Chapter 21

Hi everyone, new chapter. I have exams this month so ill be busy for a little while- but I'll post whenever I can.

/ / /

Arthur tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for the last of the other candidates to arrive. It was terrible form to be late to the introduction ceremony, and put you at a severe disadvantage. If you don't make an appearance then you lose the chance to gain advantages by making alliances or hearing gossip about powers and weaknesses. And also the chance to meet members of the council who you could apprentice with when you come of age.

"Arthur, any competition here?" murmured Matthew into his ear. Arthur shivered, but remained focused- he wouldn't get distracted when he was like this, Matthew knew it, though it did disappoint him. Arthur was so cute when he turned bright red, the crimson spreading to his ears.

"I'd say Yao is the one to watch for." Arthur sighed, fiddling with the cuff of his long green robe, emblazoned with a golden K on the right side of his chest, over his heart. It was far less extravagant than some of the other candidates- Angela Bonnefois was wearing a pale blue shimmering ballgown, and elbow length white gloves. It wasn't surprising that she had been chosen- her specialty was water magic, and she would be gaining control of the clan in the next few years. Francis had mentioned that his mother wanted to retire so she could spend more time with her husband. Mrs Bonnefois had been clan head for 5 years, since Francis's grandmother had died. Angela was tall with curly blonde hair and the same disarming blue eyes and charming smile as her brother Francis. Yao was wearing some pretty bold robes as well in the Hanfu style, crimson red with golden accents.

Yao was definitely going to be a challenge. He was far more powerful than people gave him credit for, he had thrashed Arthur's older brother Alistair in a duel just months before. Al's speciality was combat magic- and Yao also channelled his magic using a fan, which was customary for the head branch of his family. Yao's mother was equally as deadly with her fan. Stories about her were used to terrify young witches into behaving, Alana was particularly terrified if Brandon is to be believed. He usually isn't trustworthy, but from the amount of joy in his face when revealing Alana's weakness caused Arthur to believe him.

Antonio and Lovino were chatting elsewhere, also in ceremonial dress- the more modern witch robes that the Kirkland's also favoured. Lovino wasn't going to be a challenge, he was easily provoked which made avoiding his attacks simple. Ludwig stood awkwardly beside them, which caused Arthur to frown- no doubt Ludwig's mother was trying to get Gilbert disinherited again. Ludwig wouldn't be any trouble, but Antonio could be a problem. Arthur's nature magic would be at a severe disadvantage. Hopefully his familiars would be able to balance the field, Antonio had unwisely chosen a Salamander for a familiar- using a familiar with the same element as you wasn't a good move strategically. Arthur used light magic, so two familiars as dark as Matthieu and Alfred would put him on an even playing field with his opponents.

"Oh?" Matthew raised an eyebrow.

"He defeated one of my brothers, but the twins obliterated him. It is possible that he could defeat me." Arthur admitted.

He wasn't going to hide anything from Matt, even if it meant admitting weakness. They needed to be completely transparent with each other if their relationship was going to work. Relationship. If you had asked Arthur a year previously if he would ever be in a romantic relationship with a familiar he would have laughed. Though he would have laughed at the idea of being in any sort of relationship. He sought to do what Alana had, become accomplished before focusing on his personal life. His mother always warned him that falling in love wasn't something that you could control. Now he knew exactly what she meant.

"Ladies and gentlemen, heirs to clans and familiars. My name is Alana Kirkland, I am a member of the council, and I am the one who has been given the honour of assigning you your first task. At the end of the evening I shall reveal what you shall be required to do to enter the second round of the competition, until then make the most of your time here. Please, enjoy the feast." Alana clapped her hands and the door creaked open, revealing a large dining room with long tables covered in white tablecloths, golden silverware and food from around the world. Arthur squared his shoulders and waited patiently at the back of the room while people took their places. Their families were already waiting inside. Only Alana was there for Arthur, his parents were in another realm and the rest of his family was at the school. Except for Brandon, Alana had mentioned he was in Egypt researching necromancy. Not something Arthur was about to share with the hundred people who would no doubt ask when he took his own place.

"Where are we going to sit?" Matthew asked quietly, linking his arm with Arthur's left.

"I'm not sure yet. I may just observe for a while. There are people I don't know and I need to discern who would be worth spending my time on."

"How about that family over there?"

"I am related to the Bonnefois. I'd rather wait until Angela and Francis have had another argument about who the worthy successor is. They'll be much less on edge after that."

"Ah."

"It is customary for the oldest child to be the heir, as they are usually the most powerful at the time when the need for them to take over arises. For my family the situation is different- Brandon was disqualified due to his nasty temper, Alana is a council member and a justice so she cannot become the head of house as she needs to remain impartial. Alistair has by technicality entered into another clan, as he is currently engaged to Miss Angela."

"Ah, so that's the connection?"

"Indeed. Francis's mother and my mother have been friends for centuries. They are as close as sisters. My father has struck up an unusual friendship with the father of Gilbert and Ludwig. Making connections is essential- but their friendship is peculiar. Our clans have been rivals since the first witch war over a hundred years ago, but they seem to ignore any bad blood. My mother always says that they are thick as thieves."

"And my father says that your father is the greatest man he has ever met."

"Gilbert. I was wondering where you were." Arthur smiled cordially, but the albino pulled him into a hug.

"It's weird to see you without your vampire, where is he hiding these days?" whispered Gilbert, and Alfred's ears perked up.

"Ah if I told you that then I would be betraying his trust now wouldn't I?" chuckled Arthur.

"True true." Gilbert released his friend and took a step back, with his usual smirk on his face.

"It's a shame you aren't competing Gilbert, you would pose far more of a challenge than poor Ludwig."

"My brother is far better at strategy,though he can certainly hold his own. Not like you of course."

"Flatterer. Have you met my familiars? Matthew and Alfred."

"Pleasure," Matthew smiled and Gilbert shook his hand. He eyed Alfred warily, something gave Gilbert a bad feeling about him.

"We have met before in school haven't we?"
"Ah, but meeting you as a familiar is a very different thing." Matthew offered him a disarming smile.

There was a loud crash and everybody froze. Then, a blood curdling scream smashed the silence.