“Might as well until we have another possible dig site. But you’re not going to have the full complement of Invisible Swords.”

“I figured. Better some than none.” Aphra stood and stretched. “I’d better get some sleep.”

It sounded like an excellent idea.

“What was that look for?” Jayden asked Gurice once Aphra had left. “Do you really want to endanger your brother for a few extra coins?”

“Mojag might be better at avoiding the guards and deacons than you think,” Shyla said. She explained about her experiments.

Instead of being happy, Jayden growled at Gurice. “And you let her do that to him? He’s just a boy.”

“He’s old enough to make his own decisions,” Gurice shot back. “Besides, it’s a good thing. We need more people who can wield magic.”

“He’s not mature enough. He’s already cocky and takes unnecessary risks. If he learned how to wield magic…” Jayden sighed.

“What’s really bothering you, Jay?” Gurice asked in a soft voice.

“When I was the priestess’s…prisoner…one of the things that got me through their…questioning…” He swallowed.

Ximen put a hand on Jayden’s shoulder, squeezing it in support.

Jayden gave him a wan half smile that quickly faded. “I endured because I knew Mojag escaped. I thought the Invisible Sword was gone and that he would be able to return to the commune and not be recruited. He’d have…well, not a normal life, but a safer one.” He swept an arm out. “And here he is. Still in danger.”

It was obvious that Jayden and Mojag were more than friends, more than mentor and student—they were brothers of the heart.

“I’m glad you’re worried about him, but that’s not for you to decide,” Gurice said. “It’s his choice. He knew he could have returned to the commune back when we were hiding at the monastery. At any time, really. Unlike us, no one knows he’s involved with the Invisible Sword. He’s chosen to stay with us despite the danger. If Shyla can unlock all his magic, that will make him safer.”

Jayden’s shoulders sagged. “You’re right.” He focused on Shyla. “You said you could see a glowing ribbon of magic inside him when he tried to wield magic. Did you see it with The Eyes?”

“Yes. I had to lower my shield.” She described what she had done in more detail.

“And you think you can unlock the rest of his magic?” he asked Shyla.

“As I see it, it’s more like…opening it up to its full potential. Like widening that crack. I’ve no idea if it’ll work, but I think it’s worth the effort if Mojag agrees.”

“When are you going to…you know…try?”

“Not for a couple sun jumps,” Shyla said. “I need to recover.”