In another world, there is so much magic, the people see no reason to advance their technology. Their history has been altered as well, resulting in a barely recognizable twentieth century. Wes, however, doesn’t know anything else. All he wants is to live a peaceful life with his small family -- his ward Mica and his friend Ollie. For his part, retired assassin Ollie never wants to leave Wes and Mica, but when Ilixo shows up, Ollie may not have a choice. Ilixo, his Chieftain, has a necromancer to find and Ollie is the perfect person to go hunting. Wes has to make a choice. He can accompany Ollie and help him capture the rogue necromancer, but then they will have to leave Mica unprotected at home. Mica is vulnerable, as she is on the verge of discovering her magic gift, and needs gentle guidance to help her through the process. Or Wes can stay home, and let Ollie face the danger alone. Torn between Mica and Ollie’s best interests, Wes makes his decision. Will Wes and Ollie survive and return home? Will Wes realize his love for his best friend reaches far deeper than loyalty and respect? Will Wes and Ollie maybe even find love?

How Much?

“Ah, but you understand,” Wes says.


And it’s true, though Randy easily lets himself be led into all manner of situations by Mica, he doesn’t have her recklessness.


Or what seems like recklessness, but is a built-in certainty that most things can’t hurt her. That characteristic kept Wes up for long nights before Ollie finally got through him. It wasn’t arrogance or impulsivity, it was how just magical beings exist in a world that’s steeped in magic.


However, he knows that Randy lacks the impulsiveness or the subconscious certainty of invulnerability and leans more toward live and let live. It doesn’t exactly line up with their response to things. Ollie’s certainly not, Mica’s either, but it doesn’t even line up with Wes. He wants to do something about things that aren’t fair or right. Randy? He’ll disapprove. Loudly, perhaps, but that is usually it.


Chapter 18