The Novice Read Online Free Page A

of room for her in my apartments.”
    Jerrik’s brows rose. “I see. I will tell Lord Ahrind. Excuse me.”
    Rothen watched the old man walk over to a thin, hollow-cheeked magician. Lord Ahrind frowned and glanced over at Sonea as Jerrik spoke to him.
    “What happens now?” Sonea asked.
    Rothen nodded to the bundle in her hands. “We see if these robes fit properly.” He looked at Dannyl. “And I think a little celebration is in order. Coming?”
    Dannyl smiled. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

2
The First Day
    The sun was warm on his back as Dannyl stepped up to the carriage. He drew on a little magic to lift the first of his chests onto the roof. As the second settled next to it he sighed and shook his head.
    “I suspect I’m going to regret taking so much,” he muttered. “Yet I keep thinking of things I wish I’d packed.”
    “I’m sure you’ll be able to buy anything you need in Capia,” Rothen told him. “Lorlen has certainly given you a generous allowance.”
    “Yes, that was a pleasant surprise.” Dannyl grinned. “Perhaps you’re right about his reasons for sending me away.”
    Rothen’s eyebrow rose. “He must know it would take more than sending you to another country to keep you out of trouble.”
    “Ah, but I’m going to miss fixing all your problems, my friend.” As the driver opened the carriage door, Dannyl turned to look at the older magician. “Are you coming to the Marina?”
    Rothen shook his head. “Classes start in less than an hour.”
    “For both you and Sonea.” Dannyl nodded. “Then this is it—time to say goodbye.”
    They regarded each other solemnly for a moment, then Rothen gripped Dannyl’s shoulder and smiled. “Take care of yourself. Try not to fall overboard.”
    Dannyl chuckled and returned the clasp. “Take care, old friend. Don’t let that new novice of yours wear you out. I’ll be back in a year or so to check on your progress.”
    “Old friend, indeed!” Rothen pushed Dannyl toward the carriage. After climbing inside, Dannyl turned to see a thoughtful expression on his friend’s face.
    “I never thought I’d see you running off on such glorious escapades, Dannyl. You seemed so content here, and you’ve rarely set foot outside the gates since you graduated.”
    Dannyl shrugged. “I guess I was waiting for the right reason.”
    Rothen made a rude noise. “Liar. You’re just lazy. I hope the First Ambassador knows this, or he’s in for a nasty surprise.”
    “He’ll find out soon enough.” Dannyl grinned.
    “I’m sure he will.” Rothen smiled and stepped away from the carriage. “Off with you, then.”
    Dannyl nodded. “Goodbye.” He tapped on the roof of the carriage. It jerked into motion, drawing him away. Sliding to the other side of the seat, Dannyl pulled back the screen covering the window and glimpsed Rothen still watching before the carriage turned again to pass through the Guild Gates.
    He leaned back in the cushioned seat and sighed. Though he was pleased to be finally leaving, he knew he would miss his friends and familiar surroundings. Rothen had Sonea and the elderly couple Yaldin and Ezrille for company, but Dannyl would have only strangers.
    Though he was looking forward to his new position, he was a bit intimidated by the duties and responsibilities he was taking on. Since the hunt for Sonea, however, during which he had located and negotiated with one of the Thieves, he had grown increasingly bored with his easy, mostly solitary life of study in the Guild.
    He hadn’t realized just how bored he was until Rothen had told him he was being considered for the role of Second Ambassador. By the time Dannyl was summoned to the Administrator’s office, he could recite the name and position of every man and woman in the Elyne court and, to Lorlen’s amusement, numerous scandalous tales as well.
    Deep into the Inner Circle the carriage turned onto the road that circled the Palace wall. Little could be seen of the grand Palace