“I feel you growing stronger. Not strong enough to have formed a bond, but enough to make me think your bond mate is near.”
Ridiculous.
“How much did your parents tell you about mages?”
“Very little. My father met my mother when she escaped the city.”
Addie nodded. “Yes, those too powerful to hide fled.”
“The Chosen came for her when I was a child. Da took me to sea with him.”
Addie stayed quiet for a few moments, words a mere whisper when she continued. “And I held you while he died.”
Too choked up for words, Peter nodded.
“Tonight, you did a good thing, but I was foolish to involve you. Your power is greater than I ever imagined. For sure, someone in the temple felt the ripples, another reason why I’ve never mentioned this before. The priest said he’d come back for you when the time was right. We’ll keep our heads down for now, let the storm pass.”
“What about the mother and child?”
“If the Chosen go there, they’ll find no evidence of magic. We took all traces with us, and anyone there will tell only of the gifted herbalist who assisted the birth.” Addie shrugged. “They’ve come to see me before, saw nothing of interest, and left. In the past, I’ve put foundlings with magical potential on a ship. Got them far from here. It’s you we need to hide.”
“Where do they go?”
“Most I send across the sea to Adulas. Evil mages there are still known to steal magic, but I have trusted friends to keep them safe.”
“Why did you allow me to stay?”
“Because you, my dear boy, are something this city hasn’t seen in quite some time.”
“What is that?”
“A mage who may be capable of taking on the Lady herself. And winning.”
Chapter Twelve
Martinstoodinthegarrison’s stable yard, breathing in the scent of horses, leather, hay, and what the stableboys currently raked from a stall. Horses nickered greetings or stamped their hooves in impatience. While the animals here were smaller, trained for riding instead of pulling plows, they brought to mind the shaggy, sturdier mountain beasts of his former village. Da had often lifted a much younger Martin to stroke a velvety nose or offer a carrot.
In the distance, temple bells rang, marking the hour. Shouts rose from the training grounds, along with the clangs of practice weapons. The background music to Martin’s life.
Commander Enys approached, a familiar glint in his eyes.
Oh no. Not good. No escaping now. Martin willed his feet to remain still when his instincts screamedrun!“Good morn, Commander Enys.”
“And good morn to you, too, Martin.”
Pleasantries over, now the commander would state his true purpose.
“Do you fancy blondes, Martin?” Going from captain to commander didn’t stop Gery Enys’s matchmaking. “Come. Have dinner with my family tonight.”
Martin rolled his eyes. “Who is she this time?” Dinner at the commander’s house usually included an unattached young lady. Some were sweet-tempered, others not so much, some kind, others spoiled. None captured Martin’s heart. None ever would.
“My third sister’s fifth daughter. You know, the accomplished harpist.”
Third sister. Martin ticked them off on his fingers. Anna, Hannah, Susanna, or Susan? He’d lost track of the twins’ names long ago. “Exactly how many sisters do you have again?”
“Seven.”
“Seven sisters?” That many women under one roof at one time didn’t kill each other off?
