Castien, an elf mage who cannot speak except with the aid of a magical dagger, has been captured while on a mission. He is freed by his companion, the warrior elf Daeron, and returns with him to Daeron’s homeland. There they will join forces to rid the land of a Lord bent on the destruction of the elves.<br><br>Theirn, a young half-elf thief, attempts to rob Castien during his stay at an inn and is caught by the mage. Much against Theirn’s will, he is enlisted into the group of rebel elves. But as Theirn's infatuation with Castien grows, he becomes more than eager to risk treachery, betrayal, and even death on dangerous missions just to be close to the man he is growing to love.

Mage of Silence

“In my particular forms of magic, I excel. It is one reason I am hiding from him. He would love to either force me to work my talent for him, or see me dead.” Lain growled angrily. “I would choose the latter if it came down to that.” He studied them then before he asked, “How have you managed to escape his detecting your presence?”


“Luck and his magic,” Theirn responded, “as well as my knowledge of at least some parts of the island.”


“How would you, a mere lad, know of my homeland?” Lain stepped back, his face now a study in distrust as he stared at Theirn. “What sort of evil spells have you woven around him to make him believe your lies?”


Castien shook his head. “No spells. He escaped from here.”


“He lies. No one escapes. That is impossible. You are a fool or worse to believe him if that is what he told you.”


“I did! I swear,” Theirn replied in agitation before he stepped rapidly to one side to avoid a bolt of flame Lain hurled toward him.


Chapter 32