“None who are new here know the words,” Primm whispered just in time, leaning rather too close to her face. “I was told we were simply to listen and learn, and in time we can join in with confidence.”

  Quickly glancing to either side, Gwin was relieved to see Primm was right. Many of the new initiates were looking at the floor, hands clasped before them, lips pressed resolutely shut. Her magick settled, curling back in on itself like fine smoke.

  The song ended but before the druids could re-seat themselves, a tall, thickset woman with long arms and broad shoulders strode to the front of the room. Archdruid Aubriette wore two belts—silver to represent Mamai and a deep violet for Aikana, as befitted her position as head of the Order. The belts twined about each other at her waist in a trailing plait. Her thick black hair was cropped close to her head, and a single gold earring dangled from her right earlobe.

  “A very good morning to you all,” she announced. “For those of you who have not yet been introduced to me, I am Archdruid Aubriette.”

  She motioned for them to sit and waited patiently as two hundred heavily-robed druids resettled themselves on the benches. The moonflute player bowed before stepping away.

  “I look around this room today,” the Archdruid continued, “and I am filled with excitement. Do you know how lucky we are to be one of the very few Crimson Druid generations to see a Changing of the Moons? To witness the ascension of those newly called to serve Aikana? You should all feel very fortunate indeed.”

  A murmur flew around the room, of agreement or dissent Gwin could not be sure.

  “I hope our veteran druids will join me in welcoming our new recruits. The colour of the belt you wear might tell the world you are a Violet or a Silver Scholar, but here you are all Scarlet Scholars, schooled as you are in the warm beating heart of the Crimson Citadel. Far from pushing our disciples of Mamai aside, we will all be working in tandem, just as our twin moons work in tandem across the night sky.”

  Gwin looked towards the back of the room, at the rows of older, rather more battle-hardened druids sitting behind them. Their expressions were not altogether welcoming and for the first time, she wondered how it felt to be the first druids in a century who were to make way for those whose magick was attuned to a different moon.

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  “They call us the Blushing Lilacs,” Primm whispered, once again guessing Gwin’s thoughts. “It’s probably best to stay out of their way for now. Until everything settles down.”

  Gwin twisted back around in her seat and refocused her attention on Archdruid Aubriette.

  “Your education here will be broad and thorough. Aikana’s influence may arguably be a gentler one than that of Mamai. You will become skilled at meditation and divination but make no mistake, we are soldiers for Lord Dewer and the great city of Armoria. Much of your time here will also be spent in the study of battle-magick.”

  A hushed excitement bristled amongst those seated.

  Archdruid Aubriette went on to speak about the great history of the Crimson Order, their legacy, their selfless service and devotion to Lord Dewer and Armoria. Gwin’s leg began to fall asleep.

  “In the sad absence of decent weather, you will be unable to meditate in the courtyard this morning,” the Archdruid informed them before ending her address. “Would all Violet Scholars please make their way to the library instead. Ovate Meldrim will be there to guide you further.”

  As they filed out of the room, Gwin and Primm were joined by Natalia.

  “Archdruid Aubriette did not seem so fierce,” Gwin said.

  “No, she didn’t,” Natalia agreed. “But believe me, she was certainly not so welcoming yesterday.”

  “Does she not deserve our respect?” Primm said. “If it were not for Archdruid Aubriette, the monster that rampaged through the Bard’s Quarter could very well have destroyed the city.”

  “Forgive me,” Gwin said, forcing herself to keep her voice level, “I am new to Armoria. I have heard tell of this monster, but not of the Archdruid’s involvement."

  “It was Archdruid Aubriette who managed to get a message to Lord Dewer, warning him of the beast’s escape. If he had not been able to gather the druids quickly, the Salt Swords would have attempted to bring the monster down themselves. Many of them would have died needlessly. As it was, Lord Dewer arrived in time and was able to instruct the Salt Swords to simply protect the druids rather than tackle the beast.”

  “How do you know all this?” Gwin wondered.

  “I have a friend who was involved.” Primm’s face flushed with pride. “A Silver. He told me all about it.”

  They were joined by another swarm of druids approaching from the opposite direction. The three women were swallowed by the crowd and pressed into the library. Unable to question Primm further, Gwin focused instead on maintaining her composure. Her heart and thoughts were racing. The beast in the city had escaped from some unknown prison. The destruction of Midnight Square could have been an accident. It was a revelation that could change everything.