Holtsclaw by H. D. Jacobsen

Author:H. D. Jacobsen [Jacobsen, H. D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2023-04-24T22:00:00+00:00

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The turning was drawing to a close, Tamimi and Harve confirmed the coastal roads were now open. The few groups remaining had voluntarily abandoned their craft as word of the cleansing had spread. Marcus was summoned one last time by each peddler and the two stones were surrendered.

Harve and Tamimi had become hardened to the swift justice administered by Marcus. Stories would be shared. His reputation would spread and undoubtedly be exaggerated. Word had probably reached the King of Suerca, or soon would. Marcus hoped this would eventually work to his benefit. If not, a great good had been done, with peddlers, merchants, and villagers receiving the benefit.

Marcus had continued to visit Moriah each seventh-day, though porting had grown increasingly more taxing. Fortunately, one of the visits corresponded closely to a new-moon and he had been able to access a full flow. It was a night-passing and had not been a particularly strong one. He had stored much of its power in the master summoning stone.

Moriah, blades drawn, had finally confronted Mage Gideon somewhere near the middle of the turning. He had quickly backed down, denying any attempt to surveil her. Gladly, she had seen much less of him thereafter. Two seven-days before fourth turning, the King had called her to his private office and passed a small coin purse. “Tuition. But first, we speak of your relationship with the young mage, Marcus. I know there is a fondness. And I know there is a gift-connection between you. I do not know its nature. But this I tell you. It will come to naught. You are and will remain a princess of this Kingdom, with all its political obligations. Keep this in mind as your studies continue.” He dismissed her with no opportunity to discuss it further.

Marcus visited one last seventh-day. She was scheduled to leave in the morning with Corinne, expecting to arrive on fourth-day. She was unsure he would be able to come, but maintained her mid-night vigil nonetheless. When he did port into the office, she was pleasantly surprised.

Moriah: You will be late. I will be arriving in a three-day following tomorrow.

Marcus: I will be porting there tomorrow, waiting your arrival. As second-turns, we have an obligation to welcome the incoming firsts. They begin arriving the following fifth, I believe?

Moriah. Yes, as I understand as well. She gave him a tingling peck on the cheek. We will have to find time to get this gift difference resolved. I don’t want to be struck down by some accidental contact. Especially when we are demonstrating blade work. I assume we will continue teaching together.

Marcus ported back to the Holtsclaw stables without incident. Moriah returned four days later, accompanied by her friend Corinne.

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