Have a private magic duel with Barbara Torch.

"Warden," you say, calling up all the courage you can muster. "We are here by consent. May we clean up, as we promised?"

"Woodbine," the Warden says. "I don't care for your attitude, and I disapprove of your actions with Miss Redmoor."

Naked and dripping in front of Barbara Torch, Boarbristle's fearsome, impulsive duelist, somehow you're not quaking. You feel calm and clear about drawing a line.

"You may take this up with Miss Hawk, Warden," you say. "Nothing here is your concern."

Barbara Torch glowers at you.

"Look who thinks she's a mistress now," the Warden says. "You're on thin ice, Woodbine."

"I know where I stand," you say. "Miss Redmoor has class. Please let her be excused."

Barbara Torch's face goes from hot anger to a cold stare. Fay hisses in a breath.

"You deserve to be called out for your insolence, Woodbine," she sneers.

"Please stand aside, Warden," you say. Your scalp tightens and your skin prickles, but you speak and stand, unwavering.

"Have it your way, Woodbine," the Warden says. "If you will face me wand to wand, I will step aside."

"Morgan, don't!" Fay says. "It's not worth it!" She clutches at your arm.

"I accept," you tell the Warden. "Here. Now."

"You complete nincompoop, Morgan," Fay says. She backs away.

Golondrina hovers in the background. She seems tense but resigned to staying out of it.

You take up your wand and face off with Barbara Torch, gazing into her broad dark face as she holds her wand down low. Rather than House Leontes' robes, she wears the red and gold House colors on a closely tailored suit cut for speed of motion.

"Fay, cast a counting ward," you say.

Fay mutters, but raises her wand and intones a brief conjuration. Between you and the Warden appears a translucent barrier in the shape of a round shield. It pulses once, twice, thrice, and dissipates.

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

⚀⚅ + 2 = 9

When you HAVE A MAGIC DUEL, on a 7-9 choose one:

• It's a tie. Gain +1 XP and take a CONSEQUENCE or next: GET OUT OF THE INFIRMARY.
• It's a standoff, wands waving, sparks flying. Roll MAGIC DUEL again at -1 or CAST A SPELL.
• You lose gracefully.
• You have a bitter triumph. Gain +1 XP and an ENEMY who is bitter at you.
• Your ENEMY resents your triumph. Gain +1 XP and CONFRONT YOUR ENEMY now or later.