Thread Slivers (Golden Threads Trilogy) by Leeland Artra

in my room and I’ll go to their chamber presently.”
    The servant nodded and fell into step with him. “I could have someone take that for you.”
    “We are only a moment from my door. No reason to bother anyone with this.”
    The servant simply followed him to his room and waited outside while he quickly put the cloak into his armoire. Then, despite the fact that he knew where to go, the servant led him through the corridors to the main stairs and down to the first floor. Instead of turning towards the council’s chamber, the man indicated he should follow him towards the main audience chamber. That could only mean one thing, and Lebuin stood a little taller as he walked behind.
    Lebuin smiled as they approached the great doors. Before the doors stood ten Magi in two rows, who watched as he approached. He scanned the Magi’s faces, recognizing almost everyone. Oddly, Cune was not there. A gong sounded and the doors silently swung inward. The servant who had escorted him stepped forward. “I present Apprentice Lebuin of Llino.” He turned and made a sweeping gesture to Lebuin.
    Lebuin looked into the large hall. It could hold a full two hundred people easily, and he was shocked to see it was full of other Magi and apprentices. I really should have attended some of the other candidate trail ceremonies. Laughing at himself inside, he managed to maintain a straight back and only smiled wider. You’d think in twenty years I would have had time to go to at least one. But they always sounded boring, and I always had three books waiting in the library which were far more interesting. From what Finnba said, all I have to do is follow their lead. Looking around, unsure about what to do next, he was grateful when the servant smiled and indicated he should walk in. I know him from somewhere. He rarely noticed servants; they came and went like ghosts. However, this one was about his height, wearing a very well-fitting Guild uniform of traditional dark gray pants and a soft, light gray button-down shirt with purple piping. On the front left and right chest corners of the shirt was the Guild sigil: a stylized dragon with the five waves behind it, embroidered in silver thread. The servant had light brown, almost golden eyes, and was a middle-aged Karkaian. As Lebuin recalled, his name was Ditani, and he was the personal servant for Magus Gezu. Ditani, I haven’t seen him in the three years since Magus Gezu died. He cried at his funeral pyre. After that he disappeared. I wish I could talk with him, but this is not the right place or time. I’ll have to find him after this is done, but right now I have more important things to pay attention to.
    Taking the cue, he walked straight down the middle of the chamber. He heard the Magi who had waited outside fall in behind him. What are they all about? he wondered. Ahead, at the end of the aisle, were the five seats of the council set in a semi-circle on a raised dais. The council members stood before four of the seats. The fifth seat was always mysteriously empty. It had a large Guild sigil at the center of its backrest, and was really more of a throne. I don’t think I should kneel; only foreign trade ambassadors have done that. So he stood tall and looked at the council members.
    “Apprentice Lebuin,” Councilor Nillo said in his deep baritone. “We have reviewed the reports of all your trainers, your mentor, and the trial coordinators.” The councilor’s eyes locked onto his. “In all cases you have been deemed ready and worthy of the badge of Journeyman to the Guild. The council itself has reviewed and inspected your works through the Journeyman trials and found your craftsmanship to be of a worthy level.” Breaking the eye contact, Lebuin could swear something slightly more than ritual words and a hard stare had just happened. Councilor Nillo looked around the room. “Do any Guild Magi have cause or concern with advancing Apprentice Lebuin to the rank of Journeyman?” When