Grayson's POV

I settled down for the night, finding a small crevasse in the tunnel, and setting up camp.

It took twice as long with my leg, but I was soon sitting down on my sleeping bag, my backpack propped up against the cave wall, my torch flickering against the sides of my makeshift camp, the stoney gray mixing with the fiery orange.

If I had more supplies, I could make a cast, but at the moment, I could do nothing but hope it healed.

If only I had been more sparing with those healing potions....

But the small flasks I had were either already used, or confiscated by the Empire.

Most of my items, including my money, weapons, and of course, the dragon egg, had been emptied from my bag, as I had found earlier, replaced all with pretty much stale food.

I could only assume that Andruin had also been taken from me, due to the empty sheath.

I sigh, wishing I had that sword more than anything right now. I need it's strength.

But I know I would give that, my money, and much, much more, to get Drake back from the Empire's grasp safe.

Drake's POV

The night had been an odd one, for me at least.

Instead of spending it in my room, sulking, I had gone and eaten with the mages, trying to find information.

The only conversation I had that actually gave me any idea on the canceller chain's magicks was the one I had with Faith.

"Hey, Faith, do you have any idea why my canceller bangles allowed me to use magic when we were joking around yesterday?" I ask, trying to sound casual, but I can tell Faith knows why I'm asking. But she doesn't seem to mind that much, almost looking understanding.

"Hm.... they must be programmed magically." Faith looks as if she's thinking hard. "Some types of canceller chains can be altered by a really powerful Mage. But they can only be reprogrammed by the creator. That means that whoever did this is very powerful, to have created and altered the chains..."

"Is there a way of figuring out who created them?"

"I don't know, I'm sorry." Faith replied apologetically. "I can tell you that it's probably run on an emotional spell, which means that the canceller bangles can sense when your intentions are good for the Empire or not.... but when it comes to tracking magicks, I know almost zip. You could try asking Scarlett, or Arrow."

They had come up dry, unfortunately not knowing those kinds of magicks at their level.

But at least I knew that I could use magic if I wanted.... as long as I didn't try to harm anyone, or try to escape.

My main suspects of the canceller chains were either Darius or Caspiel, simply for the reasons of they were the most powerful, high ranking mages out of the group.

To be honest though, it could be anyone.

But as I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, I remember my conversation with Lillian and Courage.

"I'm sorry, Drake. I have no idea how to figure out who programmed them." Courage, who still had not removed her hood, shrugged.

"We'll let you know if we find anything, though." Lillian added, her green eyes sparkling with determination. "In the meantime..." She continued, glancing over at the rest of the apprentices, all seated at the table. "The apprentices are allowed outside to explore the Empire's main village tomorrow. Lord Darius said it would be okay if you joined us... That is, of course, if you wanted to."

"Yeah, it would be fun!" Courage piped up, eyes sparkling.

"We understand if you don't feel like it!!" Lillian held her hands out, a slightly nervous look on her face.

"No...." I say. "It... sounds like fun."

And an opportunity. I return to the present.

They were leaving in a few minutes, and all the apprentices were supposed to wait in the common room, which was located just left of the library.

They had said to dress casually underneath their cloaks, so I had discarded the choker without a problem at all, and put a loose black t-shirt and jeans underneath.

I kept the boots, because I had grown attached to them.

My cloak hung loosely around my neck, and the hood was hanging at the back. It was draped behind me, sort of like a cape.

Now if only I could remove these things.... I sigh at my canceller bangles, which stood out considerably against the rest of my outfit.

I shifted uncomfortably, brushing a strand of hair out of my eyes, as I picked up a small bag, which contained some money, Mia's chalice which they had surprisingly returned to me, and a water bottle.

I sling it over my shoulder, and head out of my room, closing the door behind me.

Let's do this.  

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For those of you wondering about the Mage drawings, I'm working on it! I was halfway through coloring one of them when I decided to do it digitally instead. I'm terrible at coloring manually... (I'm redoing yours, Skylar!) And as for the picture of Drake and Darius and Diomedes, (Alliteration people) I've pretty much given up on those. Every single time I try to draw them, I fail. Besides, it's kinda late for the fancy Drake and Caspiel anyways. On a side note, I will say that you CAN draw my characters (although IDK why you would want to, I just wanna let you know in case that crossed your mind) and you can use them in your books if you want (again, don't know why you would but...) but you need to let me know first, and give me an idea of what role they will play/ how they will be represented. Okie? .3. ~Dream