This weekend, I have a snippet for you from The Sorcerer's Guardian, which will be released from Dreamspinner on November 28th. Here's the blurb:
Savarin, the most powerful sorcerer in Tournai, has honed his Talent through years of study and made magic his life. Among the wealthy and noble circles he moves in, no one would suspect the handsome, refined, and arrogant sorcerer’s humble beginnings, which is how Savarin prefers it. Tournai’s princes task Savarin with studying and strengthening the spells that protect the principality from magical attack. They are complex, centuries old, and exactly the type of puzzle Savarin is eager to solve. To his annoyance, the princes insist Loriot accompanies him.
Loriot worked his way up the ranks of the royal guard to captain and takes pride in his service. He must obey the princes’ orders to protect Savarin, despite believing his skills would be best used elsewhere. And despite his wariness of magic. UnTalented himself, he has learned not only the benefits of magic but also its potential for harm—and how to counter it. Loriot and Savarin clash during their journey, but there’s another reason for the tension between them, and passion develops into feelings neither expected. But Savarin must still fortify Tournai’s magical barrier, and his only solution endangers both him and the royal family.
In this snippet, Prince Philip tells informs Loriot and Savarin that Loriot will be accompanying Savarin on his journey.
“Captain Loriot,” Prince Philip said after the door opened and closed, “perfect timing. Thank you for joining us.”
“Of course, Your Highness. You had need of me?”
Savarin glanced over as Loriot stepped up beside Lord Etan’s chair. The captain looked his usual competent self this afternoon; Savarin hadn’t seen him look less than competent in all of their association. His thick, dark hair all in place, short beard neatly trimmed, deep red and brown uniform perfectly pressed. The royal seal was embroidered on its breast, his captain’s insignia displayed on the jacket’s arm.
“Yes, Captain,” Prince Philip said. “Master Savarin will be traveling along Tournai’s borders on an important mission for us. I’d like you to accompany him.”
Shock stole Savarin’s thoughts for a moment, but the protest came quickly. “Your Highness, that’s hardly necessary.”