A Darker Shade of Sorcery (Sample of now published novel.)

Chapter Twenty Seven

Tarensen looked up from his desk as Padrake materialised into view before him.

"Your cheap tricks don't fool me."

Padrake smiled, "How long did it take you to see through my invisibility."

"Not long at all," said Tarensen, returning to his rune deciphering.

"We have two new arrivals," Padrake said.

"Very astute."

"The girl is strong." Padrake continued, "I have every faith she will do well."

"Good," Tarensen grunted.

"And the boy?"

"Evan is...somewhat of a conundrum," said Tarensen, "and it irks me."

"Don't you think he looks like Coridian?"

"Coridian?" Tarensen frowned. "The High-Realmer we exiled twenty years ago?"

"Indeed, he was slain by the Rakarn in the end," Padrake said sadly. "He was a coward yes, but he didn't deserve that. He may have fathered this Evan though, there's a resemblance."

Tarensen shook his head. "The boy's aura would be stronger if his Father was a Venator. Before I saved him, he conjured fire magic. From what he described it was a spell some of our Mid-Realmers would struggle to invoke. But he had only the barest trace of an aura."

Padrake's smile was chased off by a frown.

"How can that be?"

"I don't know, but I will find out. His sorcery isn't strong enough for demons to sense, they must be after Evander for another reason. Maybe it was merely coincidence, but we both know coincidence is a rare thing."

"Indeed," Padrake agreed. "When can we expect Vanderain to return?"

Tarensen sighed, "I know not. Last I heard he was in some distant world, quelling a monstrous army that had arisen. Besides, I don't think Evander is worth our 'esteemed' Master's attention."

"But he used powerful magic when under attack. What if he accidentally unleashes a spell on one of our Venators? Their safety comes first," Padrake countered.

"You'll be one of the Master's training him I expect, once Evander conjures sorcery again. Keep a close eye on him. He might be too strong for his own good."

"You know," Padrake ventured slowly, "he could be one of the children Vanderain told us about all those years ago, he..."

"A myth," Tarensen cut in. "Vanderain is full of legends and prophecies that never come to pass. What he told us to expect many years ago is simply not possible. We heard Akirandon attempted it, but she failed."

"What about the latest rumours?" Padrake asked, moving on to a more sinister subject.

"If you're referring to Akirandon's Dark-Venators then I am not worried," Tarensen replied. "There are always whispers, they remain a considerable threat as ever, but at the moment not a dire one. If that moment were to arise I'm sure Vanderain would return to warn us. He always seems to know when he's needed."

Padrake nodded gravely. "Indeed. I've never doubted Vanderain's abilities and decisions, but I must say I'm worried by the latest reports. For the children's sake, not ours."

"The children will always be safe at Veneseron, with or without Vanderain. I rule in his absence and I will do everything in my power to see no harm comes to our Venators."

A smile, albeit a faltering one, again spread upon Padrake's face. "Of course Tarensen, but you know me, always worrying."

"Indeed," Tarensen said succinctly, gesturing to the door and the exit.

As Padrake left Tarensen called after him, "Remember, keep an eye on the boy."
Tarensen put away his rune scroll and turned to read the latest report on Queen Akirandon and her Dark-Venators. For the first time in a long time, fear clutched his heart.