Read Online The Magic of Recluce by L. E. Modesitt - Free Book Online

geography and customs of most major countries outside Recluce, on their economies and trade, on how money is handled-customs surrounding funds do vary, by the way-and on weapons familiarization and self-defense.
    "We will also provide some additional background on the Brotherhood, since some of you may choose, or be offered, the option of performing your dangergeld in some capacity with the Brotherhood, depending on your own inclinations and the progress of your training.
    "As always, your participation is voluntary-with two stipulations. First, should you choose not to participate in any training, you will be regarded as choosing exile. Second, you may not leave Nylan. Any attempt to do so will result in confinement until you can be exiled."
    "Voluntary?" snorted Wrynn. "You don't play the Brotherhood's game, and you're locked up until you can be shipped off" to Nordla or Hamor."
    "You have already made a choice that you cannot accept living in Recluce," Talryn observed mildly.
    "No. You made that decision based on your rules," countered the blond..
    Talryn shrugged his broad shoulders. "The rules, as you call them, are accepted and honored by virtually everyone in Recluce. Do you honestly believe otherwise? That a handful of masters and brothers who have never raised a violent hand in centuries could override the will of our people?"
    I almost laughed at that. The masters controlled all the education. They didn't need swords. Besides, a bunch of boring sheep would agree to any rules that would send the wolves away. But no one raised that question, not Tamra nor Wrynn.
    Krystal giggled again, and sliced her drying sandwiches into halves, which she quickly ate. How she could eat so much and stay so slender I couldn't imagine.
    "Why do you teach us about so many countries, and not just the area where we will be sent?" The calm voice was Sammel's.
    "You may end up seeing more of the world than you think, and we would like you to have some idea of where you may end up. Also, you will find Hamorians in Nordla and Candarians in Hamor. Knowing their differing customs has proven useful to others and should help you."
    Myrten gave his head the smallest of shakes. Tamra stifled a grin, although I couldn't see what was funny. Wrynn, beside me, took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Krystal cut a green apple into a series of intricate slices arranged around the edge of her plate.
    But no one asked another question, and Talryn volunteered nothing more about the dangergeld itself.
    "You will probably have more questions. Anyone who does not want to undertake the dangergeld training, please see me when we finish eating. After the meal you will be shown your rooms, and you may spend the afternoon any way you like, including visiting the market in the harbor, or anywhere else in Nylan.
    "Breakfast will be at the first bell. At the second bell, the first class will begin. You will be shown the class area on your way to your rooms." Talryn stood up. "Please finish as you like. I will be in the next room. When you are done, gather your things and join me there."
    He pushed back his chair and departed, leaving the door behind him ajar.
    Tamra raised her eyebrows, saying nothing.
    "High-handed . . ." murmured Wrynn.
    Krystal began eating the apple slices she had laid out around her plate.
    Myrten pocketed two hard rolls and an apple, and Sammel frowned, either at Talryn's departure or Myrten's theft . . . or for some reason of his own. I took a last swallow from the mug, deciding against another slice of cheese. Enough was enough, and I was ready to find out what lay in store for me.
    Tamra and I were the first ones on our feet. She hadn't eaten everything on her plate, either.
    As I glanced at her plate, our eyes crossed, hers looking at my partially-eaten meal. I had to grin, and, this time, she grinned back momentarily, although her expression hardened into a bored look.
    I held the door for her, but she nodded. "Go ahead, Lerris. I'll hold my