---
Ned pushed Fartray away.
Fartray adjusted his coat slowly.
"But outside the academy," he continued, "things can happen."
Ned turned his back and walked toward the window.
Fartray could see that the anger in him was changing. It was becoming colder and more controlled.
"What do you want?" Ned asked.
Fartray smiled again.
"I want John removed. I want Fizz Holdings weakened. I want the secret behind the rare mana tools."
Ned looked at him over one shoulder. "You think John will hand that over before dying?"
"No. That is why he should not die immediately."
Ned's eyes narrowed.
Fartray walked toward the table and poured himself water without asking permission.
"We draw him outside the academy. We separate him from teachers and guards. My people surround him. We force him to tell us what he knows. After that, you can kill him yourself if it makes you feel better."
Ned stared at him.
Fartray took a drink.
"You have men," Ned said. "Why do you need me?"
