At a wave of the demon’s hand the crystal began glowing then it started moving around Jastin’s skull. As the crystal began moving a scream erupted from Jastin gaining in intensity, as the now brightly glowing crystal made its progression around his head returning back to its starting point. Unable to move his head he was fighting hard against the restraints of the two demons. With a bust of Magji power he strengthened his muscles and managed to get one arm free, then all his movement suddenly ended.

  Jastin’s strengthened arm flopped down hanging lose at his side; his eyes were wide open as he watched the demon’s hand grab the top of his head. With a sickening plop the demon lifted clear the top part of his skull, revealing the quivering grey brain beneath. Catching her breath as the Q’rell came back into sight Za'fira prayed about what she had seen and what it meant for them all, asking the Power to give her understanding.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  Two bells later after communing with the Power, a smiling Za'fira moved back to the buildings, heading towards Jastin’s office and her meeting with Ricard. Noise erupted behind her as the contents of the now forgotten breakfast serviette were the scene of open conflict as birds and the mouthy Q'rell fought over the remains of food.

  The noise faded in Za'fira’s hearing as she reached the main pathway. The animals continued their squabble until a ratter drawn by the clamour caught and killed the unsuspecting Q’rell. Three quick gulps and there was no trace of the Q’rell, then the ratter finished off everything, leaving the blood splattered serviette to flutter to the ground as it padded away.

  As Za'fira entered the main door a flash of a vision made her step outside and place herself flat against the wall. It was as though the dam had broken, as a mad rush of students flowed down the main staircase before they exited the building. Like boiling water escaping a lidded pan, they escaped the building in an effervescing manner.

  They rushed to see two of the masters face off in the arena in some duel over a woman Magji student, fighting over which school she should major in, her name she gathered listening to the students as they rushed by was Bridgette. Za'fira knew she would have been knocked over, trampled and had her wrist broken if the vision hadn’t given her a warning.