Page 69 of The Study of Magic
“I feelmuchbetter now.” Janco’s sarcasm thickened.
“No need to apologize if Alea’s been captured,” Ari said.
“Ah, about that…” He detailed the chase. “I’m pretty sure she won’t return.”
Janco groaned. “And the others?”
“Dead,” Ute said.
“Good,” Ari and Janco said in unison.
Valek unlocked the cell that held their clothing. They moved to retrieve them, but Ute was standing in the way.
“Uh, excuse us, General,” Janco said.
She shook her head, then stepped back. “Sorry. I was admiring the view.”
Janco smirked and rubbed a hand down his sculpted stomach. “Nice, eh?”
But Ute was staring at Ari’s chest. “Very.”
* * *
Despite the attack, the Commander was in high spirits that evening. He poured them both a generous glass of his expensive white brandy. And he wasn’t wearing his uniform. Instead, he wore a flannel tunic over loose pajama pants. Valek guessed the soft fabric felt better against his burns.
The Commander settled in his seat. “What happened to Alea?”
Valek detailed her escape. “Bright side, I doubt she’ll come to Ixia again.”
“I would have preferred it if you’d killed her, but I understand. Alea is a powerful magician. I’m quite pleased that I was able to resist her. Alea’s voice sounded in my head, but she had the other seven’s magic. It felt like they were holding me underwater and if I didn’t agree, didn’t give up, I’d drown. I fought the magic and resisted. Nice to know I can. I should thank them for the peace of mind.”
“Even though they set your uniform on fire?”
“It worked out.”
“How are you feeling?”
“Tender. That salve soothed most of the pain, but in order to take it with me, I had to promise Medic Channa that I’d send for her if I have any trouble breathing.”
“She probably wanted you to spend the night in the infirmary. You could have invited her to sleep on your comfy couch.”
“I didn’t know Alea’s status at that time.”
“Now you know. Should I send a message to Channa?”
“No. You still look exhausted. Did you rest this afternoon?” Ambrose didn’t wait for a response. “Go to bed, Valek. I need you at your best for the meeting in the morning.”
He groaned. “Is this a punishment because Alea escaped?”
“No. The generals need to know how to avoid this situation. How to spot a magician. And how to improve their security. We’ll be visiting each Military District during the heating season. I want them ready for our inspection.” He held his glass up, stopping Valek’s reply. “Don’t groan again. It was your idea.”
“Definitely a punishment.”
* * *
The meeting wasn’t as tedious and frustrating as Valek had expected. The bodies had been collected, the floor scrubbed, and the entire war room cleaned. It smelled of soap and disinfectant. Best of all, it was quiet.
The generals sat around the table and listened to Valek’s lecture on magicians. They didn’t cry for his dismissal or press for his execution. All the bluster had been scared out of them. Their encounter with the magicians was a wakeup call to the dangers of magic. And just how close Alea had come to taking over Ixia.
