Page 3 of Greed of Giants
Madame Sunvelia raised an eyebrow, a hint of delight dancing in her eyes. “You are correct, we have studies in dire need of an update. Your firsthand knowledge will complete what we know about the stones and runes. However, it does not sound like you are willing to go. Is that a denial?”
“No. . .yes,” I stammered. “I will go, I just. . .” I trailed off, unsure how to make a statement without sounding resistant. “Is this the only way to become reinstated?”
Madame Sunvelia lifted her chin. “It is, but notice we did not promise reinstatement. After your return, we will review your work and make a decision. You are on probation. Any wrong steps, any complaints, and your standing here will be terminated.”
I willed myself to stay strong. This was all I had, and they wanted to send me to the ends of the earth, to a barren place where no one dwelled except goat farmers. I’d be alone in a foreign land. Or would I?
“Who will come with me?”
A titter of laughter rippled across the round table, and I shrank into myself. These were my colleagues, my friends, and now they were alllaughingat me.
“You are going alone. We will secure passage via train for you as well as lodging. Go, study the stonework, write an update, one page on each rune will suffice. We anticipate your return this winter.”
Six months. They were sending me away on the world’s dullest assignment for six months. I looked around, but cold, unfriendly eyes stared back at me, lips curled in disgust. I’d truly done it, disgraced myself, lost friends, status, perhaps even my livelihood.
I stood quickly before my emotions could overwhelm me. With a nod, I slipped out of the room and practically ran down the twisting halls. No one called out or chased after me, and I burst out of the House, chest heaving as I crossed the courtyard.
It was only when I reached the stone wall that overlooked the village that I came to a stop. The spring wind whirled, a chill shuddering down my spine as my curls danced free of my braids. Cottages dotted the landscape, and animals grazed on the rolling hills, being fattened so that one day the farmers would sell the meat to those who dwelled in the city. A lump swelled in my throat as I lifted my gaze to the illustrious city, all hope of rising to a position of power fading.
“Ilaris?”
I turned. Unia, my mentor, approached. She walked with a stately gait, a walking stick by her side. Her actions were slow, deliberate, and intentional. I’d shadowed herwhen I’d first begun fieldwork with the House, but she’d been in the hearing, and hadn’t spoken up for me.
Mixed feelings twisted through me as she placed a hand on my shoulder. “Try to see this as a temporary setback,” she cautioned. “It’s not the end of your career. Mistakes are only a turning point, an opportunity to come back stronger than before.”
I shook my head, a bitter laugh escaping. “It wasn’t a mistake, it was the truth.”
She pressed her lips together. “Ilaris, you’ll soon find that people have their own versions of the truth. The work you did, investigating the Lundquist family, was quite impressive.”
I searched her face for answers. “Then why am I being punished for it?”
“Because you cost them money. Publishing that article opened an investigation into their wealth. You know they donate money, not only to the Council of Governors, but also to support the House of Scholars. Their generous donations help fund our fieldwork.”
A sour taste filled my mouth. “So no one cares about justice as long as money exchanges hands.”
“You forced them to choose, and now they are making an example of you to appease them. Give it time, the scandal will die down. Right now it feels fresh, painful, which is why I recommended the excursion to study the ancient city of giants instead of outright expulsion. While you’re gone, I’ll convince them to reinstate you because your contributions are valuable. They will be wary though, hoping you don’t embarrass them again.”
“And you just. . .continue to work here, despite what you know?”
“Ah, a wise question. I can do more good here, on the inside, than on the outside. Think of the knowledge we gather. Have you considered what you might find in the ancient city?”
My brow wrinkled. “What do you mean?”
She went still, voice lowered. “The ruins of giants are the oldest relics from our time, and most have neglected to study them in depth. You have two things: time and opportunity. Who knows what secrets you might unearth, what treasures you might discover and, alone, take the credit for them.”
“Treasures,” I repeated, warmth glowing within me.
“The legendary relics are still lost. Think of the giants, the gods, and the magical items of their time. The Rod, the Stone, and the Heart.”
I swallowed hard. “You think I might find a magical relic buried in the ruins?”
She winked. “I’m giving you hope. Don’t despair, remember, anything is possible.”
The House of Scholarsmoved quickly, and, not one day later, my bags were packed. Ticket in hand, I stood on the platform waiting to board the train that would take me south to Vold. Overnight I had time to ponder Unia’s words, and a determination came over me. The House ofScholars was a pillar of the flourishing city. I thought of it as my home. It had long been my desire to become a Scholar and I would not let this setback destroy my dreams. I’d go south, spend six months writing the most thorough update on runes the scholars had ever seen, and hunt for treasure. Then I’d return to glory and honor, never to embarrass the House of Scholars again.
My thoughts went to my grandmother. Perhaps that was wishful thinking.
The southbound platform stood nearly deserted. When the train hissed to a stop, two men in long coats and dark hats swept past me onto the car. One glanced back, just a flash of ice-blue eyes, and my chest went tight.
