Balancer (Advent Mage Cycle) Read Online Free Page A

Order. Do we have your permission to come to Chahir and act for the good of the people?”
    “You do. You will coordinate all actions through Magus Rhebengarthen and Captain Riicshaden. They will in turn keep me apprised. Wizard Blackover, I trust that you and your people will be discreet. I do not wish to tip my hand.”
    “Most of our magicians are Chahiran in appearance. We can come incognito without catching the Star Order’s attention.”
    “Excellent. Then do so.”
    “ We will. Garth, are you listening in?”
    I shifted the broach back toward my mouth. “Yes.”
    “ Do you know how you want to approach this?”
    “ Not yet. We need to consult with the Head of the Special Forces here before we make any major decisions. Raile, who is your expert on blood magic?”
    “ That would be Dassan. There’s a few others that are quite knowledgeable as well, but Dassan is the acknowledged expert. I’ll send them all over. Your Majesty, know that we will not rest until Chahir is safe.”
    Vonlorisen seemed almost surprised by the vehemence in Raile’s voice. “Thank you.”
    “ With your permission, we will send over a device that will allow you to communicate with us and with Garth.”
    Vonlorisen gave me an arch look. I shrugged helplessly. I didn’t know that such a thing existed! Although I should have guessed that if it was possible, the Remnant would find a way to create it.
    The Chahiran King sounded almost droll as he responded, “That would be appreciated, Wizard Blackover.”
    “ We will send it over with Dassan. Expect them there by tomorrow morning.”
    The king’s head jerked in astonishment. “Your people can get here that quickly?”
    “Of course,” Raile answered voice rich with amusement. “ We have Mages too. How many should I send to you?”
    “As many as will come.”
    “ Understood. I will call again when they leave so that you have some warning.”
    Even though Raile couldn’t see it, Vonlorisen nodded. “You have Our thanks, Wizard Blackover.”
    “We are very glad to help, Your Majesty. Oh, I understand that your grandson is a Life Mage?”
    Vonlorisen blinked at this abrupt switch in topic. “Yes, he is.”
    “ We have several Life Mages here. We would be pleased to teach your grandson when he comes into his full powers.”
    He clearly didn’t know what to think of this offer. “When that time comes, I will certainly keep your offer in mind.”
    “ Very well. I will go and get things moving here, then.”
    “We will prepare to receive them,” Vonlorisen promised. At his nod, I withdrew the broach and cut the connection. “I have had rooms prepared for all of you. Rest for tonight. Saroya will meet with all of you tomorrow.”
    We all knew a dismissal when we heard one. We gave him bows of acknowledgement before walking out of the room.
    “Magus, a moment.”
    I paused in mid-stride, turning back to face the king. Vonlorisen’s eyes were crinkled slightly at the corners as if he were fighting a smile.
    “Magus,” he took great care with his words as he said them, “after all that you have done for Chahir, and for me personally, I had thought to reward you in some manner. Because of your power and reputation, it had crossed my mind that you might be well suited to become Dom of a Province. A marriage to the daughter of a ruling Dom would not only be a personal reward, but quite the political statement.”
    I stared at him in unadulterated terror. Nonononono!
    “But I now see that my thinking is perhaps in error.” His eyes glinted in amusement at the–no doubt panicked—look on my face. “Witch Delheart is dear to you, isn’t she?”
    Stop thumping, heart. I might be able to wiggle out of this yet. I cleared my throat to make sure it would actually work before trying to speak in a normal tone. “Yes, Your Majesty, quite dear. I just gave her father an Oath of Promise.”
    “Ahh.” The glint turned into an outright twinkle. “Then I shall have to think of some