The Minister of Magic slumped back in his chair, suddenly looking at every one of his sixty-odd years. "Yes, it seems so. To hear this news from you ans that I have indeed beco quite hopeless." He ran a hand through his silver hair, a gesture of frustration and weariness. "Do you really think they are back?
I heard the na here and there, but I thought there must be so fanatics being frenzy about the na."
"I can't say for sure," Gawter admitted, "but we can't rule out the possibility. The signs are there for those who know where to look."
Arthur sighed heavily, the weight of his responsibilities seeming to press down on him visibly. "These days, I seem to age very quickly."
A faint smile touched Gawter's lips. "I don't think so. You still show off in front of your people." He was referring to their earlier exchange in the chamber hall, where Arthur had matched Gawter's wit with a display of verbal sparring that had impressed the assembled judges and council mbers.
Arthur raised an eyebrow at him, a glimr of his old spirit returning. "If I hadn't, wouldn't they think that I was cowering in front of you?" He chuckled softly. "Blade Sovereign."
"Shut yer mouth," Gawter protested, though there was no real heat in his words. "It's embarrassing to hear it from you."
The easy banter between the two powerful beings was a stark contrast to the gravity of the situation, and Jaegar found himself marveling at their ability to find monts of levity even in such dire circumstances.
Arthur was an archwizard who was at the pinnacle of the magic, but Gawter was close to becoming a supre being, along with this sword.
Your journey continues on empire
Gawter's attention suddenly turned to Jaegar, and the young apprentice felt the full weight of Gawter's penetrating gaze. "So, what will you do?" The question was directed at Arthur, but Gawter's eyes remained fixed on Jaegar.
Arthur studied Jaegar thoughtfully, stroking his chin as he considered the question. "The boy has potential, and I would love to have one like him working for the ministry. But after today's incident, I doubt he will, and considering what is happening at the palace, he surely wouldn't."
Jaegar's mind raced at these words. What was happening at the palace? He had been so focused on clearing his na that he had paid little attention to the wider political landscape.
Now, he realized, there were currents moving beneath the surface that he had been entirely unaware of.
Gawter nodded sagely. "Things have changed dramatically, and I think the boy is unaware of what is happening at the palace."
"I am sure he will take care of his problems," Arthur said, a note of resignation in his voice. "And I have got a lot more now." He turned to the assembled judges, giving a slight nod.
The judges conferred once more, their whispered deliberations barely audible. Jaegar held his breath, his future hanging in the balance of their decision. After what felt like an eternity, but was likely only a few monts, the head judge turned back to face him.
Her eyes, a deep brown that seed to hold centuries of wisdom, t Jaegar's gaze.
"Jaegar," she began, her voice clear and authoritative, "in light of the evidence and your explanation, we find you not guilty of any involvent in the barrier's destruction. You are free to go."
Relief washed over Jaegar like a tidal wave, threatening to sweep him off his feet. He bowed deeply to the judges, then turned to offer the sa respect to Arthur and Gawter. His clever strategy, combined with Gawter's unexpected support, had saved him from a false conviction that could have destroyed his future in the wizarding world.
As the judges and council mbers filed out of the chamber, Arthur lingered for a mont. His eyes t Jaegar's, and in that brief exchange, the young apprentice saw a mix of emotions – curiosity, concern, and perhaps a hint of regret. Then, with a swish of his ornate robes, the Minister of Magic was gone.
Gawter rose from his seat and strode towards Jaegar, his tall figure imposing even without the trappings of his office. As he approached, Jaegar found his voice at last.
"Lord rsius," he said, his tone filled with genuine gratitude, "thank you for your support. I won't forget what you did for today."
Gawter's expression remained stern, but there was a warmth in his eyes that belied his gruff deanor. "Young Jaegar, I think you would have handled yourself quite well, even if I hadn't been present here." He paused, considering his next words carefully. "And if you want to thank anyone, you should thank your master."
Confusion flickered across Jaegar's face. "Master?" Then, realization dawned. "Lady Angelina?"
Gawter nodded, a hint of approval in his expression. "Yes, Lady Angelina sent here, to help you."
The revelation stunned Jaegar. He had always known that his master, the renowned enchantress, the Reverend Witch Angelina Blackwood, held considerable influence in the wizarding world. But to have called upon soone of Gawter rsius's stature to intervene on his behalf... it spoke volus about both her power and her faith in him.
"I... I had no idea," Jaegar stamred, overwheld by the implications. "I must thank her as soon as possible."
Gawter's expression softened slightly. "You have a rare talent, young Jaegar, and an even rarer patron in Lady Blackwood. But you should watch out for yourselves."
The warning in Gawter's words was clear, and Jaegar nodded solemnly. "I understand, Lord rsius. I won't let her down – or you."
"See that you don't," Gawter replied, his tone grave.
With those ominous words hanging in the air, Gawter turned and strode from the chamber, leaving Jaegar alone with his thoughts and the echoing silence of the now-empty room.
As the young apprentice gathered himself to leave, his mind whirled with questions. What was happening at the palace that had the minister so concerned?
The accusations, the trial, and his narrow escape from conviction had opened his eyes to the complex and often dangerous world of politics.
With a deep breath, Jaegar straightened his dress and headed for the chamber doors.
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