"I think I mentioned we were trained in school from a young age -- anyone can learn, but there are people who only focus on one type or don't get to higher level spells. Someone who went to the academies is likely to have a proficiency for all types -- red, white, green, black, arcane -- and be able to pick up additional spells. I also had the proper licenses to use many, which made me less of a risk in the event we did need to use them in front of others."

Really, his world was intensely classist.

"And I had the affect, accent, and bravado to insist I was where I ought to be. I was quite an asset."