Magi's Path (Aether's Revival Book 3) Daniel Schinhofen (books to read in a lifetime .txt) 📖

go back tonight,” Yukiko responded. “We believe that the elder has returned.”

“Ah, yes, that would make sense. The tournament is right around the corner.”

“One hundred and ninety-two hours,” Daciana said.

Baylyss gave Daciana an amused look. “Indeed, that does sound correct. Your clothing is waiting for you. I will have refreshments made as requested, but be aware that it will not give you a lot of leeway.”

“We know. It’ll be fine,” Yukiko smiled. “Come on, the children are waiting for us.”

As they all started away, Baylyss touched Gregory’s shoulder when he went to pass her, being the last one in line. “If you have a moment?”

“Of course. What do you need, Baylyss?”

“I just wanted to ask if you think any of them might end up as magi in the coming years,” Baylyss said.

“I don’t know,” Gregory replied. “They’re all good kids, but honestly, I hope they aren’t. They would have the same kind of hatred directed toward them that they’ve already had to deal with.”

Baylyss nodded slowly. “I was thinking much the same, but I thought you should know that they all hope they are. Maybe you can speak with them so they understand what they would face?”

“I’ll speak with Yuki. She and the others would be able to explain it better than me.”

“Very well,” Baylyss said. “Thank you. I should point out that I asked you specifically, as Elsa will listen to you above any of the others, and the children all listen to her.”

Gregory’s forehead creased. “She listens to me the most?”

Baylyss gave him a kindly smile and laughed lightly. “You were the one who suggested helping her first, and were the one who gave her more money than she’d ever held at one time well before she came here. She idolizes you above the others, Gregory.”

“Oh,” Gregory said slowly, thinking back to how he’d hurt Elsa last time. “Yeah, that makes sense. I’ll do my best.”

“Thank you. I’ve delayed you long enough. Good training to you all.”

Entering the garden, he found all the children waiting for them. “Before we start, I wanted to say a few things,” Gregory said, surprising everyone. “I’ve been thinking about you all,” he gave the kids a smile. “Have you all been hoping to be magi?”

“Of course!” the eldest boy said first, swiftly echoed by the others.

“We want to be like you,” the youngest girl said, her scaled tail swishing behind her.

Yukiko, seeing what was going on, spoke up, “You know that we face hardships, right?”

“Because of your heritage?” Elsa asked understanding what they were doing.

“Yes,” Yukiko said. “Just because we’re magi doesn’t mean that it stops. It’s worse in some ways.”

“But... you’re magi...” the young girl said.

“It means we don’t get as much grief from those who aren’t, but the other magi can be much worse,” Jenn said. “Even for me, it was hard.”

“I get people who disparage me, too,” Gregory added. “For me, it’s the fact that I was born out on the fringe, as I’m sure Victoria is dealing with.” She nodded when they looked at her. “I just want you to keep in mind that being a magi doesn’t mean people will stop being mean.”

“In some cases, it’ll be even worse,” Yukiko said softly. “I’ve had people who didn’t just speak badly to me, but wanted to collar me and treat me as a pet, or even kill me.”

All the children’s eyes got large as she spoke.

“I was lucky to have my friends,” Yukiko went on. “We don’t want to squash your dreams, but you need to temper them.”

“Since the start of the year, I’ve had a lot of fights,” Daciana said, “all because of my or Nessa’s blood. Even then, I have to pick and choose when to fight or they’ll try harder to keep pushing me to fight until I lose.”

“We’re training you to defend yourself, but also to hone your mind to think,” Gregory said. “Even if you never become a magi, there are things you can do to support those you care for.”

“Like we do here,” Elsa said. “Making sure the home is in order for them is vitally important.”

“It is,” Yukiko smiled. “Knowing we have a safe place to rest with people who care for us is a balm to our nerves.”

“And if we aren’t magi, there is a clan hall that could use people to care for it,” Elsa said. “We can still serve them indirectly in the future.”

The children looked a little more relieved.

“If you are magi, there is at least one clan that doesn’t care if you are eurtik,” Gregory said, “but please don’t fixate on being magi unless it’s something you dearly wish for yourself.”

“Now, it’s time for the Peaceful Fist,” Jenn said. “Afterward, we’ll split you into groups so you can watch the training. You’ll rotate rooms so you can see each of them and us for different sessions.”

The children all smiled and took up the first stance of the meditation. Elsa looked thoughtful, and her eyes kept going to Gregory.

~*~*~

Gregory wiped the sweat from his brow. Damn, that was work. Even Victoria is coming along fast. If they can overcome the aether of the other novices, they’ll win easily.

“Greg?”

Turning around, he found Elsa standing in the doorway. “Yes?”

“Thank you for helping them understand that they don’t need to be magi.”

“That includes you, Elsa.”

Taking a deep breath, she nodded. “I know. If I’m not a magi when my age day comes… will there be room for me to help?”

“If that’s what you want when that day comes, I will speak with Dia or whoever else is in charge and ask for you.”

Swallowing hard, Elsa took a step toward him. “By then, you three won’t be at the academy at all, will you?”

“We’ll be