Free Warded Mage (Reawakening Saga) by D.W. Jackson Page B

something nice for you.”
    Thad took the package a nd sat it on the ground and tore it open. Inside were five books that he had been particularly interested in about mages who had talents close to his own. Underneath the books lay a leather battle harness with golden brown strips running down the center of the chest. On one side it had a black star with the symbol of the dark assassins engraved in silver along with a green and red dot that shimmered slightly. On the other side was a silvery star with traces of white running through it that almost seemed to spark with energy along with a golden orb. Without hesitation Thad replaced his own battle harness with the new one. It was light and supple and fit perfectly. Thad could feel magic emanating from it though he was unsure what enchantments were placed on it. “It is a fine gift.”
    “I figured you would like it. I had the enchantments made much like the ones you had placed on your own though because of our limitations they are slightly different but they should help keep you safe my brother.”
    With one last goodbye, Thad and his brothers headed into the Underearth retracing the footsteps he had taken not so long ago. The trip was made in quiet solitude until they were well gone from the milling people of the city’s outskirts. Once they were in the quiet solitude of the Underearth the games began. The assassins played a version of tag, much like children with the exception for the jumping in and out of shadows. They protested that it was in order to help train their gifts but Thad was sure it had more to do with the amount of fun they had testing themselves against each other. Thad learned that it was impossible to keep your whole body submerged within the darkness, some part of you no matter how small had to be exposed otherwise you risked the darkness ripping you into nothingness. It was a risk they took each time they used their gift, one careless move and you simply disappeared like mist in the morning sun.
    Thad played the game along with the others but he was unable to ever get close to the person who was it. It was like chasing after smoke while moving through water. The second before he jumped through the shadows his opponent was already gone. Though Thad was greatly outmatched he was getting better with each movement. He still didn’t like the cold feeling that passed over his body when he drifted into the dark but he was starting to get used to it.
    When they stopped for the night there were no tents, and no fire, they slept in the open darkness. Unlike most, a fire didn’t stave away enemies, it only became a burden to the dark assassins who lived and breathed the dark like no other. Thad had gotten better at seeing in the dark but his magical eye was no match for the natural abilities of the Vathari. Thad doubted anyone or anything could dare encroach on them especially in the Underearth. Even when they were sitting around joking the dark assassins had an air of death and danger around them.
    The journey progressed smoothly and after the second day in the tunnels of the Underearth Avalanche slowly approached the group. When she was first spotted the Vathari watched her closely as if they expected her to attack but Thad quickly calmed down their nerves and called out to his old friend. Avalanche came close to them, almost so close Thad thought for a moment she would travel with them but he could tell even from the distance that her movements were calculated and as soon as she had a good look at him, she let off a loud rumbling bark and darted back off into the darkness. “Should we go after the creature?” Wu’xun asked Thad.
    Thad simple shook his head. He was sure that his brothers would not harm Avalanche but there was always the chance she would leave them little choice. Turning , Thad walked back to the camp with Wu’xun one of the younger members of the group. He was a nice fellow but deadly in battle with fierceness not easily matched and speed