Twenty-year-old Tarquin is smart, tactless, and braver than he knows. He's also been Mage of the Realm of Kelor for two years, taking the title from his mother after she died protecting Kelor from a terrible threat. Mages, unlike all other magicians, give their blood in exchange for far more powerful magic. Unfortunately for the Mage of the Realm, there's always the chance one day Kelor will need magic of such potency that a mage will have to give not just their blood, but their life. Tarquin's mother already made this sacrifice, and Tarquin knows it's likely also his fate. While on a quest to heal his brother, who is dying because of Tarquin's reckless mistake, Tarquin is attacked by a horrific, flesh-eating monster. He's saved by an enigmatic and mute young soldier, called "Five", who is cursed with a terrifying appearance that conceals the heart of a knight. There's an almost instant attraction between the two men, but no time to explore it. The monster's attack is the harbinger of a new invasion. With Kelor helpless, the realm's only hope lies with Tarquin. Just as he feared, his sole choice is to sacrifice himself the way his mother did, in exchange for magic strong enough to destroy the coming evil. He's prepared to give up his life to save the realm, but before the battle is over, he'll be faced not just with his own death, but the death of everyone he cares about. Including the cursed soldier he's come to love.

Blood for Magic

Ainya put her hand on his arm. “I’m sorry, Quinny.”


Tarquin nodded. “It’s not your fault.”


“It’s still possible that the Twin Gods have brought Five to us to help Faladir,” Prea said with her usual gentle optimism. She carefully pulled her hand from Faladir’s lax one and stood, taking a moment to cup his cheek. When she straightened, her eyes were wet, but she walked to them like the queen she would become. “I’d be pleased to use my skills to help the man who saved your lives.” She smiled. “And I admit I’m also very hungry. I would like to eat before we go.”


“Great.” Tarquin returned the smile, but then made a face as he glanced down at himself. “Now all I need are some clothes.”  4: A Spell of Healing


They had done the ritual to free the souls of the dead. Tarquin could smell the pyre as soon as he stepped outside.


“I didn’t know we were so far from the rest of the village.” He tried not to grimace at the stench of burning flesh. It felt disrespectful to be bothered by it.


Chapter 20