Halfway (Wizards and Faeries) Read Online Free Page B

trying to stand.
    He remembered being tucked in and given things to drink to help him sleep.
    He remembered crying about his fate.  
         Let the Order control you or die.  
         You, like all wizards, are too dangerous to be left uncontrolled.  
         It was the law.
         All wizards.
         Must be controlled.
         By the law.
         Made by the Ten Ring.
         Who was the Ten Ring?
         The ten most powerful wizards who made the law for all other wizards.
         You’re a danger to humanity. You must protect humanity from itself.
         Let the Order control you, take you as its own.
         You’ll learn to love the Order. The Order is everything to you now.
    #
         Temet looked foggily around.   The room was paneled in wood, sheer green curtains moving gently in a soft breeze that streamed in through an open window.   Fern fronds and other green plants stood on either side of an open door next to it.
         A woman dressed in gray silk sat next to him, her blue eyes staring intently at his.   She was wearing the same black scarf with the silver moon-eye pin on it that Gringwell had worn.
         “Thank goodness the fever has broken!   We were so worried about you, young man!”
         “What?”
         “You were sick, poor thing!   So, so sick we thought we’d lose you. When the ship brought you to us, you were delirious.” She reached forward, pressing a cool cloth to his forehead.  
         “Where am I?”
         “Eighth level, Tower Five. I am Ilsa Shedara.”
         Memories came spilling back.   “Am I at the Wizardly Order?”
         “Yes you are, my dear. Gringwell brought you in to me this morning.”
         Temet frowned. “So this is my home now.”
         “Yes, indeed. The Order prepares you for life as a wizard. You’ll see. You’re different from other children, aren’t you? See, here everyone is different.” She smiled. “We’re all like you. Though I admit I’m not used to seeing children so young brought here. Children don’t usually manifest as young as you. Are you hungry?”
         Temet realized he was indeed hungry, so he nodded. Ilsa left the room, returning some moments later with bread, cheese, and a sliced tomato on a plate, as well as a glass of milk.  
         When Temet had eaten, Ilsa gathered his empty cup and plate. She was so happy; her smiles reminded him of Nessy. “No more talking now, dear. You still need to rest if you want to get better.”
         Though Temet was tired, he ignored it.   Across the room was the open door. Escape.
         Tossing back the covers, he got to his feet.
         “You’re getting up? You should be resting, my little one!” said Ilsa.
         “I—I just want to see what’s outside.” His feet felt unsteady under him.
         A worried look crossed her face. “Maybe that isn’t so wise. Are you afraid of heights?”
         “No. I like them,” said Temet. He tottered to the door, determined to start running the second he was outside.
         “Well, if it won’t scare you, I’ll let you go over there. Here, let me walk with you.” She got to her feet and came towards the door but he was faster. He got to the door first and stepped outside.
         Temet gasped.
         He was standing on a small balcony jutting from a tower that floated hundreds of feet above the ground with no apparent connection to the earth below. All around them, some close enough for him to jump to, floated similar houses and towers, all constructed of a bronze-like material. The buildings were anchored to each other by means of thick chains running from house to house. Small platforms that somewhat resembled his lifeboat bobbed among the houses and several larger buildings. Temet saw people on one of the platforms who were using the system of chains and gears they were connected to in order to travel from one building to another.
         And the angry moon-eye