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

enjoy bartering with Hemet, I think I am going to visit another enchanter instead, as their stock might be different. I can’t have you all with me, as that could cause trouble for your clan.”

“You know what we suggested last time,” Yukiko said. “I stand by those suggestions.”

“I understand,” Hao smiled. “I think you should run to catch up and go with them. Celebrate your friends’ victories, as they clearly still want to hear your approval.”

“Yes, Father,” Yukiko smiled.

“We will see you for dinner, Father,” Gregory smirked.

Before Hao could respond, Jenn added on, “You are very generous to our friends, Father.”

Hao blinked at Jenn, then laughed. “Yes. I guess that does work, doesn’t it? Now, hurry. You might miss the carriage.”

“Not if we run,” Yukiko laughed. She put action to words, streaking away.

The other two didn’t say anything more, just rushing after Yukiko.

Hao watched the three of them go and exhaled softly. He looked at Lin standing a few feet away, waiting. “It seems my wife and daughter were correct.”

“When they are in agreement, they’ve never been wrong, sir,” Lin replied.

“True, but it was such a gamble in my mind,” Hao said.

“Any father would have been as worried. I imagine Jenn’s father was more worried, though.”

“Adolphus... I should write him a letter. Umbrose can deliver it to him. Since he is family now, in a way, it is time that he gets the support he never had.”

“Will he accept it?” Lin asked as they started walking.

“Before, no. Now that we are tied by our daughters, perhaps? I will offer and hope he accepts. I’ve seen his work and I know that he is skilled. With the right backing, he could be a master smith.”

Lin stayed silent, but a smile touched his lips as he followed Hao.

Chapter Sixty-three

 

Gregory was glad they’d arrived at the arena early. Other magi from the academy and visiting magi had already taken up a fifth of the available seats. He was able to pick out Master Chen and the Iron Hand, Magus Han and the Han clan, Magus Elkit with Nick and his group, and a few others.

“It appears we aren’t the only ones interested in who goes undefeated,” Lightshield said.

“One of those clans is hoping to see them lose,” Jenn said tightly, her eyes on the Eternal Flame.

“Of course they are. Their one real recruit already lost to your friends,” Lightshield replied. “It makes it less likely that their clan will be represented in the finals unless they snatch someone up right after the tournament.”

“Which they might have to if they wish to save face,” Dia said. “They haven’t failed to have a finalist in the last two decades.”

“Only the Han clan can boast a longer time,” Bishop added. “I wonder who they will approach when the tournament ends?”

“I was wondering why we changed from our normal seating?” Inda asked.

Lightshield just smiled as another group of magi came into view from the tunnel beside the stairs. The man leading them was wearing a cobalt blue kimono. He nodded to Lightshield before motioning those behind him to the seats that Inda and Indara normally saved.

“Elder,” the magi said, coming over to stand in front of Lightshield, “are you looking to recruit more novices this year?”

“Should not every clan look to do so?” Lightshield asked with a smile.

“Normally, yes, but it’s common knowledge that your clan doesn’t do as other clans do. I think the majority of us, if not all of us, were surprised when your clan took novices last year.” His eyes went past Lightshield to Gregory, Yukiko, and Jenn. “And some of the most sought-after ones, too.”

“Good fortune can come to those who are patient,” Lightshield chuckled lightly. “Though your clan has an apprentice who did well for himself.”

“Of course he did,” the master said. “The Hayworth family has been part of Swift Wind for generations.”

Gregory looked at the other group and caught sight of Hayworth, who gave him a nod. He also saw Magus Harrison staring at Bishop. Bishop had seen Harrison and gave him a smile, bowing her head slightly to him. Harrison looked away from her pointedly.

“I hope you enjoy the fights today,” Lightshield was saying when Gregory gave his attention back to the conversation.

“I’m sure we will. One of those we’ve approached is undefeated. How about you?”

“We have spoken to three, all of whom are also undefeated,” Lightshield said blandly. “Of course, if they do not show the dedication to the clan ideal, we will not accept them.”

“Your clan still holds to that idea?”

“Why wouldn’t we, Master Brem?”

“Eons have gone past and he hasn’t come back yet,” Brem said. “You really think it’ll happen now?”

Lightshield’s lips turned up at the corners. “I could die a happy man if it did.”

“That must be hard knowing your family line will never live to see what you’ve all yearned for.”

“While I still breathe, there is still hope,” Lightshield replied.

“Far be it from me to crush a man’s hopes,” Brem said, finishing just before the seventh bell chimed. “I’ll be taking my seat, then. Best of luck to your hopefuls.”

“And to yours,” Lightshield replied.

It wasn’t long before the novice’s parents showed up and, when they did, Inda and Indara went back over to Gin, freeing up the places for them. That left them three seats between the parents for the novices.

Minutes ticked by and the stands filled up, but the novices still hadn’t appeared. There was a brief moment of contention when a couple tried to claim the seats being saved for the novices— there had been an argument between Gufta and the man, and it might have turned into more than words if Lightshield hadn’t asked the couple to find different seats. Upon seeing the elder, they