Summary

In Chapter 25, Isadora arrives and demands that the commoners do not try to win the tournament. She says the nobles fund the military, and that a noble-born mage should earn the coveted spot. Fletcher accuses her of being “scared of a little competition” (145). As they leave with Sylva, a noble-born girl named Penelope whispers an apology. After they are gone, they decide that Sylva, who is a chieftain's daughter, must consider herself noble. The students have received their payment for the coming month's work, and they decide to go to Corcillum.

In Chapter 26, a group including Fletcher and Othello go into Corcillum. Fletcher wants to find a tailor and someone to make him a sheath for his sword. Othello says he will show Fletcher to those services and they leave the rest of the group. As they walk, Othello shows Fletcher his dwarven...