The Spell Realm (The Sorcery Code #2)(41)

Struggling to her feet, Augusta approached Ganir’s fallen body to make sure her spell had worked.

Then she began to work on a spell to calm and heal her shattered mind.





Chapter 24: Barson





Barson was doing what he always did when he was angry: channeling it into practice. Three sacks with sand now lay in a shredded mess on the floor, destroyed by his fists, and he was moving on to training with his sword. He knew it was risky, remaining in the Tower, but no sorcerer ever visited the Guard barracks, and Barson needed to let off some steam before he went back to Dara’s house.

Augusta was impossible, he thought between ragged breaths, swinging his sword in a wide, furious arc. He’d had every intention of telling her about his plan, but she’d twisted everything, throwing out accusations that made no sense. And then to imply that he couldn’t protect her because he couldn’t cast spells? He’d always admired her strength and independence, but she took it too far this time. He would not stand for that kind of disrespect—and certainly not from a woman whom he’d wanted to be his companion in the new order.

His intention today was to pass out from exhaustion in this training room, and he was making good headway when the sound of footsteps caught his attention. Turning, he saw Larn walking his way, accompanied by Zanil and Pugan, two of his best lieutenants.

Breathing heavily, Barson lowered his sword. What were they doing in the Tower when they were supposed to stay hidden? Had they come here for exercise as well? “Why are you here?” he yelled as they came closer. “Didn’t I tell you to lie low?”

Strangely, they didn’t respond, just continued walking.

As they got closer, Barson noticed the blank expressions on their faces. Their eyes were glassy and unfocused, as though they were out of their minds with exhaustion or drink. But if that was the case, what were they doing in the training room? And why had they not answered him?

“Larn, stop and explain what’s going on,” Barson commanded. There was no reaction, but Barson could see the muscles in Larn’s right hand tense as his fingers tightened on the hilt of his sword.

This had to be some kind of prank Larn dreamed up. “I am in no mood for levity,” Barson told them sharply. “Explain yourselves. Now.”

They unsheathed their swords instead.

Puzzled and annoyed, Barson assumed a defensive posture out of habit, gripping his sword tighter—and in that moment, they attacked.

They moved with a fury that took him completely by surprise. This was no training.

For some unknown reason, Barson’s best friend and his two trusted soldiers were out to kill him.

Parrying the first thrusts, Barson frantically thought about this situation. There had to be an explanation. “Is someone keeping Dara hostage?” he yelled at Larn, blocking the second wave of attack. “Is that how they are making you do this?”

A cut to his left shoulder was his only answer.

The cut was not deep, but its effect was sobering.

If Barson didn’t focus, he would die.





Chapter 25: Blaise





Entering Liva’s house with Gala, Blaise saw Esther and Maya sitting at the table with their host.

“There you two lovebirds are,” Esther exclaimed with a wide smile on her face. “Liva tells me that was quite a lesson today.”

Gala grinned, her face lighting up. “Liva did a great job with her spell,” she said, looking at the woman.

Liva flushed, both pleased and embarrassed by the praise. “Oh, I’m nowhere near as good as this girl right here . . .” She pointed at Gala. “Now, she’s got real talent.”

“Oh, we know,” Maya said drily. “Believe me, we know.”

“So when is the celebration?” Gala asked, looking excited at the thought. “I’d love to meet everyone.”

“We were just waiting for the two of you to get back,” Liva said, smiling. “Now that you’re here, I’ll let the others know, and we can start.”



*



Everybody gathered at a large clearing near the edge of the village. A big fire was blazing in the middle, with a boar roasting on a spit. “The hunters caught it today,” Liva said proudly as they approached the gathering. “It’s not often that we get such a feast, and we’re happy we can welcome you to the village properly.”

Blaise counted about a hundred people, ranging in age from toddlers to elders. It was a sizable settlement, he realized, watching them.

“Here, Blaise, have a drink,” an attractive dark-haired woman exclaimed, coming up to him and handing him a clay cup. She looked vaguely familiar, and the way she was talking made it seem like they knew each other.

“Thank you,” Blaise said, and then he realized that the woman was Ara—the female hunter he’d met earlier. He almost didn’t recognize her in a feminine blue dress, with her long hair unbound and streaming down her back. She’d looked so much like a boy before that the transformation was startling. Taking a sip of the drink she handed him, Blaise choked and made a face. “What is this?”

She laughed, patting him on the back. “Fermented berries. Not as fancy as the wine you’re probably used to, right?”

Blaise grinned at her. “I don’t typically drink, but the wine I had before was indeed very different.”