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

are a good number of them. The number of sages has only ever diminished over the years. They were never common, though back in the days of Lionel Lighthand, there were over a dozen sages. There are fewer than half that now, and there hasn’t been a new one for a few hundred years.”

“Lightshield is certain he won’t make it to sage,” Gregory said softly.

“He isn’t wrong,” Dia said sadly. “He’s only made it to the fifth rank of elder.” She shook her head. “You all have places to be. Go now. I’ll make sure dinner is ready when you finish your bath this evening.”

“Yes, Dia,” they said together before jogging off into town.

~*~*~

Gregory finished making another arrow and glanced over at Bryn. “Sir, I want to thank you for your tutelage. I feel confident that I’ll be able to avoid the worst an unscrupulous bowyer tries to foist off on me.”

“You’ve been a good pupil,” Bryn said. “If I had a year or two, I’m sure I could make you a journeyman bowyer in your own right.”

“I’m flattered, sir. It’s a craft I would do if I could. I’m a magi, though, and a peaceful life is not likely.”

“That is true,” Bryn nodded. “Even if there are no wars, magi often seem to find bad ends, between clan conflicts or them overstepping in the wrong places against the wrong people. I don’t think you’ll be in that last group. You’re far too honorable for that.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“It’s time for you to pack up for the day,” Bryn said, looking out the window of his shop. “Tomorrow is your last day. It’ll be more arrows.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you again for the gifts.”

“You’ve earned them through your effort,” Bryn said. “I doubt I’ll have another apprentice next year. If I do, they’ll have large shoes to fill.”

Gregory bowed his head again. “Thank you, sir.”

“Enough. Go on. I’m sure your wife is waiting for you.”

“Yes, sir,” Gregory grinned as he left the shop.

Bryn watched him go, then went to check on the arrows Gregory had made.

~*~*~

Gregory was almost at the inn’s door when a hand tapped his shoulder. He spun to find the person, but no one was there. Another tug on his sleeve had him turning back the other way. Again, no one was there.

A soft giggle came from the far side of the inn. “Is something bugging you, dear one?”

“Yuki...” Gregory exhaled. “I thought someone had snuck up on me.”

“Who said that someone didn’t?” Yukiko asked as she stepped around the corner and into his view.

“Because it was your shadow magic that was doing it,” Gregory chuckled. Feeling something tug his kimono again, he didn’t turn. “No, I’m not falling for that again.”

“You should have paid attention this time,” Jenn said from behind him before she swept his feet.

Gregory coughed and stared up at Jenn. “I need to work on my awareness, obviously.”

“Especially when two people are working in tandem against you,” Yukiko said.

“The necklace does work well,” Jenn grinned as she held her hand out to Gregory.

Taking her hand, he let her help him up. “I wonder if we can find a way to train our awareness?”

“We’ll have to check at the archive,” Yukiko said. “Did you both have a good day?”

“Until I lost my feet,” Gregory replied, but he had a smile on his lips. “All I did was make arrows today, and I’ll be doing the same tomorrow.”

“I finished up a sword with Kassidy,” Jenn said. “I’ll be just helping her tomorrow. I enjoyed it, but I’m sad that after tomorrow, I won’t be able to work the metal.”

“I have the leather case for your bow,” Yukiko told Gregory. “I should finish up a quiver for the arrows tomorrow.”

“Oh. Thank you, Yuki.”

“Of course, dear one.”

“Bath, dinner, and then study?” Gregory asked.

“Yes,” Jenn agreed.

“To start with,” Yukiko smiled slyly.

Chapter Twenty-two

 

Gregory held his bundle of arrows by the leather straps that bound them together. It had been a good day, but also a little sad— Gregory enjoyed the time he’d spent working in the shop beside Bryn. The man didn’t talk much, but he was a good sort, though Gregory still couldn’t figure out why Bryn had been grinning when he’d left.

Jenn and Yuki are probably already in the bath. Gregory thought of his two wives and a smile touched his lips. Funny how quickly I’ve gone from uncertain to fully accepting them both. It feels natural with them... Maybe it’s the past life, not that it matters. The only thing that matters is that they are happy.

He gave Dia a smile when he got to the inn, as she was seated by the window. “Evening, Dia.”

“I was wondering what was keeping you,” Dia said. “Ah, Bryn sent you off with a bundle.”

“He also wanted me working right up until the end,” Gregory grinned. “I like him.”

“Bryn is a good man,” Dia agreed. “Why don’t you drop those off, then join your wives in the bath? Dinner will be in the private dining room tonight.”

“Yes, Dia.”

Gregory quickly dropped off the bundle in their room before going down to the baths. He was distracted as he got undressed— something in Dia’s manner had felt off to him, and he wondered if Yang hadn’t upset her again. After dropping his clothing into a basket, he entered the bathing room.

“A little thin for my tastes, but I can see why you like him,” the powerful, and surprisingly deep, female voice echoed off the walls.

Gregory froze in place for a moment— Yukiko, Jenn, and Kassidy Micklen were all in the tub, watching him. “Ah, I didn’t know there was another person in here,” Gregory said slowly, his face heating slightly. He started walking toward the