Page 64 of Professor and the Seer
“Swain, as in the dead necromancer?”
“Apparently, he tied his spirit to his book. With the help of an outsider who took down our shields, he managed to escape.”
“Good grief, man. We have to catch him!” Wharton exclaimed.
“Already handled, sir. He’s gone for good this time. And once we vanquished the monsters invading the campus, whoever aided him departed as well.”
“But they could be back,” Wharton mused aloud. “I don’t like how easily they took down our defense. Students!” he barked, drawing their attention. “Extra credit for those who want to work on improving our warding of the grounds.”
“The archive needs strengthening as well,” John murmured, hugging Frieda tight and finding it odd Wharton hadn’t mentioned her.
“On it, Dean Wharton.” Jessica practically saluted as she headed back for Leabhar House, Francis at her heels.
Given the threat had been neutralized, John didn’t try and stop them.
Wharton finally flicked his gaze to Frieda. “Is your friend okay?”
“Overdid it helping me fight.”
“You should take her to the healers. They took cover in their grove when the storm hit,” the dean replied.
“She’ll be fine with a little bit of rest.” Or so he assumed. Right now, he wanted to get her somewhere safe, which for him meant home. A place that had been in the hands of wizards for more than a century and with more than a few tricks for the unwary.
He also needed to chat with Grams. She’d known enough to tell him to bring the umbrella, but he would have preferred a bit more warning. Had she seen the attack? If yes, why not tell him? Why be coy and only mention bringing an umbrella?
“You look like you’re itching to leave,” the dean declared.
“You have things well in hand, and quite honestly, I need to change out of these sopping clothes.” He grimaced.
“Don’t let me keep you then. But I will expect a full accounting of what happened at your earliest convenience.”
“Yes, sir.” With that, John took his leave, laying his precious burden on the backseat, a blanket from the trunk spread atop her.
He broke a few speed limits driving home and just about ran them off the road when Frieda uttered a husky, “John?”
With a squeal of brakes and a skid of gravel, he pulled to the side of the road so he could turn to look. “You’re awake!”
Frieda pushed herself to a seated position and offered him a wan smile. “Judging by my wet clothes, I didn’t sleep for a few days this time.”
“It’s been almost an hour. How do you feel?”
She grimaced. “Sore, but not in a body way. My head’s fluffy.” She put fingers to her temples.
“I’ll bet you’re feeling discombobulated. I had no idea you could channel lightning.”
“Because I usually can’t.” Her lips twisted. “I take it we won?”
“We did, but only because you saved the day.”
“Wouldn’t have needed saving if it weren’t for me in the first place.” Her grim reminder.
“I wish I knew why those monsters were so interested in you,” he growled. “And how they knew where to find us.”
“I think I know the why. The woman controlling them wants me.”
“Woman?” he questioned.
“Hold on. I’ll tell you the story in a second.” She exited the back seat for the front, leaning over to give him a long kiss before breathlessly saying, “Can you drive while we talk? I’d love to get changed sooner than later.”