notes he’d come across did not fill him with optimism. ‘And yet, thematically, it wasn’t all that different from his other works. However, it was more of a diary, or at least the surviving fragments suggested as much. Descriptions of procedures, tests and experiments written in a cool, matter-of-fact style. All from the perspective of a witness.’ The As drew out the last word melancholically. It seemed to Darius that his guest was constantly teetering between reality and the depths of his memories. It was a strange impression, different from anything the mage could have imagined before.
‘Nikos went from being a historian to a researcher in the art of healing, only to later take part in medical research.’ Bleist sighed softly. ‘A convoluted story; I’m still puzzled as to what it’s really about and what rumour reminded you of it.’
‘Rumor. . . Yes, a rumor.’ Veson brought his thoughts back to the present and looked the colonel straight in the eye. ‘Some time ago, I heard an unconfirmed and most likely fabricated account of the examinations in Solvein.’ The count adopted a defensive tone, presumably expecting Darius to be quick to deny that anything had happened. However, the earl had no intention whatsoever of interrupting him. As he was not officially involved in the matter, and privately did not have much time to devote to von Konlah’s request, he was curious to see where As was heading. Furthermore, the fact that Veson was not interested in the events in Bushtabhar or Draco allayed a concern that Darius had not even realised he had. ‘During the magic exams, allegedly, there was… an accident.’ It seemed that, on the one hand, the man was very keen to get to the heart of the matter, but on the other, he was struggling to describe the situation diplomatically. ‘According to the, admittedly shameful, insinuation, the incident was caused by a faulty catalyst which exploded, releasing perverted energy.’ He pressed on, quickening his speech. ‘As a result, it is said that one of the students was injured.’ The count took a breath and
