Nonetheless, she did her best to show him. But he had no better luck than when Jonas tried to teach him fire starting.
“Magic is something you feel,” Jonas explained after yet another frustrating failure. Kat had been patient, but with no frame of reference, she was unable to communicate what it felt like.
“I don’t feel anything,” he grumbled. “Maybe I just don’t have the ability.”
“Then you would be the first person in history with two mage parents not to have it,” Jonas stated emphatically. He thought for a moment. “Perhaps your time on Earth has affected you somehow.” He waved his hand. “Little matter. You’ll get it eventually.”
“It might be better if he doesn’t,” said Markus from his bedroll. “Then Shinzan wouldn’t be after him.”
Jonas shook his head. “He’ll kill him anyway. Just to be certain the Dragonvein line is dead and buried. The Emperor would never allow any potential challenge to his power. That was true even in my time.”
“You see, Ethan,” Markus said, giving a lopsided smile. “Even if you don’t learn magic, there’s no need to worry. You’re dead no matter what.”
Jonas was not amused by his remark, but Ethan shook his head and gave a soft chuckle. Markus had always possessed a dark sense of humor and it was good to hear him use it again.
By the time they reached Masi, Ethan had all but given up hope that he would ever be able to use magic. Jonas, on the other hand, had easily been able to teach Kat how to light a fire.
They entered the small village from the south, choosing to appear as if they had taken the road from Santfaliso. Without the shade of the forest, the morning sun was more oppressive than ever. The heat baked the dung strewn streets, filling the air with its stench. The few townsfolk who were about took little notice of the newcomers. Markus explained that Masi was simply a stopping-off point for travelers to resupply, and of little interest to the Empire. The nearest garrison was several hundred miles to the south.
The unpaved main street was riddled with holes and ruts from countless wagons passing through. A narrow sidewalk in front of the single story wooden buildings was in equally poor repair, and much care was needed not to step into the gaps where the wood had rotted away.
They made their way down a side road to a small tavern.
Just before they entered, Markus handed Jonas a scrap of parchment. “Here’s a list of what we’ll need. You and Kat see to it. Ethan and I will wait here. Try not to be too long.”
Jonas stiffened, clearly not liking the way that Markus was giving him orders. But Markus paid him no mind and led Ethan on through the door.
Inside was much as Ethan expected. It was similar to the tavern in Jaobin, though far less crowded. A lone bartender was serving tables. He looked at Markus and Ethan with displeasure before waving a hand to indicate that they should sit wherever they wanted.
Markus chose a table at the far corner of the room, sitting with his back to the wall. Ethan took the chair opposite and ordered a pitcher of ale.
He told Markus about his encounter with Durst, and the subsequent beating he had received.
“No wonder Kat feels like she owes you,” he remarked. He leaned back, scrutinizing Ethan for a long moment. “I can’t get over seeing you like this. You’re so…young.”
“It’s been only a few days for me,” Ethan said. “I can still hear the Kraut tanks rolling up the streets of Carentan when I sleep at night.” He pulled open his shirt collar to reveal a two-inch wound that had only recently scabbed over. “I got this when that mortar shell hit the building, just before you…” His voice trailed off.
“Before I ended up here,” said Markus, finishing his sentence for him. “Don’t worry. It’s all right to talk about it. I’m done with all that…”
He stopped short and leaned in close, his voice suddenly a whisper. “Don’t turn around. Three Imperial soldiers just came through the door.” He pulled his hood up over his head. “Don’t do anything unless I do.”
Ethan could hear the stomping of their boots and the rattle of armor drawing closer. He fingered the dagger in his belt nervously.
“You!” shouted a gruff voice. “Turn around! And you, remove your hood.”
Ethan felt a gloved hand grip his right shoulder. Markus