Moral Stand (Aether’s Revival Book 7)

There was only one bane beast attack over the next month of patrolling. The weather went from comfortable to warm as summer took a firm grip on the north. The men weren’t uncomfortable in their armor, but they drank more water over the course of a day to make up for it.

Gregory mused on the fact that the academy tournament was over, and he wondered how his clan had done. Bishop would’ve done all she could for the novices and apprentices, but he had no idea who the younger clan members were. He’d never asked his friends about them, but he could find out when he saw them in Krogga.

Gregory sighed as he took a seat to start foresight and meditation. Clover, Ling, and Roshana were probably headed for Krogga the moment the tournament ended. That would put them there ahead of even Jenn, since she’d have to be relieved of her post before she could move on. Mindie would beat Jenn, too, as she’d have started traveling when the initiate tournament was over. Yuki will get there before me, since she has less distance to travel. I’ll arrive last, well after fall starts, he thought.

The patch of shadows in the corner of his tent grew thicker. A figure cloaked in the shadows appeared silently. They watched Gregory for a moment, wondering how to not startle the man.

“Have a seat,” Gregory told them softly. “I was waiting for you.”

The shadows tightened, then relaxed. “She did say you could see the future. It is a very rare magic.”

“How is Thera… err, Theramona?” Gregory asked, having to correct her name.

“Good. She made it home. We were all surprised when she did. Our surprise grew when she told us her story.”

“I’m sure,” Gregory chuckled. After pulling a kettle from his ring, he then summoned two empty cups. “Tea?”

“Hmmm… I will show the trust my sister said I should have. I am Lavis Stalkingclaw, Magi Pettit.” The panther eurtik came out of the shadows on soundless feet. He took a seat on the floor across from Gregory.

Gregory poured for them, setting both cups in front of Lavis. “I thank you for it, but don’t mind proving I’m worthy of that trust. It’s your choice.”

Lavis chuffed as he selected one of the cups. “Very well.”

Gregory took the other, taking a sip from it. “I normally drink mine without cream and sugar, so I don’t have them on hand.”

“I don’t use either for mint.”

“Good. Why the visit? I’ll admit I didn’t expect one when I let your sister go.”

“Mother wished for your measure to be taken. Since I’ve visited the southern border often, I was sent.”

“Besides, you’re a shadow magic user, making it more likely that you could escape if I was not who Thera… mona thought I was. I’m sorry about that. I’m still adjusting to her full name.”

“You are very polite…” Lavis murmured, taking another sip. “I thought you’d be different when I saw you slay the blessed bane bear nearly a year ago.”

Gregory paused, then chuckled. “I thought someone was watching me, but I failed to see you.”

“Your eyes passed over me twice. If not for my skill in hiding without aether, you might have found me. Using aether near someone who is attuned to the spirit path is a sure way to be caught.”

Gregory smiled; he hadn’t been thinking of his resonance, but of aether sight. “It is.”

“Why did you do what you did?”

“It was the right thing to do. Sadly, they’ve adapted. I can’t manage what I was doing anymore.”

“They have the paperwork you used to justify your actions?”

“Yes…” Gregory grimaced. “If I try to stop them from capturing eurtiks now…” He trailed off with a shake of his head.

“I understand, as did my sister and Mother. The fact that you took your stand at all was risky. Have you faced the difficulties it would cause?”

Gregory snorted. “Three of my men died in an attack on us. It cost the Chainer family their two heads of house. You can tell her Phineas is dead.”

“Theramona will be very pleased to hear that. I am, too, as it means I will not have to risk it myself. That was my secondary reason for coming.”

“There’s a grandmaster in the town for now. The magi in both towns are being chastised for their actions. Not because they did wrong, but because they were caught.”

“As is the way of your empire,” Lavis said a little tightly. “Very few of your magi have ever been honorable.”

“I want to refute that, but I can’t. My clan is different, and some of my friends outside the clan are, too. Overall, though, I can’t fault your words.”

“Hmm… Mother asked me to convey her thanks. The Stalkingclaw clan is in your debt, Pettit. If we can ever repay it, we will. Not just for my sister being freed, but for your intervention this year. It is not a small debt for either, and if I’m being honest, I value my sister higher than all the rest.”

“Family,” Gregory said softly. “I would, too, if I had siblings. I know I would if it were my wives.”

“Everyone in the kingdom has been told that if a magi of Aether’s Guard called Pettit comes to us, he should be escorted to the Stalkingclaw clan. The outer towns might not help, but any of the bigger ones farther north will. The elven city has also agreed to send you to us if you come in need.”

Gregory bowed from his seat. “I hope to never have need, unless it’s to finally bring a treaty of non-aggression to you.”

Lavis snorted. “Your emperor would never sign such.”

“True,” Gregory agreed, “but one day, he might be forced to recognize a greater authority.”

Lavis’ eyes narrowed slightly. “Interesting. I had a question: Theramona said you had a crocodilian with you, from the academy’s archive. May I speak with him privately for a few minutes?”

“I couldn’t stop you if you were determined,” Gregory chuckled. “Let me go ask him.”

“Thank you.”

Gregory rose to his feet smoothly before leaving Lavis in his room. Rafiq was sitting in the main room, and he gave Gregory a small nod.

“I felt another with aether, but you didn’t call out, nor do they feel threatening, so I waited,” Rafiq said.

“Theramona’s brother, Lavis. He wants to speak to you alone.”

Rafiq rose to his feet. “I will be safe. He probably wants to inquire about their family.”

“Sarinia?”

“I cannot say,” Rafiq said softly.

“Of course. I’ll be outside. I still have to meditate, so take your time.”

Rafiq bowed to him. “Thank you, Greg.”

“Anything for a friend,” Gregory said, clapping him on the shoulder before passing Rafiq on the way out. Stepping out of his tent, he took a seat at the table he used for breakfast.

Before he could slip into meditation, Dot saw him. “Greg? Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. Just a change up this morning.”

“If you have a moment, sir,” Barny said, slowing down before he passed the table, “I had a thought the other day.”

“Have a seat.”

“I need to get started on breakfast, so can we talk over there?” Barny asked.

“Sure,” Gregory said, getting up.

Barny grabbed the things he needed to prepare breakfast. “Thank you, Greg. I was thinking about foods and the time to make them. Would you be okay with keeping a couple of prepared meals in your ring for the men?”

Gregory paused, then nodded slowly. “I can see where it would be a great idea, like if we marched long during a day or if anything else delays normal camp time. I’d need to pick up extra serving dishes, first.”

“Wonderful. Thank you, sir,” Barny grinned. “This would let me take our days off to prepare some bigger meals that can be stored until needed, both breakfasts and dinners.”

“Hmm… true. There would be times that’d be very useful. It’d also let you take a day off in town with Polka.”

“Uh… yes, it would,” Barny admitted. “That was a secondary consideration.”

Gregory chuckled when he saw Barny redden. “It’s fine. Remind me when we get to Coldwood. I’ll pick up an assortment of serving dishes.”

“Thank you, Greg,” Barny said softly. “I didn’t want to bring it up, but Polka said I should.”

“And I was right,” Polka said, stepping into the kitchen tent.

“I find the women in our lives normally are,” Gregory chuckled. “I’ll be meditating at my table until a little after fourth bell.”

“Yes, sir,” Dot said. “I’ll make sure to let you know if you run long.”

“Thank you, Dot,” Gregory said. He’d never had trouble stopping meditation, but she was earnest, and he didn’t want to quash her helpfulness.