Light from a Broken Lamp by M. A. Morales

Author:M. A. Morales
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: cozy fantasy, standalone fantasy, howl's moving castle, ella enchanted, fairytale, woman main character
Publisher: M. A. Morales
Published: 2022-12-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

“I told you to be careful,” Hannah said, removing a handkerchief from her sash to wipe his bloody nose. He appeared to be regaining his strength, but only food, drink, and sleep would truly replenish his energy.

“It will pass,” Cyr replied, referring to the infection. He tried to stand but swayed back to the ground, Hannah attempting to help with his balance. Deciding he was unable to stand, Cyr moved his legs beneath him and took a seated position on the road. “Why did you come?”

“I heard the explosion, and... I don’t know. I felt you were in trouble.”

Cyr shook his head and looked to the ground before a grin appeared.

“You shouldn’t have left. Though, even I cannot deny I would more than likely be dead if you hadn’t have shown up. Hexphyr would have no qualms in killing me.”

“Who was the other man? The one in the onyx cloak?” Hannah questioned, unconsciously switching her gaze to the spot he had stood before.

“I’m uncertain of his identity, but he and Hexphyr have been allied for quite some time, I can tell that much. Also, I can only assume the Guild has no idea of their alliance, nor that this man is helping their cause. For, I know if they knew, they would reject his assistance.”

Cyr looked up at the clear sky, and he took in a deep breath. Hannah glanced down at his ring, which appeared to be gaining vibrancy once more. The image of the onyx cloaked sorcerer seemed to be permanently displayed in her head, just as the image of Hexphyr had been when she first saw him. However, Cyr’s statement confused her more than clarifying the situation.

“Why would the Guild reject help from him?”

“There are stories of sorcerers wearing black robes committing acts of dark magic. In other words, forbidden magic. Even within the ranks of sorcerers there is a caste system and a group which they themselves oppress. The Guild refers to these practitioners as Reapers, and try their best to keep this group separate and distinct from their own. The rights and equality for which they press do not apply to the Reapers. Due to their names, Reapers are often hired by high-ranking members of society, such as nobles or royalty, to do their dirty work.”

“Like assassination?” Hannah asked. Cyr nodded. Hannah’s mind flooded with her thoughts. She pictured these Reapers killing innocents, being responsible for incidents much like Wickebarrow faced. Incidents that kept the townspeople fearful of sorcerers. And yet, the onyx cloaked sorcerer, another Reaper if Cyr was correct, emitted no ominous or hostile presence. Cyr continued.

“It is said a man of the shadows was seen by castle officials on the night of the King’s death. Many sorcerers believe a Reaper was responsible. The King was well liked by the Guild, his desire for progress amongst different groups admirable. However, now that his son is in charge, the Guild may have much more difficulty in convincing him of their need for equality.

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