[The Ways of Mages 03] • Starfire

Can faith, love, honor, intrigue and magic cross a thousand years to save a kingdom from the ravages of evil ambition? Jewel Holden is the orphaned daughter of a king... but her heritage is far more noble! She along with a close group of friends control the fate of a kingdom and ultimately the very world. The Ways of Mages is a story of good versus evil with an often humorous and decidedly ethical world view. No one is beyond redemption... not even a dragon!

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Potatoes! Mounds and mounds of potatoes! Sergeant Tolivier had never seen so many potatoes. In hindsight (and Tolivier often thought that was his best view) it had been a mistake to question Lieutenant T'nere 's sexual prowess with young female captives; what with that young redhead getting away and all. Historically, such comments have been known to adversely affect a soldier's career. Tolivier knew about such things, as his career was no stranger to adversity.

Tolivier picked up a particularly large spud and examined it closely. Sighing he began the process of peeling it with his knife. His companion for the day was a young kitchen boy named Tep. Tep had the annoying habit of questioning the wisdom that Tolivier, as a responsible adult and seasoned soldier felt obligated to pass onto the younger generation. No, to be sure, he didn't say much but his habit of cocking his head and raising his left eyebrow whenever Tolivier passed on one of his little gems was downright ungracious.

"I tell ya boy tis a matter historical rec-herd it is! Durin the dragon wars spuds was used as maps they was. Yes sir ol King Cole used 'em ta pass directions to his men durin the battle of Sigon"

"He lost the battle of Sigon"

"Well of course he did!" Tolivier said with the air of a man vindicated. "How can ya win a battle when yer men eat the maps?"

The eyebrow continued its upward journey.

[The Ways of Mages was previous published as The Way of the World]