Thom frowned, tucking his hands into the sleeves of his robe. Of course that was what she pinpointed. "I have been making excellent progress," Thom said. "I have spoken with several mages who have... valuable input."

He was being vague - he was used to people on board leaving him alone about his own affairs. After that one incident with Hiccup in the library, he hadn't lost control since. But Alanna knew him better, and he fully expected a lecture about reaching out to your peers for help.

He didn't need help. He was slowly picking Roger's magic out of his, and it was working.