True Magics Read Free Page A

fun.”
    George shook his head. “No, you don’t want me there.”
    “Yes, we do,” said Thomas. “When’s the last time the four of us got together?”
    “Too many students,” said George. “Too much noise. I’ll meet you on the beach.”
    “Because it will be all sorts of quiet there,” said Thomas.
    “Quieter than the Broken Quill.”
    “George, come with—”
    “No.” His expression darkened, like a sudden cloud covering the sun, and for a moment he looked almost angry. He blinked a few times, as if something had gotten into his eyes. Then he shook his head and the darkness lightened a little. “Thank you. Just no.”
    “All right,” said Thomas. What is going on? “Another time.”
    “I’d best get going,” said Linda. She smiled at George. “I’ll see you at the beach in the morning?”
    The cloud over George vanished and he smiled. “You will. Give my regards to your father.”
    “I will.” Linda smiled back at him and walked away.
    Henry watched her go. “Nice girl. And the daughter of the head of the Smiths’ Guild, too, I hear. When are you going to introduce us?”
    “Never,” said George. He pointed a warning finger at Henry. “Keep away from her, you.”
    “Not to worry,” said Henry. “Sure you won’t come with us? There will be much drinking.”
    “I’m sure,” said George, turning back to the forge. “You can wait for Eileen in the kitchen.”
    “We’ll do that,” said Thomas.
    ***
    The Broken Quill was the largest pub in the student quarter. It was a solid stone building, three stories high, and had been there as long as Hawksmouth itself—perhaps longer, if the stories were to be believed. The pub seated more than two hundred and, from the noise coming from within, it was already full. Just inside the wide, open door sat Fenris and Marcus, a pair of nearly identical, very tall, very large men with equally large iron-studded wooden clubs. One was watching the street, the other, the customers inside.
    “Good evening…” Thomas stopped and studied the man in front of him, “Fenris?”
    Fenris smiled. “Very good, Master Thomas. How are you this evening?”
    “Very well, Fenris. Is there room for three more?”
    “There is,” said Fenris. “In fact, your friends have saved a spot for you by the fire.” He smiled at Eileen. “And here is the cause of the debate. Does this mean we get to learn your real name, now?”
    “Fenris, Marcus,” said Thomas formally, “Allow me to introduce Miss Eileen Gobhann.”
    Marcus looked back over his shoulder. “You do look much better as a girl,” he said. “You’ve caused something of a stir.”
    “I know,” said Eileen. “I hope it hasn’t caused any trouble for you.”
    “Only minor, so far,” said Fenris. “Let’s hope that doesn’t change with your arrival.”
    The inside of the Broken Quill was awash with noise and smoke and the smells of roast pork and mulled wine. Twenty long tables filled the big hall and most of them were overflowing. More people stood along the rail of the balcony running the length of the second floor. There were ten private rooms above, and students and their girls were wandering in and out of them. The room was loud and rowdy, and everyone was arguing about the debate. Thomas led the way to the Student Company’s table.
    “I take it things have been tense,” said Thomas.
    “Some people aren’t happy,” said Mark. “A lot of them think you pulled a dirty trick.”
    “You did pull a dirty trick,” said Keith, coming up behind them. Graham Silvers stood right behind him.
    “You’re just grumpy that you fell for it,” said Henry.
    “Everyone fell for it,” said Eileen, smiling at Keith, “not just you. Doesn’t Professor Dodds say that the obvious isn’t what’s in front of you but what’s out of place?”
    “Don’t quote Dodds at me,” snapped Keith. “You shouldn’t even have been in that class.”
    “But she was,” said Henry. “She was, we won, and