Page 78 of The City of Zirdai
“We can wield magic and remain hidden.”
Jayden leaned forward. “It’s too exhausting. The Invisible Sword’s leaders brainstormed various strategies to overthrow the prince. The best they came up with is tricking him with The Eyes.” The unspokenand you ruined itflared in his pointed gaze.
“He’s right,” Ximen said.
“But you didn’t have a leader who woke The Eyes. I’m—”
“Still learning how to use your magic,” Jayden said.
She wilted. True.
Mojag yawned and left to get some rest. Shyla watched him go. “You might have more students to teach.” She filled them in on the results of her test.
“Lamar? Wow, I never would have guessed,” Ximen said. “And Mojag’s going to be…obnoxious.”
“Except they still need to be opened. I was thinking if they learn how to focus their magic, that might work to expand their abilities.”
“And if it doesn’t?” Ximen asked.
“Then I’ll ask for a volunteer and use The Eyes.”
“You have to be careful, Shyla,” Jayden said. “Remember when you took the oath and the magic slammed us all into the walls? There are other consequences to using magic aside from exhausting yourself. Some people’s minds are fragile.”
“Then I’ll be cautious. It’s just too important not to try.”
“What about that caravan?” Ximen asked. “How are we going to get that platinum when we don’t have enough coins to buy it and we won’t steal?”
Shyla met Jayden’s gaze. “Come with me to Tamburah’s temple. Give me one chance to find that maze.”
“You know you can order me to go with you,” Jayden said.
“Do you want me to? Will that help?”
“No to both. All right, I’m in. When do you want to go?”
“Angle three-forty-five. Ximen, I want you to work with the potentials, see if any of them can wield magic.”
“Does this mean I’m the one who gets to tell Mojag about his magic?” Ximen asked.
“No.” Jayden stood up. “I’ll do it.” He left.
“What about the dig site?” Ximen asked.
“Gurice can take your place for a sun jump.”
“She’s not that good with moving sand.”
“What about Titus?”
“He’s better. Can you send them both?”
“Yes, let them know, and I’ll round up my backup. Rae isn’t going to be happy about staying behind,” Shyla said.
“Tell her that we’ll start at angle zero. I’m beat.”
“Get some rest, Ximen.”
He gave her a two-fingered salute. Shyla found Rae in the small room she shared with Lian and two other women who were also ex-acolytes.
