Page 43 of Ceridor

"Of course," he promised.

The air changed somehow, as if a wind sprite had brushed her fingers across my cheek, but as I looked around I couldn't place what exactly had transformed from one moment to the next. Then Ceridor's blue eyes glittering with mirth told me: my hand in his, he'd just led me through the magical barrier to Diana Monastery without warning, and I'd come right through with him.

A large stone castle-like structure fit into the forest, covered by ivy and blended in among the trees. It was so unobtrusive I felt like I wouldn't notice it until I nearly ran smack into the walls. The camouflage was effective: all earth tones and quiet.

Ceridor explained that Diana Monastery was originally founded on the grounds of monasteries that had been here for thousands of years, with monks of various faiths over the centuries carrying out their devotions in silence.

Ceridor knocked on the door. I was surprised he could get through the barrier but then didn't have a key to the place.

Someone opened the window above the door, a couple of stories up. "Ceridor?"

"The one and only," he replied.

"Be right down." The window shut.

"Who's that and how did he know?" I asked.

"After being together for so long, I swear Marit and Corbi have a telepathic link," Ceridor replied with an affectionate shake of his head.

The sound of a heavy bolt sliding on the other side seized our attention, then the large wooden door of the monastery opened. A handsome brunette with grayish-blue eyes leaned out, with a scrawny but adorable younger man about my age peeking over his shoulder.

"Marit, Peter," said Ceridor, and my jaw dropped.

Good heavens. With Corbi, those three were in a relationship? They were all so handsome.

Marit stepped out and right into a hug with Ceridor. When they parted, Marit shook hands with me. "Johann?"

"Ja, genau. Nice to meet you," I confirmed.

Then Peter shook my hand, his flushed cheeks highlighting his freckles. "Sounds like we're going to be studying together."

"Yes, and I want to hear about little Dunu," I answered. "She was coming to my sister's inn over the winter."

Peter's eyes flew wide. "Oh wow. Yes, we'll compare notes!"

"Johann's been working hard on his daily magical and meditation practices for two years," said Ceridor, so clearly proud of me it made my cheeks burn. "He's ready for your training, Marit."

"And if you want a sparring partner, I plan to keep up my calisthenics while here," I supplied.

Marit grinned, eagerness and determination in his eyes. He held the door open for us. "Good. Come in."

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Six weeks later—the summer solstice

June 21st, 2449

Johann

The morning of the summer solstice, Peter and I were walking the hallways together and working on our memory techniques when we heard someone singing outside.

Where is the call, the solemn sparrow's song?

For Johnny Appleseed, Johnny Appleseed?

To the rivers long, and to the mountains strong,

Walks Johnny Appleseed, Johnny Appleseed.

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