Mage's Trial (Mages of New York Book 2) by Sean Fletcher

Author:Sean Fletcher [Fletcher, Sean]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Epic Worlds Publishing
Published: 2019-05-06T16:00:00+00:00

The Purpose of the Plan

Aspen couldn’t say she’d been in many libraries—The Clementinum in Prague being the most recent—but the one in the Academy was, she had to admit, impressive.

Four pillars of bookshelves reached toward the ceiling. Paper messages magically fluttered through the air like flocks of birds over the hushed heads of students, deeply engrossed in books. Thick volumes sat on reading pedestals in the center of wide bookshelves, through which wandered robed scholars with their noses pressed into text or carting precarious stacks back and forth.

“What kind of information did you have in mind, Mage Lucien?” Philas said, leading them between one of the bookshelves.

“I’d like to learn more about transference,” Lucien said.

Philus gave him a sharp look, and Richard let out an ‘oh!’ of surprise.

“That’s…rather dark magic, isn’t it?” Philus said.

“Which is why I’m looking for it,” Lucien said cheerily.

“May I ask why?”

“Because Xav—” Aspen started, but Lucien cut her off with a sharp jerk of his chin. Richard gave her an odd look.

“It’s just a hunch,” Lucien said. “But let’s hope I’m not right.”

Lucien dropped back to walk beside Aspen as Philus led them down the center row toward a collection of shelves in the back. “I don’t think we should reveal that it was Xavier who was looking into this just yet,” he murmured.

“Why not?” Aspen said, dropping her voice to a whisper as Richard glanced suspiciously back at them.

“The Academy, unlike what we’re seeing in the boroughs, still revere the Mages as the pinnacle of magical achievement. They don’t know all the details of what happened up on the rooftop.”

“What?” Aspen hissed. “You’re telling me they have no idea what Xavier tried to do?”

Lucien shook his head. “They know the final outcome, not the full story behind how it came about. Whether that’s from lack of knowledge or willful ignorance I’m not sure. But we still need their help, and I don’t want to risk them losing faith in the Council until absolutely necessary. They’re our allies, but in tough times even loyalty like theirs can be tested.”

Samson’s words echoed in Aspen’s mind: One way or another, the Mages must die.

“Richard, if you’ll excuse us,” Philas said when they’d stopped in front of a pair of statues depicting two scholars. One held an open scroll, the other a quill pen. Their extended arms barred the room behind them. “Beyond here are the advanced texts, which only masters and Mages may access.” Philus’ gaze rested on Aspen and he sighed. He waved his hand and the statues shuddered. Both of them withdrew their hands and crossed them over their chests.

“Through here, please,” Philus said.

In a moment of childish pettiness, Aspen gave Richard a smirk as they walked inside. He was still scowling when the statues’ arms closed them in.

This room was much smaller, washed in dim light from lanterns levitating over dusky tables. There was only the soft brush of shuffling feet and turning pages.

“Wait here a moment,” Philus said. He disappeared into the stacks.

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