Scholar of Magic (Art of the Adept #3) - Michael G. Manning Page 0,202

your first bodily prison?” asked Arrogan in return.

“I don’t like being trapped without being able to see or hear,” said Will.

Arrogan smiled. “Easy enough.” A source-link snapped out, and he paralyzed Laina’s body. A split second later he severed them from her senses as well. Will and Laina were trapped in a seemingly endless void.

Will had experienced it before, but Laina didn’t take it very well. A surge of panic shot through her, rocking Will as well. He struggled to contain her emotions, which only made matters worse. For the first time since his arrival, the two of them began to struggle against each other in earnest.

It went on for a short time, and Will finally realized that the struggle was necessary if they were to separate. It was painful, and yet it was the only way to tear themselves apart from each other. His own fear began to rise as they continued to fail, and then it was over. With a familiar popping sensation, he was out.

Arrogan spotted him floating in the air above them and promptly released Laina from the source-link, restoring her movement and senses. She opened her eyes and looked around, her expression vacant and empty. As the seconds passed, her features changed, going from numb to forlorn. Clutching her hands to her chest, Laina curled into a tight ball, hiding her face from view.

Will was also in pain, though probably only Arrogan could see it. It felt as though he had lost something vital, something important, something he couldn’t live without. For a while he had been more, and now Will felt alone—more alone than he had ever realized. The intensity of his solitude was crushing. For a moment his only desire was to go back, and it took all his willpower to resist the urge.

Arrogan was watching him carefully with a steady gaze. After a moment, the old man spoke. “Come on.” He snapped his fingers and opened his arms.

Will focused on his own face and felt himself rushing forward. A split second later, he felt himself once again encased in flesh, and he sensed the warmth of Arrogan’s presence. Desperate to end his loneliness, Will tried to cling to the other spirit.

No, god damn it! That’s what got you in this trouble to begin with! Arrogan admonished him. Seconds later, Will found himself driven into a dark place, locked and sealed, bereft of his senses, as he had been before he escaped.

His only contact with his body, or the outside world, was the old man’s voice, echoing through the void. Get ahold of yourself. I have to return to the ring before you can have your body back, but when I go Ethelgren will return with a vengeance.

Where is he now? asked Will, struggling to regain his composure.

Locked away, just as you are. The moment I leave, the two of you will be on your own. You have to be ready.

Do you really think I can win?

Listen, boy, I know you better than you think, and I’ve already tested that fool personally. You’re stronger and more stubborn. Back when I was still alive you were already getting to be a problem when I needed to restrain you. This is your body. You have the advantage here. You won’t lose to some half-baked enchanter.

Enchanter?

Someone who relies too much on creating magic items, rather than improving their innate skills, explained Arrogan. From what I know of the man, he fits the stereotype.

You didn’t see the spells he was casting, countered Will. They were unbelievable.

Almost all of them were built into the rod, said Arrogan. I doubt he could cast them at will on his own.

Will still felt unsure.

You took his spell away from him. You. You’re hardly more than an apprentice. He was a wizard for hundreds of years before he was murdered. If that isn’t a clue regarding how much he actually practiced, I don’t know what is. You can do this, just don’t let your confidence waver.

That made him feel better, but something else occurred to him then. Arrogan had referred to a memory of teaching him, giving lie to