Tides of Faith: Travail of The Dark Mage Book Two Read Online Free

the nights he’s
there they make a killing.”
    James was dumbfounded. They hadn’t
even asked his permission. “I don’t suppose the guy does
magic?”
    “Actually, he does.”
    “You’re kidding. How did they pull
that off?”
    “Tricks mostly. Slight of hand, that
sort of thing. He is rather convincing.” Miko met James’ gaze
unflinchingly, wondering what sort of reaction he would have. “They
did not think you would mind, thought it would bolster your
notoriety.”
    Sighing, James shook his head, then
chuckled. “Those two always have an angle going.”
    Father Keller looked relieved. “You’re
not angry?”
    “No. I doubt if it would cause me any
problems.” He glanced to Miko. “They don’t know I’m here, do
they?”
    Shaking his head, Miko replied, “No.
Only my priests and I know your whereabouts.”
    “Good. Let’s keep it that
way.”
    “I remember very well your scoldings
time and again during our exploits on how you did not want anyone
to know your business. And, considering the manner and condition in
which you arrived, thought discretion to be prudent.”
    James laughed. Maybe it was the fact
he was on the mend, or perhaps a euphoric rush coming on the heels
of knowing his loved ones were safe, but he couldn’t help
it.
    “You should rest,” Miko said. “Your
body still has a ways to go before being fully healed.”
    Stifling a yawn, James nodded
agreement. “I think you may be right.”
    “Kip will remain here and keep Jira
occupied.”
    James turned his gaze to the pair
hunched over the game board. “He seems competent.”
    “I have a feeling about
him.”
    Returning his attention to Miko he
asked, “Oh?”
    “Nothing like that. It is just that he
is smart and very devoted. I figure he will make Acolyte quickly if
he maintains focus.”
    Once a Novice showed an aptitude and
temperament for the priesthood, they were raised to Acolytes. After
a period of study, and provided they retain their zeal for the
work, they become Brothers.
    Brothers were the workforce of the
temple. To them fell the chore of training the Novices and Acolytes
as well as being sent out as Recruiters. From Brother, one went on
to become a Father who would then become a leader of the Faith, as
well as one of Miko’s Inner Circle. It was after being raised to
Brother status that martial training began, usually with swords or
maces.
    After Father came Reverend Father, or
High Priest. Miko had gradually worked out the tiered system based
on temples he had known during his younger years. Though, if the
number of Morcyth’s followers continued to swell, he may have to
institute a sixth tier either between Brother and Father, or Father
and himself. But that decision was years away. He had far too much
on his mind to worry about it now.
    James nodded. For even in the short
time he’d known the lad, Kip had shown intelligence and no small
amount of spunk. Trying in vain to stifle another yawn, James laid
his head back on the pillow.
    “Get some sleep, my
friend.”
    “Might be a good idea at
that.”
    Sleep came quickly and lasted long
into the next day.
     
    Jiron didn’t regain consciousness for
another two days. And when he did, he was as insistent as James had
been in seeing his wife when Jira told him the good news. But
unlike James, he had to be practically carried by Kip and Miko.
James had offered, but Miko wouldn’t allow it, saying how he was
still recovering.
    Jiron openly wept upon seeing his
lovely Aleya as she sat with Meliana in the atrium with Kenny on
the ground before them. Wiping away tears, he sought, and failed,
to get his emotions under control.
    “Such unexpected expression of emotion
is expected,” Miko assured him. “Especially considering how your
spirit had departed your body for a short time.”
    Eyes wet with tears turned upon him.
“Yeah. Thanks for that.”
    “I could not very well allow Jira to
lose her father now, could I?”
    He shook his head. Laying an arm
across his