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Sample
Scene from
An Adept in Mvarin
Chapter Two:
The Graduate
The
Tower bell of Mtons Citadel College of Magic tolled the end of the
morning session. Magu Durtani had not quite finished his portal to the
Claren, despite the surreptitious help Darma had given him on the
definitional subrituals. Indifferent to the lesson, nine of the Masters
ten morning students left immediately, but Darma stayed and helped with
the last incantation. The glow around the worn oak door brightened and
ceased to flicker. Is it ready, Master? she asked.
You should know, Darma, Magu Durtani said. You did half the work. Open it. Quickly now, or youll be late for lunch.
Darma opened the door into a flurry of snow and wind. Two peaks of the
Claren pierced the sky before her. The third was but a step away,
buried in snow. Shall I go through, Master?
You can if you hurry. Dont shut the door!
Darma ran forward, and nearly fell as her feet touched the icy path
beyond the doorway. Recovering, she bent and scooped up a handful of
snow, the first she had ever held.
Its best if you pack it into a ball. Like this! Magu Durtanis eyes twinkled as he made a snowball.
Darma followed his lead. What is it for, Master?
Why, for throwing at someone, of course! But not at me. Now, off to the
dining hall with you. I dont want the Archmage in here claiming Ive
kidnapped you.
I wish you would, Darma said, half seriously. This is the most fun
Ive had all week. Goodbye, Master! Clutching her snowball from the
supposedly holy mountains, Darma left Magu Durtanis rooms and stepped
out into the bright spring sunshine. Most of the students were already
disappearing across the schools central quadrangle into the courtyard
that led to the dining hall, but Darma didnt care. In a choice between
food and magic, Darma usually chose magic.
Darma. Startled, Darma took a step backward as Archmage Sunestri appeared less than three feet in front of her.
Continued...
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