Clover listened with wide eyes, clearly intent on hearing everything.
“I’ve seen them, but they’re small… about the size of my pinkie,” Daciana said, holding up her pinkie finger.
“Then you’re following two paths already,” Yukiko smiled, “though many have lost one or the other over time.”
“But all three is impossible,” Ling said again. “We’ve been told that.”
“We study for two hours every morning,” Gregory said, “and normally a little before bed. On top of that, we follow the Peaceful Fist and have been for a little over a year now.”
Ling’s brow furrowed as she stared at him. “But…” She trailed off, clearly unsure.
“You can do as little or as much as you want,” Jenn said, “but we will continue to train as we have been. If you want to join us, you’re more than welcome to. We’d love our friends to soar with us.”
“I’ll do it,” Clover said. “I want to be like you two.” She looked between Jenn and Yukiko. “Can I?”
“Of course,” Yukiko said.
“Ling, we can do it. They want us to, but won’t force us,” Clover said, turning to Ling. “Together. We promised.”
Ling stared at her excitable friend for a few long seconds before she sighed and nodded. “Yes.” Looking back at Yukiko, she bowed her head. “I’m sorry for my doubt. The three of you have only ever helped us, even when you had no reason to do so. It’s stupid of me to doubt you, even more now that we are part of the same clan.”
“We’ve been doing it already,” Victoria said. “We’ve grown faster than our classmates. I’d say that proves something is working for us, as it did for them.”
“Is for us,” Gregory clarified, pulling his medallion out so they could see the seven illuminated rings. “It’s still working for us, and as long as you all believe— truly believe— in Aether and want the best for the clan, I’m sure it will work for you, too.”
“We believe,” Victoria said softly. “And look at us.” She pulled her medallion out of her kimono so she could show them the six glowing rings. “Top of our class.”
“I believe! I believe!” Clover said, lunging over the table to grab Gregory’s arms. “Please, please! Let me grow with you!”
Gregory blushed and looked away, as Clover was inches from his face. Her eagerness had her flushed and breathing fast, reminding him of his wives when they were engaged in carnal activities. On top of that, her kimono had gapped enough at the top that he had a brief view straight down to her pert breasts.
“Easy,” Jenn said, grabbing Clover’s wrist.
“Clover,” Yukiko said, taking her other wrist in hand, “if you believe and follow the same training we do, it’ll work.”
Ling grabbed Clover’s obi and yanked, pulling her back to sit down again. “I apologize. She gets excited.”
Daciana was grinning widely. “A kindred spirit.”
“Oh, goodness... two of them,” Victoria said with mock worry.
“It’s fine. We understand.” Nessa said, looking at Ling.
Ling exhaled and gave Yukiko, Jenn, and Gregory an apologetic smile. “I want to try. I trust in you.” When she had said “you,” she was looking at Gregory, but quickly dropped her gaze. “Guide us and we will follow.”
Seventh bell began to chime and Gregory smiled. “Well, we have about an hour before it’s time for magic training. Why don’t we study some? The Peaceful Fist will be the break we take later.”
“But what will we study that all of us can do?” Ling asked.
“We can start teaching our juniors about Empire’s Gambit,” Jenn suggested. “Down to the war room?”
“Good idea,” Yukiko smiled, rising to her feet. “Let’s go help our clan grow stronger.” She looked at Ling. “I’ve found that teaching others helps progress the mind path, as well.”
Ling nodded. “I will do my best, Yuki. Thank you for helping me see the way.”
“All magi have to find their own paths,” Gregory said, “but we follow Aether’s path. If you’ve never seen one of his temples, you should look into them. Each has an icon marking them.”
“We will!” Clover beamed as she followed the others to the door.
~*~*~
As the eighth bell chimed, all of them were on the porch. When the chimes died away, a few people came into the archway of the hedge. Inda led the group toward them. Bishop and Dia stood in front of the apprentices and novices, smiling in greeting to the newcomers.
“Welcome to Aether’s Guard,” Bishop said. “Since you are all here, it means you accepted the contracts we’ve given you. Let us introduce you to your students.”
Gregory grinned when he saw Hemet, but was surprised to see Rhea from Alvis Alchemy. The other three he didn’t know, so he paid attention to the introductions.
“Magus William Rockcrusher,” Bishop said, addressing the broad-chested man with long claws on the ends of his fingers. “Your student is Novice Daciana Lyall. Daciana, your teacher is an accomplished magus and soon to be a master-tiered magi.”
“Soon, hopefully,” William told Bishop, then turned to Daciana. “Before you ask, I have mole eurtik blood.” His hands flexed, the claws prominent. “Though some of my heritage helped stop a lot of arguments in my youth.”
Daciana bowed formally. “I’m honored, Magus. I will do my best to learn all I can.”
“Next, we have Master Samuel Eagleeye,” Bishop said, “a prodigy of wind magic. Your student will be Novice Nessa Jimae. She’s the champion of this year’s novice tournament.”
Nessa looked startled when Bishop named the white-haired man with piercing golden eyes. “I’m honored, Master. I’ve read a book about you in the archive. It, uh... helped me win a match during the tournament.”
Samuel’s head tilted sideways slightly. “Did it, indeed? Hmm... We shall talk shortly about
