Disciple of War Disciple of War (Art of the Adept #4) - Michael G. Manning Page 0,21

underestimate the importance of good sleep for a healthy marriage.

More weeks went by, and as the end of the second month approached, Will began to worry. Selene was still listless and constantly tired. All he could do was watch and wait—and occasionally force her to exercise, which served to further endear him to her. In his free time, he continued his own practice, both at spells, at cooking, and his irregular sparring sessions with Blake.

Summer ended and fall arrived as Wurthaven returned to life and Will’s third year started. He was forced to take yet another year of Composition to improve his writing skills, but he was done with Math and Alchemy. Since he had more freedom now to choose his curriculum, he signed up for Advanced Spell Theory as well as Principles of Ritual Design, both of which would put him in close proximity to Master Courtney, who would be interested to learn of his results with Selene. He also took Practical Warding and Linear Enchanting, mainly because Selene recommended them. Practical Warding took the most persuasion on her part. Since Will could walk through most wards, he didn’t see the point in them, but his wife kindly pointed out that that wasn’t true for the majority of humans.

He could have stopped with those, but she suggested he take one more, Principles of Healing. Will didn’t see the point, though. “I grew up assisting my mother. I already know enough about the human body.”

“Not about magic and the human body, though,” Selene reminded him.

“I have regeneration potions if something serious happens.”

Being constantly fatigued left Selene with a short temper most days. “Well, that’s just fine for you, but what about the poor bastards around you?”

“Are we talking about the upcoming campaign?” asked Will.

She threw up her hands. “Of course! Why do you think I’ve been suggesting the classes I have?”

“Because you liked them.”

“No,” she snarled. “Wards are useful when you set up camp, so someone doesn’t sneak in and kill you. Simple enchantments could help with traps or any number of other things, and healing will help you to help those around you.”

“Alchemy seems better suited to it.”

“How many regeneration potions do you have?”

“Thirty-four.”

“And knowing you, you’d use one every time someone near you gets injured. You’ve seen war before. How long will that last?”

Will nodded. “Good point.”

“I’d rather you not use them on anyone but yourself or someone close to you, like Tiny, and in secret if you can manage it. If others find out you have them, they’ll be begging you for them night and day.”

“So, what do you think I’ll learn in an introductory Healing class? I remember seeing you in Barrowden treating soldiers. It didn’t look like you used much magic.”

“Well, you have the foundations already. You know your anatomy and you’re capable of stitching wounds. You won’t have time to get into the more advanced healing spells, but you can at least learn the ones that allow you to speed wound healing, prevent infection, reduce fever—the list goes on.”

“Prevent infection, eh? Blood-cleanse potions.”

Selene sighed. “Yes, the potions are better, but you’re going to need even more of those than you will the regeneration potions. Spells can clean and keep wounds from turning septic. It’s faster and more efficient than wasting a potion that could treat a more serious blood infection or gangrene.”

“But…”

“Why are you arguing about this so much?”

“We both know I’ll be leaving in the spring, so this will probably be my last semester. I thought it would be nice to have more time at home—with you. Especially once you’re done with these annoying compressions,” he explained.

That earned him a rare smile, but it quickly vanished. “We’ll have centuries if you can live through this war. Turn that logic around. If this is your last semester then you should make the most of it. In fact, you should use your spare time to do some reading on military tactics and old campaigns.”

“You’re a harsh taskmaster.”

Selene arched one brow. “Oh? And what have you been doing to me these past months?”

“Touché.”

Chapter 7

School began, and Will’s life grew more complicated as he had expected. He did in fact sign up for the class on Healing, so his days were full. Selene was still adjusting to her second compression during the first few weeks, so Will was careful not to give her any orders that might overwork her unless he was at home, which meant evenings only. Fortunately, a few days after the third month mark,