Magi's Path

by Daniel Schinhofen

  “As my heart wishes,” Yukiko shivered as his teeth grazed her neck.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The next few days were a little more awkward than even their first bath had been. Jenn would blush when Yukiko touched her, but she never shied away. Their awkwardness didn’t stop them from doing what they had been— training in the morning with Dia at the park before going off to work.

  Yukiko finished her first full set of leather armor, and like Jenn’s sword, it wasn’t good, but it was the first thing she’d made start to finish all on her own. She paid to have it shipped to her family, along with a letter explaining it.

  Jenn continued to help Kassidy with her work while also listening to her explain how to tell when a smith cut corners, which would result in poor steel. The two of them doubled or tripled Kassidy’s production, and the taciturn smith went so far as to tell Jenn that she would miss the much smaller woman.

  Gregory was learning quickly how to tell good arrows from poor ones, as well as spotting the more common mistakes with bows. The majority of his time was spent making arrows, which Bryn said there could never be enough of. Gregory thought he’d be able to make arrows in his sleep with as many as he’d made.

  Brown didn’t serve them personally over those days, and they featured dishes they’d had before. Dia explained that when Brown went on an experimental endeavor, his normal meals ended up being things that he was confident in making without too much thought. The apprentices couldn’t complain, as their food was still delicious and aether-filling, but each meal dimmed their hope that he would have a breakthrough.

  Their fourth game of Empire’s Gambit was in full swing, with all three of them having returned to playing magi of the empire. Gregory opted for a magi with spatial magic, Jenn went for a wind magi, and Yukiko was playing a water magi.

  ~*~*~

  Bryn had Gregory finish the final two steps of making a composite bow on his own. Smiling as he set the bow down, Gregory felt elated. “Sir, it’s done!” Gregory called out.

  “Bring it up here,” Bryn called back.

  Gregory picked up the completed creation and took it to the front of the shop. “Here it is, sir,” he said, laying the horn-backed bow in front of Bryn.

  Bryn looked over the bow, taking his time to examine it. As Gregory waited, he watched Bryn for any hint that he had made a mistake.

  “String it,” Bryn said.

  Gregory fetched a bowstring and, after a moment, recalled how to properly hold a composite bow to string it. Taking a deep breath, he put action to his memories and got the bow strung.

  “That is the easiest and most well-known way,” Bryn nodded. “Remember to unstring it if you are not going to be using it, though, to prolong the life of the bow.”

  Gregory unstrung it and set it on the counter. “I’ll make sure that I remember, sir.”

  “Good. You lost track of time. It’s time for you to return to the inn.”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow, sir,” Gregory said, turning to go.

  “Don’t forget your bow,” Bryn told him.

  Gregory paused, turning around with a confused expression. “Sir?”

  Bryn pointed at the bow in front of him. “Your bow.”

  “Sir, I only finished it at your instruction. The majority of the work was yours.”

  “Yes, but the one you started will be finished well after you return to the academy. Anyone who trains in the craft deserves to have a finished product of their own. This is the best I can do for you. It’s why I had you finish this one, and you did so up to my standards. If you hadn’t, I’d have had you make another simple bow to take, instead. Now, come collect your bow.”

  Gregory cupped his right fist with his left palm at chest height and bowed to Bryn formally. “I am honored, sir. I will treasure this gift.”

  Bryn chuckled. “Take it and go. You’ll be working on arrows from tomorrow until the day you leave. Set aside your best hundred, as those will be yours, as well.”

  Gregory bowed again before collecting his bow. “Yes, sir.”

  “Ask your wife to make you a cover for it,” Bryn said with a crooked smile.

  “You know about Yuki, sir?”

  “Lavent, Kassidy and I have shared a drink or two since you three showed up. We’ve compared notes. Now, go on. It doesn’t do to keep a woman waiting.”

  “Yes, sir,” Gregory said.

  ~*~*~

  After dropping the bow off in his room, Gregory hurried downstairs to join the others in the bath. He was so wrapped up in what he wanted to tell them that he didn’t pay as much attention to the baskets when he stripped off his clothing. Entering the room, his steps faltered when he saw not two people in the tub, but three.

  “A little late, but I can’t fault you when I’ve been behind since this morning, too,” Dia said. “You won’t have long, as dinner should be ready soon. In fact, I should go check with Brown about that.”

  Gregory had no more warning than that before Dia rose from the tub and went to leave. He knew that Dia was older, as her sister was old enough to be his grandmother, but she didn’t look that old. In fact, she looked just slightly older than they did. The most eye-catching thing about her were the scars on her lower abdomen. She had large, raised scars that spoke of trauma he couldn’t even begin to imagine.

  “It’s impolite to stare, Apprentice,” Dia chided him gently when she went past him.

  Gregory’s face burned and he coughed. “Sorry, Dia. I didn’t mean to.”

  “I know. Your wife and friend did, as well. They can tell you what I told them, but do hurry. Brown gets a little upset if his dishes aren’t eaten while they’re hot.”

  The door shut behind her, and Gregory looked up to find Yukiko and Jenn staring at him. “I’m sorry,” he said, bowing to them both.

  “No, it’s fine, dear one,” Yukiko giggled.

  “We both stared, too,” Jenn said. “First because I hope to be that fit when I reach my seventh decade, and then because of her scars.”

  Gregory exhaled. “It was still wrong of me. I’ll hurry with washing.”

  “I’ll get your back,” Yukiko said. “We were going to be getting out, too.”

  “I’ll skip the soaking,” Gregory said, heading for the washing area. “I finished making a composite bow today.”

  “Oh? How did it go?” Jenn asked.

  “Good. Bryn said I did as well as he would have. As I went to leave, he stopped me,” Gregory said while he started pumping water.

  “What did he want?” Yukiko asked as she stepped out of the tub.

  “To tell me to take it with me,” Gregory said, glancing at Yukiko. “I tried to decline, but he insisted. It’s in our room now.”

  “Must have heard about Lavent and Kassidy,” Jenn said as she got out of the tub. “Kassidy mentioned that they got together for a drink and to talk about us. He is the one that told Lightshield about Kassidy. I was originally supposed to learn from the shop next to hers.”

  Gregory grimaced. “I don’t think you would have enjoyed that.”

  “I doubt I would have. The other smith has glared at me every day. His father used to teach the clan apprentices. He hasn’t taken Kassidy being chosen over him well, and has had unkind words about her heritage… and mine.”

  Gregory had been moving to take a seat, but froze when Jenn added the last two words. A spike of anger surged through him and he exhaled.

  Yukiko wasn’t silent about her feelings, “What did this person say, exactly?”

  “I didn’t hear him clearly, but I heard mention of dwarf and knew he wasn’t talking about Kassidy,” Jenn answered. She touched Yukiko’s shoulder. “But thank you, Yuki.” Her eyes drifted to Gregory, who was still frozen in place. “You, too, Greg. I saw the anger on your faces.”

  Yukiko turned to Jenn and laid a hand on her friend’s cheek. “I will always be angry when someone upsets you. You are special to us,” she looked over her shoulder at Gregory, “even if he is still s
truggling to accept what will be.”

  Jenn leaned her head into her hand briefly before kissing Yukiko’s wrist. “Thank you, Yuki. Knowing that you both care that much soothes any pain I might have felt.” She stepped back. “I’m going to get dressed. I’ll see you both shortly.”

  Gregory watched her go, his mind whirling. I felt as angry as I do when someone hurts Yuki like that… or at least, very close to it. She obviously has real affection for Yuki, too. Aether, why couldn’t there be a tea house here? Snorting, he shook his head and sat. Aether, indeed.

  “Dear one?” Yukiko asked, kneeling behind him.

  “I offered a prayer to Aether in my head,” Gregory said. “That’s what made me snort.”

  Yukiko giggled. “Yes, it is a bit odd, though it makes sense. You did offer prayers for years. You felt the anger, too?” she asked. “It sparked inside of me as sharply as when someone speaks ill of you.”

  Gregory lowered his head. “It was the same for me.”

  Warm hands touched his shoulders, and firm high points pressed into his back. Warmth touched his ear as Yukiko whispered, “I’m not mad, dear one, just as I hope you aren’t mad at me for feeling that way.”

  “No,” Gregory said, “I’m not mad... Maybe I’m being an idiot? It’s cheating to try and get Darkness to help me see the future. Very few people would be able to do that, and most still make decisions like this.”

  “You worry so much for my sake and hers. Neither of us will gainsay you the caution. Honestly, we both find it endearing. We’ll wait for you to be comfortable... we want you to feel comfortable with where this will go.” With that said, she eased away from him and picked up the bar of soap.

  “Thank you, Yuki. Jenn, too, even though she isn’t here to hear it.”

  “You’re welcome, dear one. Now relax, and I will wash you.”

  Gregory breathed deeply and slowly as Yukiko washed his back.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Jenn came back to the room as they were putting their boots on. “He thinks he has it,” she blurted out.

  Gregory stood up. “Really?”

  “He’s not sure, but he thinks it’ll work,” Jenn said, nearly vibrating with hopefulness.

  “Let’s go,” Yukiko said.

  “He’s serving us in our rooms. I asked to be served in yours. I hope that’s okay,” Jenn said.

  “Yes,” Yukiko said, taking her hand and pulling Jenn along behind her.

  Gregory chuckled to himself as he followed them. It’s hard to say which of them is the most excited and hopeful, though I’m not far behind, if I’m being honest with myself. I would’ve accepted the idea before now, if not for my fear of hurting them.

  Dia stood in the hall when they came up the stairs. “Apprentices, Brown will be in to serve you in a moment. If you have any troubles, come for me. Do not hesitate or think it might pass. If anything feels wrong, come for me. Understood?”

  “Yes, Dia,” they replied.

  “I hope this is what you were seeking, or at least close enough to it,” Dia said, giving the three of them a knowing look. “If there is no trouble, I will see you in the morning.” Smiling at them, she entered her room.

  Gregory opened the door to their room and led Yukiko and Jenn inside, but left the door open. He went to move the bow off the table so they would have space for their food.

  “Is that the bow you made?” Jenn asked.

  “Yeah,” Gregory said, passing it over to her. “It has a good draw to it. If you used your aether, though, it’d probably break.”

  Jenn nodded as she took it and examined it for a few moments. “It’s a very nice bow, not that you’ll get much use out of it over the next year.”

  “True, but it’ll be a good one for later. Oh, Yuki, can you make a cover for it?”

  “I’ll ask Lavent, but I’m sure he’ll be fine with me doing so.”

  “Thank you, dearest,” Gregory said.

  Jenn handed the bow back to Gregory and he set it aside. Yukiko and Jenn had just taken seats at the table when a knock on the door announced Brown.

  “Apprentices, I have your meal for you,” Brown said. “If this doesn’t work, I’ll try again, but I believe it will.”

  Gregory turned to move to the table and he felt his eyebrows rise. Brown looked exhausted. “Thank you, sir,” he said as he sat down.

  “I’m sure this combination of herbs is the answer,” Brown said. “Eat slowly, and if you feel yourself start to enter the right state of mind, stop eating and try to meditate. I know that can be hard if you aren’t on the spirit path, but it will help.”

  “Yes, sir,” they replied.

  Brown put his hand over the table and three plates appeared, followed by crystal glasses and a bottle. He quickly poured the wine and had them served. Nodding, he stepped back. “Enjoy, and do make sure to let me know if it worked.”

  They agreed they would, and Brown left them to their meal, shutting the door behind him as he went. Gregory’s nerves began to kick up, and he grabbed the wine, taking a sip.

  “Rosem wine,” Gregory said. “Been a while since I’ve had some... Makes me wonder how infused this is if he felt that this would be needed.”

  Jenn didn’t respond— she was focused on the noodles and thinly sliced meat in her chopsticks. With a look at the other two, she ate it. Her eyes widened and her nostrils flared as she chewed. Gregory and Yukiko watched her with worry, both waiting for her to tell them how it was.

  Once she could safely swallow, she did, then picked up her wine to take a sip. “It’s hot,” she wheezed, “and it ignited my aether, making it flare higher than anything I’ve ever had before.”

  “We should let it sit, then,” Yukiko said.

  “Not hot like that... spicy is what I meant,” Jenn said, picking up some of the sprouts on the plate and taking a bite. “Oh, that helped,” she said after a moment. “The sprouts take off some of the heat.”

  Both Yukiko and Gregory exchanged a look before they sampled the food. Sweat beaded Gregory’s head on the first bite, while Yukiko didn’t seem to be affected as much. They agreed that the sprouts did ease the burn of the food, and the wine tempered the aether rush.

  Slowly, carefully, and methodically, they ate their food. Each bite had Gregory hoping that the trance would come, but when they finished, they were saddened. They were mostly disappointed that the trance like the tea ceremony never came, but also partially because they had finished all the food.

  “I guess it was a bit too much to hope for,” Gregory sighed before yawning.

  “He did say he was still,” Yukiko yawned widely, “working on it.”

  “Maybe the next dish will be the one?” Jenn murmured, her eyes growing heavy.

  Gregory frowned and blinked slowly at both women. “Wait… do you feel,” he yawned again, “sleepy?”

  “Yes…” Yukiko muttered, her eyes closing.

  Jenn snored lightly, her chin resting against her chest as she lay back in her chair.

  “Dia...” Gregory said weakly as he tried to get the energy to rise. “Need to... tell… Dia…!” His arms slipped off the armrests of the chair, and his head banged onto the table. “Need…”

  ~*~*~

  Gregory jerked upright, looking around. The opulent bedroom he knew well from his talks with Darkness surrounded him. The corner Darkness normally inhabited was empty. “Darkness? Yuki? Jenn?” Gregory called as he climbed out of bed. “Anyone?”

  “Dear one, what are you doing here?” Darkness asked him, the corner of the room suddenly shrouded in her namesake.

  “Hoping to talk to you,” Gregory exhaled. “I guess it worked.”

  “You have a dangerous amount of sleep root in you... all three of you do,” Darkness said, her voice becoming sharp. “He almost went too far.” There was a hint of anger to her tone. “Give me a moment and I will have them here with you.”

  “Thank you,” Gregory said, both meaning for her concern and what she had said.

/>   “Of course, dear one. I will always be concerned about your health and the health of those you call special. If they are special to you, they are special to me.”

  Yukiko and Jenn appeared on either side of Gregory. Yukiko exhaled a sigh of relief and Jenn looked around, mildly panicked.

  “We need to tell…! Dia?” Jenn said questioningly, her sentence fading as she looked at the room.

  “Jenn,” Gregory said, touching her arm, “say hello to Darkness.” He motioned to the inky corner.