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?

Did the people become a mob? Did they really reach this point? Maybe Wes isn’t the most objective person out there when it comes to the subject, but he doesn’t know what more lives wasted in catching the necromancer would achieve. It doesn’t even guarantee that it will do them any good since not everybody can direct a sacrifice and use the energy.


Frank just swallows, fearfully watching Ollie.


“Sacrifice?” Mica sounds confused. “Who does that?!”


Ollie chuckles bitterly. “People who know how useful they are. Most of them, at least.”


“You’re not agreeing with this, are you?” Randy asks with a warning note in his voice.


Ollie rolls his eyes but is too far gone to contradict Randy. Ollie’s gaze is absent. It tells Wes that Ollie isn’t with them right now. “It doesn’t matter if I agree or not, it is what it is.”


Chapter 29