Free Clash (The Arinthian Line Book 4) by Sever Bronny Page B

not test me, young lady. I am sick and tired of their deplorable conduct.” The gloved fingers of one of his hands pronged between Augum and Leera. “Yes, that is right, you two—do you think me stupid? I know exactly why you have neglected your important studies. I know what it is you two little sinners have been up to, carousing about like two despicable little devils.” He turned on Augum and jabbed him hard in the chest, speaking slowly as if to a dumb child. “You do not have the right to prance and cavort about wasting valuable time. Lives are at stake, do you understand me? Lives .”
    “Mrs. Stone will never allow you to get away with this,” Leera finally blurted.
    Harvus stepped back. “Is that so?” He raised a hand and beckoned at Augum’s rucksack, which slipped off his shoulder and floated away before he could stop it. “Let us see exactly what the archmage thinks of your disgusting behavior.”
    Augum’s fists curled—as much as he wanted to do something, Harvus was a far more powerful warlock.
    “No, don’t tell her!” Leera suddenly cried. She fell to her knees, hands together in prayer. “Please, Mr. Harvus, don’t tell her. We’ll do anything—”
    Harvus adjusted his hairpiece. What was once an amusing gesture suddenly appeared malicious.
    “Quite right that you beg, because I know for a fact Mrs. Stone would not be pleased. In point of fact, I am confident she would separate you two far, far apart.”
    Leera whimpered.
    “I know how you speak about me behind my back,” Harvus went on, “I have excellent hearing and awareness and I am awfully cognizant of your witty little comments and cruel japes.” He glanced skyward once more, one hand holding the rucksack, one over his heart. “The gods know how I put up with your cruel natures, they do. You are a wicked pair inciting nothing but more wickedness, and it must come to an end immediately.”
    He reached into the rucksack and withdrew the Orb of Orion, holding it before him like a prized hen.
    “Mr. Harvus, please—” Leera was in tears now. “Don’t tell her—”
    Mr. Harvus’ lips thinned. “Perhaps you should have thought of that first, my dear.”
    “Mr. Harvus,” Bridget said, “we shouldn’t trouble Mrs. Stone with this kind of news.”
    “I wholeheartedly agree, Bridget. I hate to do it, but it really is for their own good—”
    “We’ll stop!” Leera said. “We won’t … look at each other that way.”
    Augum shook his head in protest, mouth still as silent as the grave. No way was he going to do what Harvus says. He wasn’t that afraid of what Mrs. Stone would say on the matter either—in fact, he was sure she would accept it … at least, eventually.
    “This is for your own good, Augum and Leera,” Mr. Harvus repeated. “Mrs. Stone, are you there?” A moment of tense silence passed. “Mrs. Stone, do you hear me? This is Leopold Harvus.”
    A tinny voice sounded from within the orb. “Yes, I hear you,” Mrs. Stone replied, huffing as if she was in a run. “Is something the matter? Now is not a good time.”
    “I am afraid there indeed is something the matter, Mrs. Stone. Leera Jones and Augum Stone are … how shall I put this delicately … frolicking in an untoward manner.”
    Leera placed a hand over her mouth, barely able to breathe. Bridget, looking pale, squeezed her shoulder.
    “Is it affecting their studies?” Mrs. Stone asked between gasps.
    Harvus’ face lit up with victory. “Why, yes it is! Precisely that, Mrs. Stone! Do you give me the authority to discipline the pair—appropriately of course?”
    “I must place my trust in you to do the right thing, Mr. Harvus, as I am in quite the predic—” Suddenly there was a tinny explosion and the orb fell silent.
    “Mrs. Stone?” Leera cried out. “Mrs. Stone—!”
    Augum felt a horrible tingle creep down his spine while Bridget’s hand shot to her mouth.
    Mr. Harvus’ face went all sensible again as he carefully placed the