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

placed the carving onto the table so they could see it.

“Not bad,” Bryn nodded. “For a market seller, she did good work.”

“Children?” Micklen asked.

“Dia’s sister takes care of seven children who help keep a home in the city,” Yukiko said.

“We visit them every week, and we promised them a gift if they kept up with their studies while we were here,” Gregory added.

“That is admirable,” Lavox said. “Making them earn their reward will teach them the value of hard work.”

“They’re very dedicated,” Jenn smiled. “They practice with us when we see them, if they’ve been doing their chores correctly. They have never failed to get passing marks from Baylyss.”

“Shall we try the mystery desserts?” Dia asked. “I swear, if I get the charid again, I’m going to make him regret adding it this time...”

Laughter followed her words, and Yukiko put the carving safely away.

Chapter Twenty-three

 

The days passed by slowly as they took the tedious journey back to Wesrik, then the academy, in regular carriages. All three apprentices were grateful to Dia, who had brought a few books along that they could read. They only paused in the evenings to sleep and have a hot meal before leaving the next morning.

The three lovers spent their nights together, getting even more comfortable with their new relationship. Gregory was happy that both Yukiko and Jenn were indeed comfortable with each other— they proved it to him a few times when he needed a rest during their lovemaking.

They took the time to examine the medallion from Aether’s temple. Gregory let them know that he was going to ask about ryuite at the academy archive when they returned. Yukiko suggested they also have Murium look over the clan archive, and Jenn suggested that they should also look into the iconography of the symbol on the temple and the altar.

They arrived back at the academy very late at night. The gate guards took a while before they approved them for entry into the academy grounds. They washed, ate the snacks that had been left out for them, then went to bed, Gregory, Yukiko, and Jenn all going to what had been his old room.

~*~*~

Waking up the next morning, Gregory smiled at Jenn and Yukiko both still sleeping on his chest. The two women were inches apart, noses nearly touching on his sternum. Yukiko shifted in her sleep, hitching her leg over his and letting out a soft murmur. That caused Jenn to stir slightly, her leg tightening on his other leg. He gazed at them fondly, then stroked their hair, lifting his head just enough to kiss the tops of theirs.

Jenn was the first to mumble, “Is it time to wake?”

“It feels right,” Gregory said.

“It’s a pleasant way to wake up,” Yukiko murmured, blinking. “Good morning to you, Jenn.” She leaned into Gregory more to give Jenn a kiss.

The third bell ringing broke the kiss. Yukiko sighed as she got out of the bedroll, and Jenn grumbled slightly as she went out the other way. Gregory had to agree with their sentiment— he would rather stay right where they’d been, but they’d promised to keep to their training regimen.

“Think they’ve kept at it?” Gregory asked as he stood and rolled their bedding up.

“Yes,” Yukiko said. “They both have goals and know that they need to be strong to even have a hope of those dreams coming true.”

“They were motivated when we left,” Jenn added. “The ring should have spurred them to do more.”

Gregory thought about giving Daciana and Nessa the ring to help them train. “I hope it helped them and didn’t force them strictly to the mind path.”

“They’re intent on joining us... our clan, that is,” Yukiko said. “If you think they’re worthy, I’m sure Darkness will help them.”

“I’d like anyone who has the best intentions for the clan to succeed,” Gregory said. “We need to grow strong. Everyone in the clan does. I’m sure that Nick and the others will be trying even harder to tear us down this year.”

“Are we taking the figurines?” Jenn asked as she got her obi on.

“Yes. I look forward to seeing them again,” Yukiko smiled.

“Me, too,” Jenn grinned.

“Me, three?” Gregory half-asked.

The women snickered as they finished getting dressed. “We’ll meet you downstairs, dear one,” Yukiko said.

“I’ll be down as soon as I’m dressed,” Gregory told her, having just finished getting their bedding in order.

“We’ll have breakfast ordered for you,” Yukiko said as she and Jenn went to leave.

“I wonder who’s cooking today?” Jenn was asking when the door shut.

~*~*~

Gregory was surprised to see who was sitting with Yukiko, Jenn, and Dia when he entered the dining area. “Proctor, it’s good to see you again.”

“I’m not a proctor anymore, Pettit,” Bishop said. “Our elder has another task for me now.”

“Samantha is going to be teaching Jenn physical enhancement magic,” Dia said.

“That is good news,” Gregory smiled.

“I’m going to be as hard or harder than Master Chen was,” Bishop said, looking at Jenn. “I hope you’re ready.”

“I’ll give you everything I have,” Jenn replied, bowing her head.

“Who is the instructor for our tactics class going to be?” Gregory asked as he took his seat.

“Egil Magi-killer has volunteered to teach that this year,” Dia said.

“Egil?” Gregory grinned. “I look forward to that class.”

“However, among his assistants is an old friend of Samantha’s.”

Bishop frowned, then sighed. “Harrison?”

“Yes,” Dia said. “I found the announcement this morning. Did you have another duel with him?”

“Not this year. He came in before or after I did.”

“Master Damon must have been happy,” Dia smiled.

“He was, but that was because of the novice I brought in,” Bishop replied. “Spatial magic is normally rare... little did I know there had been two last year. If this keeps up, maybe