A Crucible of Souls (Book One of the Sorcery Ascendant Sequence) by Mitchell Hogan Read Free Book Online Page A

nowadays for ‘shelter’, but we are uncertain if it means the same thing. Be careful with it, Caldan. Keep it on your person at all times and preferably out of sight. Possessing trinkets has been the cause of many troubles, thefts and deaths. ”
    Nodding, Caldan turned the ring on his finger, feeling the details on the surface as he pushed it around and around, touching to make sure it was real. The bone ring he slipped into his pocket. “ Should I wear it? ”
    “ Goodness, no. It’s far too valuable to leave in plain sight. Hide it somewhere until you can work out a better solution. Perhaps a chain around your neck would suffice? ”
    Caldan nodded. “ This still doesn’t explain why you want me to leave the monastery for the empire. ”
    “ No, ” replied Delife. “ It doesn’t. What we know, and part of what your mother found out, is that the emperor values talented people. Once they are in his service it is hard for them to leave, and it seems your family had some valuable talents. ”
    “ You think my mother… no, my grandparents were killed because they left the emperor’s service? ”
    “ It’s a possibility. One of many. ”
    Joesal cleared his throat and sat up straighter. “ It is not unknown for generations of a family to remain in the emperor’s service, those of unusual talent, that is. Your mother and now you have shown an aptitude for crafting. I would imagine that the empire wouldn’t take lightly to losing a valuable resource. Perhaps the emperor’s agents would track them down and ask them to return, and perhaps others would be interested as well. Who could say? ”
    Caldan pondered the master’s words, nodding slowly. Though he found it hard to believe anyone would kill someone who simply refused to work for them, he had heard of appalling incidents occurring on the mainland.
    “ So, ” he said, “ you think someone might come after me as well? Should I go into hiding? ”
    With a sigh, Rastar rubbed the back of his neck. “ It didn’t help your parents, and we think it wouldn’t help you, either. You have been safe here while growing up, but if anyone is keeping track of your family then they might know you exist. A boy is no threat to anyone, but a gown man with a talent for sorcery is another story. ”
    “ So that’s it? ” asked Caldan. “ A few weeks, maybe a month, then I have to leave? ”
    “ We can’t protect you if someone comes looking for you. ”
    “ And I wouldn’t want to put you in danger after all that you’ve done for me. ”
    Delife pushed the brown paper envelopes across the table towards Caldan. “ We can offer you a fine set of references and a small amount of silver ducats to help you along. You know, I remember when I went off into the world as a youngster… ”
    “ Yes, thank you, Delife, ” interrupted Rastar. “ I am sure Caldan will want to question you later about your travels. There is much he needs to think about and to do in the next few weeks before setting out. We can discuss more at a later date, once he has mulled over what we have told him. It is a great deal to take in. ”
    “ Well, thank you for your kindness, ” Caldan replied, scooping up the reference letters. “ I have to go. As you said, there is much I have to think about. ”
    Delife stood and offered a hand to shake. “ We wish you all the best, young man. Despite the circumstances, I know this experience will benefit you greatly. ”
    Caldan glared at the offered hand and then softened. He had known these monks most of his life. He reached across the table and grasped Delife’s hand briefly but firmly. He left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
     

Chapter Three
     
    Caldan woke suddenly, his bare chest heaving and covered in sweat. He felt like a fish out of water, gasping for breath. A trickle ran from his brow and into his open mouth. The salty taste helped anchor him back to reality. With heavy breaths, he heaved himself up for a moment and