Read A Distant Magic for Free Online Page A

French Guardians worked with us, teaching shielding and control." Lily turned her glass goblet in her hand, her expression troubled.
"Those lessons were welcome, but I haven't wanted to go further. My experiences
with serious magic have not been pleasant. I enjoy helping others with my
potions and lotions. That is enough."
    The others silently nodded. "We're not really Guardians, Miss Jean," Breeda said.
"I hope Lord and Lady Falconer won't be too disappointed to hear how we haven't
pursued our studies."
    Jean smiled ruefully. "I'm not much of a Guardian myself, so I'm in no position to chastise you. I sometimes think magic is more trouble than it's worth." Though it could be most useful when one was in trouble.
    Conversation drifted to other topics until Breeda rose, smothering a yawn.
"I'm for bed now. Tomorrow we can show you more of the city, Miss Jean. Is there
anything in particular you would like to see? The chapel of Notre Dame de la
Garde is splendid, and it has the most magnificent views of the city."
    "I should love to see the chapel, and any other sights you deem worthy." Jean debated before adding,
"It's very low of me, but I also wish to buy gifts for friends and family.
There's no rush on that, though, since I'll be here for months."
    Lily chuckled. "Breeda and I will be happy to help you spend your
money. One of the best places in the city is actually the Fontaine showroom.
Though the family business is primarily importing, several years ago Moses
thought to open an emporium to sell directly to the public. It has been a great
success."
    "And you will get very special prices," Moses added.
    "I will pay the usual price," Jean said firmly. "I am already
benefiting by your generosity."
    "We shall see," Lily said mischievously as she rose and said good night. Breeda and Jemmy followed her from the room, their hands linked.
    Not yet ready to retire, Jean took her remaining sherry out to the balcony. Moses joined her.
"Will you need a guide back to your chambers, Miss Jean?"
    She laughed. "I might. Maison Fontaine is the next thing to a
labyrinth."
    "I shall escort you back when you're ready." He smiled, his teeth a white flash against his dark skin.
"And provide you with a spool of thread so you can mark your way in the future."
    "I may take you up on that." She gazed out at the scattered lights of the city and the dark curve of the sea beyond.
"It's beautiful here, but do you miss Africa?"
    He leaned on the railing, his dark face limned by moonlight.
"Sometimes. I was only a child when we left Zanzibar, but twice I accompanied my
father back for long visits. Though he took the family name Fontaine and lives
as a French gentleman, he does not want us to forget our roots."
    "You won't. But if your children are born here, they will."
    He sighed. "I know. And they will be half European, caught between
two worlds even more than I."
    "We are all outsiders in some way. Those who have magic stand apart from those who don't." She finished her sherry in one swallow.
"Guardians with little power are apart from those who are great mages. And men
and women seem to be entirely different breeds much of the time."
    He laughed. "You're right. My true home is in Lily, Jemmy, and
Breeda. All of us outsiders, yet together whole."
    "It's something of a miracle that the flower of love and friendship has grown out of the despair of your experiences." Would she have been willing to endure the enslavement of her selfhood and will if the reward was a deep and lasting love like that which joined her friends? Probably not—the thought of losing her soul to an evil man like Drayton was too horrifying.
    "The others have put aside magic," Moses said hesitantly. "That
has not been entirely true of me."
    She wasn't surprised by his admission. "You always seemed
the most interested in the subject. What have you learned?"
    "I asked a ship captain who carries much merchandise for my father
to find me an African shaman,