Stolen Magic (The Guardian Trilogy Book 2) by M.J. Putney & Mary Jo Putney

Author:M.J. Putney & Mary Jo Putney [Putney, M.J. & Putney, Mary Jo]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-09-07T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

When they reached the privacy of the study, Duncan asked, “What the devil have you been up to, Simon? Your letters were entirely too discreet.”

“Drayton is a dangerous rogue who lusts after power, and I think he’s plotting to take control of the British Guardians. Is that indiscreet enough?” Simon dropped into the chair behind his desk, glad to be able to reveal his worst fears to his best friend.

Duncan whistled softly. “You’re sure of that? No one has tried such a thing since the mage wars. Is it even possible to dominate so many independent mages?”

“If a rogue controlled enough power, I think it would be possible, and everything Drayton has done has been to increase his power. He wouldn’t have to dominate everyone—those who opposed him the most might meet with untimely ends. Others might find themselves favored. Guardians are human, after all, with all the weakness of our breed. A combination of threats and rewards would be very effective.” Simon lifted the dagger that he used for cutting seals on letters, turning it idly in his hands. “I can’t even imagine what kind of power Drayton would have if he’d murdered me and obtained the unicorn horn. It might be all he needs.”

Duncan winced at the blunt statement. “What was it like to be a unicorn?”

Other Guardians wondered that, too, but only a close friend would dare ask. A shiver of wildness flickered over Simon’s skin as he remembered the exhilaration of racing the wind. Of being free of all bonds and doubts. “There was a degree of liberty that was... not without a certain appeal,” he said in his driest tone. “But overall, it was much less amusing than one would imagine.” Duncan nodded acceptance, able to draw his own conclusions about what was left unsaid. “I wonder if he will try to cast the transformation spell on another powerful mage, since he has failed with you.”

Simon had also wondered about that. “Possibly, but it would be difficult. The spell is very complex and it would have to be constructed in advance. Then he would have to lure a very powerful mage into his trap. Since I was hunting him, I walked into the spell, but I think that other mages of unusual power will be very wary of entering space controlled by Drayton.”

“I certainly wouldn’t go near his home,” Duncan agreed. “By the way, you never mentioned how you regained your own form.”

“Meg.” Simon considered saying more, but didn’t feel like getting into the highly personal areas of virginity and his sham marriage. “Her power is quite... extraordinary.”

“I could feel magic burning in her.” Duncan smiled. “Your lady is already a force to be reckoned with. When she is fully trained, she will be one of the great mages of our day. And she’s a lovely, sweet lass as well. I congratulate you on your marriage.”

Simon was tempted to tell the whole complicated truth—that Meg was everything Duncan said, except that she was not his.

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