Darkness Rising: Disciples of the Horned One Volume One (Soul Force Saga Book 1) by James Wisher Page A

had never really thought about it. He’d loved Lizzy for as long as he could remember. “She’s beautiful, sharp, with a wicked sense of humor. She doesn’t always get along with Dad though.”
    “That’s nice. Okay, I see your shield is holding. Let’s try the trick with the light again. Remember, a quarter of a grain of rice.”
    Damien did as she said and this time the light didn’t blind them. He grinned. He could do this.
    “That’s excellent, Damien. Now let’s try a simple soul force construct. You understand what I mean by that, right?”
    “Like Master Shen’s griffin?”
    “Exactly, though we’ll try for something a little simpler. Watch me.”
    Damien focused like she’d taught him and watched her form a blob of golden energy into the crude likeness of a cat. It landed on the floor and ran around the training room, jumping and batting the air with its paws.
    “Now you try.”
    “Do you want a cat?”
    She waved her hand. “Whatever you want, just not too big.”
    Damien took his own blob of energy and formed it into a four-legged shape with a muzzle and tail. When he finished, the golden dog towered over the little cat, its head barely missing the ceiling. He winced. “Too big?”
    “A little. Try compressing it. Don’t take any energy away, just squish it down smaller.”
    Damien concentrated and the dog shrank, but glowed brighter. “Like that?”
    She smiled and nodded. “Amazing. Well done.”
    They spent the rest of the day trying different shapes, sometimes having them battle and chase each other around the room. A few times he lost control and his construct ran into the wall and bounced off. He understood now why the room held minimal furnishings; anything other than stone would probably end up smashed to bits. When Mistress Ann called a halt to the training Damien felt like he’d spent a day in the field digging trenches. “That’s harder than it looks.”
    “You did well and the more you practice the easier it gets. Your homework is to make the little light until you can conjure it without having to think through each step. Any questions?”
    “Do you know a sorcerer who specializes in making soul force weapons?”
    She frowned. That was apparently not the question she expected. “Yes, his name’s Sagan. Why?”
    Damien told her about the duel and John making the arrangements. “I just wondered if he’d be a fair judge of the contest.”
    “Sagan’s an honorable man, you need not fear on that score. What were you thinking, challenging that brute to a duel?”
    “I was thinking I was sick of people pushing me around. I hope this will nip it in the bud.”
    She nodded, her face troubled. “If Sagan agrees you’ll need a master to serve as your second. I’d be happy to stand beside you.”
    “I’d like that, Ann.”

Chapter 9
    S omeone jostled John from behind as he tried to make his way down the stone steps. Eli had gone early to grab their little group seats above the south entrance where Damien planned to enter. Everyone else should be there already, but he’d stopped to buy a bag of glazed walnuts on his way and was running behind. The sun shone bright in a clear sky. All in all it was a lovely day to make some easy money.
    The excited chatter of students and sorcerers entering the stands filled the air. The main topic of conversation seemed to be how fast Sig would crush Damien. John grinned. Man, were they in for a surprise. None more so than the kids who’d been taking bets for the last day. When he’d bet his and Damien’s money he’d gotten five-to-one odds and the sixteen-year-old oddsmaker had almost hugged him when he proved willing to take the other side of the wager. He’d be considerably less thrilled in a few minutes.
    John dodged a chubby third year and finally reached Eli and the others. They’d gotten seats directly above the doors, perfect. Amanda smiled as he approached and patted the leather seat between her and Eli. John sighed. Maybe not