Five ghastly heads were placed on the ground at Caesar’s feet; that of a Fiend, a Nokken, an Insect King, a Rot Hound, and a Rocha. Behind each head stood the five students who had collected them. Caesar looked at them with pride. “You have done well. I think you all deserve a break. You are dismissed until further instructions are provided.” He smiled and gestured for the group to leave.
Celebrations were held in Gretel’s dorm, which was the largest among all their living quarters. There they ate and drank, and sang, and told jokes and tales of their adventures. Their air was bright and full of laughter. A light smile had fallen upon even Astrid’s lips, although she had been feeling down lately. Victor feared that a shadow had fallen upon her. He and Astrid barely spoke to each other during the night, until Sam began to explain her method for developing the Grand Elixir.
The smile on Astrid’s pale face diminished. She stood up, suddenly, and went outside, and Victor followed her. Sam watched him uncomfortably as he left. Once they were alone Astrid turned to him. “We have to tell them about Silver!” she quietly urged, standing close to him so no one could hear.
“No,” Victor replied. “Not yet. Look, I know you have your doubts but I’m asking you to trust me, because I still trust Silver, just as the others do.”
“The other don’t know The Truth!”
“Astrid, we talked about this. We barely know The Truth as it is.”
“We know enough! It’s not too late,” she pleaded. “Help me steal the philosopher’s stone. With its power in our possession everything will become clear.”
Victor shook his head. “I’m sorry, Astrid, but you know I can’t do that.”
She stepped away from him, slowly fading into the night. She could not meet his eye. “So be it.” She turned and walked away to her own dorm, and Victor had half a mind to go after her. He was becoming worried, but there was little he could do for now, so he went back inside and joined the others.
“What was that about?” said Sam.
Victor tried to lighten up. “Astrid had to leave. She said she wasn’t feeling well.”
“Oh, well I hope she’s okay.”
Victor sat down. “So do I,” he said, distantly.
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