RELIC OF THE NAMELESS KING

6.

Lys’s POV

The Council Chamber at Ardentum Academy stood at the heart of the Spirehall, a ring of ironwood chairs carved with ancient symbols, facing inward beneath a stained-glass dome.

The air buzzed with muted magic and muffled indignation. A student had used unauthorized magic against another student during a sparring drill, claiming that it was for defense against a hidden blade held by the other student.

Both of which were a rule violation in the academy.

Lys Ardent knew the truth, they had only gathered the head council because the said student was Dorian Vale. If any other student had been in Dorian’s place, then the council would not even be needed, because they would have been expelled.

Lys sat rigid in his chair, eyes trained on the center where Kael’s name had just been read aloud, again.

He was only allowed in the head council meeting because someone had to represent his family name. His father was on a trip, and both his brothers were not on academy grounds to attend the council, surprisingly.

“Kael Merren. Weaveless. Raised in Duskmere under the Crown’s Sponsorship. History of rule infractions,” Highmaster Elrik read from a floating parchment. “Today’s charge: the use of prohibited weapons during training and hostile conduct toward a peer.”

Lys clenched his jaw.

Hostile conduct. Toward Dorian Vale? What a joke, Lys thought. Dorian could have easily disarmed Kael if he wanted to, without using unauthorized magic.

“That boy has never belonged here,” drawled Master Sorell from House Vale’s side of the table, lips curled with disdain. “He’s a drain on our resources. This latest offense only proves what we’ve known all along.”

“Three warnings in his first semester,” said Mistress Liora, her eyes cool behind silver-rimmed lenses. “And now aggression with a weapon? We’ve expelled students for less.”

“He’s reckless. Defiant. Every report from his instructors mentions attitude problems,” added Master Dalen of House Ryn. “This council cannot afford to set a precedent by tolerating this.”

“And let’s not ignore who the peer was,” said Master Halric. “Lord Vale’s son, Young Lord Dorian. A student with standing. Kael’s behavior isn’t just disruptive, it’s dangerous to order.”

Highmaster Elrik gave a slow nod. “The charges are serious. And the safety of this Academy must come first.” He said.

Lys’s hand curled into a fist at his side. He couldn’t keep silent and watch them condemn his friend. He was there to observe, and not to interfere, but he didn’t care, afterall, he was representing his family name. Damn the rules!

“And yet,” Lys said, cutting in, “he’s never once had a fair hearing. Every time something goes wrong, Kael gets blamed without proof,” he added, voice calm but edged with steel.

There was silence in the chamber as all heads turned to face him. The floating parchment stilled mid-air. Even Highmaster Elrik looked momentarily taken aback. They had obviously not expected him to speak up, least of all in favor of Kael Merren.

A rustle of robes followed, sharp and disapproving.

“You are not permitted to speak during council, Young Lord Ardent,” came Master Dalen’s clipped voice, his frown deepening. “You’re here to observe, not interfere.”

Lys stood his ground. “Then perhaps it’s time someone did interfere. Because what I’m observing is a trial without balance.” He said.

“You overstep your role,” Mistress Liora warned, her eyes narrowing.

“I was trained to speak for justice,” Lys said, meeting her gaze without flinching. “And if none of you will question the patterns in these accusations, I will.”

Master Halric scoffed. “Patterns? The boy is a walking infraction.” He muttered.

Lys leaned forward. “Or maybe he’s just an easy target. A weaveless orphan from Duskmere. He has no allies, no name, so every misstep becomes a weapon against him. You don’t even hide it anymore.” He retorted.

“Mind your tone, boy,” Dalen said, voice sharp. “This is not a lecture hall.”

A ripple of discomfort swept through the Council chamber. Outside these walls, Lys would never dare challenge his masters or speak so boldly.

But in here, beneath the high ceiling of the council chambers, and under the shadow of his family’s crest, he wore the weight of House Ardent like a shield, and it gave him authority to speak to anyone.

“No, it’s a courtroom,” Lys replied, eyes flashing. “So why does it feel more like a sentencing?”

There was another pause, tense, charged.

Then Sorell leaned forward, voice like a whip.

“Are you accusing this Council of bias?” he asked.

Lys sighed. If death was not going to come from his brothers, then it was sure going to come from his father, when he hears how Lys had spoken to his masters in council.

“I’m accusing this Council of complacency,” Lys replied coolly, eyes flickering around the people in the chamber.

Murmurs stirred around the chamber as Lys watched. Mistress Elira, head of Magical Conduct, gave Lys a small, approving nod.

Lys stood slowly, resting both palms on the table. “I was there. I saw Dorian’s face. That was not a boy who feared for his life. That was a boy who enjoyed watching Kael suffer, as he had done many times in the past.” He told his masters.

“Accusations,” Elrik sighed, shaking his head. “Boys will always be boys. You would know that, because you’re just a boy too.”

“Facts,” Lys countered, ignoring the Highmaster’s raised brow. “Has anyone even verified the blade found in Kael’s pocket? Checked the evidence?” He scanned the room, already knowing the answer.

“We have no need to…” Master Cedric began stiffly, but Lys cut across him.

“I do,” he said, voice sharp. “And I believe the Council should at least delay this hearing for an hour. Let me bring you actual evidence before you pass judgment.”

“Bold of you to assume there’s anything to find,” said another master coolly, folding his hands on the table.

“And what happens,” Sorell drawled, leaning forward, “if you find nothing, Young Lord Ardent? If all you bring us is excuses and sentiment?”

Lys met his gaze squarely. “Then I’ll support any decision this Council makes. No protests. No interference. But at least I’ll know Kael was given one honest chance.” He said in a low voice.

“Even expulsion?” asked another master, this time from House Ryn. His eyes were narrowed with quiet challenge.

Lys’s throat tightened. “Even expulsion.” He whispered.

Murmurs rose around the chamber like wind through dry leaves.

The Highmaster exchanged a look with the others. Then, with a small, resigned nod, he spoke: “Go, then. You have one hour.”

Lys turned to leave.

“Make it count,” Sorell called after him. “Because when you return, with or without your evidence, this ends today.”

He turned on his heel and walked out, leaving behind a storm of outrage and disbelief.