Silver Mage (Book 2) Read Free

tried not to think about the sad state of the non-human district, and instead focused on the people around him…his people. The elves, dwarves and other people of the magical races looked at him and smiled. Those smiles made all the hardships that he had forced his way through over the past year worth the pain.
    Crusher’s blacksmith was located near the center of the small section of the city where the dwarves had taken up residence. Bren had found it odd that the different magical races had separated themselves by race. He had thought that humans and the other races would mingle and mix, but that had not been the case. Crusher had explained it as people simply wanting to be around those they found familiar in an unfamiliar place. For years, the magical races had been hunted by the Brotherhood and even though they no longer had to hide in fear, there was still a sense of uneasiness being in human lands.
    They found Crusher working on a wagon axle outside of his shop. Before Bren had a chance to greet his friend, a large grey blur ran past him and jumped on the sturdy dwarf, bearing him to the ground.
    “Get your flea ridden mutt off me!” Crusher yelled as he grabbed Avalanche around the neck.
    “I don’t think she has fleas,” Bren answered back, trying to hold back a laugh.
    Avalanche grabbed crusher by the collar of his shirt and began dragging him around as the dwarf kicked his legs and cursed. Flipping on his stomach, Crusher hit the rock hound hard in the jaw, sending a resounding thud into the air. Avalanche barked playfully and jumped back, letting the dwarf go. “I think she missed you,” Bren offered as he helped the dwarf to his feet.
    “I missed her as well,” Crusher admitted with a grumble. “Just wish the blasted mutt would let me finish me work before tackling me. Now, what brings ya ta my shop? As much as I complain, ya never come ta visit. Just when ya need suffin from me.”
    “I need a sword,” Bren answered, feeling more than a little embarrassed.
    “What’s wrong with the one ya got?” Crusher asked, giving him a stern glare.
    “I haven’t broken my father’s sword if that what you’re getting at. It’s just…” Bren said, looking down at the hilt that swung freely at his side.
    “I see,” Crusher said, giving Bren a knowing look. “A good sword will take time and coin boy…don’t expect me ta finish it overnight.”
    “Thank you,” Bren said smiling.
    “Don’t be thanking me yet boy,” Crusher said grumpily. “What till ya get my bill, then ya ca decide if ya want to thank me. Now come inside and you and your boy can have a drink with me.”
    Bren heard Cass groan beside him. Crusher was one of the few people the young warrior couldn’t handle. He had spared the dwarf on two occasion and lost each time. The last time, Crusher had wagered that if he won, Cass had to drink with him whenever he wanted. Bren held back a laugh as they walked through the doors to Crusher’s home. It was good to see his friend lose sometimes, it kept him from getting to full of himself.

 
    CHAPTER II
    Bren woke with his arms, legs, and head aching badly. His head spinning slightly as Bren sat up in bed and looked over to his desk, where the large stack of papers waited. As he swung his feet out of his bed, the door to his chambers opened and Lillian walked through. “Why don’t you knock?” Bren asked, quickly covering himself with the covers.
    “It’s hard enough to open the door with my hands full, let alone knock,” Lillian said with a bright smile. “I brought you some breakfast, as well as herb tea to help you get over your late night activities.”
    Bren looked at the dark green liquid that sat on the silver tray. “Have you found any way to make it taste better?” Bren asked as he warily picked up the glass and took a small drink. He tried not to grimace as the thick tea washed across his tongue.
    “Just drink it in one go and quit complaining like a child still suckling