Read Online Prodigal Steelwielder (Seals of the Duelists Book 3) by Jasmine Giacomo - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Jasmine Giacomo
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your most powerful duelist with potioneering? Is that really going to reflect well on your duel den’s reputation? How are you going to answer all the questions you get about why I’m not here anymore? The citizens of the district of North Keenacht like me pretty well, and I’m a particular favorite amongst the merchant ladies, despite all those bizarre accusations you claim have been leveled against me. Are you sure you’re ready to lose their business?” Sints, I have no idea if most of those merchant women remember my name, let alone possess enough loyalty to me to realize that I’m not here anymore.
The muscles around Cavan’s eyes tightened a fraction. Before he could reply, however, a bright white ring of light expanded into existence just outside the loose ring of watching duelists.
Eward whipped his head around in shock, and a spike of fear stabbed his chest as he recognized Ingerika stepping through a portal onto the warm arena sand. What is she doing here now? This isn’t our regularly scheduled meeting place or time. She’s endangering our entire operation by letting herself be seen!
The willowy young trio singer tucked her twin crystals and their brass holders in a deep pocket on the front of her white tabard and passed between two of the duelists, wearing a serene look on her pretty oval face. She gave Cavan a respectful nod, then turned to Eward.
He begged her with his eyes not to ruin everything. But her expression gave nothing away. “Avatar Duelist Eward Raalgat, you are summoned by the Minister of Information for an immediate mission of diplomacy. From this moment on, you are in the direct employ of the Ministry of Information and will report only to Minister Philo. Do you understand?”
Eward swallowed and took a calming breath. “I understand, Singer. What is my assignment?”
Ingerika held out a folded and sealed paper. “All your instructions are contained within. Please meet your contact without delay and secure her services. The deadline is not a suggestion. Sints guard you.” She gave Eward a nod of farewell, bestowed one upon Cavan as well, then exited the watching circle of duelists and sang open a portal that swallowed her and winked out.
In the silence that followed her departure, Eward cracked the wax seal on his message and unfolded the creamy paper to read Philo’s flowing hand. His eyebrows rose, and he folded the paper shut again. He looked around the circle of his colleagues, seeing their curiosity, confusion, and envy. How would my friends handle this situation? He envisioned Tarin’s flip remark as she strode out of the arena tunnel without looking back, or Taban’s snide commentary on their inability to survive without him. Calder would promise to return only if he got a better room in the duel den. Kiwani, in her current state, would probably already have left by now. And Aleida, well, Aleida probably would never have gotten herself into this situation.
Cavan still stared at him, apparently having evolved past the biological necessity to blink. Eward swallowed, held up his orders, and said, “Well.” He nodded once, summoned his wind disc without bothering with the motions and let it carry him into the arena tunnel. Let them wonder.
In his room deep within the arena walls, Eward changed into more formal attire. He used a bit of Wind and Flame to remove the wrinkles from the heavy silk sleeves of his pale blue duelist tunic and matching trousers. Needing some time to think things through, he hailed a carriage out on the street and let his thoughts wander as the mundane transport carried him south through the crowded streets. Renallen was an ancient and fortified city, and every section within it was guarded by its own high, mazelike walls, which hampered transportation within the city rather more than anyone liked.
As his carriage passed beneath yet another arched gate between city sections, following closely behind half a dozen other carriages, and trailed just
The muscles around Cavan’s eyes tightened a fraction. Before he could reply, however, a bright white ring of light expanded into existence just outside the loose ring of watching duelists.
Eward whipped his head around in shock, and a spike of fear stabbed his chest as he recognized Ingerika stepping through a portal onto the warm arena sand. What is she doing here now? This isn’t our regularly scheduled meeting place or time. She’s endangering our entire operation by letting herself be seen!
The willowy young trio singer tucked her twin crystals and their brass holders in a deep pocket on the front of her white tabard and passed between two of the duelists, wearing a serene look on her pretty oval face. She gave Cavan a respectful nod, then turned to Eward.
He begged her with his eyes not to ruin everything. But her expression gave nothing away. “Avatar Duelist Eward Raalgat, you are summoned by the Minister of Information for an immediate mission of diplomacy. From this moment on, you are in the direct employ of the Ministry of Information and will report only to Minister Philo. Do you understand?”
Eward swallowed and took a calming breath. “I understand, Singer. What is my assignment?”
Ingerika held out a folded and sealed paper. “All your instructions are contained within. Please meet your contact without delay and secure her services. The deadline is not a suggestion. Sints guard you.” She gave Eward a nod of farewell, bestowed one upon Cavan as well, then exited the watching circle of duelists and sang open a portal that swallowed her and winked out.
In the silence that followed her departure, Eward cracked the wax seal on his message and unfolded the creamy paper to read Philo’s flowing hand. His eyebrows rose, and he folded the paper shut again. He looked around the circle of his colleagues, seeing their curiosity, confusion, and envy. How would my friends handle this situation? He envisioned Tarin’s flip remark as she strode out of the arena tunnel without looking back, or Taban’s snide commentary on their inability to survive without him. Calder would promise to return only if he got a better room in the duel den. Kiwani, in her current state, would probably already have left by now. And Aleida, well, Aleida probably would never have gotten herself into this situation.
Cavan still stared at him, apparently having evolved past the biological necessity to blink. Eward swallowed, held up his orders, and said, “Well.” He nodded once, summoned his wind disc without bothering with the motions and let it carry him into the arena tunnel. Let them wonder.
In his room deep within the arena walls, Eward changed into more formal attire. He used a bit of Wind and Flame to remove the wrinkles from the heavy silk sleeves of his pale blue duelist tunic and matching trousers. Needing some time to think things through, he hailed a carriage out on the street and let his thoughts wander as the mundane transport carried him south through the crowded streets. Renallen was an ancient and fortified city, and every section within it was guarded by its own high, mazelike walls, which hampered transportation within the city rather more than anyone liked.
As his carriage passed beneath yet another arched gate between city sections, following closely behind half a dozen other carriages, and trailed just
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