wielded with the precision of a ceremonial sword. Months ago, she had failed to know the rules of the game; now she was using them. Corvus observed her in silence for a few seconds. Then, a slow, almost imperceptible smile drew across his lips.

—So be it —he conceded, in a tone that now sounded like a strategic surrender— No master stands above His Majesty. And if you, moreover, are a member of the Circle of Wisdom, it is impossible for a well-instructed master to deny you access to knowledge. His gaze then drifted toward Einar, and that smile grew warmer, almost paternal. —Young man, she is a powerful ally. —He made a significant pause— It was a good choice of words. But remember: a free man is only worth his connections if he is not noble.

And you have just made a very valuable one. Einar smiled, a flash of complicity in his silver eyes. —I know, master. I have followed your advice to the letter. —The smile widened, becoming almost casual— Besides, she defended herself perfectly well on her own. I believe that from the very beginning she wouldn't have even needed me, but she was cautious and called for me. Selena looked back and forth between them, a sharp, clear laugh bursting from her lips.

—You are novices if you think this is a strategic game of bersh —she said, shaking her head with a mixture of amusement and disdain. Both looked at her almost open-mouthed. —The king plays at another level, apprentices. He does not move pieces; he moves destinies, and we, without knowing it, are already on the board. Corvus nodded, his expression serene but his eyes shining with a spark of recognition.

—Come early tomorrow —he said, changing his tone— As you know, on weekends only students from other tracks come for their complementariness. No one will wonder why you are here. He paused and added, with a soft laugh laden with meaning: —Furthermore, I know of the project Valerian assigned to you. The jester does not know how to keep secrets... when it suits him. —He looked at Selena directly, almost scrutinizing her— You still do not see all the moves on the board, countess.

Selena shook her head slowly once more, and added: —Typical of a jester, isn't it? I already suspected it. But mentioning it would be revealing, and it would take away the theatricality. She winked at the master, an unexpectedly familiar gesture. —Indeed —Corvus agreed, bowing slightly in a gesture of complicit respect— Welcome to the game, Selena of Solendra. May your hands learn not only to carve, but to move the pieces without the king realizing it.