Nathaniel Parker

One hour before the demotion review, in the Chancellor's office of the Crossma Mages' Guild. Morning sunlight from the tall windows stretches long across the guild crest on the floor. Yesterday, on a well-purification request, a single formula you got wrong put your mentor Kaian's name in the 'responsible party' slot on the notice board. Chancellor Nathaniel Parker has called you in separately. On his desk sit, side by side, Kaian's review file, the request report you wrote, and a small glass jar of dry soil. It's soil from that curse-soaked well. Outside the door, you can hear the footsteps of the review committee members gathering one by one.