I have a brand new part ready to post on my story, Rise of the Quantum Knights! I will be posting it tomorrow evening pacific time. Here is a little teaser of the new part to come: Malaghon’s breath shortens and his shoulders slump. He says, “But according to the law of my father, I can’t learn those skills from anyone except him. So it doesn’t matter what either of us want.”
Rykin stands up, dusting himself off. Gesturing to the mark, he says, “As I said, this is significant in ways you can’t yet understand.” After a long sigh, he tightens the ties of his shirt. “Look, I know this may seem difficult for you. But you’re just going to have to trust me, like you once did. If you really want answers, you’ll need to commit to what I have to offer. Because from where I stand, neither of us have a lot of options. You can keep wreaking havoc on sticks and logs, dreaming of living up to your father’s name… or you can take the chance to make those dreams real.”
As Rykin walks past him, Malaghon feels a tremble in his chest, his breath quickening as goosebumps shoot down his spine. He glances toward the ruins in the distance, uncertainty tightening in his gut. With a hesitant look, he turns back to Rykin and says, almost reluctantly, “When can we start?”
Turning back with a slight grin, Rykin says, “First thing tomorrow. I want to see you here every morning before the sun rises and before the fire falcons’ morning call. Be light on your feet—you know the forest well enough, so I shouldn’t hear you coming. And don’t be late.”
Scrunching his brow, Malaghon asks, “What happens if I’m late?”
Rykin glances away for a moment. “You won’t be. If you are, then maybe this isn’t as important to you as you say it is. So be here when I say—or your dreams will stay dreams.”