Magi's Path (Aether's Revival Book 3) by Daniel Schinhofen (motivational books to read txt) 📕

hope that this will help thin that chance. While I will welcome you all into the clan, I will not do so until after the tournament concludes. Your reasons as to why are still valid, but this is one more reason to add to them.”

All five were excited and a little sad that they were having to wait.

“My hope is that you five, even though you are separated by a year, will grow together. That this is but the first step of you growing close, and being ready to assist each other with your weaknesses, while sharing your strengths. Maybe I am a foolish old man, but it is good to have dreams. Dreams help us keep pushing on, even when it seems bleak. I know each of you harbors dreams of your own, but I believe that you will all find your dreams with us.”

All five wore wide smiles, and a few were blushing when he finished speaking.

“The day after the tournament, we will welcome all of you into the clan,” Lightshield smiled. “Before we bid you a good night, Dia will take you on a tour of the clan hall.”

“If you will follow me,” Dia said, standing up.

Everyone but Lightshield rose from the table. The guests all bowed formally to Lightshield and thanked him for inviting them, then went to follow Dia, who was waiting by the exit.

“Gregory, a moment, please?” Lightshield asked before he could leave the room.

“I’ll catch up,” Gregory told his wives, going back to the table. As he took a seat again, he realized that only he and Lightshield were still in the room. “Yes, Elder?”

“Do you still feel that all of them are suitable for the clan?” Lightshield asked.

Lips pursed, Gregory gave the question a minute of thought. “Yes, sir. All three novices are steadfast in their determination, and I think they will always be with the clan. Honestly, I was surprised at Ling’s reply to your question, but I believe her. Clover,” Gregory chuckled, “she meant it, too. I can’t see any of them turning on the clan, sir.”

“Do you feel it?” Lightshield asked.

Meeting Lightshield’s eyes, he wasn’t surprised at the sharp intellect he could see in them. Lightshield’s body might be fading, but his mind and spirit were still razor-sharp. The question seemed to reach into Gregory and pluck at his soul. For a moment, Gregory felt his resonance expand out— beyond two-feet, beyond a dozen yards. He felt it extend to the whole of the clan hall. Each person inside the walls resonated on his aether, and Gregory could feel each of them. Each tap on his resonance felt firm or true, as his mind wanted to interpret it now.

“Yes, sir,” Gregory said, his resonance snapping back down to being just over a foot away from him. “I do.”

“Very well. All of them will be joining the clan.” Lightshield rose slowly from the table. “Sleep well.”

Gregory sat there for another minute, thinking about what his resonance had done, but he didn’t have an answer.

Chapter Fifty-seven

 

Entering the dining room for breakfast, Gregory greeted the four already in the room. “Good morning to you all.”

“Good morning to you three,” Lightshield said after Yukiko and Jenn echoed Gregory. “I do trust you will be back here just after the sixth bell? We will be taking seats to watch your friends and potential clan members fight.”

“So you already know what arenas they will be in?” Gregory asked.

“Of course. I know today’s and tomorrow’s, but after that, things could change too much to be certain. I also want us to be in a group when we go.”

“Understood, Elder,” Gregory said.

“We will be seated in the front row, so they’ll easily see us,” Bishop added. “Right above one of the tunnels, I believe.” She looked to Lightshield, who nodded.

“Feel free to let them know so they can look for us,” Dia added. “And, if they do fight in different arenas during the tournament, one of the three of us,” she motioned to herself, Bishop, and Lightshield, “will be there.”

“They will be very happy,” Yukiko said.

“Ecstatic, in Daciana’s case,” Jenn corrected.

“That is good,” Lightshield smiled. “Their enthusiasm is a balm to my old bones. Your friend’s parents will be there, as well, and your family has arranged carriages for them and the novices. We will be saving seats across the aisle from ours for them and the novices to sit.”

“That’ll make them even happier,” Yukiko smiled.

“Except for Daciana, maybe,” Jenn snickered, thinking of Gufta.

“If her mother is there too, I’m sure her father will be a bit more subdued,” Gregory added.

“Breakfast is ready,” Steva said.

“Ah, then let us eat. Our apprentices have studying to go do,” Lightshield said. “Do tell the chief archivist hello for me. I try not to trouble her with my presence.”

“Yes, Elder,” Gregory said, wondering about his phrasing.

~*~*~

“Four hours!” Daciana was nearly vibrating in place as she said the words a few feet from the table. As if on cue, the fourth bell began to chime and her smile widened.

“You seem ready,” Jenn chuckled. “Sit down. We have studying to do.”

Daciana abruptly sat, her tail wagging fast. “Yes, I know, but it’s almost here! After dinner last night, I had so much trouble sleeping.”

“She was bouncing off the walls... almost literally, once,” Nessa added with a smirk as she took her seat beside Yukiko. “Not that I was much better. To be invited to eat with you all and to see the clan hall? It made me even more eager to prove myself.”

“It was exciting,” Victoria said softly.

“You aren’t nervous?” Gregory asked her.

“A little about what the fights might bring, but not of failing to join the clan.”

“She’s been positive that we’ll all be in after the tournament ends,” Daciana