A World Without Heroes - Brandon Mull [95]
“You are certain you wish to pursue this challenge at this time?” the regent asked, staring at Jason, his demeanor graver than earlier.
“I am, sire.”
“Very well. Chancellor Copernum has waived his right to postpone the contest. I shall judge the event. You, Lord Jason, shall pose three questions. If you can supply a better answer than Chancellor Copernum to any one of the questions, you will become the new chancellor. Chancellor Copernum would retain his titles and holdings, remaining the Marquess of Jansington, the Earl of Geer, and so forth. Copernum would become eligible to challenge you for the chancellorship after the space of three months.
“Should you lose, Lord Jason, the title of Caberton will pass to Chancellor Copernum, along with all holdings and privileges pertaining to the title. Are the conditions understood?”
“Yes, sire,” Jason said, his mouth dry.
Copernum nodded.
The regent looked over at Copernum. “Have you anything to say before the contest ensues?”
“What education have you received?” Copernum asked Jason.
Jason looked around the room, unsure how to respond. “I’m almost in high school.”
People in the room shifted and murmured. Copernum glared.
“Can you authenticate this claim?” Copernum asked. “I am one of only eight men living to have graduated from the High School at Elboreth, and I am well acquainted with each of them. I know of no prospective candidates.”
“I never said the High School at Elboreth.”
“That is the only recognized High School.”
“I’ll go to a different one, called Roosevelt High School. It’s far away. I’ve traveled a lot.”
“So it would seem. Your accent has a peculiar ring. English truly suits you.” Copernum stared knowingly. Jason kept silent. “Enough banter. Good luck to you, lordling.”
“And to you,” Jason replied.
“Let the contest begin,” the regent announced. “Chancellor Copernum has fifteen minutes to respond to each question. Should he wish to challenge the worthiness of a particular question, I will have the final word. A disqualified question still counts as one of the three. Copernum retains the right to pose clarifying questions, according to my discretion. I reserve final say as to who has supplied the superior answer to each question, should any controversy arise. Lord Jason, proceed with the first inquiry.”
Jason swallowed. He wished he had a cup of water. He wondered if he should ask for one. No. Everybody was staring at him expectantly. Under the scrutiny of so many spectators he felt extraordinarily self-conscious as he tore open the envelope.
“I wrote these down to help me phrase them correctly,” Jason said nervously, scanning the words as quickly as he could.
The assemblage chuckled in sympathy.
Question one is from our friend in Trensicourt. He said Copernum is ashamed of his father, so although he can answer this, it will provoke him and might put him off balance. Ask him the full name of his father.
“Chancellor Copernum, what is the full name of your father?”
Copernum’s nostrils flared, his lip twitching toward a sneer.
“Is that the full question?” the regent asked.
“Yes, sire.”
The regent signaled to a man, who overturned a large hourglass.
“Come now, lordling,” Copernum condescended. “Tell me you are merely jesting, that you do not insult the renown of Roosevelt High School with inane questions such as this. Will the following question investigate my hat size? The answer is no mystery. Bridonus Keplin Dunscrip Garonicum the Ninth.”
The regent looked to Jason.
“Wait, the loremaster?” Jason asked. “At the Repository of Learning?”
Copernum’s gaze became predatory. For an instant hate flickered in his eyes. Then his expression relaxed. “Perhaps. His name is as I stated.”
“Any rebuttal?” the regent asked.
“I have nothing to add,” Jason stated.
“Copernum takes the first question,” the regent declared.
The assemblage applauded.
“Apparently, you do not fully comprehend the situation into which you have ensnarled yourself,” Copernum said. “Because of your youth, and your newness to Trensicourt, I extend the opportunity to withdraw.