Serving Magic

Linden is the worst mage apprentice at her school. Her latest disaster: accidentally destroying her classroom when a small hooded fay pops up inside the fireball she’s just conjured. Linden is sent to the headmaster’s office to be formally expelled, when she is saved by the bell—quite literally. Someone is frantically ringing the bell inside the watchtower overlooking the western frontier. Raiders are coming, in broad daylight, wearing the uniforms of the enemy army.

Although Linden is now a Master Mage, she’s struggling to adjust to her new duties. Her advisors are more concerned with keeping her safe than listening to her warnings about the dark magic gathering along the borders. But that all changes when a fay scout delivers shocking news: Mordahn has returned from beyond the grave. Even worse, he’s discovered the ancient places of power, which are fueling his war machine.

Linden knows it’s only a matter of time before Mordahn’s army attacks her nation. Everyone agrees with Linden’s plan to take the fight to Mordahn—everyone except the handsome, obstinate Chief of Arrowood. Linden and the clan chief part on bitter terms.

By day, Mara runs a clockwork toyshop. By night, she spies for the resistance. The last thing Mara needs is a ridiculously handsome fay to train in customer service and spy craft. Arnesto is persistent, bedazzling, and a twelfth-level fay wizard. He also casts spells in all the wrong places, talks more than he listens, and manages to get himself arrested. Mara is giving the incompetent fay one more chance to prove himself.

Mara’s magic has stopped working—at the worst possible time! With chasms opening in the streets and chaos in the lower realms, should Mara seek help from the king of the elves?