“Look.” Afton returned to Kane’s side, raising his hands much too close to his face. Kane flinched as his thumbs continued their path to his eyes.
“The fuck are you doing, Afton?” Kane was ready to aim a rather large inferno his way.
“I’m showing you what we’re up against.” Afton sighed. “I’m an enchanter, remember? I can see the threads of arcanum as I work.”
Kane glared but didn’t move away while Afton brushed the pads of his thumbs just under Kane’s brow. There was a slight tingle against his skin, but then he could see it.
Shimmering light danced around the fort, weaving intricate braiding patterns against the walls. A few of the arcanum threads connected to things beyond the doors, likely the traps Afton was talking about. Kane took a moment to marvel at the splendor of magic. Most could only feel the threads of arcanum as they used their power, but enchanters could see them too. Well…the more powerful ones could, but Kane would never admit to that in front of Afton.
As quickly as the effect took hold, Afton’s small enchantment faded. The surroundings returned to their normal, threadless state.
“If I could actually see the knots inside, it would be a lot easier to undo them,” the mage continued. “But whoever put them up made sure to conceal them.”
Kane rubbed his chin in thought. “Maybe the diviner could help?” Some had the ability of second sight; they could send their minds places their bodies could not go.
“No. Inez will have no part in this. She’s untrained and still healing,” Afton snapped with unwarranted anger.
Kane held his hands up in defense, brow furrowed in confusion. “Is it that much of an offense to ask?” He knew a diviner from the Great North who charged an arm and a leg for a reading. He was mediocre at best.
“Yes,” said Afton with finality.
A tense silence fell between the two men. In the short period of time that Kane knew the Minor Apprentice, he had never seen Afton balk at using someone for his own gain. This struck a nerve, but it wasn’t worth Kane’s time to argue.
“They think you’re dead, by the way,” said Kane, shoving his hands into his pockets.
“What do you mean they think I’m dead?”
“I had to tell them something.” Kane shrugged. “The kidnapping story wasn’t getting me anywhere.”
“You know I have to go back there, right?!” Arcanum buzzed for a moment, fueled by Afton’s rage.
“Call it a miracle then. Make up some Everdawn story or something. Isn’t that better for your reputation anyway?”
“That wasn’t the plan, Kane,” Afton hissed.
Kane waved his hand dismissively. “Plans change. You should be thanking me.”
“Why the hell would I thank you?”
“There are more options for you now. You can go back with a heroic story or leave that place for good.” He eyed Afton with a knowing look. “I know you want to.”
“I said that wasn’t the plan,” Afton grumbled, eyes narrowed to slits. Kane could understand the frustration. He would have to make up a story, ensure it was believable enough to ease any suspicion. But in Kane’s opinion, leaving Tarth for good was a much better deal.
“I’ll rough you up a bit before you go back. Make it look convincing.” He gave him a grin and cracked his knuckles in emphasis.
“How did they react?” Afton rubbed at his temples.
“Honestly, they didn’t seem overwhelmingly sad. Didn’t even list it as part of my crimes. Guess they’re trying to keep it covered up.”
“I see.” Afton didn’t elaborate. He opened his book on thePrinciples of Arcanum and Runic Procedureand thumbed through the pages, mumbling to himself in thought.
From what Kane understood, mages only used spellbooks in the first few years, but Afton had gone on, and on, and on, about how useful spellbooks were for reference and safekeeping. Apparently, the wards that sealed Fort Solitude shut were created from an older type of Talent. One that infused the magic into invisible runes as a way to make them permanent. It was tricky to undo and dangerous if done incorrectly.
To Kane, it seemed a lot more like an old northern tradition—imbuing Grace into inanimate objects through ruins and magical weaving, but Tarthans weren’t keen on hearing such things. For people meant to be the beacon of knowledge, they sure were plenty foolish.
Afton’s mumblings grew quiet, and Kane turned to see what took the mage’s attention. Erinna and Lila were prepped for the day and heading to the docks. Each held a bag of heavy supplies.When Kane turned back to Afton, he could swear guilt flashed across his face as he eyed Erinna.
“Don’t tell me you already mouthed off to her?”
