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Chapter 79 by Zingiber Zingiber

Roll +CUNNING(+2) to HAVE A MAGIC DUEL with Albert Conker.

First, a little matter of FRIENDship with Grace

Spend 5 XP to make Grace your FRIEND and owe you a FAVOR.


You sigh, regretting the late hour and the missed opportunity. "I'll do my best to thrash Conker for you, for Chain's sake."

"Bless you, Morgan," Grace says. "Take him apart."

You catch something in Grace's eyes and hold her gaze.

"Was there...something?" you ask her.

"You were my first," Grace says. "My first woman." Her expression shifts, from pensive to doubtful to curious.

"I'm glad," you say. "I'm happy I could show you."

Grace bows her head. "Minerval was so fraught and jealous," she says. "That's partly why I'm here."

"I thought..." you say.

"Well, yes, it was a fellow who talked me into Leontes," Grace says. "We're not together anymore, but I'm not sorry. I'm glad I'm in Leontes now."

"Were you thinking another House?" you ask.

"I was thinking of just leaving," Grace says. "The Tutor suggested Beavertail. You know, they sort of pick up the wash-outs from other Houses. But Jason talked me into Leontes."

"Jason Argo?" you ask.

"Who else?" Grace says, laughing. "It was fun. He even taught me some of his tricks."

Jason Argo had transferred out of Boarbristle to a school on the Continent at the end of last year, but his name was still a byword for flash, dash, posturing and romantic gesture, a poseur extraordinaire. He had a knack for glamours, illusions, and seemings. He most famously had conjured up a phantom band of accompanists to sing outside one of his paramours' windows.

That light comes back into Grace's eyes. "Morgan?"

"Yes," you say softly, holding a receptive expression.

"I know you have Fay," she says. "But would you see me again? This way?"

You hold out your hand and grasp Grace's. Her fingers are long, her skin soft and smooth, her hand warm in yours. "Yes, Grace."

Grace smiles. "Thank you, Morgan," she says. "I've been...really I've been a little lonely in Leontes. I figured someone else who came from Minerval would understand. Friends?"

"Friends," you say. "With benefits."

Grace cackles, a sound you didn't expect she could make.

"You know, Morgan," Grace says. "I have one of Jason's tricks you could use to help you in the duel."

"What is it?" you ask. "Do tell."

"Conker hates me, you know?" Grace says. "A little seeming, to make you look like me, just before the ward drops. That would set him off his stride."

Grace takes a ring from her finger and binds a simple spell into it.

"Once you put the ring on, it's primed," Grace says. "All you have to do is raise your wand and touch your thumb to the ring, and you'll be my double for a second. Long enough for him to see. Not enough for anyone else to notice. Really, we look almost like sisters already. Just comb a little oil through your hair and the only seeming will be my face for yours."

"Thank you, Grace," you say, taking the ring.

"Take him apart," she repeats.


You have +2 Ambition, -1 Bravery, +2 Cunning, +0 Diligence.

Your FRIENDS are Fay and Grace Winterthorn.

You have a special GOAL owed to the Tutor to win three duels. You have won your first. You may take +1 XP and gain the office of Prefect within House Leontes if you win two more.

You have 0 XP.

Describe the scene and roll +CUNNING (+4) (+2 Cunning, +2 Grace's FAVOR) when you HAVE A MAGIC DUEL with Albert Conker.

Describe the scene and roll +CUNNING (+4) when you HAVE A MAGIC DUEL with Albert Conker.

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