Soul of Magic: Book 1 of the Chronomancer Series by Mark August

Author:Mark August [August, Mark]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: https://readmarkaugust.com
Published: 2021-02-18T22:00:00+00:00

Forty-Three

Kincaid - Magic's Soul

“Magic is extraordinary.” Cormac paused and observed Kincaid’s response. “Ever present but always somewhere else. Capable of destruction at your command. And it inspires awe in those who don’t understand.”

Kincaid sat with legs crossed on the floor near the prison bars. He matched Cormac’s body position as they faced one another.

“I understand. It’s beyond natural forces. More than nature? Maybe even in contrast to nature.”

“Good. When we reach for magic, we touch an arcane plane. It’s beyond the laws of nature. But reach is a poor choice of words because that implies using hands. The craft of magic demands more than a skilled touch.”

“As a carpenter, I could handle a piece of wood and know where it fit in any project. Skilled hands can work anything. Can magic be the same?”

“Skill with magic is not as predictable as a master’s ability with a physical object.”

“I can find the arcane plane reliably now.” Kincaid glowed with his newly found inner strength. Each time, Cormac observed his efforts. Kincaid would be ready the next time the Duke returned.

“Kincaid, magic isn’t an inanimate object like a piece of iron or wood. Wanting to do something with your mind doesn’t craft magic. When you knew what you wanted from the wood in your hand. What did you do?”

“Select the right tools and work each stroke. I revealed the art from the grain of wood.”

“Magic is similar, except the tool is you. Remember, you are the tool. But you must wield this power. You are both the tool and the hand.”

“So much magic poured through me when my life was threatened. I didn’t know how to use it, but my mind made it happen. I thought I just needed to imagine a way to use the power.”

“Yes and no, Kincaid.”

“That’s how it works for me.”

Cormac shook his head and drew in a deep breath. “There’s more. You must have a willingness to channel the forces of energy.”

“That makes sense, but—”

“Remember how you couldn’t find magic the first few times the Duke and his sorceratti questioned you. How do you feel after you use magic?”

“As the rush of power leaves me, I’m exhausted.”

“Like after a day of training with a sword or a full day in the shop?”

Kincaid hunted for the words to describe the feeling after the power faded. He struggled to find the right ones as he considered how his body felt in prison. “No. It feels more like deep exhaustion that you never quite get over. More like working a full week with no rest.”

“Exactly, Kincaid. This is the most important thing I can teach you. You will never recover from the use of magic.” Cormac looked away and stared at the flickering oil lamp in the corner of the cell block. His voice was distant. “All wizards learn this rule. Only a few heed this warning.”

“You can recover.”

Cormac turned back with a set jaw and tight fists. “Kincaid, listen to me carefully. Only the most powerful mages comprehend this secret.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.