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

to Shieldbreaker’s Armory where the grandmaster himself will make you a weapon. We will arrange for you to see him in the coming days. These weapons should last you through your mandated posting for the empire, though some have found a weapon to replace them before then.” His eyes went to Bishop, who bowed her head to him.

“The council is generous,” Yukiko said.

“To the strong, yes,” Lightshield replied. “That is what you get from the academy. From the clan, whose name you have helped raise, there is an equal gift— a weapon is good, but armor to keep you healthy is better. The same day that you speak with the grandmaster about your weapons, we will have you visit Aether’s Shield. The grandmaster in charge there will see you outfitted with armor that suits you. This way, when you go off next year to lead your men, you will be geared appropriately.”

“I’ve seen armor from Aether’s Shield before, Elder. That is a generous gift,” Hao said, bowing his head. “My daughter’s safety is something I think no price is too high for, so my deepest thanks.”

Lightshield inclined his head back to Hao. “That is all we have to gift you with at this time, but the solstice is close, and you know about the gifts that can be found during that time.”

“Thank you, Elder,” they said, bowing their heads to him.

“That is all for the festivities. You may now relax and spend time with your family. As this is possibly the last time you will see each other until your time with the empire is over, I suggest you treasure this night.” Lightshield pushed himself to his feet with a muffled grunt before taking his cane and limping away from the table. He paused in the doorway. “Bishop, Dia, if I might speak with you both in my office?”

“Of course,” they said, getting up and following him.

“Why don’t you show us your room and we can spend the time speaking there?” Yoo-jin suggested.

“We’ll prepare some tea for you,” Velma said from the kitchen.

“Thank you,” Yoo-jin smiled. “I am most appreciative.”

Chapter Seventy-nine

 

Waking up to a soft kiss, Gregory smiled. “Morning to you, too.”

“Come on. It’s time to get up and dress,” Yukiko said.

Gregory yawned, then got out of bed. Looking back, he saw Jenn blinking slowly, clearly also just waking up. “Nice to see I’m not the last one up.”

“Not awake that long before me...” Jenn mumbled as she slipped out of bed.

“Are you both okay with it?” Yukiko asked. “I know you said you were last night, but I want to make sure.”

“Yes,” Jenn said as she pulled on her clothing.

“I was surprised at the offer, but if she agrees, then yes,” Gregory said. “I wonder how the others will take it?”

“They might regress some, but they need to accept her not being there,” Yukiko said.

“Do you think Elsa will agree?” Gregory asked.

“I do, dear one. At the moment, she doesn’t know if she’ll be a magi, but if she’s not, she can focus on the other objective she has— being a maid for us. Mother said she’s been nearly perfect in their time together, and Mother doesn’t heap false praise.”

“I just worry about the other kids,” Jenn said. “I know Baylyss will do everything she can for them, but without Elsa…” She trailed off, shaking her head.

“It’ll be difficult for them, but I think they’ll show us they’re determined for themselves, not just because Elsa’s there to push them,” Yukiko said.

“We don’t even get to say goodbye,” Gregory sighed. “I think that’s what hurts the most for me.”

“Who says we won’t get to say goodbye?” Yukiko asked.

“They can’t come inside the walls today, and Elder Lightshield said we need to be here for our new clanmates. I don’t think we’ll be able to leave because of that.”

“They aren’t taking her right now,” Yukiko said. “She’ll be here until our apprentice year ends. Elsa has that long to decide she doesn’t want to be a maid.”

“I must have missed that part...” Gregory said.

“I think Father asked you about foresight at that point,” Yukiko replied. “I didn’t know you hadn’t heard.”

“We get some time and we’ll get to see if the kids are taking to the idea well. Of course, that could still change after she leaves, which is what I worry about,” Jenn said.

“True, and we won’t be here for them, either,” Yukiko agreed. “Nessa and the others will be able to help them through the next year.”

Gregory nodded as he tied his obi closed. “They will be. I’m sorry for being the last one ready.”

“Let’s go have breakfast and see what Dia has to say about today,” Yukiko smiled, giving his cheek a kiss.

Bishop, Dia, and Lightshield were all sitting at the table when they entered the room.

“Good morning to you all,” Gregory said, echoed by his wives.

“Good morning, Apprentices,” Lightshield replied. “I am sad to tell you that your normal routine is going to suffer some today. After breakfast, you will not be able to go to the archive.”

“We understand, Elder,” Yukiko said.

“At sixth bell, everyone is to be on the porch to welcome the new clanmates,” Lightshield said. “From after breakfast until then, your time is your own.”

“Yes, sir,” they replied.

“I have breakfast ready,” Quilet said from the kitchen.

“Please serve us.”

~*~*~

Gregory, Yukiko, and Jenn had retreated to the study to read while waiting for the sixth bell to come. Murium joined them at fifth bell, smiling as she took her usual seat. There was a small chime that caught Gregory’s attention, and he frowned.

Murium ducked her head. “Sorry. It’s a timekeeper. It chimes every quarter-hour for me. This way, I’m never late again.”

Gregory smiled, thinking back to a year ago when