Page 147 of An Archer's Redemption

Technically, we were spat onto the cold, glassy floor of the cavern—but that was the most exquisite shore I’d ever seen. Even the crystals of the cavern’s walls, those not shattered by the battle with Irina’s spirit, glowed in greeting. As I drew blessed air into my lungs, the beauty of the place struck me dumb, and I fell back and laughed.

It had taken several days of Healing for Atikus to regain consciousness—and another day for his strength to lift him from his bed. Whatever happened beneath the currents, he had escaped with his life.

Over a meal of roasted turkey, seasoned vegetables, and mango pie, we chatted and laughed as if we hadn’t just saved the world of magic from a bitter end.

I think it was too much for either of us to face aloud.

We needed the comfort and safety of small things just now.

And yet . . .

“Atikus, I still don’t understand how you survived the currents. Magic had been Sundered when you fell. You should have dissolved and your Light returned to the flow.”

Atikus set his fork down, a sure sign things were about to get serious.

“Son . . .” He struggled. “I did not escape unscathed.”

“What do you mean?”

“Magic always demands her due. There is a price to every Gift and every spell. When the staff fell into the waters, its power completed the cleansing, but no price had yet been paid for the Sundering. It would not be complete without one.”

“But it didn’t take you. Magic gave you back.”

Atikus struggled to meet my eyes. “Notexactly.”

I thought my heart might stop in that moment.

“Declan, there is no easy way for me to say this. Magic . . . did not give me back. It kept me. I suppose it is more accurate to say that I am keeping it now.”

My puzzled expression turned to excitement. “Wait! Does that mean—”

“Yes, I am Keeper now. I will live, but only so long as I remain on this island.”

I exploded from my chair and wrapped my arms around the old Mage. “Atikus, that’s amazing!”

Atikus returned my smile, but his grin failed to reach his eyes, and his shoulders slumped.

“What? This is a good thing, isn’t it?”

Atikus stared into his plate, unable to meet my eyes again. “You and Keelan have found someone to love, and I am forever grateful to have witnessed it all. Now, you will marry and raise afamily. You will see the world and conquer it. And . . . I will miss it all.”

“Atikus—”

“I know being Keeper should be a gracious, selfless act, but I cannot help thinking about all the things I will sacrifice in magic’s bargain.”

I blinked a few times, warding away the moisture that already leaked from my eyes. “Atikus, I know you’ll miss Saltstone and the guild, but there couldn’t be anyone better suited to protecting magic and the Gifts. Keelan and Ayden and I can come visit you. I love this place. Spirits, I’m a little jealous.”

“Jealous of an old man trapped on an island far from those he loves?”

I knew the bitterness in his voice would fade. There was no one alive who cherished and respected magic more than Atikus. It would be the honor of his long life to serve as its Keeper.

Still, his reaction struck true.

There were always sacrifices. There were always demands.

“We’ll find a way.” I tried to smile. “Between you and me, we still hold more power in our hands than anyone alive. We understand magic and casting in ways most could never dream about. You will always be at the center of our family, no matter how small or big it might get. We will make this work. I promise.”

Chapter 63

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