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

did much better that time,” Baylyss commented as they were putting on slippers.

“She does seem to learn quickly,” Yukiko said.

“Very quickly,” Baylyss agreed. “How are you today?”

“Good,” Gregory smiled. “Were they well-behaved once we left?”

“Very. They talked about your gifts after you left,” Baylyss smiled. “A few of them traded figures to have a better-matched set, though none were as matched as the two you gave Elsa. Those two, when facing each other, appear to be halves of a whole.”

“It was why we chose them for her,” Jenn grinned.

“Yes, it did seem that way,” Baylyss replied. “The others were random?”

“Yes,” Gregory replied, a hint of worry in his tone.

“They didn’t notice,” Baylyss told him, “besides Elsa, that is. Once she saw how well-matched hers were, she stayed quiet. She didn’t want them to be upset that hers were more special.”

“Smart girl,” Jenn said softly. “She’s a good leader for them.”

“I agree,” Baylyss smiled. “Let me show you to the courtyard. They should have had time to get there.”

“Thank you, Baylyss,” Yukiko said. “Is there anything we can do for you?”

“Nothing. I am well cared for. Thank you for asking. Please, follow me.”

~*~*~

With the training over, the children were tired, but happy.

“We have some bad news,” Gregory said. “Our apprentice year will be different from our novice year. We won’t be getting a day off every week.”

The kids all looked sad and upset, but they stood there, staring at him and waiting to hear if there was more to be said.

“We’re supposed to get a week off here or there, but we don’t know if they will be with each other, or spread out separately,” Yukiko said. “We will come by when we can, but we want you to know why we aren’t showing up as often.”

“We understand,” Elsa said, her voice firm. “You must do as you are required to do, as we will. When you are able to return here, you will find that we have continued to do our best.”

A chorus of agreement came from the others, who stood up a little straighter.

“You should know,” Baylyss said, coming into view from the door, “that they will be leaving next year. Initiates go to join their guards and train with them. Adepts then get posted to various places in the empire. This year might be the last you see them for some time.”

All of the children, even Elsa, looked upset at that news.

Elsa took a deep breath and looked at the three apprentices, who looked saddened, as well. Taking a deep breath, she turned to the other children. “That will not stop us, will it? We won’t fail just because they aren’t here to check on us, will we? We will do as they have taught us and continue to grow. That way, when our time comes, we can enter the academy.”

The children wiped at their eyes and straightened up. “We will do our best,” they said in a rough echo.

Elsa turned back to the trio. Her eyes were bright with unshed tears, but she stood straight. “We will be waiting for your return. Until we see you again, we will continue to follow the path you have shown us.”

“We’ll be back as often as we can,” Gregory said. “We would like to spend time training with you, too, but that’s not what the academy will allow. Magi are even more constrained than others on when and how we can do things.”

“Baylyss, will you please keep us informed?” Jenn asked.

“Of course. My charges are as important to me as they are to you. I will tell you of the good and bad.”

“If everything is good, then maybe special gifts can be arranged,” Yukiko said. “They won’t happen often, but hard work should be celebrated. Do your best, and we’ll send word in return to all of you.”

“Children, it is time,” Baylyss said. “Go on with your work. I will see them out.”

The children bowed to the three magi before they left. Elsa was the only one who stayed.

“Baylyss, may I show them out?” Elsa asked.

“Yes. Find me when they are gone,” Baylyss told her.

“I will.”

With Baylyss gone, Elsa sighed. “I knew it would happen. I’d heard Cal and the others talk about it when you weren’t here. I had secretly hoped they were wrong, though...” Swallowing, she met their eyes. “I will do my best to keep them moving forward. We will make you proud.”

“You already do,” Gregory said. “Look at how much you’ve already done for those you care for. That above everything else is something to treasure.”

Elsa’s lips trembled, and she bowed her head. “Thank you... all of you... for giving me and them a chance to be more than our families were willing to let us be.” She sniffled and looked up, and this time, no more tears were welling up. “Let me show you out.”

“We will follow,” Yukiko said softly.

Chapter Twenty-eight

 

Gregory was wearing a large grin as he followed Yukiko and Jenn downstairs. Best way to wake up ever. Maybe I can return that favor to them both in turn in the future?

Dia and Bishop were having tea while Steva cooked breakfast, and Dia gave them a smile when they entered the room. “Ready for your first day of tactics class?”

All three of them nodded and agreed that they were.

“I remember my tactics teacher,” Bishop said with a shake of her head. “She was a horrid woman.”

“My class had a member of the Hardened Fist as our instructor,” Dia mused. “He was very shouty.”

“Good morning,” Steva greeted the trio. “Breakfast as usual?”

“Please,” Yukiko said. “Maybe with a touch more aether behind it?”

“I can do that,” Steva nodded, shifting to get their food started while also finishing Dia’s and