Preparing to move
Sara sent word yesterday that we’d be moving to the Cadavat training house some time next Tuesday. Though I was happy to hear that, I also felt a twinge of anxiety. Not the kind of anxiety I sometimes felt when starting a new job or submitting quotes to a prospective client. No. This was a deeper anxiety, something that told me I was about to sell a part of myself to get another, more important part of myself back. I’m excited about becoming a Cadavat investigator. I know well that countless people back home would give anything for a chance like this. But I’m even more excited and relieved about the prospect of not having to make serious decisions for a while. Okay, I’m still stuck in this place. But it’ll be nice for someone else to lead the way for a while.
And what will l learn during my employment? Many wonderful things, Kanar told me; and many dangerous things, too. I can’t help suspecting the Cadavat might have some special things lined up for Armbranch and me. The normal route to becoming an investigator is to be ‘talent’ spotted from the military, the security services, or the various schools of magic. Even then, candidates need to pass a series of strict examinations and prove themselves in the field. Sounds like they’re fast tracking us. And that makes me uneasy.
I’m also growing concerned about their initiation ceremony. Instinct tells me it won’t simply be a case of ‘lay your hands on this book and recite after me’ kind of affair. Over the past few days I’ve pestered Kanar and Garigan about it. They’re staying quiet. Don’t blame them. I guess you don’t become a Cadavat employee without taking some kind of oath of silence. I’ve given up asking them. Now I’m going to focus on Joesa. I’ve scheduled a massage later, partly because I want a massage, but mainly because I want to quiz her, too. I doubt I’ll learn much. She doesn’t say much even when she’s smiling. I’ve nothing to lose by it, though.
Well, maybe I do. If I annoy her too much maybe she’ll dig those fingers of hers deep into my flesh and start strumming my ribcage to punish me
Categories: End of the Beginning
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