Magi's Path (Aether's Revival Book 3) by Daniel Schinhofen (best black authors .TXT) 📗

soft smile. “It is a primary ingredient in Limaz.” She was clearly lost in a memory, so the apprentices didn’t interrupt her. A moment later, a loud voice pulled her from her thoughts.

“This is trash!” a richly-dressed man snapped at the barmaid, a light accent tinging his words. “Bring me a real meal, and quickly!”

Dia blinked and shook her head. “Oh, dear. This isn’t going to end well for him.”

All three friends looked over at the man, but quickly turned away.

“Is that because of Brown?” Yukiko asked before returning to her meal.

“Yes,” Dia smiled. “It shouldn’t be long.”

A minute later, Gordon Brown came out of the kitchen. He was wearing an odd, large-buttoned white jacket with his sleeves rolled up past his elbows. The maid pointed out the man who had complained, and Brown’s jaw set.

“Did you just insult my food?” Brown asked bluntly, staring down at the man.

The man looked up and sniffed. “Goodness, you smell like the rubbish I sent back to the kitchen. When I asked Yang where I could get a good meal in this town, he assured me that this was the place. I might have to reevaluate my opinion of his intelligence now.”

“What would a merchant from Buldoun know of good food?” Brown asked icily. “Considering some of the things your countrymen eat, it’s a surprise you can judge any food.”

The man stood up, glaring at Brown. “Considering what you just tried to pass off as a meal, how are you any judge?!”

Brown’s eyes glittered. “Let me introduce myself— I am Magus Gordon Brown. I have cooked for magi up to the rank of sage and had them weep with joy. The Sakura clan has asked me to marry into their family on three occasions. I have more talent with food than your entire country combined. If you insult my food one more time, there will be repercussions.”

Gregory was silent. He could feel the power that was rolling off Brown. A few of the non-magi in the room went white and started to huddle into themselves. The merchant paled slightly and placed a hand on the table, clearly trying to steady himself.

“I see,” the man said, his accent thickening. “A magi who has failed to climb above the magus rank is not anyone I need to concern myself with. I deal with the five great clans, not washed-up magi who cook in backwater towns.”

The power coming off Brown increased and his voice dropped in volume, “Backwater? Washed-up? You didn’t insult my food that time, so I’ll give you this one chance to leave on your own. If you do not, or if you ever come back, I will make sure your family is paid the appropriate wergild.”

The merchant swallowed and started to sweat. “Are you threatening me?”

“No. I am stating fact,” Brown said flatly. “I shall give you a minute to collect your things and go. If I return and you’re still here…” A cold and cruel smile crossed Brown’s face before he spun sharply on his heel and went back into the kitchen.

The moment Brown left the room, everyone felt the pressure of his power ease up. Those who had been near passing out quickly paid their tabs and left. Dia took a sip of her tea as she watched the merchant, motioning Gregory, Yukiko, and Jenn back to their food. The merchant took a deep breath, dropped a coin on the table, and left with stiff legs. His face was clouded, and it was obvious that he was beyond upset.

A minute later, on the dot, Brown came back out of the kitchen. Once he realized that the man was gone, he snorted and returned to the kitchen.

Yukiko cleared her throat. “He felt like a master, not a magus.”

Dia chuckled lightly. “He is on the ninth or tenth rank of the magus tier, and when it comes to his food, he’s always been extra passionate. The merchant got off lightly. Normally, he breaks bones. Brown must have wanted to not antagonize Yang more than necessary.”

“Because the merchant said he was dealing with Yang?” Jenn asked.

“Yes.”

“Dia, I’ve been wondering,” Gregory said, “we’ve felt the pressure of other magi before. How do they project that?”

“I’ll explain it in the morning,” Dia said. “We don’t want to disrupt the inn.”

“Yes, Dia,” Gregory said, bowing his head.

As they were finishing their meal, Brown came over to the table. “How was it?”

“Fabulous, as always,” Dia smiled. “How did you infuse that much aether into the rice?”

Brown’s eyes sparkled. “A secret.”

“It was very potent,” Yukiko said. “The charid and salmon were enough to help us be able to enjoy it.”

“Good. Do you have room for dessert?”

“If you made it? Of course,” Dia smiled.

Brown chuckled, seemingly past the anger he’d felt earlier. He placed his hand over the table and four glasses appeared, then set one in front of each of them. “This is purity plum extract, infused with vanilla and chilled to near freezing. Just down them.”

Gregory picked up the freezing glass and tossed the shot back. For a second, his head ached, but it cleared quickly. The deep and rich flavor of plum and vanilla lingered on his tongue.

“It was sweet, but over with quickly,” Dia said. “I’m waiting for the trick.”

Brown laughed and nodded. “Give it a moment.”

Jenn was the first one to feel it— her throat started warming, then her nose. “What? I can smell them.”

“Oh? Oh, you’re right,” Yukiko said.

“Ah, yes,” Dia nodded, picking up her teacup. “That is pleasant.” Taking a sip of her tea, her brow contracted and she took a second sip.

“That is the trick,” Brown smiled. “For the rest of the evening, you’ll only be able to taste the dessert. Nothing else will hold the flavor it should— it’s overpowered completely by