Amber spoke first, assuming the lead. “Thank you. Professor? Is that what we call you?"

"Yes, dear. That would be perfectly suitable.”

"Professor," continued Amber. "We are all very excited to be here at the Academy to become Adventurers."

“Yes, yes. Of course, you are. So, what was that spell I felt? What was that? It was immensely powerful. It covered the entire city!"

“More Like the globe," muttered Bitty.

“What was that?" asked Gwydion, alarmed at the interruption. When no one answered, she looked flustered. "I heard you bought one of the gnomes. But really, you need to control it better. It speaks without being spoken to. That needs to stop. They've all suddenly put on airs."

"She has a name," growled Daniel. "And a sex. Her name is Bitty Beatrix. She is our friend. In our home, respect is expected, as my mother used to say."

"Ah yes, Daniel Davies. Your mother and father were quite popular here in Whitehaven. I remember when they suddenly packed up and left for the Wilds. That was surprising. No one thought it would end well, least of all me. And look what happened. Such a shame."

Daniel vibrated in his seat. Amy calmed him with a touch. Gwydion noticed.

“I see you have formed your circle. How did you snare him?"

Daniel gawked. "I beg your pardon? Snare me?"

Gwydion looked about confused. “Well, yes. Naturally. All witches snare and bind the spell caster. When successful. It isn't always."

Gwydion looked sad for a moment and lost in thought. "But here you are. How did you manage? He's powerful."

Amy laughed. "We didn't. We knew each other before... well before."

"I don't see how that matters, dear. It's Amy, correct?"

"Yes, professor. Daniel and I knew each other in Acron. I, uh..."

Amy faltered.

Jasmine leaned forward, smiling. "She fell in love with him long before we formed the circle. I did, too."

Gwydion said nothing for a long time and studied Amy, Jasmine, and Daniel. “I'm sorry. I thought that was a joke. You are serious?

Jasmine, is it? That never occurs. Only in folk tales. What really happened?"

Amber set down her glass of wine, untouched. Her brandy glass was still there, full. She kept looking strangely at Gwydion, but then she would shake her head. “It is as they say, professor. I am the heart of the circle. Amy always loved Daniel. Followed him around everywhere. I thought the circle would break her of that. But it was too late. She was in love. Then Jasmine, somehow. Then we discovered Daniel was a spell caster. Daniel was already bound to Amy. Then Jasmine."

Gwydion studied Amber. "And not you. I notice you say nothing of yourself."

OK uh..." Amber broke off and held her head in her hands.

"I see," said Gwydion. "A broken circle of sorts. Clearly functional.