Chapter 14: The Fabricated Leverage

Killian pushed the heavy tavern door open and stepped back into the night. The alley air was cold after the smoky warmth inside. He walked quickly, keeping his head down. His mind kept replaying Vesper’s last words, that demand for insurance. It felt like a snare tightening.

The unease sat heavy in his gut. He had expected bitterness, maybe even reluctance. The sudden shift to calculation, that cold evaluation of risk and demand for collateral, felt more dangerous. Vesper wasn’t just a desperate victim looking for revenge. He was a man who’d learned to survive in the gutter, and he’d just seen a potential tool. Killian had walked in hoping to find an ally. He might have just handed a weapon to someone with nothing left to lose.

He took a longer route back to the academy, sticking to wider streets where the lamplight pooled on the cobblestones. He needed time to think before facing Elian. The plan had seemed straightforward when he’d explained it in their dorm room. Find Vesper, offer him a path to revenge and reinstatement, use his grievance as a lever to pry open Lysander’s defenses. Now the lever had sharp edges and a mind of its own.

The Argent Spire’s gates loomed ahead, the silver veil shimmering faintly in the moonlight. He approached slowly, steeling himself. The veil always felt like walking through a wall of cold spiderwebs. It never reacted to him, which was the whole point, but the sensation was unpleasant. Tonight it just felt like another barrier between him and relative safety.

He slipped through the student entrance, nodding at the bored-looking proctor on duty who barely glanced up from his book. The halls of the Argent Spire were quiet at this hour, just the soft echo of his own boots on the stone. He climbed the stairs to the third floor, his thoughts already turning to how he would explain this new complication to Elian.

Their room was dark except for a single magelight orb floating above Elian’s desk. Elian was still awake, hunched over a thick tome on intermediate ward theory. He looked up as Killian entered, closing the door softly behind him.

“Well?” Elian’s voice was low, tense. He’d been waiting.

Killian shrugged off his plain cloak and tossed it onto his bed. He sat on the edge of the mattress, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. “He agreed. In principle.”

Elian blinked. “That’s good, isn’t it?”

“He agreed to file the complaint. But he wants two things first.” Killian ran a hand through his hair. “Specific details about Althea’s report. And insurance.”

“Insurance?”

“Something on me. Or rather, something he can use against me if I abandon him or if the plan fails. He called it collateral.”

Elian’s face went pale in the magelight’s glow. “Killian, no. You can’t give him anything real. If he has any piece of your actual secret…”

“I know.” Killian cut him off. “I told him I couldn’t give him that. So we negotiated. I proposed giving him something else instead. A piece of information about another student. Something minor enough that it won’t ruin anyone, but convincing enough that he’ll believe it’s valuable leverage over me.”

Elian leaned back in his chair, thinking. The initial panic faded from his eyes, replaced by the familiar look of analytical processing. “That could work. If it’s fabricated well. It needs to be plausible but deniable for us, and just serious enough to seem like a genuine secret.”

“Exactly.” Killian felt some of the tension ease from his shoulders. Having Elian think through the problem with him always helped. “We have two days to come up with it. We also need to decide what details about Althea’s report we can safely give him.”

“The details are easier,” Elian said, turning in his chair to face Killian fully. “We can give him the truth, mostly. We tell him Althea Vayne compiled a report documenting localized enchantment failures linked to a first-year student. That she gave it to Lysander for a discreet review. That Lysander never filed it and is now using it for private leverage. Those are all facts. We just don’t tell him which first-year student is causing the failures.”

Killian nodded slowly. That made sense. It gave Vesper enough to make his complaint sound credible without pointing directly at Killian’s nullity.

“The insurance is trickier,” Elian continued, tapping a finger on his desk. “It needs to be about another student’s transgression. Something against academy rules but not catastrophic.” He paused, thinking. “Forbidden magical research is always a good one. It sounds serious but is often just a matter of disciplinary notes if it’s minor enough.”

“What kind of research?” Killian asked.

Elian chewed his lip for a moment before answering. “Phantasmal anatomy.”

Killian raised an eyebrow.

“It’s a niche field,” Elian explained, warming to the subject. “Studying the composition and behavior of spectral entities—ghosts, wisps, memory echoes. The academy allows basic theoretical study in fourth year and above, but practical investigation or attempted interaction with campus phantasms is strictly forbidden without faculty supervision. There are too many risks of psychic feedback or unintended bindings.”

“So if a student were doing it on their own…”

“It would be a violation,” Elian finished. “A serious one, but not an expellable offense for a first offense unless someone got hurt. Probably detention, confiscation of notes, maybe a mark on their record.” He paused again, thinking through the fabrication. “We need a specific student to pin it on. Someone believable.”

“Who?”

Elian thought for a long minute before speaking again. “Garreth Vance.”

“The tall one from Alchemical Principles? The one whose potion exploded?”

“Yes.” Elian nodded slowly, building the story as he went. “He’s in my Theoretical Arcana seminar. He asks strange questions sometimes about spiritual resonance and ectoplasmic residue. Last week he was arguing with Professor Halwen about whether phantasms retain sensory memory from their living forms. It’s not much, but it’s a seed we can grow.” He leaned forward, his voice dropping even though no one could possibly hear them through the warded door. “We say Garreth has been sneaking into the Old Archives after hours—which we know is possible because you’ve done it—to study restricted texts on phantasm dissection. That he’s been sketching spectral forms he claims to have observed near the Founder’s Mausoleum. That he’s even tried to collect ‘ambient sorrow-mist’ from a known haunting site in the lower catacombs using an improvised condenser.”

Killian listened, impressed despite himself. Elian had a talent for this kind of detailed fabrication.

“Would anyone believe Garreth is doing that?” Killian asked.

“Garreth is… intense,” Elian said carefully. “He gets obsessed with topics. Last term it was crystalline harmonics in quartz singing bowls. He built three of them in his dorm before Proctor Len confiscated them for ‘disruptive sonic experimentation.’ So yes, people would believe he’s diving deep into phantasmal anatomy if the rumor started.”

“And how do we make Vesper believe I know about it?”

Elian smiled thinly, a rare expression that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You tell him you saw Garreth coming out of the Old Archives after curfew two weeks ago, looking nervous and carrying a notebook that glowed faintly violet—a common color for active spectral resonance recordings. You followed him at a distance and saw him enter a disused storage closet near the mausoleum corridor before emerging empty-handed twenty minutes later.”

Killian turned the story over in his mind, looking for holes. “What if Vesper tries to verify it?”

“He can’t,” Elian said simply. “He’s expelled. He has no access to campus to check Garreth’s movements or search the storage closet. And even if he somehow got a message to someone still here to check, by the time they did, we could have planted something there ourselves.”

The plan was taking shape now, solidifying from a vague worry into actionable steps.

“We need to plant evidence,” Killian stated more than asked.

Elian nodded again. “A notebook with some convincing but ultimately harmless sketches of spectral forms would be enough.”

“Do you know how to make those look convincing?”

“I’ve seen illustrations in approved texts,” Elian said with a shrug that seemed meant to convey casual confidence but came off as slightly anxious instead.

They spent the next hour working out details while pretending to study when Proctor Len did his nightly rounds.

Killian lay awake long after Elian had extinguished the magelight and gone to bed.

The next day passed in a blur of routine.

Killian attended his morning remedial session with Instructor Morvath, which consisted of sitting in a room while Morvath activated various low-level enchantments—a floating feather, a self-writing quill, a chime that rang when magic passed near it—and asked Killian to describe what he “sensed.” Killian had gotten better at this particular deception. He described sensations he didn’t feel: tingling warmth when the feather levitated, pressure behind his eyes when the quill moved.

Morvath listened with that same unreadable expression, making notes in a ledger without comment.

During lunch in the refectory, Killian spotted Lysander across the hall holding court with a group of other noble students near one of the high windows overlooking the Sunken Garden.

Their eyes met for just a second before Lysander deliberately turned away.

Afternoon classes were a welcome distraction from plotting and paranoia.

That evening while Elian was at an extra-credit seminar on ward calibration techniques that Killian definitely wasn’t invited to attend due to his remedial status he decided to scout locations.

He needed to find that disused storage closet near Founder's Mausoleum corridor first so he could describe it accurately to Vesper later when telling him where Garreth supposedly hid his research materials.

The corridors near mausoleum were always quieter than other parts of academy grounds even during daytime because few classes were held there and most students avoided area out of superstition or simple disinterest in historical architecture unless required for specific projects related to necromantic studies which wasn't offered until third year anyway so only faculty and maintenance staff frequented these halls regularly making them perfect for clandestine meetings or hiding forbidden notebooks as per their fabricated story about Garreth Vance's activities here after hours without supervision from anyone who might report him immediately upon discovery thereof if they happened upon scene accidentally while doing rounds themselves perhaps but unlikely given how infrequently anyone came down here except on official business which was rare enough already all things considered especially after dark when shadows lengthened across stone floors creating patches of deeper darkness between flickering magelight sconces spaced further apart than in main academic wings presumably to save energy since nobody needed bright illumination here anyway most nights except maybe ghosts themselves if they existed which Killian remained skeptical about despite all magical evidence pointing toward possibility being real enough for others at least judging by way some upperclassmen talked about encounters with spectral phenomena during late-night study sessions gone awry due to fatigue-induced hallucinations perhaps but hard telling truth from rumor sometimes within these walls where everything seemed possible yet nothing ever quite what it appeared on surface level always another layer underneath waiting reveal itself unexpectedly when least prepared for such revelations generally speaking from personal experience so far anyway

He found corridor lined with marble plaques commemorating past headmasters and notable donors whose portraits stared down from walls with painted eyes seeming follow movement as he walked past them quietly trying not make too much noise echoing off vaulted ceiling high above where shadows gathered thickest near arched supports holding up weight centuries-old stonework overhead feeling oppressive somehow more than other parts building maybe because knowing dead were commemorated here even if not buried directly underneath floorboards themselves still created atmosphere conducive solemn reflection which didn't suit current mission objective locating suitable storage closet quickly before someone spotted him loitering around area without legitimate reason being here after hours technically against rules though enforcement lax given location's relative unimportance overall security-wise according Elian's earlier assessment based on academy regulations handbook section regarding restricted zones accessible only faculty without prior authorization obtained through proper channels which this wasn't technically but also wasn't strictly forbidden either gray area best exploited swiftly then vacated promptly avoid complications arising later

Third door down on left-hand side looked promising—plain oak wood worn smooth by time handle tarnished brass latch simple mechanism no visible ward markings around frame unlike doors leading actual mausoleum chamber itself which reportedly had multiple layered protective enchantments preventing unauthorized entry by anyone lacking specific clearance granted by council vote annually renewed each solstice according rumors circulating among students who claimed know such things though likely exaggerating details somewhat

He tried handle found it unlocked door swung inward silently revealing small room approximately eight feet square empty except few dusty shelves lining back wall cobwebs draping corners ceiling single small window set high up exterior wall letting weak moonlight filter through grime-coated glass pane illuminating motes dust dancing air disturbed by opening door movement stirring settled particles into temporary animation before settling again slowly over next few minutes while stood there contemplating suitability

This would work

Room was convincingly disused contained nothing incriminating currently but could easily hide notebook beneath loose floorboard or behind removable shelf panel if needed later stage plan required physical evidence planting operation though maybe unnecessary if Vesper never attempted verification himself satisfied with verbal description alone possibly even preferable avoiding risk getting caught placing fabricated materials somewhere they shouldn't be thereby creating actual infraction instead imagined one complicating matters further unnecessarily

He closed door quietly latched shut turned walked back way came footsteps echoing softly stone floor beneath boots until reached intersection leading main academic wing where light brighter traffic heavier students moving between evening study sessions common rooms dormitories normalcy resumed abruptly leaving behind quiet gloom mausoleum corridor like stepping different world entirely separate reality existing alongside yet apart from daily rhythms academy life

Next day passed similarly uneventful surface level

Killian attended classes took notes participated minimally discussions avoided drawing attention focused inwardly rehearsing what would say Vesper tonight going over details Althea report Garreth Vance's supposed research making sure timeline matched plausible sequence events could withstand basic scrutiny if questioned though doubted Vesper would interrogate him extensively likely accept information face value given mutual benefit arrangement hinged success complaint filing process starting soon hopefully triggering investigation Lysander's activities uncovering hidden report thereby neutralizing threat permanently while simultaneously offering Vesper chance clear name possibly reinstatement everything riding delicate balance trust deception between two parties neither fully trusting other but compelled cooperate shared enemy situation precarious required careful handling avoid collapse entire structure prematurely

Elian spent free periods during day creating fake research notes

He used cheap notebook purchased city earlier week during authorized supply trip filled pages with diagrams spectral forms copied memory from approved textbooks altering details slightly make look original work added annotations scribbled margins using different ink colors simulate process discovery over time included few nonsensical equations referencing theoretical principles phantasmal cohesion decay rates meaningless anyone actually knowledgeable field but convincing enough casual glance especially someone like Vesper whose expertise lay alchemical verification charms not necromantic theory anyway

By evening notebook looked sufficiently authentic stained corner with what appeared tea spillage dog-eared pages random intervals cryptic symbols drawn cover resembling protection sigils against spiritual feedback plausible precaution someone dabbling forbidden research might take seriously enough include though probably ineffective real terms given complexity proper warding required contain spectral entities safely during observation procedures

They reviewed plan one last time sitting dorm room door locked against interruptions

"You meet him give details about report first" Elian said checking mental checklist "Then offer insurance information about Garreth If he pushes for more refuse politely remind him deal mutual benefit not interrogation"

Killian nodded pulling on plain cloak again same one worn previous meeting wanting maintain consistent appearance avoid standing memory later maybe unnecessary precaution but habits survival ingrained deep didn't question them now

"You have notebook ready plant if needed?"

Elian patted satchel beside chair "Ready But only use absolute necessity"

"Understood"

Killian left shortly after moon rose high enough cast silver light over rooftops city below academy walls

Walk downhill toward artisans quarter felt longer tonight anticipation tightening muscles shoulders making each step deliberate measured breathing steady despite rising tension meeting Vesper again crucial turning point either securing ally arming adversary unclear which outcome more likely perhaps both simultaneously given man's evident bitterness unpredictable nature learned hard way living outside system once privileged within now scraping bottom barrel society where principles became luxuries couldn't afford anymore replaced raw pragmatism sharpened desperation into weapon pointed anyone nearby including would-be benefactors offering questionable deals contingent variables numerous uncertain outcomes

The Leaky Cauldron looked same as before same dim windows same muffled noise spilling onto street when door opened briefly patron stumbled out into night air reeking ale sweat tobacco smoke

Killian didn't enter main tavern this time instead slipped down narrow passage alongside building leading rear yard where previous meeting occurred hoping Vesper would remember agreement show up same location otherwise wasted trip complicated further by need reschedule everything risking exposure through repeated clandestine visits eventually drawing unwanted attention from barkeep patrons maybe even local guards patrolling area occasionally though rare given district's reputation lawlessness tolerated within reasonable limits defined loosely by whoever held power moment usually whichever gang controlled protection rackets currently operating unopposed by city watch stretched thin covering more affluent neighborhoods uptown where wealthy merchants nobles resided demanding greater security presence leaving places like this effectively self-governing through informal agreements violence intimidation maintaining fragile order balanced perpetually brink chaos

Back yard empty except stacked crates barrels faint smell rotting vegetables coming compost heap tucked corner near fence post lantern hung hook beside door leading kitchen cast pool yellow light over packed dirt ground creating island illumination surrounded deepening shadows beyond reach flickering flame dancing breeze occasionally causing shapes shift subtly almost alive watching waiting something happen

Killian stood center lit area hands visible posture relaxed but ready movement necessary though hoped wouldn't come violence tonight deal required negotiation not confrontation physical advantage meaningless here needed verbal agreement cooperation mutual interest served better than overpowering opponent leaving bruised ego vengeful intentions simmering beneath surface ready boil over later inconvenient moment exactly situation wanted avoid having already experienced similar dynamic Lysander learning lesson painfully firsthand therefore adopted different approach now prioritizing alignment incentives rather than dominance through force

Five minutes passed

Then door kitchen opened Cassian Vesper stepped out carrying two mugs steam rising tops handed one Killian without word then leaned against wall beside lantern taking sip own drink watching over rim mug eyes assessing calculating same cold evaluation previous meeting no trace initial bitterness remained only sharp focused intelligence stripped sentimentality hardened by months hardship sharpened edge survival instinct honed fine point capable cutting both ways depending direction applied

"You came" Vesper said finally lowering mug "Good Means you have what need"

"I have information" Killian corrected taking small sip found drink warm cider spiced cinnamon pleasant surprise given surroundings expected cheap ale maybe something worse "Details about report as agreed And alternative insurance you requested"

Vesper nodded gestured toward crate nearby "Sit then Let's talk business"

Killian remained standing preferring height advantage slight though probably meaningless psychological gesture nonetheless made feel less cornered "The report was compiled by Prefect Althea Vayne approximately three weeks ago It documents pattern localized enchantment failures across campus specifically Herbalia Annex Sunken Garden lower level workshop corridors Timeline matches movements particular first-year student though name redacted my copy obviously Lysander received report for discreet review given security implications Instead filing initiating proper investigation withheld evidence using threaten leverage over individual involved classic abuse authority"

Vesper listened intently absorbing details "What kind enchantment failures?"

"Minor disruptions" Killian chose words carefully "Silence wards flickering out proximity based Self-cleaning charms deactivating briefly Floating objects dropping few inches then resuming levitation Consistent pattern suggesting external interference not inherent spell failure"

"And Althea Vayne linked these specifically one student"

"Yes She used movement logs witness accounts cross-referenced timing incidents Established clear correlation"

Vesper took another slow drink thinking "So Lysander sitting evidence critical security breach while cutting private deal person responsible That's gross negligence at minimum possible conspiracy depending interpretation"

"Exactly" Killian said "Your complaint would demand investigation into his misconduct citing pattern behavior including your own expulsion as prior instance corruption If investigation launched they'll search his quarters interview Althea Report will surface His reputation destroyed faculty forced address both instances possibly offering settlement your case avoid further scandal"

Vesper smiled thin humorless expression "Neat package Everything tied bow Where report now?"

"Likely hidden among his personal effects Dormitory study carrel maybe Both warded but investigation would have authority bypass those protections"

"For argument sake let's assume works" Vesper said setting mug down crate beside him "Now insurance What you bring me?"

Killian took breath launching into fabricated story rehearsed multiple times earlier "Student named Garreth Vance first-year alchemical track conducting unauthorized research phantasmal anatomy Using Old Archives after curfew studying restricted texts spectral dissection Been observing phenomena near Founder's Mausoleum collecting ambient sorrow-mist attempts analyze composition Hidden notebook containing sketches observations stored disused closet near mausoleum corridor third door left-hand side handle brass tarnished"

He delivered details flat factual tone avoiding embellishment letting plausibility speak itself

Vesper's eyebrows rose slightly "Phantasmal anatomy Risky foolish but not unexpected certain type student Why you know this?"

"Saw him coming Archives after curfew two weeks ago Notebook glowed violet spectral resonance Carried toward mausoleum corridor entered closet emerged twenty minutes later empty-handed"

"And you followed because?"

"Curiosity" Killian shrugged "New place learning routines patterns who does what where when Useful knowledge sometimes"

Vesper considered this for long moment eyes never leaving Killian's face trying detect lie hesitation anything give away fabrication "Garreth Vance Name sounds familiar vaguely"

"He caused explosion during Alchemical Principles exam recently"

"Ah yes That one" Vesper nodded recognition dawning "Always messing something Obsessive type Makes sense" He picked up mug again drained remaining cider setting empty vessel down with soft thud "Alright Acceptable insurance Minor infraction enough cause trouble if revealed proves you trusted me with something actionable Won't use unless necessary mutual destruction scenario arises"

Relief washed over Killian though kept expression neutral "Then we have deal You'll file complaint?"

"I'll draft submit tomorrow morning through official grievance channel addressed Head Archmage Valerius copy sent disciplinary council Demand full review my expulsion citing Lysander's demonstrated pattern misconduct withholding security evidence private leverage Will specifically reference existence Althea Vayne's report challenge them find verify claims"

"Good" Killian said feeling weight lift shoulders finally progress forward after days stagnation anxiety "What timeframe expect response?"

"Formal acknowledgment within three days Investigation could take week maybe two depending how seriously they take allegations Given Lysander's family connections likely tread carefully avoid offending political allies but evidence compelling enough force some action eventually especially if rumor starts circulating among student body applying pressure from below so speak"

Killian hadn't considered rumor mill aspect Useful addition "Need help spreading word?"

Vesper shook head "Better you stay far away Let me handle My contacts still few lingering sympathetic ears within walls I'll ensure whispers start right after complaint filed create atmosphere suspicion around Lysander making harder sweep under rug quietly"

Made sense Killian wouldn't argue operational details with man knew terrain better than he did

They stood silence moment awkward transition from negotiation completion partnership such existed based mutual exploitation rather than genuine camaraderie

"Well then" Vesper pushed off wall extending hand same firm dry grip before "We'll see how plays out"

Killian shook hand briefly released "Two days contact you check status?"

"No" Vesper said surprising him "Don't come back here again Risky meeting repeatedly creates pattern someone notices Better communicate through drop point I'll leave messages under loose cobble near fountain artisans square northeast corner Check every third day after sunset If need urgent contact send unsigned note same location stating time place neutral ground meet otherwise assume plan proceeding accordingly adjustments made necessary along way without consultation streamlined decision-making process"

The instructions were crisp efficient spoke experience clandestine operations maybe learned necessity dealing black-market potion dealers past months adapting survival skills new environment

Killian memorized details nodding "Understood"

Vesper smiled again this time different strangely placid expression devoid earlier calculation bitterness almost serene unsettling contrast previous demeanor like mask slipped revealing something underneath calm detached possibly more dangerous because unpredictable nature hidden beneath surface calm waters concealing depths unknown hazards lurking below waiting unwary swimmer venture too far out from shore safety

"Good luck Knuckles" Vesper said using nickname heard perhaps barkeep mentioned previous visit or maybe just guessed fitting given reputation already building within academy walls unknown outside yet somehow reaching exiled former student ears anyway didn't matter now

Then Vesper turned walked back toward kitchen door without backward glance leaving Killian standing alone yard holding empty mug feeling cold seep through cloak despite relative warmth evening air around him

He set mug down crate slowly turned walk away alley passage leading street mind racing trying process everything just transpired deal struck information exchanged next steps outlined yet something nagged at edges perception that final smile placid acceptance unsettlingly calm demeanor shift from bitter desperate man calculating survivor into something else entirely less readable more alien perhaps broken different way than initially assumed maybe not broken all just bent new shape unrecognizable previous form making impossible predict actions going forward beyond stated agreement terms which suddenly seemed flimsy framework built over chasm unknown depth filled with potential betrayals missteps unforeseen consequences looming large horizon approaching faster than anticipated originally when concocted scheme naive belief could control variables manipulate outcome favor through clever planning brute force improvisation usual toolkit proving inadequate dealing human element particularly one seasoned hardship stripped illusions leaving behind raw pragmatic core motivated solely self-preservation revenge possibly other darker drives hidden beneath surface calm exterior smiling placidly while accepting loaded weapon disguised harmless gossip about phantasmal anatomy research