Free The Huntsman's Amulet by Duncan M. Hamilton Page B

everything in it from falling apart, but in my case perhaps not so well as I’d like.’
    It was a reasonable explanation, but Soren was not convinced. Berengarius could be a malevolent old mage, controlling the drones. Equally, they could be rogues and the old man might be prisoner to the safety of the walled college campus. There was no way to know, but Soren would have to keep his guard up.
    ‘Walk with me,’ Berengarius said. ‘I haven’t had the opportunity to speak with another person in a very long time.’
    He stood and walked around the desk, stretching his back as he did so. ‘This way, please,’ he said, gesturing toward the door.
    Soren followed.

     

Chapter 12
    A New Friend

     
     
    ‘Y ou’re here for answers then?’
    Soren wasn’t sure if it was a question or a statement. He was already uncomfortable with how much the old man seemed to know, but if he was the librarian, then he would be able to help Soren with his search. He had no reason to trust the old man, but the assistance he could provide was too valuable to dismiss. He’d have to play along.
    ‘Yes,’ Soren said. ‘But I’m not exactly sure to what.’
    ‘Well, it’s the right place for that. Those seeking out an affinity to the science of magic came from all over the world to study here, the College of Mages, to learn how to shape and wield the power that makes magic a possibility.’
    ‘How is it all in such good condition?’ Soren said.
    ‘The library was the centre of the world for the mages. All their knowledge was stored there, so they crafted powerful magics to protect and preserve it. The magic is so strong it has extended across the city, but it weakens as you move away from the library.’
    It explained a lot, including why the city gate had been in poor condition while the door to the college looked new. That the magic was still in effect after so long was impressive. They exited the library and continued on through the archway and into the square on the other side.
    Berengarius stopped and surveyed the grey soil between the paths and sighed. ‘This was once such a beautiful garden. A quiet and restful place for contemplation. Nothing will grow here anymore, despite my best efforts. I struggle to remember what it once looked like,’ Berengarius said. He gestured to the left. ‘We’re headed this way.’
    Soren hesitated. ‘I saw some drones when I was coming through the city. Is it safe here? I mean, can they get into the College?’
    ‘Oh, I’d forgotten about the drones. You were lucky to avoid them. You don’t need to worry about them in here.’
    It didn’t answer the question of whether Berengarius controlled them, and Soren wanted to ask why he needn’t worry, but he feared pressing further would reveal that he had destroyed two of them, and he had no idea what kind of reaction that would provoke.
    They walked in silence for a while before the old man spoke again. ‘When did you first notice that you are different?’ he asked.
    ‘I’m not sure really. It’s just normal for me. It was only when one of my instructors at the Academy commented on my level of ability that I thought there was something unusual about it. He suggested it might have something to do with what he called the “Gift of Grace”,’ Soren said.
    Berengarius nodded. ‘Describe to me how it manifests itself.’
    ‘It’s always there to some degree. I’ve always been fast. I thought that was just the way I was, but the masters at the Academy watch hundreds of young men pass through there, and I was the fastest they had ever seen. Then there were some incidents where the effect became very noticeable, even to me. Everything around me seemed to slow down, but I kept moving at my normal speed,’ Soren said.
    ‘It’s what I thought. What you have experienced is indeed called the “Gift of Grace”. Your master was correct in this. Once there were many men who had this gift. These were the men that I knew as bannerets, and this