Read Online Demiourgos by Chris Williams - Free Book Online Page A

skill at all could manage such a difficult spell so quickly she could only imagine what the most experienced one could do. Once she recovered from her shock she turned to the girls of the harem and fixed them with a discerning eye. "Do not breathe a word of this to anyone."
    All of them nodded their heads in agreement though Nina was sure that more than a few of them would let spill the waters if threatened the right way. Most of them were probably too scared of the display to think properly, magic was forbidden in most territories and met with fear and hostility. Nina lowered her voice and turned back to Rose. "We have to make our move tonight, no question. These girls are first and foremost slaves and they will obey their master for fear of punishment."
    "I will. What else can I do with the energy I have stored?" Rose asked Nina curiously as she looked down at her hands in amazement. She had never experienced such power before and though the pull was seductive she knew she had to temper her use of it with prudence and care. She paused, wondering why she knew that but shrugged it off.
    "Almost anything you can shape in your mind. The extent of this power is limited to the amount of magical energy you can store. You can throw a ball of flame as hot as the sun or walk in the sun and heat without the negative side effects that exposure would offer. The most powerful magi, those from the legends of the past, could move mountains or change the climate of the world with but a thought. I consider those to be unbelievable tales though, no one is that powerful." Nina said skeptically as she shrugged her shoulders. "You just have to use the energy within you and shape it with your will. There are limitations though. Most effects will only last so long, there are a few that you can shape and maintain for extended periods but making their duration longer or permanent is more difficult. Only skilled shapers can do as such."
    "I understand." Rose said simply as she listened on.
    "If you expend too much energy in one day you will get very weak. There are some that can absorb large amounts of energy and expend it but those few have been practicing for years and years. Legend has it that naarabian shapers could use their own body's energy to cast if they were taxed beyond their limit but I wouldn't attempt that if I were you. It can be dangerous and damaging." Nina put a finger on her cheek and tapped it gently. "There are other rules but honestly those are the most important and the only ones I can remember off hand, like I said I was never a good study."
    "You seemed to have introduced me to this gift just fine." Rose said with a big smile.
    "Well you seem to have a natural aptitude for it. I figured you would, something about you makes me think you're destined for great things." Nina smiled and turned around as the double doors of the chamber opened and the two guards that delivered the prajma weed walked in with the familiar burner. "It is almost time, we should prepare for tonight. I'm coming with you."
    "Nina, no! I can't put you in that position. I was spoiled by the hands of this man; I can't have you suffering the same fate." Rose said as she ran her fingers through Nina's long, soft hair. "I would not be able to take it."
    "Don't worry. He won't be able to see me. Once he drifts off to sleep I can get us out of this place." Nina put her hand on Rose's thin fingers and smiled broadly. "It warms my heart to know that you're looking out for my best interest."
    "I took you under my wing, you are my responsibility. I don't take such tasks lightly." Rose said as she stood and began walking toward the matron's former room so they would not catch the brunt of the prajma weed. She knew that Nina wasn't really allergic to it because not long after she had recovered Nina had told her and called it a good way to get Rose alone so they could talk more. The girl was smart, very smart. Rose had to respect her for many reasons but mainly because