Moral Stand (Aether’s Revival Book 7)

He’d had time to go through the shadow magi’s things before the third bell rang. The enchanted items were geared for a full magus: aether shield, aether storage, item storage, soundless boots, and his cyan haori enchanted to condense shadows. It was the scrolls and missives that Gregory was most interested in. There were a few letters from Phineas Chainer where he’d reached out and hired the magi to kill Gregory. There was even one detailing when the magi needed to arrive to join the small army that the Chainers had built to attack the entire unit.

“He obviously didn’t make it in time for that…” Gregory muttered. “Must’ve been the second choice to assassinate me. How did they know we were on the way back? Klee promised not to send pigeon messages to Chainer for five days…”

Gregory collected his reports, the candle, and everything else into his ring. Closing his eyes, he focused on foresight and his resonance. He needed to know what today would be. It was no longer good enough to look just up to the evening— he needed to look to the next morning, instead. He wouldn’t give anyone else a chance to attack him in his sleep again.

Nothing surprising would happen for the day. His meeting with Roberts was what he expected it to be, and no one attacked him or his men between this morning and the next when he spoke with Davis. Letting go of his magic, he lapsed into meditation. Today, he should fight a copy of an opponent, but instead, he replayed the attack from that morning. He wanted to see what he could’ve done differently or better.

Fourth bell brought the camp awake, and Gregory let go of his meditation. He’d learned a few things from watching the replay. If not for his resonance and foresight, he would’ve been badly injured. The fact that he’d pulled his gloves on to deal with the shadows is what made the biggest difference. Being able to banish the aether-infused shadows had ensured his swift victory. He’d never have thought about it in the moment; his resonance had guided him to do it, and that’d been the key.

There’s also the fact that I channeled aether into my arm like a physical enhancement magi again. It stung, but not nearly as badly as before. I must still be growing into my full magic. I’ll need to ask Darkness next time I talk to her… I can’t show that off without questions being raised about me using dual magics… Gregory’s thoughts were finally slowed when Basal came his way.

Not meeting Gregory’s gaze, Basal approached slowly. Shame was etched on his face as he dragged his feet approaching. “Sir… I-I…”

“I’m glad you’re safe,” Gregory said when the boy faltered. “If Rafiq hadn’t gotten to you when he did, I’m not sure I would’ve been fast enough.”

“I’m sorry, sir…” Basal sniffled, raising wet eyes to meet Gregory’s.

Gregory was out of his seat and hugging Basal in seconds. “No. You have nothing to be sorry for, Basal. A shadow magi came to assassinate me, but targeted you to hurt me because I wasn’t an easy mark. I’m sorry that you were in danger. It was because of me.”

Basal hugged Gregory tightly, trying not to cry. His father had always said crying was for the weak. Feeling Gregory’s tears on his head, though, Basal knew that was just another lie of his father’s. Gregory wasn’t weak, and if he could cry openly, then it was okay for him to do so too.

Dot came streaking over from the cooking tent. She paused a few feet away, shifting from foot to foot. She wanted to comfort the young man she’d come to love, but she knew she shouldn’t right now, not in the open in front of everyone coming awake.

“Dot,” Gregory asked softly, “why don’t you take Basal aside for a bit and talk? Basal, go talk. Tell her everything. She loves you. It’s never wrong to share your pain with a loved one.”

Basal stepped back, wiping at his face before he turned to Dot. The moment he did, Dot grabbed him, hugging him tightly, her own eyes wet at the pain she’d seen in his face. That got Basal to start crying again.

“Your tent, Dot,” Gregory told her gently. “Go on.”

Dot didn’t let go of Basal as she guided him toward the tent she shared with her sister and Barny. Davis watched the pair go before he headed Gregory’s way. He gave Rafiq a nod, as the archivist was also coming toward the magi.

“Morning,” Davis said. “What do we need to know about today, sir?”

“There’s nothing surprising, but we’ll be having a chat every morning instead of every night. We’ll recap the previous day from now on.”

“To not be surprised if someone else tries to assassinate you. Understood, and a good plan, sir.”

“Morning to you both,” Rafiq said, reaching them. “I had hoped my talk with Basal would have helped, but it appears it wasn’t effective.”

“You got him out of the tent, Rafiq,” Gregory said, summoning one of the reports to hand over. “That will always have my gratitude. I’d offer to release you from your brand, but I don’t think you’d take it.”

“I would not. My wife and son are waiting for me,” Rafiq said softly. “I wouldn’t leave them in the academy without returning for them. Maybe one day, you can ask me again when I have them with me.”

“If I can, with any chance to free you all, I will,” Gregory said firmly.

“If it is safe, I will ask, but only if it is safe.”

“Very well.”

“Sir, you’ll be meeting with Commander Roberts tonight?” Davis asked to curtail the conversation.

“As soon as we get into Coldwood. The gate sergeant looks relieved to see us, so he at least isn’t like Quintas was. I’ll arrange a meeting with Roberts and Artok at the barracks tomorrow morning. That should see us moving on Phineas Chainer’s manor that afternoon. My only question right now is how the shadow magi knew we were already on our way back.”

“Had to be a pigeon, sir. It’s the only thing that makes sense.”

“Klee promised to hold pigeons to Chainer, and Rustin isn’t stupid enough to send a message after we left, either. I’d go back for him if he did, and he knows that.”

“Maybe one of the guards that Trida didn’t get to?” Rafiq suggested. “A pigeon to a friend, who could carry the message on?”

“That’s possible,” Gregory nodded. “Until we know better, we’ll have to accept that as the theory.”

The men started coming out of their tents, and Gregory saw the looks of awe on their faces. Everyone had heard of the shadow magi assassin before going back to bed. The fact that he was there, completely uninjured, raised his standing in their eyes. Taking a deep breath, Gregory tried to ignore the memory of killing yet another person.

“I’ll get the tents ready to move once the tables are full. Breakfast, Peaceful Fist, last-minute checks, and then we march,” Gregory said after a moment. “If they want to know what happened, let the sergeants tell it to them, but make no mention of my trick.”

“Yes, sir,” Davis said. “I’m sure we should raise French up as the next sergeant, sir.”

“We’ll do it when we get back to Icelake so there’s some separation from dealing with Chainer here. Lighthand spoke of holding small ceremonies for any man who moved up in rank.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll arrange it.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant.”

~*~*~

Basal rejoined the table for breakfast. He was blushing, but wasn’t crying anymore. Gregory didn’t comment, but he would have a quiet word with Dot later. He was sure nothing untoward had happened, but Basal was still a little over a year from his age day. Gregory was sure it was probably just soft words and maybe a kiss or two, but he’d check.

Camp broke and the march started after the Peaceful Fist. Gregory made it a point to check in with Edward and his wife. The pair were a little scared of being attacked next, but were glad they had Gregory to protect them. As they rode out, Gregory called Dot up and spoke with her ahead of the rest of the unit. The cheetah eurtik was nervous; she knew why Gregory was asking her forward.

“Sir?” Dot asked softly as she walked alongside Legacy.

“Just gentle words and a kiss or two?” Gregory asked equally quietly, not wanting to be overheard.

Dot’s blush was intense. She knew she shouldn’t have kissed Basal— he was still a boy— but he’d saved her from abuse and death multiple times now. His pain had made her heart ache, and she’d done the impulsive thing. Sure, they were only a few years apart in age, but she was an adult and he wasn’t. “Yes, sir. I’m sorry. It was all my fault. Please don’t blam—” She started hesitantly, ashamed to admit it, but her words sped up and got louder as she tried to make sure he wasn’t going to blame Basal.

“Calm down,” Gregory cut her off gently. “Dot, just don’t let it happen again, okay? Hold out for his age day. I know you probably wanted to soothe him, but there’s a line.”

“Yes, sir,” Dot whimpered, her ears and tail limp.

“Chaste kisses, right?”

“A second on the lips only, sir. Twice.” Dot was red when she murmured the words.

“Just remember not to do it again until he’s an adult.”

“Sorry, Gregory,” Dot whispered, wiping her eyes.

Leaning over, he patted her shoulder. “It’s okay. When a loved one is in pain, you move to help them. I know how that can blur your thoughts. I’ll be talking with him tonight; I want to make sure he understands the line, too. Young men can become emboldened if they’re given an inch. I don’t think he’ll do anything, but I’ll address it.”

Dot sniffled, then glanced up at him. “Thank you, sir. I was terrified you’d send me away. I know what I did was wrong, but I didn’t think about it until afterward.”

“Only the living make mistakes,” Gregory told her. “We live and learn. Just make sure it doesn’t happen again. Now, let’s just wait a little bit so you’re collected again before you head back.”

“Yes, sir.”

~*~*~

It started snowing as they got closer to Coldwood. Slow, fat snowflakes lazily drifted down from the dark gray sky. It would’ve made things miserable if not for the oil-slicked, fur-lined coats everyone wore. The gate guards spotted them coming far enough out for the sergeant to greet them upon arrival.

“Magi, welcome back, sir. No slaves have been brought in since your departure,” the sergeant said, preempting the question he’d been told Gregory would ask.

“Thank you, Sergeant. I’m going to be speaking with the commander in a moment. I’ll let him know you have everything under control here,” Gregory said. “Anything of note that I should be made aware of?”

“Nothing that comes to mind, sir. That group that left ahead of you weeks back hasn’t been seen or heard from.”

Gregory’s expression must have shifted, because the sergeant took a step back. “They aren’t a concern, Sergeant. Have a good evening.”

“You, too, Magi,” the man saluted. “I hate to ask, sir, but the eurtik in the wagon with the child…?”

“Edward’s wife and child,” Gregory answered. “Edward, show this man your rune for your wife, please.”

Edward did as he was told, and the sergeant was quick to thank him.

“Davis, get the men settled. I’ll be along after my meeting.”

“Yes, sir,” Davis responded. “To the barracks, men.”

Gregory rode the other way toward the command post. He noticed a few dark looks cast his way by some people, with many more hurrying away from him. I guess the rumor mill is spreading some unflattering things about me, Gregory thought. As long as they stay as just looks, it’s fine. I don’t need to be appreciated by the people here.

He tied Legacy up to the hitching post in front of the building before tossing the blanket over him to help keep the snow off. The guard on duty saluted him as he opened the door, and Gregory gave him a nod in passing.

Entering Roberts’ office a few minutes later, Gregory gave the commander a strained smile. “Roberts, things have progressed.”

“Pettit, have a seat. You look like hell.”

“Fighting a shadow magi does that to people, even when they win.”

Roberts whistled softly. “I would say most look worse than you do.”

“I won’t argue the point. My reports.” Gregory set several scrolls on the desk. “Read them, first. It’ll be quicker that way.”

Roberts picked up the closest scroll. “Do the men who left before you last time factor into this?”

“Yes, but read.”

Roberts grimaced. Unrolling the scroll, he began to read.

It took nearly an hour for Roberts to go through all his reports. It wasn’t just Gregory’s, but copies of Trida’s report about Icelake, as well. The last was about the attempted assassination by the magi of the Whispering Darkness clan.

Roberts sat back in his chair. With a grunt, he opened a drawer in his desk and pulled out a bottle and two glasses. “Drink?”

“Alcohol and magi don’t mix,” Gregory said. “I appreciate the offer, but pass.”

Roberts nodded, pouring two glasses, anyway. He put the bottle away, downed one of the glasses, and returned it to the drawer before shutting it. “Well, everything is pretty well a kicked nest… what’s your plan?”

“I need you to bring Artok to a meeting at the barracks tomorrow morning. I’m sure he’ll make it late in the morning, but that’s fine. After we let Artok see the evidence, we move on Phineas Chainer.”

Roberts took a sip from his second glass. “What if Artok doesn’t side with us?”

“I’ll handle him,” Gregory said simply.

“Pettit,” Roberts said slowly, choosing his words with care, “no offense, but Artok is a powerful magus-tier magi. You’re an adept… maybe an exceptional one, but still an adept.”

“Do you know how powerful most adepts posted here are, Commander?”

“They have orange circles on their medallions. I know that means their aether is actually in the initiate tier. Most of them are maybe a couple of circles in while the powerful ones might have five or six filled. I know one who was at eight when he arrived. He was a magi for the Eternal Flame. Can’t recall his name, but the clan had pushed to get him raised quickly.”

“I’m going to extend some trust to you. Never tell anyone what you’re about to see,” Gregory said as he summoned his medallion from his ring. Slipping it over his neck, he watched Roberts’ face.

Roberts frowned at Gregory’s words, then thought that Gregory might be in his sixth or seventh rank of initiate-tier power already; that would explain why the adept felt so strongly about his capabilities. When the medallion began to fill in green, his breath caught. When eight circles were illuminated, Roberts downed the second glass.

Nodding, Gregory took the medallion back off, putting it away. “Now you know why I think I can handle him. I walk two paths, not a single one, and my clan has backed me since my novice year, Commander. I’ve killed a Buldoun mage who should’ve been a magus, and a shadow magi who was a magus. If Artok moves against us, I’ll save you and kill him. I don’t want to, but I won’t hesitate if it comes to it.”

Roberts pulled his bottle back out, refilling his glass again. “Either way, we go to pull Chainer down after the meeting?”

“Your guards, my guards, and hopefully Artok. I have it on good rumor that Phineas’ son will not agree to turn his father over. If that happens, there will be two who fall from that house. The daughter, Tinessa, should distance herself. I’ll let her take over for her father.”

Roberts downed his third glass. “Things will be chaotic after that, but I’ll make sure the town survives. If Artok moves against us, I’ll have to send for another magi. What will you do then? You can’t patrol and stay here to protect the town at the same time.”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. I’ll be doing my best to have Artok side with us.”

Roberts stood up, swayed slightly, then extended his hand. “I’m with you, Pettit.”

Gregory stood, shaking Roberts’ hand. “Aether will guide us, Commander.”

“Good. We might need him to show up personally,” Roberts laughed darkly.

Gregory’s lips twitched, but he didn’t add fuel to that line. “Tomorrow, Commander. I hope you sleep well.”

“Oh, I will, even if I need another drink to do it.”

“Just one last thing before I go: I need a favor for the man who surrendered.”

“I’ll handle it,” Roberts smiled, glad to help a man who did the right thing when it mattered most.

~*~*~

Gregory rode back through the snowy streets toward the barracks. He’d talked big in front of Roberts, and truthfully, he was mostly confident of being able to handle Artok, but it was still a risk. Worry gnawed at him when he finally reached the attached stables to the barracks.

“I’ve got him, sir,” Basal said, taking the reins.

Gregory looked around and found the two of them to be alone. He nodded and followed Basal into the stall where the boy began to unsaddle Legacy. “Basal, we need to have a talk.”

Basal’s face went red, and he looked away from Gregory. “I’m sorry, sir. It was my fault.”

“I’m not here to chastise you or her, Basal. She loves you, you needed comfort, and things happened. I just want it stated that I never want it to happen again, until you pass your age day.”

“Yes, sir,” Basal said, his head snapping up so he could meet Gregory’s eyes. “I promise, sir.”

“Dot did, too,” Gregory said softly. “I just remember my time with Yuki and how difficult it is to wait. For you, it’s worse, as you’re not an adult. You’ve had to face things no child should, but you’re still not yet an adult.”

Basal straightened to his full height. “I give you my solemn vow, Gregory: no more kisses with Dot until after my age day.”

Gregory nodded. “I’ll accept that. Hugs and handholding are still okay.”

Basal flushed. “Yes, sir.”

“I’ll see you in the bath shortly. I’m sure Barny’s hard at work on dinner.”

“He was, sir.”

“See you inside.”

Gregory left Basal to finish with Legacy; he trusted his squire to hold to his word. Basal was earnest, honest, and, in time, would make a great husband for Dot. Shaking his head, he entered the barracks. He had things to handle before dinner.