The Accidental Archmage - Book Five by Edmund Batara (best e ink reader for manga .txt) 📕

by the staff. Odin’s energy is more potent than those of the others. You should find more opportunities to talk to the heads of the pantheons, sire,” snickered Birki.

“I doubt if I’ll find the chance, Birki. That would make me feel like a vampire, if not a thief.”

Tyler’s reply was prompt and marked by evident distaste. The idea itself made him also feel like a bottom-feeder.

“Ridiculous assumption, sire. We’re just using power left in the air. Of course, being ordinary magical energy manifested through a powerful medium, such scraps are particularly potent. They’d only decay and eventually revert to ordinary form. Waste not, that’s my battle cry.”

“I guess it’s all right then. But this new-found ability of yours is quite the surprise,” answered Tyler. He still didn’t feel better about the idea but accepted it was necessary. Not that he could do anything about it anyway.

“It does have its limits. One has to be the guardian of the entrance to the world within the staff to communicate – if you’re holding the staff or it’s very close to you. A few inches more and I wouldn’t be able to communicate,” clarified Birki.

“How are the… children? Tyler wanted to say wards but somehow found himself unable to use the word.

“Odin’s energy made a significant change in their growth. They’re a wee bit older, but still a handful. But the improvement was enough for me to start them on another level of training. Everybody wants a chance to show off their abilities to their father, especially after the Aztecah girl started bragging about what she had done.”

Tyler laughed. “Kids. They’ll each get their chance. You can tell them that. But only when you believe they’re ready. That would help you get them interested, if not focused, on their training and growth.”

Tyler heard a chuckle from Birki.

“Cunningly put, sire. That I will certainly do.”

The mage noted the use of the word ‘father.’ Tyler found he liked it, though he also thought the idea of explaining to Eira the reality of suddenly having several children was intimidating. He knew his wife would take to the children like a fish to water, but the first step – breaking the news – would have to be handled with subtlety.

“Anything else, Birki?” The mage wanted to start a discussion with the being, but was starting to get sleepy.

“I believe that would be all, except for the two strange presences I sense in your mind. If they’re hostile, I’m afraid I can’t help – talking to you is all I can do now.”

Busted. Birki is attuned to my energies so I guess that must be why he sensed Hal and X, Tyler immediately hypothesized.

“They’re friends. No, they’re not controlling me if that’s what you’re thinking. They have their… commands and limitations,” reassured Tyler. He was about to say protocols but doubted if the modern term was familiar in Adar.

“X? Hal? Is it possible for both of you to visit Birki? If it is possible, could you still stand guard over me as I sleep? asked the mage.

“It is an energy world. We can manifest there and still guard you,” answered Hal.

“Okay. Go with Birki. Introduce yourself to the children. Mind their ages,” said Tyler.

“Birki, meet Hal and X. Right now, they are but energy forms. Like you. They’re friends. Introduce them to the children and get to know them better yourself. I have a feeling you guys will need to work together in the future. As for me, I’m going to catch some sleep.”

“Wait. Hal, any word from H?” asked Tyler.

“None, sire. But he’ll find his way back to us.”

“Good. Now let me rest.”

Suddenly, the mage felt a welcome emptiness in a small portion of his mind. Hal and X must be excited about being in another place for a change. Excited, now that’s a human feeling, Tyler thought. Smiling at the unexpected mental relief, he went to sleep.

***

“Greetings, First Mage,” a woman’s voice spoke. It was calm, friendly, and wise. And one he had heard before.

Tyler knew he was still asleep and had his eyes closed when he heard the greeting.

My mysterious savior, thought Tyler, his bleary mind protesting against the interruption. But why now? The bed was so comfortable — a piece of very much-loved furniture I haven’t seen or used in a long while. Well, at least it’s not the squids. Those guys would be mad if ever they got in touch with me again. Sorry, fuglies, but this line is busy.

The mage opened his eyes and immediately grew dizzy. He was floating above a great continent surrounded by large islands, most of which were continental in scale themselves. Beside him was a luminous female shape. It was an energy form from what Tyler could observe. The mage quickly closed and opened his eyes several times, but the feeling of vertigo remained. The being noticed his ailment and made a slight movement with a finger. The disconcerting giddiness disappeared.

“Thanks. My greetings too,” said Tyler. “I guess this is not a social call?”

His companion apparently had no sense of humor as it instead replied in a solemn tone.

“I am afraid not. Sister Fate might be upset with me, but matters are boiling toward an explosively chaotic point. I am not interfering with your choices, but I believe the time has come for you to have a tiny glimpse of what’s happening in Adar.”

“I really wouldn’t mind if I do. There are times I feel like a horse with blinders,” he answered. Still no reaction. No sense of humor? Sister Fate?

“Come. First, let’s get you to see what’s happening in the lands of fire and ice. Don’t worry. We are both in spirit form. We can’t be seen, and you have me to protect you.”

Suddenly, Tyler found himself above a region divided into an icy wasteland and a desolate land disfigured by geysers of sulfuric gases and lava flows. Below him, he could see great armies on each side of the divide. Surprisingly, there was no fighting.

Come