Prince of Magic by Linda Winstead Jones Read Free Book Online Page B

explained. "He's Aunt Isadora's father, actually, and last I heard he still lives, though he was old then so now he must be ancient. He's a wizard for the Circle of Bacwyr. Long ago there was an unpleasant prophesy, and Sebestyen had Thayne, who delivered that prophesy, tossed into this pit in the ground. Thayne protected some of the innocents who were thrown into Level Thirteen, including Aunt Isadora, and eventually they escaped. After the end of the war, Emperor Arik closed Level Thirteen. My mother says he's a good man who would not make use of such a terrible place. It's dormant, I suppose, but if dark energy lives in this palace, surely it lives
there
!"
    "If the tale is true, it makes sense."
    "Of course it's true. Aunt Isadora wouldn't lie. As it is, I don't think she told us everything." She'd never forget the look that had crossed the usually stoic Isadora's face when Duran had boldly asked her about Level Thirteen.
    Sian sighed. "I suspect you might be right, then. We'll examine this Level Thirteen, or what remains of it, but not right now. First we need to do something about your wardrobe."
    Ariana felt a woman's immediate ire at having her attire criticized. "What's wrong with this gown? The fabric is quite sturdy, and this shade of green doesn't show dirt, and—"
    "Stand up," Sian ordered as he rose to his feet and moved back to stand in the center of the landing.
    Ariana stood and faced the wizard. Now that she was certain Level Thirteen was the root of the rising evil, she was anxious to conduct a proper examination. Perhaps there would be clues there as to how to stop the evil. Perhaps there would be a sign to indicate exactly what she'd be fighting.
    "Kick me," Sian ordered.
    Ariana looked up so she could study his face. He didn't look as if he was joking. "I beg your—"
    "Kick me," he said again. "Surely a woman who has eight siblings and an immense number of cousins has kicked someone in the past."
    "I don't want to hurt you."
    "You won't."
    "I'm stronger than I look," she argued.
    His purple eyes narrowed. "Must I inflame you before you'll do as I ask? Fine." His nostrils flared slightly, and the small wrinkle between his nicely shaped eyebrows deepened. "The fate of the world is in your hands, and that bothers me greatly. I fear for our future, now that I know
you
must play a part in the war which is to come. I have never known a less competent warrior, and that is what you must be, little girl, a warrior. A soldier. I do not believe that you have the strength to do what must be done. You don't have the magical strength or the physical strength. I can only hope your cousins are better equipped…"
    "Fine," Ariana said, her indignation rising as Sian had no doubt intended. She drew back one leg slightly, as if preparing to kick the man who'd ordered her to do so. He was prepared for her toe to meet his shin with as much force as she could muster.
    He was not prepared for her fist to come up swiftly and catch him in the jaw.
    Sian's head snapped back, and he stumbled. He muttered a vile word as he regained his balance.
    Ariana shook her hand. Connecting solidly with his hard jaw had been painful. "I have three brothers," she explained.
    "They taught you well." Sian cradled his jaw in one hand for a moment, and then he dropped his hand and managed a brief, crooked smile. "You've proven the point that you are not entirely unprepared, but my point is that you will be better able to fight, and to examine places like Level Thirteen, if you wear trousers and a loose-sleeved shirt which allows more freedom of movement than the fashionable frock which you now wear."
    "Trousers? Women don't wear—"
    "Conventions must be set aside for what's to come, Ariana. Women don't do a lot of things. They don't wield a sword, they don't wear trousers, they don't fight battles. You must do all that, and more."
    "You did not tell me that I had to go into combat." He'd said she'd be called upon to fight, but fighting could take