Patting him on the head, Speckarin sent him back to his family.

    Duan was a magician of few words. But now he spoke. “This crusade will need someone knowledgeable in magic. Speckarin has been the one suspicious about kirin magic. I have supported the status quo. One magician will clearly have to go, and one stay at home. I nominate Speckarin for the mission.”

    “I’ll go,” said Speckarin without hesitation, “and in doing so ask my friend Duan to oversee matters here. It won’t be easy, remaining at home in times like these. It might be easier, even safer, to go.”

    He looked the crowd over. “We’ve now chosen four members: Talli, Gilin, Hut, and myself. Is there opposi...

Please subscribe to keep reading.