priests in the field longer. Despite what everyone thinks, we do not possess an infinite number of priests to go around." He and Bannick both grimaced at this, then he continued, "To that end, we are thinking of instituting several changes to the way we handle such things. We are about to launch the experimental phase, and having heard your report, and knowing all that I do of both of you, I think you would make ideal candidates."
Bannick quirked a brow. "What changes?"
"We would like to try sending priests afield in pairs on a permanent basis, rather than simply at the apprentice stage. We want them to work in partners. That will help mitigate the increased danger, and ideally, two can solve a problem faster than one. This will work especially well if the two are of different magic types. That would offer a diversity of solutions to whatever problems present. Given that you are a rune mage and Mr. Underwood a necromancer, I cannot think of better test subjects."
"So—" Bannick could not believe what he was hearing. "You want to make us field partners?"
"But necromancers aren't priests," Ezell interjected. "Black magic isn't practiced by the Priesthood."
Gabriel nodded. "I did say we had several changes in the works. Given the dramatic increase in the illegal practice of black magic, we have acknowledged it would behoove the Priesthood to have our own experts in that particular branch. Necromancers especially frequently help us out already. It only makes sense to employ you properly. Given your years of service, it is only fair to offer the chance to you, first. If you do well during the trial period, we can probably push the bill through with ease. So, gentlemen—what say you?"
Bannick shared a look with Ezell, who only laughed and shook his head. "Sign us up," Bannick replied. "We're all for it. I like the idea."
Gabriel smirked, but only nodded and said, "Very well. You have a week of sabbatical left, Bannick. Both of you enjoy that. Report to me in one week for your new assignment. Goddess bless you both."
"Father," they both murmured then rose and left.
Once outside the Temple, Bannick smiled and bent to steal a kiss, then stepped away and slid his hat on his head. "Come on, partner. Let's get some grub."
"Sounds divine," Ezell replied with a snicker, and they walked off together into the city.
About the Author
Megan grew up a military brat and traveled extensively with her family. She is now firmly settled in Ohio, with two roommates and their four cats. She has always been book obsessed, and writing obsessed since she first gave it a whirl in college. Romance and fantasy are her primary obsessions, but she’s game to write just about anything and enjoys a challenge. She is a sucker for stories of enemies becoming lovers. When not writing, Megan is drinking too much coffee, reading still more books, and harassing family and friends, or otherwise doing whatever possible to avoid editing.
Bannick quirked a brow. "What changes?"
"We would like to try sending priests afield in pairs on a permanent basis, rather than simply at the apprentice stage. We want them to work in partners. That will help mitigate the increased danger, and ideally, two can solve a problem faster than one. This will work especially well if the two are of different magic types. That would offer a diversity of solutions to whatever problems present. Given that you are a rune mage and Mr. Underwood a necromancer, I cannot think of better test subjects."
"So—" Bannick could not believe what he was hearing. "You want to make us field partners?"
"But necromancers aren't priests," Ezell interjected. "Black magic isn't practiced by the Priesthood."
Gabriel nodded. "I did say we had several changes in the works. Given the dramatic increase in the illegal practice of black magic, we have acknowledged it would behoove the Priesthood to have our own experts in that particular branch. Necromancers especially frequently help us out already. It only makes sense to employ you properly. Given your years of service, it is only fair to offer the chance to you, first. If you do well during the trial period, we can probably push the bill through with ease. So, gentlemen—what say you?"
Bannick shared a look with Ezell, who only laughed and shook his head. "Sign us up," Bannick replied. "We're all for it. I like the idea."
Gabriel smirked, but only nodded and said, "Very well. You have a week of sabbatical left, Bannick. Both of you enjoy that. Report to me in one week for your new assignment. Goddess bless you both."
"Father," they both murmured then rose and left.
Once outside the Temple, Bannick smiled and bent to steal a kiss, then stepped away and slid his hat on his head. "Come on, partner. Let's get some grub."
"Sounds divine," Ezell replied with a snicker, and they walked off together into the city.
About the Author
Megan grew up a military brat and traveled extensively with her family. She is now firmly settled in Ohio, with two roommates and their four cats. She has always been book obsessed, and writing obsessed since she first gave it a whirl in college. Romance and fantasy are her primary obsessions, but she’s game to write just about anything and enjoys a challenge. She is a sucker for stories of enemies becoming lovers. When not writing, Megan is drinking too much coffee, reading still more books, and harassing family and friends, or otherwise doing whatever possible to avoid editing.
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