“Yukiko Pettit is your student, and you’ll have more to talk about than just your work. Her father is a merchant who does extensive business along Buldoun’s border.”
Lavox’s lips twitched at the name of the eastern nation. “It has been a long time since I’ve been near there.”
“But your voice still carries the accent,” Yukiko said.
“It does,” Lavox agreed. “I won’t have much to say about Buldoun. I’m sure it has changed since I was there last.”
“Maybe I could tell you about what it was like over the last few years, if you’d like?”
“We shall see,” Lavox said. “Is there anything else, Magus?”
“Not for you. Thank you again, old friend. You will find Yukiko to be a fast learner.”
“We shall see,” Lavox replied with a shrug.
“One more stop,” Dia said, opening the door. “Come along, Gregory.”
Gregory gave Yukiko a smile before he went out the door. Dia followed him out and immediately led the way. Gregory fell into step behind her, wondering who his teacher might be. Jenn has a part eurtik, and Yukiko has an elf or half-elf. I’ll find out soon, I suppose.
“Gregory, walk beside me, please,” Dia said as she walked.
“Yes, Dia?” Gregory asked as he matched her pace.
“How has your magic training been going?”
Gregory was silent as he tried to decide if he should tell her the truth or tell her what he had given Master Damon. “It’s progressing, but very slowly, Dia. I’ve been able to deliberately trigger small flashes of foresight. When I try for further in the future, I fail and use too much aether.”
Dia looked at the few townsfolk that were out and about, most of whom got well out of their way. “I see. We wish to help you, but Lightshield has told me repeatedly that your magic is not one for being taught but learning to understand on your own. Even with that, I still wish to help my junior clanmate. Is there anything I can do to help?”
“I don’t believe so, Dia. If I can think of anything, I will tell you.”
“Very well. Is everything at the inn okay for you and your new wife?”
Gregory coughed, not looking at Dia. “Have to get used to a bed again. We got used to the sleeping mats. By the time I adjust, it’ll be time to go back to mats.”
Dia laughed. “If that’s the only thing that jumps out at you, then I will consider everything to be okay. I do have one more question, though— why bowyery?”
“Because good bows or crossbows have turned a lot of battles,” Gregory replied. “Armor and weapons are vital to anyone with men under them. Knowing what is good and what is not might save the lives of any people that I’m responsible for.”
Dia’s lips turned up into a bright smile. “And they both feel the same?”
“Yes.”
“That’s good to hear. We’re here,” Dia said, pausing outside a shop.
The sign above the door showed a bow and arrow. The name “Brighid’s Bows” was engraved underneath them. The building was better kept than its closest neighbors, an alchemist and a cobbler.
Dia led him inside, the usual chime of a bell announcing them. “Abrosum, I have brought the apprentice. Gregory Pettit, this is Bryn Abrosum.”
Gregory bowed formally to Bryn. “An honor, sir.”
“Hmm. Where do you come from?”
“Alturis, sir. It’s out on the northwestern fringe.”
“Ah, a ways away, then. My family is from a small backwater called Paha on the northeastern fringe. Do you know anything about bowyery?”
“Very little, sir, but I am eager to learn.”
“Hmm, we’ll have a lot to cover, then. I hope you are quicker than most think fringers are.”
“I will do my very best, sir.”
“Bryn is fine,” Bryn chuckled. “I’ll take it from here, Magus. My family thanks you for your patronage. We had thought that the clan had folded, since we’ve not heard a word for nearly twenty years.”
“We have diminished, but our apprentices have reinvigorated the clan. I shall be attending to other matters, but you know how to reach me, if needed.”
“I do,” Bryn nodded.
“Gregory, do your best, and I will see all of you at the inn for dinner.”
“Yes, Dia,” Gregory replied, turning to bow to her. “We will do the clan proud.”
“Of that, I do not doubt,” Dia replied before she left him in the shop.
“Well, looks like we only have a couple of hours today,” Bryn said. “Come on back behind the counter here, and we’ll get started.”
Gregory stepped behind the counter and took the seat that Bryn motioned to.
“Let’s start with the basics,” Bryn said. He put a bow, crossbow, arrow, and bolt onto the counter. “Identify each part of these, and why these two,” he touched the arrow and bolt, “are different.”
“Yes, Bryn. I’ll start with the bow.”
~*~*~
Gregory made it back to the inn just as the sun was sinking behind the horizon. Wonder how the other two did? Gregory thought. I think Bryn was impressed with what I knew, but he’s a hard one to read.
“Greg!” Jenn called out to him when he was a few feet away from the door to the inn.
Gregory stopped and leaned against the wall. “How did your day go?”
“Great!” Jenn beamed. “We should find Yuki, then we can compare notes.”
“Sounds good to me. Let’s see if she’s back already.”
Entering the inn, the two of them found Yukiko sitting at a small table. She got to her feet when she saw them. “I was wondering if you two were going to be back soon.”
“Bath, dinner, and talk?” Gregory asked.
“Yes, that’s probably for the best,” Yukiko agreed.
“Let’s find the bathing room,” Jenn said. Instead of moving to
