A Clash of Magics by Guy Antibes (read this if txt) 📕

“What about you?” the broken-nosed fighter asked Trevor after he took a piece of roast beef and bit off a chunk.

“I know how to fight. I’ve been doing it since I was young,” Trevor said. “Magic isn’t my style.”

“Weak like me,” the big man laughed. “Just like a Presidonian. I’m good with a sword, and that’s about it. I’m not flexible enough to toss around a spear like they do in tournaments.”

“Maybe we will face each other.”

The man shrugged. “What use is there fighting with wooden swords? I’m hoping to do well enough to catch on with the army.”

“Presidonian forces are that particular?” Trevor asked. “In Viksar, if you can breathe and walk, you can find a place in the army.”

“I want to be a scout,” the man said. “I wish they had a competition for that, but you’ve got to get into the army, first.”

Trevor nodded. “I’ve read some diaries. Scouting is dangerous, but it’s fun. I’ve done a bit myself.”

The big man snorted. “It looks like you are good at everything. Officer material, right?”

“I’ve done a bit of that, too, but I’d rather be a scout,” Trevor said.

“Right,” the little man said. “I almost believe you, but almost.” He looked down, and as they talked, the food disappeared.

Trevor thought the little man had almost as much food as Win had. Trevor yawned. “The tournament is tomorrow, so now that you are properly fed, Win and I will get some sleep. I suggest you do the same.”

The two men looked at each other and grinned. “We need a little alcoholic fortification before we head to the field of battle,” the little man said, and the two bid them a good night and left Trevor and Win with nothing more to eat, and the time had passed for them to return to the practice field.

“Do you need a little alcoholic fortification?” Win asked Trevor.

“Not me. I’m headed for Jilgrath, hoping Glynna and Custik have arrived with Lissa.”

Win yawned, except his yawn was more real than Trevor had guessed his was. “I’m full of my mother’s food. That will make me sleep exceedingly well,” he said with a satisfied-looking smile.

Trevor pulled the ancient rod out of his waistband and held it tightly. “I don’t expect to be long.” Although he knew the house well enough to teleport to most rooms, he appeared at the bottom of the house’s steps. There were lights in the sitting-room window, so Trevor walked up and knocked on the door.

“Trevor!” Custik said. “Somehow, I expected you to visit tonight. We just got Lissa settled into the sitting room for a few hours.”

“Your journey was uneventful?” Trevor asked.

“It was. The women traveled in the carriage, and Yvan and I had some great discussions on horseback.”

“Are they still here?” Trevor asked.

“We are leaving tomorrow morning,” Brother Yvan said, walking to the door.

Trevor stepped inside. Reena sat next to Lissa, who looked weary. She rose and pulled Trevor over so he could sit next to his new wife.

“How is she?” Trevor asked the group.

“You can ask me directly, you know,” Lissa said. “I am doing okay, but Glynna made a potion that has robbed me of all energy.”

“She will heal a bit faster, and her burns won’t sting as much,” Glynna said. “However, she will be tired and will likely fall asleep sitting next to you before long.”

“You are the strongest person to take her up to the bed,” Brother Yvan said with a grin.

Lissa blinked a little too slowly for Trevor. He gently picked her up. “Which bedroom?” he asked Glynna.

“Follow me.”

Trevor followed the woman upstairs and into the bedroom that Trevor had always stayed in.

“She’s recovered enough for you to spend the night with her as long as you only sleep,” Glynna said.

“I’ll be heading back to Tarviston when she falls asleep,” Trevor said. “I’m in a tournament tomorrow.”

“A tournament?” Glynna asked.

“I’ll tell you all in a few minutes. I don’t think Lissa’s going to be able to overhear us for very much longer.”

Glynna smiled and left the room. Trevor sat on the bed.

Lissa lifted the unbandaged hand. “I ruined our first night.” She was able to manage a dreamy pout on her lips.

“I ruined it by being who I am,” Trevor said.

Lissa smiled. “I suppose you did. You can make up for a teeny bit of it by kissing me, but you can’t touch my face. You’ll get all greasy from the salve Glynna used. We Viksarans are experts at healing burns.”

Trevor squeezed her hand. “I’m fighting in an army tournament tomorrow with Win. It replaced the grand contest my father always sponsored. They let nonmilitary fighters compete, but I think they are confident that Presidonian soldiers will prevail.

“You were a Presidonian soldier, and you will prevail.”

Trevor smiled and shook his head. “I will win a round or two and then lose,” he said. “I can’t draw too much attention to myself.”

Lissa touched the thick stubble covering Trevor’s face. “I can hardly recognize you. How can anyone else?”

“They can. You know people by more than their faces. I was a fixture on the practice field. I’m sure someone will see the similarities of my fighting style.”

“If you can bear to kill your mother, you have my permission,” Lissa said, her eyelids blinked slowly.

“I think you’ve already given it.”

She giggled. “I’m sure you are right. Kiss me before I fall asleep.”

Trevor gave her a long, lingering, and gentle kiss. “That will have to do,” she said.

He gave her another, but before he finished, her hand went limp in his. She almost snored. It was time for him to let the potion do its thing. He descended into the sitting room.

“How is she?” Trevor asked.