Blood Over Bright Haven

The epigraph is a note explaining the rejection of a woman applying to the Magistry. In it, the Archmage comments that women are too emotional to be mages, since logic is required for magical work.

In Leon’s Hall, as proposals of the barrier expansion are about to be presented, Sciona notices that the portrait of Archmage Stravos destroyed during her exam has been replaced; the new painting erases Stravos’s Kwen features in favor of a more Tiranish appearance. Sciona must sit next to Renthorn. Renthorn presents his work, which is merely serviceable. When it is Sciona’s turn, the Archmages assume she has nothing, but she proves them wrong by presenting a clear spellograph map—not her completely visible window, but a version startlingly clearer than anything seen before. They declare that the border expansion can start immediately with her work.

Just then, Sciona activates her Freynan Mirror, revealing the truth of the Otherrealm and exposing that the Archmages knew about siphoning all along. The Archmage Supreme soothes the audience by reminding them that God ordained the source of magical energy. She asks why hide it if it is good and warns them that she has taken matters into her own hands.