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next eight line up here.”
    Kane and seven others slowly shuffled forward to stand in front of the sergeant.
    â€œWeapons out.”
    Markus made quick work of the first seven swords, but frowned when he examined Kane’s. What could he possibly be checking for? Kane’s blade was high quality with a curved cutting edge, but carried no taint of magic. The sergeant returned Kane’s weapon and stepped back.
    â€œAll but Kane go through the second door. Someone will be waiting to show you to your new quarters.”
    After they filed out, the duke stepped down off the dais again. “Is this the man you spoke of, Sergeant?”
    â€œYes, Sire. This is Kane. He personally executed theman who killed Captain Bayar. Since he was looking for a position with the guard, I thought it was appropriate to invite him here today.”
    Keirthan studied Kane with greedy interest. “Thank you for defending the honor of my guard, Kane. Captain Bayar will be missed. It will be difficult to replace him.”
    As Keirthan stepped closer, the shadow of darkness slithered forward to wrap around Kane’s body. It sent a burning chill straight through to his bones, requiring considerable effort to hide his reaction and hold his ground. The inside of his skull itched as Keirthan’s mind pushed at the boundaries of Kane’s own. It had been centuries since Kane had last been subjected to such treatment, but his grandfather had taught him well how to defend himself against such an intimate invasion.
    The duke’s eyes narrowed as his efforts intensified. Kane held strong, but he wasn’t sure if that was a good thing. It might cost him this opportunity to join the guard, but it would cost him his life if the duke managed to breach his defenses. All he could do was wait Keirthan out.
    After a few seconds, the pressure lessened and then disappeared altogether. Keirthan remained close, though.
    â€œTurn your face to the side.”
    Kane didn’t bother to ask which way. Keirthan wanted to see his mage mark. He could look all he wanted. If he tried to touch him, mayhap it would be the duke’s day to die. Kane’s, as well, but it might be worth the price.
    Keirthan held his hand palm out but didn’t actually touch the mark. “I’ve read of such sigils, but I’ve never actually seen one before. How did you come by it?”
    â€œIt was a gift from my grandfather.” One Kane would have gladly gutted the old bastard for, but he made sure none of his anger leaked into his voice.
    â€œHave you much practice wielding the magic behind it?”
    Keirthan sounded more curious than cautious. If hetruly knew much about the marking, he would have been more prudent. This time Kane could answer without hesitation.
    â€œHe was killed before he could infuse the mark with its full potential.” True enough, although Kane had taken care of that himself before he’d finally renounced his magical heritage.
    The duke looked like a child whose new toy didn’t perform as expected. “And your father couldn’t finish it for you?”
    â€œI never knew him. It was my maternal grandfather who was the mage.”
    Also true. Kane’s father had been sacrificed to Grandfather’s ever-growing need for blood to fuel his magic. He’d even used his own daughter for the same foul purpose, while she carried Kane in her womb. Unlike most of the mage marked, Kane had been born with his.
    â€œYour eye color is also odd.”
    Kane shrugged. “Another gift.”
    One from the goddess herself, but that truth would get him killed right where he stood. Keirthan continued to stare at Kane for several long seconds, clearly waging an internal battle as to what Kane’s fate should be. Finally, he gave a decisive nod.
    â€œI will offer you a position in my personal guard. For now Markus here will get you settled in. In three days’ time, there will be a trial by combat so