Scholar of Magic (Art of the Adept #3) - Michael G. Manning Page 0,186

her waist and his face drew close. He was about to kiss her.

With a shriek of fury and disgust, she pushed him back. Seeming confused, Will let go without a fight. “You’re married!” challenged Laina, scrabbling to collect her wits.

He seemed surprised. “Oh! I forgot! Where is she then? I’ve got an itch you wouldn’t believe!”

Furious, Laina gaped at him. “That’s my best friend you’re talking about!”

Will held up a hand. “Just a moment.” Once again, his eyes seemed to lose focus as he looked away to one side. “Oh, damn! A whole year, eh? No wonder I’m feeling so pent up.”

“That’s no excuse for your behavior! Take down this shield.”

He merely smiled. “Not to worry, you’re safe with me. I wouldn’t touch a woman who didn’t want me to.”

“You just did!”

“Does Selene know you’re in love with me?” he asked suddenly. “That you think about me secretly at night?”

Her hand flashed through the air, catching the side of his head and rocking his face to one side. “You disgust me!”

Will straightened up, rubbing his cheek. “Nice arm you’ve got there, but clearly you’re lying. I mean, yes, you do have an ungodly amount of rage in you, but right there behind it I can see the love. Why deny it?” He leaned forward. “Just one kiss. See if you like it.”

“I’m your sister!” she snapped. “Have you no shame?”

Will blinked, then leaned away. “Oh.” He stared into the air for a moment, then looked back at her. “Oh! Oh, I’m sorry! No wonder! Oh, that’s embarrassing. I didn’t expect that. Love can be so confusing. Generally, with two young people of the opposite sex, it indicates some romantic inclinations as well, it just never occurred to me. Siblings! Well, that settles that, doesn’t it?” he said genially. Then he winked and asked, “Or does it?”

She slapped him again.

He rubbed at the other cheek. “I guess it does. That’s too bad. I guess it’s to be expected, growing up together and all, that sort of thing is very taboo.” He glanced at Darla. “Your bodyguard looks very healthy, in a strong sort of way. Do you suppose she—”

Laina swung at him once more, this time with her fist, but he caught her wrist. “That’s enough of that. I’ll accept the other blows because you had good cause, but now I’m just asking an honest question.”

Her face was a thundercloud of anger, but Laina’s thoughts were clear. “Who are you?”

“I’m your dear brother, William,” he said smugly.

She shook her head. “No, you’re not.”

“What tipped you off?”

“When you wanted to find someone to cook for you. Idiot that he is, the real Will is an excellent cook. Who are you?”

He released her hand and offered his in a handshake. She declined to accept it. “Linus. Linus Ethelgren at your service.” He winked, then added, “I’m here to save the world!”

Chapter 42

Bereft of his senses, Will circled the infinite emptiness of his prison. He’d experienced the same thing often enough that he didn’t panic immediately this time, which might not have been for the best, for he couldn’t seem to escape. If I could just get out of my body, maybe I could see what was happening!

Every time before, he had either been dying or in a state of panic. Except the time that Janice had helped him, but he’d still felt a small amount of fear then. This time he was completely calm. But was fear really the catalyst? He tried to make himself afraid, but failed utterly.

He still couldn’t quite understand what had happened. There had been someone else, but the other had been nothing more than a disembodied voice, or perhaps a spirit trapped within the relic. In some sense, it was similar to Arrogan, except it wasn’t tied to the limnthal. How had it had the power, the strength of will, to trap him inside his own body?

Will pondered that for a while, but got nowhere, so he decided to change tactics. He focused on Tiny, imagining his friend as vividly as he could.