"It was indeed a Swooping Evil, but that wasn't all-"
As she spoke, she pulled back Jason's sleeve, exposing his arm. His robes had been repaired, but some wounds still remained on his body.
Those were blast injuries!
Robert frowned. "Check his wand."
Before Joey could respond, the surrounding wizards began clamoring.
"What's there to check? The wounds on Jason clearly came from a magical attack. Those damned Limeys!"
"Robert, that damned old bat can't have gone far. Let's drag him back here!"
"Exactly! Otherwise, those Limeys will think we're pushovers!"
Everyone present that night had been nursing a simmering resentment. What had happened to Jason finally ignited their anger-and gave them an excuse.
But just as things were about to spiral out of control, a soft yet unmistakably clear voice came from the fireplace. Unaffected by the noise, it sounded in everyone's ears. "What are you planning to do?"
Robert, who had just begun wavering and considering going along with the crowd, jolted at the voice and turned toward the fireplace.
A flame rose from within it.
Before that flame, the iron grate and coffee pot seemed no more substantial than syrup. In an instant, they melted into molten masses, falling and flowing.
But as the flame swiftly took the shape of a man, he stepped out of the hearth and onto the carpet without setting anything alight, then walked straight to Jason.
Every wizard, Robert included, instinctively stepped aside and lowered their heads.
"Mr. DeSantis-"
"I heard you getting rather worked up just now. Were you unhappy with my instructions?"
The man of fire examined Jason as he spoke, his tone gentle.
Yet a sheen of sweat appeared on every wizard's forehead. It plainly wasn't from the heat he gave off-his hands were moving Jason's robes around, and