Free Inexperienced Mage (Reawakening Saga) by D.W. Jackson Page A

chemistry in the academy, that being reserved for student who had shown potential in herbology and medicine. That made his urge to gain access to the school’s library above him even greater but first he had to devise a spell that would allow him to go unseen. He had made great strides in that area but nothing he tried worked well enough, he could make people not notice him but it didn’t work on everyone.
    Other than his project to gain entry into library he had also came across the mention of the making of a staff. Unlike most of the enchantments he had sought this one required the use of multiple cores and spells working in unison to allow a mage to cast strong spells with less power having to be drawn through him, allowing him to last longer without mental fatigue. A staff’s strength depended on the maker, and the book hinted that while a staff would always work for its creator; as it absorbed more magic it took on a semi-conscience state and could reject a mage that it didn’t find worthy of its use. It was an interesting idea but if he made one he wanted it to be made of the best materials and for that he needed to get his hands on a large piece of marblewood, and some decent sized gems.
    He also kept a steady pace on creating magical rings and necklaces for Monique, every day he found he could go longer and longer without the headaches. He also learned to spot the tale-tale signs so he could stop before he found himself in discomfort. He had placed his sword on the back burner and had not worked on it since coming to the sewer, but he knew sooner or later he would have to finish it.
    He was running out of food and he needed to make a run up into the market district for supplies. He also had a few other items he wanted to pick up so he c ould work on some new ideas. Grabbing his empty sacks and wooden sword he made his way down the tunnels toward the exit that led into a small alley at the edge of the Squatters district.
    His first stop was the carpenters where get got two small lengths of cedar about the size of his forearm. A quick stop at a roadside cart got him a mixture of apples and pears, then the shop he dreaded the most the butcher. While there were five butcher shops in town the others were too either too expensive or their meats were of questionable quality.
    Walking in the butcher shop he was greeted by an older woman easily in her mid to late sixties. “Hay sweetling come back to take me up on my offer, I’ll teach you the trade, and even keep your bed warm at night.” As if to punctuate her statement a large crash followed by a lot of yelling came from outside the store.
    “No Cathleen, just need to get some smoked meat maybe a few sausages and a steak or two.” Thad said trying his best to keep his face calm.
    She quickly packaged his order wrapping them in a thick heavy brown paper, that he would later clean off and use for his notes. “Here you go, only two silver for you, and if you reconsider my offer you just come back cutie.”
    Thad quickly dropped the money into her outstretched hand and placed his food into his sack, repositioned his other purchases and left the shop quickly. Outside the shop was a mess a carriage had been overturned and people were gathered around trying to get a look at the incident. Not overly interested in the affair he made his way back toward his waiting grate and solitude.
    Before he had traveled far into the squatters district he heard a girl’s piercing scream. Though he had few reasons help out the fairer sex, his thoughts keep drifting back to Clair, Joan, and Monique. Thad jogged toward the direction on the scream to find four of the men who had chased him into the sewer trying to tie up a young girl. She looked familiar but he couldn’t spare the time to remember where he might have seen her. Pulling his practice sword from its makeshift holder strapped to his side Thad yelled at the men to let the girl go. Two of the men turned toward him one holding a