Fresh from the horse's mouth

Or his fingers, anyway. Here be chapter IV, or what I have of it. I'll post a more complete version later on.

Chapter IV
The Academy’s Council

“...to use my powers not in violation of the Academy’s codex, to report illicit use of magic, obey the rulings of the archmagi, and follow the decisions of the council without question. Thus I vow.”
––The oath of the magi initiates at Carenath

“My fellow members, the meeting is called to order.” There was a slight unilateral whisper of acknowledgement, and a rustle as everyone present took up the parchment that had been mass-duplicated for them. It was a short sheet, and nearly half full. All the Elders should have been relieved about this because it implied a short meeting – some of these sessions could literally last a whole day, or even several days. However, there was hardly a breath to be heard inside the room, and where Derlen looked, he saw grave faces. Graver than usual, that was.
A meeting with a brief agenda might take little time, but it needed a good reason, especially when called on short notice. And this one had a good reason.
“The agenda for today’s session has hereby been made known. Is everyone present in agreement with the proceedings?” Twenty hands rose obediently to agree.