The Guildmaster let out a patronizing chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief, even as the other men murmured among themselves, clearly disapproving.
“And what training do you have?” Master Fera asked, shaking his head. “What school did you go to? Who did you train under?”
I flushed. I was self-taught, knowing which herbs to use and which poultice to apply was a matter of intuition for me. But I couldn’t tell the guild that. I couldn’t tell them I healed throughmagic.
“I justknow,” I muttered, knowing it sounded weak. “But I’ve always had good results, you can ask anyone in Vilusia—”
“We’ve heard the stories,” another guild member interjected, his tone as dismissive as Master Fera’s. “A clever girl with a knack for herbs. But this is a guild, not a kitchen.”
The words stung, but I refused to flinch.
“I am asking for the chance to prove myself,” I said, my voice rising despite my effort to keep it even. “Let me take the tests. Let me show you what I can do.”
“My dear Seranni, do you not understand? You’re still young, only twenty—”
“I’m twenty-two,” I muttered, and Master Fera’s eyebrows went up, but he didn’t pause.
“—so, maybe you don’t understand yet: A woman’s place is not in a guild, but in her home, tending to her family. There is no need for you to pursue such endeavors when you could be focusing on finding a suitable match and starting a family of your own.”
I felt a surge of indignation rising within me, but I kept my composure, determined to make him see reason. “With all due respect, Master Fera, my aspirations extend beyond mere domestic duties. I wish to use my skills to help those in need, to make a meaningful contribution to our society.”
And makemoney, I thought, but I made sure not to show it in my expression. Better that the guild think I’m just an idealistic young woman.
Master Fera’s expression hardened, his avuncular facade slipping to reveal a stubborn resolve. “Seranni, I understand your desire to prove yourself, but the fact remains that by joining the guild, you would be taking a position away from a deserving young man. It is simply not done.”
“But why should my gender dictate my worth or opportunities?”" I challenged; knowing that my voice was tinged with frustration, but unable to control my emotions. “Surely, the guild should value talent and dedication above all else. Abovegender.”
Master Fera sighed heavily, his gaze softening slightly. “Seranni, you are a bright and capable young woman, but you must understand that traditions exist for a reason. The Healer’s Guild has functioned in a certain way for centuries, and to change that now would be to disrupt the natural order of things.”
He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. “What would you have us do when the men return from war? When trained healers need their positions restored? Should we turn them away to make room foryou?”
His words hit me like a blow, but I clenched my fists, refusing to let him see my hurt. “I’m not asking for special treatment. I’m asking for the same chance you would give any man.”
The room was silent for a long moment, the weight of my words hanging in the air. Master Fera’s gaze bore into me, and I met it head-on, even as my heart thundered in my chest.
Finally, he sighed, shaking his head. “You’re persistent, I’ll give you that. But the answer remains the same. The guild is no place for a woman.”
I felt a surge of disappointment wash over me, realizing that my plea was falling on deaf ears. Despite my best efforts, I could not sway Master Fera’s deeply ingrained beliefs.
“Thank you for considering my request, Master Fera,” I said, my voice tinged with resignation. I couldn’t resist one last barb, though. “I understand your decision, though I may not agree with it.”
The Guildmaster nodded solemnly. “I wish you all the best in your future endeavors, Seranni.” He turned away, already dismissing me from his notice as he engaged his colleagues in conversation, as if I was unworthy of his attention.
Burning with frustration, I turned to leave, the weight of Master Fera’s words settling like a stone in the pit of my stomach.
Well, now Ihadto leave Vilusia.
The walk back to my home was a blur, the cold air biting at my cheeks as I fought back tears of frustration.
The streets of Vilusia seemed smaller today, the houses less inviting. The weight of the guild’s rejection pressed heavily against my chest, suffocating the hope I’d carried with me that morning.
By the time I reached my door, my hands were trembling—not from the cold, but from the helpless rage that threatened to consume me. I pushed it down, locking it away as I stepped inside.
This wasn’t over. Not yet.
I couldn’t let it be.
I couldn’t fail.
