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

rude,” Victoria said. “They backed down when Daciana growled, though,” she giggled. “Especially the one... who was he again?”

“Peter,” Nessa replied. “The same one Daciana fought before. It’s as if he thinks anyone who doesn’t hang on him is trash.”

“We know a few people like that,” Gregory said.

“Peter backed down right away. Went a little pale, in fact,” Victoria smiled. “To be fair, if I had heard that from directly behind me, I might have been concerned.”

Daciana looked a little embarrassed. “It slipped out.”

“Once they left, we struck up a conversation,” Nessa went on, helping her friend. “Considering the things that we have in common and the harassment she was already getting, we invited her to join our training.”

“She’s thrown herself into it,” Daciana said approvingly.

“Welcome to the study group, Victoria,” Yukiko said, giving the new woman an appraising look. “We need to begin on the Magi Squares.”

“The ring has been helpful,” Nessa said as she got out paper and ink. “We’re letting Victoria have it for a few weeks so she can catch up easier.”

“It was a lucky find,” Yukiko grinned. “It’ll be good if your friend is even with you in training.” She looked at Victoria. “Don’t worry about starting late. If you apply yourself fully, I’m sure you’ll be able to shine as brightly as they do.”

Victoria bowed her head to Yukiko. “Thank you. I will do my best.”

~*~*~

Leaving the archive, the six of them gave Rafiq a smile and wave.

“He’s very nice,” Victoria said.

“So is Simon,” Nessa said. “Simon should be working tomorrow.”

“I’m so looking forward to classes,” Daciana said, stretching as they paused outside the archive.

“It’ll mean less self-training, but so am I,” Nessa nodded.

“And we’ll be closer to joining the clan,” Daciana grinned.

“My advice,” Gregory spoke up, “is to drop history after the first class. You can learn it better and faster on your own, and it’ll free up more time for studying that you’ll enjoy more. You do lose out on a few posting assignments that way, but if you come in first or second during either tournament, it won’t matter, as they waive your classes.”

“The bad thing is,” Yukiko said, “the three of you are in different classes, since you’re on different floors.”

“No, we’re not,” Daciana chuckled. “We got approval from the keeper to switch with a couple of novices who’d been on the third floor. It puts all of us in the same classes, and next door to each other.”

Yukiko looked thoughtful. “I thought room switches weren’t allowed.”

“Different keeper, different rules, maybe?” Jenn suggested.

“Maybe?”

“That’s good for you three, at least,” Gregory said. “It’ll let you stay together like Yuki and I.”

“What about Jenn?” Victoria asked.

“I joined them just after the first tournament, but we all joined the clan together,” Jenn replied. “Gregory was the one who spoke for me to get into the clan.”

“All I did was invite you to dinner to meet the elder,” Gregory said.

“And he accepted me,” Jenn agreed, “but I never would have been there if you hadn’t asked me to come.”

“You’re both right,” Yukiko said before turning to the three novices. “We have places to be. We wish you the best in training today.”

“We’ll be strong enough, just wait,” Daciana said, bowing her head to Yukiko.

“We’re pushing as much as we can,” Nessa said, copying Daciana.

“I’ve just started, but as my friends are determined to join Aether’s Guard, I will be, too,” Victoria said. Her eyes drifted briefly to Gregory before she bowed her head.

“Study, train, and do your best,” Yukiko said. “Don’t be surprised if Dia doesn’t invite you until after the tournament.”

“Because the Eternal Flame will be looking for ways to hurt you and the clan, even if it means targeting us,” Nessa said. “We know. We will be vigilant.”

“See you tomorrow,” Yukiko smiled.

“See you tomorrow,” the novices replied.

Gregory gave them a smile and wave before walking away with Yukiko and Jenn.

Once they were away from the others Jenn spoke up, “I didn’t expect a third.”

“Greg, do you remember anything about Victoria?” Yukiko asked.

“She was pleasant,” Gregory said as he thought it over. “I only said a dozen words or so to her the entire time I was there. I vaguely recall a woman caring for me when I was injured... it could have been her.”

“How were you injured?” Jenn asked.

“Well, the local village elder had a son named Otus...” Gregory said, launching into the tale.

Chapter Twenty-four

 

 Walking the last few feet to Gin’s home, Gregory, Yukiko, and Jenn were all smiling and eager to see the kids. Jenn beat the other two to the door with a burst of aether. Knocking, she waited with a big smile.

A minute passed before Elsa opened the door. “How can—?” She cut off when she saw who was there, and with a squeal, she hugged Jenn hard. “Welcome back!” she said as she continued to hug Jenn.

Jenn returned the hug. “Thank you, Elsa. We’re glad to be back.”

Elsa let go of her and stepped over to Yukiko, who was the next closest, and hugged her. “We all missed you, but we haven’t stopped working.”

“Except for this moment, it seems,” Baylyss’ voice was not unkind as she gave the group a small curtsy. “Welcome back to the Watashi residence, magi. Would you care to come inside?”

Yukiko gave Elsa a hug back before letting the girl go. “We would love to. Thank you.”

Elsa let go of Yukiko, looking a little guilty. Her gaze went to Baylyss, then to Gregory, before going back to Baylyss.

Baylyss’ lips twitched. “Fine, fine, go ahead, but you’ll be doing extra work to make up for your lapse.”

Elsa beamed, then hit Gregory in the chest as she bounced over to him and hugged