217 The Road Ahead

Before they left, Brightblade told them to inform their teachers that they would be absent for several weeks. Though she was eager to depart, that was a common courtesy that could not be skipped.

Arran headed over to Doran at once — while the adept wasn't his teacher, strictly speaking, he was the person in the House of Swords who would most notice Arran's absence.

He found Doran in the gardens of the adepts' quarters, casually practicing some style he didn't recognize.

When Doran noticed him, he immediately paused his practice and gave Arran an enthusiastic wave. "Up for some extra training tonight?"

Arran shook his head. "My teacher just informed me I'll be gone for a while. She plans to train me and Snowcloud in private."

There was some jealousy in Doran's expression when Arran told him the reason for his absence. "I wish I had a teacher like that." He sighed regretfully, then asked, "When will you be back?"