The other man grumbled.Conrad finished dressing and went downstairs.He greeted Roger, Torquil, and Keelan and joined in the discussion about what they would all do if it rained again.
After lunch, Roger invited Conrad to join him in the study, this time with Torquil, so he could observe the fae-human’s magic.It turned out to be a remarkable thing to see.Torquil began with a human spell and then, as Conrad watched, the spell grew seemingly out of nowhere.
“That’s my fae magic,” Torquil explained afterwards.
“Fascinating,” Conrad murmured.
They gave a self-conscious shrug.“My magic is str?—”
“Remarkable,” Wyndham cut in.His tone suggested this was an oft-repeated topic.
“Right.Shall I show you another spell?”
“Please.”
Conrad watched Torquil perform spells as the others explained the details of the magic Conrad couldn’t feel.When Torquil’s face began to look a little drawn, Roger abruptly halted their work.
“Should I call for tea?”he asked, concern evident in his expression.
“Perhaps just some fresh air,” Torquil demurred.“Conrad, care to join me?”
Conrad didn’t hesitate to accept the invitation.They strode out to the garden together and Torquil set an easy pace.
“Are you all right?”Conrad asked.
“Oh yes,” they replied with a small smile.“I have a history of working myself ragged and everyone is very solicitous of my health now.But I brought us out here to talk about you.How are you getting on?”
Conrad felt a grin tugging on his lips at their question.“I’m doing well.I like everyone here and I’m enjoying working with magic.”
“I’m glad to hear it.See to it they don’t push you too hard, mind.They get very enthusiastic when it comes to magic.”
He chuckled.“I’ve noticed.It doesn’t bother me.”
“Yes, well, take care all the same.We can’t have you collapsing from fatigue.Trust me when I say it’s a great bother and that everyone will fuss at you forever.”
Conrad did not need to read much between the lines to determine that Torquil was referring to their own experience.“I’ll keep that in mind, thank you.”
Torquil gave them a wink, led them both on a circuit through the garden, and then back into the house.
