making friends

Ashford wanted to run away, to leave Gaspard Manor and the runes behind him.

But he had nowhere to go. His biological mother couldn’t feed him and his siblings without his help as the heir of Gaspard.

He’d been on his way to being a pretty good thief until his biological father had come for him.

But he couldn’t go back to that. Not now.

Maybe he could be a mercenary.

He’d go see Cole and Lord and Lady Aldarius. They would know what to do.

His father was in the capital city, as he usually was, leaving Ashford alone with his adoptive mother.

She’d been drinking again, and her words had been meant to cut. Meant to hurt.

And they had, though not as much as before.

Ashford was growing too used to them.

Ashford hated how his brother and sister were treated.

Half-brother and sister. His adoptive mother’s words tormented him.

They had a different father. One who wasn’t a duke and a descendant of the Paragons.

He held out his hand and summoned a tiny whirlwind.

They were treated like dust all because they couldn’t do that, and no matter how hard he tried, he hadn’t been able to teach them.

Lady Gloucester was known for her high magic affinity, though she looked tired and worn to Cole rather than refreshed as his mother did after using magic.

Lady Gloucester gave him a hard look. “I don’t sense magic from you.”

“I prefer my sword. Besides, my magic would clash with the runes here.”

“Nonsense.”

Cole met her gaze without flinching. “You’re not a fire mage, either.  No wonder you’re so tired. I’m surprised you can keep the runes working.”

Lady Gloucester stormed out of the room, and Cole didn’t see her the rest of his visit.

It was strange to see Sylvester’s father, Duke Gloucester, for no more than a few minutes each day.

Stranger still, no one followed up on their sword training.

Or strategies.

Or reading assignments.

But magic was another story. Sylvester’s mother had an almost obsession with it, yet, she she was still half the mage of Lady Aldarius.