Blaidd had no good ideas about how to use the Larval Tear, so he could only leave it to Ranni to study. For her mother's sake, Ranni was willing to put in the effort. If the Larval Tear really was as miraculous as the legends claimed, perhaps it could heal Rennala's heartache, even if only half of it.
Rennala had suffered a double blow: abandonment by her beloved husband and the pain of her child never being born. The first was far too difficult to resolve, but if the second, the grief of losing a child, could be resolved with a tiny Larval Tear, that would be an excellent bargain.
Blaidd's report had come to an end. He was about to leave the Sorcery Tower when his ears pricked up, catching another sound.
"Someone's coming. I'll take a look." Blaidd vaulted down from the Sorcery Tower.
A moment later, Blaidd jumped back up. "Sis, we've got trouble."
"What is it?" Ranni asked.
Blaidd said, "Our informant in the Academy sent word that the Academy is making a new move. Their private army, the Cuckoo Corps, has been equipped with new magical devices, and they intend to attack Caria Manor."
As he spoke, he presented what he held in both hands. A Glintstone Firearm lay in them.
Ranni took the Glintstone Firearm and examined it before handing it back to Blaidd. She did not understand. "What does this thing do?"
"It's a quick, convenient kind of staff. Let me demonstrate." Blaidd aimed at the sky outside the Sorcery Tower and pulled the trigger.
A faint bang came from the Glintstone Firearm. The Academy's crest appeared before its muzzle, and then it spat out a [Glintstone Pebble].
Even Ranni was shocked. Her normally expressionless, indifferent face changed completely, her small mouth falling