Chosen: Book 1 in the Ancients of Light series Read Online Free PDF Page B

oblivious or pointedly ignoring the stares of censure being
directed her way over her poor remarks. Her disparagement even went
towards Myrrdyn, and to disrespect the Sorcerer of Light was great
arrogance or foolishness personified.
    As they approached the
gathering, Myrrdyn had cautioned Kaitriana to show great restraint
in exercising her powers, but her excitement as they grew closer
had blue light dancing at her fingertips and an unnatural wind
picking up. Myrrdyn shot her a look of disapproval and Kaitriana
quickly subdued the magic. No power had been evident in her as they
had made the rise of the hill, meeting with the expectant faces of
thousands of Witch. Upon seeing the crowd and the singularity of
their gaze directed to him and his grandchild, Myrrdyn conceded to
his own arrogance and made use of his magic to transport them to
the very center of the gathering. His ancient frame nearly knocked
Cordelia out of her chosen spot, his tone as dismissive as the look
her gave her, “Excuse me, girl.”
    Myrrdyn smirked and
Cordelia instantly had the uneasy feeling that the Sorcerer knew
every word that she had been proffering to her crowd of friends
prior to his arrival. She was indignant over his remark though,
girl indeed. Even he must realize she would be assuming his
position as the most feared and respected witch in the Realm. She
had given him a patronizing look in return.
    Cordelia had been nearly
oblivious to the growing murmurs of the crowd around her. Kaitriana
had pushed back the hood of her cloak and was smiling with shy
warmth to those within her view. It had not taken long for Cordelia
to realize that the attention of the crowd had been focused on
another and she had shot the other female a scowl before she could
school her features otherwise for the benefit of her audience.
Cordelia had been shocked to see the enchanting beauty on Myrrdyn’s
arm, the witch’s dark looks were in total contrast to the golden
hair and green eyes that were common to Cordelia’s Caste. This
one’s appearance was common to none within the Realm, Kaitriana was
unique.
    It had ruffled Cordelia
before she recalled that the beauty of the witch mattered not,
Cordelia had established herself within the Realm. Myrrdyn’s
grandchild had done neither that, nor proven any skill with magic.
If the rumors were true, and Cordelia held great respect for the
power of rumors, the young witch possessed only the power of a
single Caste. Nonetheless, Cordelia had refused to tolerate the
presence of the other in her own circle and she had offered
Kaitriana a pitying smile before turning rudely in the opposite
direction. Her devoted friends trailed in her wake.
    Through Myrrdyn’s
teachings, Kaitriana had grown not only in the strength of her
magic but also in character. Though she might offer the appearance
of a tiny beauty that would require the strength and protection of
a Warrior, she was capable of protecting herself in all manners,
even from spiteful, jealous witches. She had categorized Cordelia
immediately as such but had easily dismissed her upset over it.
Kaitriana was not to let the wonder of the night be ruined, nor
would she have deigned to act any lower than the right of her birth
required as Myrrdyn’s heir.
    Her smile had grown warmer
and unchecked mirth affected her words, “Well, that did not go
quite well at all.” Her statement had been for her grandfather, but
had been picked up on by those close and quickly bandied about by
the crowd. Despite the birthright passed to her by Myrrdyn, she had
not appeared the haughty bitch that her rival was. The belief had
been fostered throughout the first night of the festival, as she
made her way through the crowds at the side of the
Sorcerer.
    The second night of the
Festival had progressed much the same; the popularity of Kaitriana
with the crowd had been staggering and that was before she had
accidentally allowed the witnessing of her power.
    Many of the witches had
congregated near