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

Five cocked his head, then touched Tarquin’s left arm.


Tarquin nodded. “The Kawj was built for the mages, and only we can use it. It allows us to control an overwhelming amount of magic. More magic than any mage could ever access on their own. But the recompense for it is bleeding to death.” He ignored Five’s hiss. “This is how my mother died. She used the Kawj to place a geas on the dragons.”


Five touched Tarquin’s arm again, then pointed at the bowl, the same questioning expression on his face.


Five gaped at him, his yellow eyes huge. He made his monster face with crooked fingers, then pointed at the bowl again, and then at Tarquin. Then he made a sign that was a hearth ward of protection against the collectors.


“Wait, that’s a little confusing,” Tarquin said. “Do you mean, did I use the Kawj to try and destroy the haldur? Because yes, I did. Or are you asking if the Kawj should have killed me? Because the answer to that is yes, too.”


Chapter 67