“I shoulda asked first if it’s okay to give you a big hug like that, being the Lady now and all,” he whispered in her ear when he set her back down.
“Of course it is, you big oaf. I see everyone made it tonight.”
“Course we did, Sister. Tonight is a big celebration,” Arron said with a grin.
“Aye, it’s been damn near two months since anyone’s seen you, Nera.” Wyat sat back down across from Arron and gestured to the open seat at the head of the table for her. She exchanged embraces with the rest of them—Endira, Idrimel, Yosrick, and Zita.
“I thank you for repairing the bird! Although I was expecting you to appear in a big puff of smoke or something,” Yosrick said with a grin.
“Nay, I thought I’d just use the door like everyone else,” Nera shot back. “Anyone got a problem with that?”
Everyone laughed.
She grinned when she saw Wyat and Idrimel were sitting close together, their knees touching. “We’re in such august company tonight, with the Steel Commander and Golden Priestess themselves here!”
Wyat and Idrimel both flushed, exchanging an embarrassed glance. The rest of the companions had a good laugh at their expense.
A barmaid delivered the cask of ale to their table, and Nera helped herself to a tankard. “So what are we drinking to?”
“How about to victory against the forces of darkness?” Idrimel offered.
“Old times? New times?” Wyat shrugged.
“Those friends that are no longer with us?” Endira said.
“How about to good company and staunch companions?” Arron suggested.
“Why are ya all looking at me like that? I’ve never been one to turn down a tankard, nor do I need a reason to drink. Good ideas, all of them!” Nera held her tankard aloft. “Let us drink to victory, good times, and loyal friends!”
“Hear! Hear!” They clanked their tankards together in a toast, and the night got underway.
***
Nera made sure that her friends were sufficiently sober to appreciate her latest upgrade to Nexus come morning. She teleported them to the top of the tallest tower in her fortress.
“I decided I’d make another improvement around here,” she announced with a theatrical gesture.
At that instant, the first ray of dawn peeked over the horizon. They all watched in awe as the sky lightened, turning orange and purple, and the sun rose over Nexus for the first time.
Author’s Note
Thank you for taking the time to read my book! If you have a spare moment, please take the time to leave a review and spread the word to your friends. It doesn’t need to be a long review—one or two sentences would be perfect. Reviews and word of mouth are really important for independent authors to find an audience. I invite you to visit my website for news about future stories and to leave a comment there if you like.
Scions of Nexus is an all new adventure in the Nexus multiverse—now available!
Also, journey deeper into the planes with Nexus Tales.
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Also by Gregory Mattix
Nexus of the Planes
The Twilight City
Doors of the Dark
Dawnbringer
Nexus Tales
Scions of Nexus
Scions of Nexus
Extensis Vitae
Extensis Vitae
Extensis Vitae: The Shattered Land
Extensis Vitae: City of Sarx
Extensis Vitae: Empire of Dust
Extensis Vitae: The Complete Series
Obsolescence
Seren1ty
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank everyone that made this book possible. First, I’d like to thank my awesome beta readers: my brother, Tim, for all the time spent reading drafts, finding typos, and providing helpful feedback; also to Chris for reading drafts, giving feedback, and helping me brainstorm ideas for the series. Also, I’d like to thank Mona and Mom and Dad for all the help and support along the way.
Thanks again to all my readers for taking a chance on an independent author.
About the Author
Gregory Mattix grew up in the blazing heat of the Arizona desert. He obtained a degree in Business Administration at the University of Arizona, served in the military, and lived overseas for a time. He currently lives in Colorado with his wife and works his day job in the sprawling government machine that aims to keep America safe. He daydreams that one day he can quit the day job and write full time. He is the author of the Extensis Vitae and Nexus of the Planes series.
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