The path to transcendence was often a lonely one, and wizards were no exception.
Unless they knew one another well, wizards rarely stood side by side, even if they belonged to the same family. As Ruger looked around, he saw that many of the spectators stood apart, each keeping to themselves. Some had gloomy eyes, some betrayed no emotion, and others wore grave expressions.
The wizard apprentices were much better in that regard. Those who had only just set foot on the wizard's path still had friends and showed their emotions more openly. The young wizard apprentices in particular were the most anxious people present. They felt indignation, concern for their family, and an urgent helplessness now that they could no longer take part in what followed.
Despite being on someone else's territory, the members of the Savens Family seemed remarkably composed. Formal wizards and wizard apprentices alike carried themselves that way, with a distinctive air about them.
Smiling, Ruger looked around and could not help scratching his canine head.
Of all the wizards and wizard apprentices present, none seemed able to match him when it came to bodily modification.
What a bunch of people who all insist on staying human, he thought.
That also made him, without his realizing it, the most conspicuous person there. For one thing, his appearance stood out. For another, the Vango Family members were intensely curious to see him standing so naturally and comfortably beside their family head. They did not seem to have an elder like him in their family.
Ruger felt several excessively ardent gazes on him. They belonged to the few Vango Family apprentices who bore obvious signs of modification, and they looked as though they had found their direction in life. Their burning eyes seemed to say that this unfamiliar