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62. Looking for Group

Martel woke feeling a little deflated. He had looked forward all fiveday to see Shadi, and his anticipation had only increased when he found out about the play. Now he felt separated from yet anoth...

61. Cobbled Streets

On Solday, Martel reflected on the past fiveday. He had attended celebrations in two mansions and eaten more expensive food than he ever knew could be found together, he had proven his magic agains...

60. Stranger than Fiction

The bare stone walls of the Lyceum felt dull compared to the decorated marble halls where Martel had spent twice an evening this fiveday. Not only the ornaments, but the lack of music, rich foods, ...

59. Encore

The four duellists entered the centre of the hall with all eyes on them. "Martel, let me have your knife. I will subdue Guillaume and we can handle the battlemage together. You just distract her un...

58. A Challenger Appears

Glunday morning passed quietly, Martel tending to his chores and classes as usual. Tonight was the feast at Eleanor's home, but he did not feel nervous the way he had before Maximillian's; nothing ...

57. Plays in Motion

When Martel woke, the events of yesterday felt more like a dream, but a pair of black shoes next to his own boots dispelled any such notion. He opened the drawer to look at his borrowed garments. I...

56. Marbled Performance

As Martel and Maximilian descended the stairs to the grand hall, they had a perfect view of the ongoing celebration. Across the wide space, tables stood scattered, decked with food and drink. In sm...

55. Clothes Make the Mage

Shortly after the first bell had awakened the Lyceum, Martel heard a knock on his door. This had happened only a few times, and he wondered at the occasion. Dressed just in his long nightshirt, he ...

54. The Gifts of Friendship

Summer might have arrived with the promise of celebrations throughout the city, but Martel still had his ordinary schedule to get through. That meant two hours working for Master Jerome on Soldays....

53. Early Days of Summer

For more than a month, Martel barely left the school except to spend an hour or two with Shadi on Soldays. He practised his magic diligently, chasing the elusive mastery of air. He worked every day...

52. Standing Against the Wind

Martel stood in the Hall of Elements, listening intently. After a full night's sleep, he felt a lot better and able to focus on his teacher's instructions.

"Air is the most intangible of the ...

51. Seeing the Signs

Martel did not appreciate this Solday morning. He had barely fallen asleep, it felt like, before the first bell rang. He continued to doze off in bed, nearly missing breakfast. He dragged his feet ...

50. Cutting Strings

Maximilian had surprise on his side as he strolled through the shattered door, wielding a war hammer and a shield. Yet the Broken Blades were all veterans, accustomed to danger and swift to react. ...

49. The Broken Blades

Martel could not see, speak, or move. He felt the bandits carry him around before ungently dropping his body down again. The rumbling of wheels told him he lay in a cart, being transported somewher...

48. Strung Along

Arriving at the apothecary for his morning work, Martel once again met only Nora. "It's starting to feel like you're here more than Mistress Rana," he jested.

"Oh, she's here plenty except if...

47. A Cold Touch

Martel woke refreshed after a solid night's sleep, feeling good about himself. He had witnessed an injustice and used his power to correct it. Even his weak skills in magic had been enough to handl...

46. Bread and Balm

Martel rarely if ever enjoyed his lessons in combat magic on Maldays, but today, he was more eager to get through them than usual. When he had made it home last night after visiting the homeless ch...

45. The Monster Within

Hitherto, second bell on Peldays had been empty on Martel's schedule. Thanks to his new arrangement, those free hours were now devoted to the apothecary. When he arrived, he saw no trace of Mistres...

44. What Ails the Heart

Next day was Solday and the resumption of Martel's regular schedule with the addition of his new daily task in the apothecary. First though, his old duty of assisting the artificer beckoned. Two ho...

43. Against the Stream

The journey home proved uneventful, which Martel was thankful for. The visit to the Stone of Archen had given him more excitement than he needed, even if the students themselves were to blame, hims...

42. Burnt Children

The small band took a few branches from the campfire as torches and headed for the ruins. The dark hindered their progress. And they stumbled around a bit until they found the door that led down. 2022-07-22 11:10:01 +0000 UTC View Post

41. It was Pity Killed the Beast

Since they had arrived one day early, the small band had to spend a day waiting for the convergence. Master Fenrick kept them busy with various exercises as demanded by their teachers back at the L...

40. On the Threshold

For another three days, they followed the wide road north until at last, Master Fenrick diverted their course west. Travelling on dirt roads, the land grew wild. As their teacher explained, this wa...

39. On the Road

On the morning of their departure, Martel still felt a little apprehensive, but he assumed they were all in good hands with Master Fenrick. And out of six acolytes that he would be travelling with,...

38. The Question of Khiva

Note for Novices: I don't think I properly sent out email notifications about the last chapters being made available on your tier. So before you read this chapter, I suggest make sure you haven...