Deep Magic - Third Collection by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-02-03T22:00:00+00:00

Aaron Perry

Aaron lives on an island off the coast of Japan, so tiny that even most Japanese people have no idea where it is. During the winter he works at the local sake brewery, which is a nice change of pace from sitting on the floor and staring at a computer screen. His writing has previously appeared in Kzine and Andromeda Spaceways Magazine.

Facebook: ajoshperry

Twitter: @KnownSequitur

GIFT OF SILENCE

By Alfred Smith | 8,600 Words

MARA VOSBURG WATCHED stoically as the aspirant’s song faded from the air. The plume of fire the young woman had pulled from the ceremonial brazier dissipated as well. The gathered crowd hesitated, and then a chorus of cheers erupted, cascading up into the warm summer air. The other choirmasters seated around her leaned close in whispered discussion, though none sought Mara’s opinion.

This young woman’s skill was remarkable—especially for a commoner—and from what Mara overheard of the quiet conferences around her, it wasn’t so much if she could join a choir, but, rather, which one would get to recruit her. She sighed and leaned back as First Choirmaster Elson rose from his seat and congratulated the young woman while the crowd’s cheers grew louder.

The aspirant bowed, flushing, and Mara found herself smiling. There had been few congratulations at her own trial, and with one exception, those had all been grudging. It was nice to see the choirmasters embrace one of common blood so. Elson sat down again, and an expectant hush fell over the crowd.

Mara rose from her bench and bowed respectfully to the First Choirmaster. “It is time for Andinen’s trial,” she said. “I would ask your leave to stand by him while he proves himself.”

“Of course,” Elson replied in his rumbling voice. “It would be inappropriate for you to sit in judgment for him. Good luck.” As Mara turned away he added more softly, “I know that his father would have been proud.”

Her smiled widened, and she turned to bow again. She then straightened and left the stage, seeking the cordoned area where the remaining aspirants waited. Sweat trickled down the back of her neck, sliding beneath the collar of her heavy ceremonial robe. She wiped it away, cursing the Avalon summer heat. Why can’t they hold the trials in winter? she asked herself, not for the first time. Mara wiped yet more sweat from her face and cast her gaze around the waiting area, looking for her son.

Her eyes settled on Andinen, and her smile slipped for a moment. He was so young. So tiny. As always when she looked at him, she was struck by how much like his father he looked, even now at only five years old. Especially those eyes.

His governess waved and brought Andinen to her. Mara reached out and took his tiny hands in hers. “Are you ready?” she whispered.

“Yes, Mama,” he replied, eyes fixed on the ground.

“Thank Mistress Calwell for watching you.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” he said. His voice sounded so small.

Mara looked up and nodded to the governess in dismissal, then she rose and turned toward the stairs.

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