From Page 31

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That a Mix from Eternity would become a Speller wasn't unusual, but not everyone can touch the Essentia. Magick was natural as air, but how often did a Mix see air?

If she had the power, a younger wouldn't know until the Que Ven, "the Coming Out," which Airtha had just experienced. And before? Not a hint. Airtha was a positive soul, so nothing hateful came forth, but the periodical published stories about other ways magick revealed itself, like when the impulse came mean and the new Speller changed horribly and cruelty became instinct. Someone was always killed in those cases, usually friends and family, and the fresh black heart left home for Port Liar, where negative Spellers trained in service to the Negater.

From Page 99

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The operation was also celebrated as a somewhat positive outpost in the shadow of Opulent City. Josril, who lorded over the area, condoned the establishment because it gave his glitterworkers a place to let off steam, and also to lose the wages he paid them, part of which was included in Sacque's monthly tribute.

The main building stood polished wood, no sharp edges and no windows, a sprawling hulk of a dwelling daring the wind to blow it over. Purplish-yellow smoke flowed from several chimneys. A thick, plain woven curtain covered the front door.

Welkarte pulled the heavy cloth aside, Naywan worked the brass latch and they entered an atmosphere of incense and candles. The pungent aroma and heavy smoke of leaf burning in hookas floated indiscriminately and shrouded the proceedings in a veneer of hazy secrets.

A piano player sang while she tickled the ivories with supple fingers, her multiple eyes droopy. She voiced softly, with whispers of melancholy under the music, and the words carried into the unconcerned, soft-buzzing crowd like bruised hearts floating on bad memories.

From Page 157

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"You found the forest?" Pensif said.

Crente hesitated, then came out with it, "I did, but then I couldn't find you. Oh, it was grand being with those gentle creatures. They trusted me. I gave them apples. They like apples. I swam in the lake, drank the water. There's strong magick in Unicorn Lake."

"Unicorns don't exist," Naywan said. "There are single horn goats, wild hogs and rhinoceros, even some white fish with a horn, but no unicorns."

Crente almost argued with her, but the only way to convince a Secolare was with her own eyes. She'd probably have to touch one, too, just to make sure.

"Okay," Crente said and produced a water skin. "This is from the lake that doesn't exist." She squeaked a jibe at Naywan and squirted some liquid in the trunk.

"One more ingredient, and I'll speak the magick," she said.