The doors of the train had not opened yet.
Selara stood beside Trafalgar on the platform, clearly enjoying the fact that he was looking at the train with more interest than he probably wanted to show. The thing waited on the rails with a low hum running through its entire body, pale metal shining under the station lights while dark mana conduits pulsed along its sides.
"Listen well, dear chef," Selara said, lifting one finger as if she were about to begin a lecture. "This train has several passenger cars. Our group will have one reserved for the academy. The other cars will be occupied by alchemists, invited researchers, merchants, nobles, investors, and other people important enough to receive an invitation to Aurevane."
"So without invitation, no entry."
"Basically." Selara smiled. "The Conclave loves money, but it loves control even more."
Trafalgar glanced along the platform.
