Night of the Eye (Defenders of Magic) by Mary Kirchoff

Author:Mary Kirchoff [Kirchoff, Mary]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
ISBN: 9780786963508
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast Publishing
Published: 2012-07-17T00:00:00+00:00

The gilt-edged porcelain teacup and saucer lifted in scant, jerky motions from the top of the crowded desk. The delicate cup chattered against the saucer. Hearing it, Guerrand squeezed his eyes shut more tightly against distraction and grasped the small leather loop that was the material component for the spell that would lift the cup. He held the loop, had already spoken the magical words. The hitch had to be in his memorization of the spell.

Guerrand forced his mind to focus on the mathematical equation, visualized the pattern in his mind, followed by the mental picture of a floating cup. He could almost hear a cosmic ping as all elements of the spell came together. When he opened his eyes, he wasn’t surprised to see the cup and saucer floating smoothly above the table for the first time. He was, however, delighted.

“Look, Zag! I’ve finally done it!”

Perched on the sill of Guerrand’s small room in the villa, the sea gull lazily opened one beady eye. Congratulations. You’ve managed to lift a teacup, something you’ve been able to do with your hands since you were in short pants, I’ll wager.

Guerrand frowned and snatched the cup from the air to press his lips to the golden rim. “That’s not the point,” he said after taking a sip. “Justarius says the levitate spell can be one of the most useful in a mage’s repertoire.”

Zagarus opened both eyes. It’s good to know that if you ever lose both arms, the bird said wryly, you’ll still be able to take tea.

“I don’t know why I ever let you out of that mirror,” said Guerrand with a good-natured chuckle. “It seems you’re always either making fun of me or causing trouble.” Guerrand set aside the teacup and saucer. “What does it look like in there, anyway?”

In the mirror? repeated Zagarus dully. Like a foggy cave, only without walls. I’ve made it a little nicer, taken in some twigs and such for a nest.

Belize’s tiny mirror had turned out to be more useful to Guerrand than even that venerable mage could have anticipated. Zagarus had made it his home, claiming it was quite comfortable, warm, and dry. It also made a perfect hiding place for the familiar when he didn’t want to be seen or disturbed.

“Can you look out of it and see me?” asked Guerrand.

Afraid I’m spying on you, eh? Zagarus scratched beneath his wing with his beak. You needn’t worry. There’s just a flat, shimmery wall, like a mirror that’s lost its silver. At best I see fuzzy outlines moving around. Most of the time you have the mirror in a sack or pocket or drawer, so I can’t see even that much.

“That’s it? Is there weather or light or sound?”

Zagarus blinked, thinking. It is surprisingly noisy at times, like someone walking or talking in the back of the, well, cave. I’ve thought about exploring, but—

“Don’t,” said Guerrand firmly. “I don’t need you poking around in there and getting us both into trouble. We have no idea what’s in there.

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