The Consumption of Magic (Tales From Verania 3)

Myrin’s magic bounced against the wall where Ryan was still pinned, causing the wood to break apart. Ryan slid to the floor, collapsing against the wall, the sword falling out of him, the flat of the blade landing on his legs. His head and shoulders slumped forward.

Dust and debris swirled around the room as the bubble expanded to encapsulate Myrin and Morgan. They stood facing each other, just out of reach. Morgan’s hands were stretched out in front of him, and they were shaking.

Myrin reached up and touched the curve of the bubble around them. It looked as if it shocked him, as he pulled away quickly, little ripples stretching along the bubble.

“Containment,” he said quietly. “I never thought—you surprise me, little brother. Even now, even after all this time. You used this on me once before. You were younger then. And it wouldn’t have held had it not been for Randall.”

“I have learned much in your absence,” Morgan said through gritted teeth. Sweat dripped down his forehead as his fingers trembled. “I am not the apprentice I once was.”

“No,” Myrin said. “I suppose you are not. But nor am I. You understand that?”

“Yes.”

“You have contained me, Morgan. The problem is that you have contained yourself as well.”

Morgan shook his head. “I have kept you from him.”

Myrin laughed. “Perhaps. But once I am finished with you, I will go to him. He is trapped, just as you are.”

Morgan smiled sadly. “You have forgotten, Myrin. The strength of a wizard is not in his magic, but those that believe in him. Those that will stand at his side, even when all seems lost. And that, Myrin, that belief is stronger than any magic.”

Myrin took a step back. “You speak of—” He turned in time to see Ryan pick his sword up from his lap, the hilt gripped tightly. He crossed it over his chest and, with what seemed to be the last of his strength, flung it upward. It spun in two full circles before the blade struck the ceiling, sinking into the wood painted with dragon’s blood.

The seal broke.

There was green.

There was gold.

And I was angry.

I stepped out of the circle.

Myrin’s eyes widened.

Ryan smiled a bloody smile. “Surprise, mothercracker.” His eyes closed and did not reopen.

“Sam,” Morgan said. “You must listen.”

Magic was rushing over me.

“You cannot let this consume you. You cannot let him consume you.”

The floor cracked beneath my feet.

“Take your cornerstone. Flee this place. Live to fight another day.”

I reached Morgan’s bubble. And as I took another step forward… it pushed me away.

I blinked through the haze, mind clearing. “Let me in.”

“He won’t do that,” Myrin said, sounding awed. “He won’t take the risk.” He turned back toward his brother. “Truly? This is what you’ve decided? You know once done, I will be unstoppable.”

“I think you will find yourself surprised,” Morgan said. “You always did underestimate those you thought beneath you. It was never about magic, Myrin.

”

“Love,” Myrin said disdainfully. “You still believe in love. It can do nothing to stop me. I accept your offer.” He glanced back over his shoulder at me. “Run, little apprentice. But know I will come for you.”