all, Lieutenant. And do remember you represent the entire imperial army.”
Sebastian froze, a foot on the first rung. “U-understood, sir…”
Zaniolo laughed. “I’m only teasing, Lieutenant. Now be off with you.”
Sebastian tried not to fret too much during his ride to Roskosh Manor, but it was nearly impossible to refrain. He didn’t even know what sort of man Lord Prozorova was. Surely an intellectual, if Galina was any indication. And perhaps a scholar, since Sebastian recalled that his lordship had been away all this time collecting legends and folklore throughout Izmoroz. Sebastian had always considered himself to be an intelligent person. Now, for the first time in his life, he wondered if he was smart enough. But how did one prove their intelligence without coming across as boorish and arrogant, or else desperately insecure?
By the time Sebastian reached Roskosh Manor, his anxiety was nearly at a fever pitch and his jaw was quite sore from tension.
“Lieutenant Portinari?” Masha stood in the doorway looking concerned. “Sir, is something the matter?”
“N-no, Masha. Th-thank you for your concern. May I see Galina?”
“Of course, sir. Right this way.”
Sebastian followed Masha with a stiff gait. He knew he must relax. How could he impress Lord Prozorova if he couldn’t even get out a clear sentence? But how did one force themselves to relax?
When he saw Galina sitting in her favorite drawing room, book in hand, the lamplight illuminating her long, golden hair, he felt his chest loosen. That’s when he understood. One relaxed by finding comfort in the presence of those they trusted.
“Lieutenant Portinari to see you, miss.”
Galina, though always sweet and gentle, was typically restrained with her affections. But when she heard Masha’s announcement, she immediately came to her feet, pressing the closed book to her chest. Her large eyes sparkled with pleasure and her smile was so broad he could see her tiny, white teeth.
“Sebastian! How wonderful you’re here!” she said. “I have a present for you!”
“A present? For me?” He had never given her a present. If he was courting her, shouldn’t he have done that by now? Flowers at least? Why was he such a fool?
“You may go, Masha,” said Galina.
“Yes, miss.” The maid looked amused for some reason as she left.
“I’m sorry, Galina,” said Sebastian. “I should have… why did I not consider a gift for you…”
She laughed. “Don’t be silly. A true gift comes from knowing a person and wanting to help them in some way.”
Sebastian knew she was trying to make him feel better, but it only made him feel worse. Did he not know her well enough? Why wasn’t he constantly thinking of ways to help her?
“Dearest Sebastian.” Her cool hand rested on his burning cheek. She seemed amused by his anguish. “Stop internally berating yourself so that I may give you this gift, or I shall become cross.”
He took a deep breath and smiled sheepishly. “That is rather ungracious of me, isn’t it?”
“Truly.” But the sparkle of amusement remained in her eyes. “Now, several days ago, you were bemoaning the lack of knowledge that could be found on elemental magic. Do you recall?”
“I recall every word of every conversation we have ever had, Galina,” he said earnestly.
She seemed to find that amusing as well. “As you should. Now, I happened to mention your quandary to my father and he reminded me of a book he had given me as a girl.”
She held out the thick tome she had been clasping to her bosom. Sebastian accepted it and looked at the title on the spine.
“The Age of Wizards?” he asked.
“The title wizard is used by many cultures to refer to elemental magic users. It’s apparently derived from the Aureum peasantry as a contraction of wise lord.”
“I see.” He began flipping through the pages. The paper was dry and delicate, suggesting it was quite old. An entire book about elemental magic users? Who knew what wisdom it might contain…
“If I recall, it’s a collection of various folktales and legends about elemental magic users found throughout the civilized world,” said Galina. “That includes of course Izmoroz, Aureum, and Raíz, as well as the independent country of Kante, which lies to the east of Aureum. There’s even a tale from a land south of Raíz across the Sea of Charmed Winds called Victasha that I confess I know little about.”
“Astonishing…” Sebastian didn’t know what to say except, “Thank you, Galina. This… this is a treasure to me.”
Galina suddenly looked a little embarrassed herself now, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. “Yes,