A testament to your holy power. You've walked the lands for decades proclaiming your divinity.

"And yet, once you scrape past the statements and your account of your actions, you discover something. Do you know what I've discovered, Quinten?"

“I said leave, demon. I have no interest in your delusions. Or Syn.

Leave or I will be forced to act."

“Strong words. You don't truly understand Syn, do you?"

“syn is sin. That is enough to understand."

Daniel chuckled, drawing the stares of everyone. He had been forgotten. “Quinten, you dumb fuck. Syn is justice and truth. You've exposed yourself to her. You're so fucked."

Daniel didn't know if that was true, but it felt good poking at Quinten. The bastard deserves whatever's coming for him. All our problems at the Academy can be laid at this so-called paladin's feet.

Quinten's face exploded with rage, and he swiped his hand at Daniel.

A bright beam of light, shaped like a sword, flared toward Daniel.

And just as quickly, it was snuffed out. Quinten staggered and looked at Jennifer in shock.

“Magic is not allowed when Syn is present for judgment, Quinten. It's sad you don't even know that. But I expect little from your One God.

He likes his tricks and devilish ways. Corrupting others. Influencing mortals to do his bidding."

"You speak nonsense. This is MY academy! MY rules. You have no say here. The One God is all powerful. His dominion is the world. Leave at once before he acts. I will have no control over it. He will do as he always does. Smite evil."

Jennifer smiled. "You know, you've only been tolerated so far because you have actually done some good in the world, despite your false god. Syn sent me to watch over you while her newest followers started their growth of discovery. She bade me keep them safe from you.

"I didn't believe you would have the balls to go against Syn. Or better yet, how could you go against Grace de Moroingi? She warned you, didn't she? She doesn't carry the same restrictions as Syn.

Grace told you they were good witches. She told you to protect them and that it was important. You know her abilities. How could you ignore that? Honestly, I feel sorry for you. Grace will never forgive you. She cares for these people. And you went after them. Sent students to kill them and do your dirty work."

Quinten looked disgusted, but Daniel could see that mentioning the name Grace had frightened Quinten deeply. Not for the first time, Daniel wondered just who Grace was.

"But I have good news, Quinten Cuirass, headmaster of the Academy of Adventurer Training. Today, you will not be judged by Syn. You still have a minor role to play. You will continue as the headmaster. But alas, I also have bad news.

"Your two delinquent spell casters were not so lucky. Their intent was there for Syn to see clearly. They are guilty of the attempted murder of people protected by Syn. She cannot allow that impudence to go unpunished and has already tried and executed them. She has marked them. You will make arrangements for their bodies to be returned to their families. You will ensure those families receive compensation and a full explanation of their crimes and guilt. After all, they did their crime at your behest, and you would know better than anyone. You should know Syn has also marked you for these transgressions. She will watch as you fulfil this demand. Their bodies are in their room. Be discrete. You will pay the price later when you are finally judged.

"Last, you have failed to provide teaching to Syn's chosen. This was your responsibility and duty as the headmaster. A new witch will arrive here in four days' time. Her name is Glenda Gables, a name I'm sure you recognise. Certainly your ‘One God', does, based on the shiver that just went through you. I would love to hear you accuse her of evil. Just try it. Please Jennifer stared for a long time at Quinten and then turned and walked away before she stopped and looked back. "Free advice. I would be careful around Glenda if I were you, Quinten. She will see through your One God in a heartbeat. She saw through his son in case you didn't know. Poor little doggy. Daniel, Jasmine? See you in your rooms. Come straight back. Don't dawdle. I have something to tell you all before I go. I don't have much time. I am being called away.

Understand?"

Daniel and Jasmine both nodded and then looked at Quinten.

“Don't worry about him. He was just leaving, weren't you, Quinten?"