23 October 2026
Today in the newest installment from the third book of The Redemption series, The Morgle Unmasked, we rejoin our heroes as they begin to explore what is left of Shigmar’s school. . . . (16 May 2016) The full ebook version of this book is available for purchase from all ebook sellers. We remind all that the first book in this series, Chosen of the One, and the second book, Staff of Shigmar, are both free from Smashwords! Glossary links: Book 3, Book 2, Book 1
Chapter 6, Part 2
Rokwolf nodded slightly. “I recall stairways at either end of the school,” he went on, “I’m betting the east stairway, and the northeast levels of the school have fallen.” He pointed to the other door. “What about that door?”
“It goes into my master’s room,” he replied sadly.
Rokwolf raised one eyebrow. “That’s strange.”
Klaybear shook his head. “Not really,” he answered. “They did a lot of work together after their spouses died, so it was easier than always trooping back and forth between here and the infirmary, where Master Avril had his quarters. It was quite convenient for all the apprentices,” he added, “then the farthest we had to walk was down to the sub-levels where Master Ghelvon had us train and practice with weapons.”
“Is there anything you want from the Headmaster’s quarters?” Rokwolf asked. “Now would be a good time to retrieve anything of value, before the looting starts.”
Klaybear shook his head. “No looters will get inside these quarters,” he noted, “only someone very powerful could break or circumvent the wards sealing the doors.”
Rokwolf snorted. “Then how did we get in?”
“Klare could enter Master Avril’s chamber,” Klaybear replied, “as I can enter my master’s quarters.” He pointed to the door. “Try and open that door.”
Rokwolf snorted, then he held up his hands. “Do you take me for a fool?”
Klaybear smiled. “You are wise,” he said and walked over to the door, opening it. As his hand touched the latch, there was a flash of green light before the door opened; he turned and smiled back at his twin.
Rokwolf nodded but did not move to follow him; rather, his eyes shot toward Klare, then back to his brother.
Klaybear understood and stepped into his master’s room; at his word, the magluku flared to life. A pang wrenched his chest at seeing the room empty but for a single sheet of parchment on the table where he had spent many hours taking notes, making mistakes, and trying to understand the complexities of the kailu art under his master’s gentle hand. Slowly, not wishing to disturb the peace and quiet filling the room, he moved toward the table and the single piece of parchment, seeing the familiar handwriting and signature at the end of the short message: “I’ve left your new assignments in the usual place; one should be put away right now, secretly and safely for later; you will know what to do with the second. M.” Klaybear folded the parchment and slipped it into one of his inside pockets; he looked over toward the door, and the small, ugly little painting of a robed figure standing over a second robed figure, who was kneeling in abject humility before the first, standing figure. This small, rectangular painting hung on the wall just to the right of the door into the hallway. Klaybear walked over to the door and painting, looked around to make sure no one was watching, took out his kailu symbol, held it to the kneeling figure, and softly whispered, “To learn I come.” His symbol glowed briefly, and the painting swung open, uncovering a niche the same size as the painting; two bags were stuffed inside. Klaybear pulled them out; the first contained several unmarked books and scrolls, and the second, healing supplies, a book on advanced healing, and another note. The painting closed; Klaybear carried the bags back to Master Avril’s room.
Rokwolf stood with Avril’s bags slung over his shoulders; Klare stood at the table in Avril’s room, holding a bag of books, and she looked up as her husband entered.
“What took you so long?” Klare asked.
Klaybear looked surprised. “Long? I don’t think I’ve been out of the room more than . . . ,” he stopped, seeing the green eyes flash. “Uh, sorry, dear,” he went on, “my master stuffed more into his assignment box than would really fit, which included some healing supplies; I did not want to break any of the potion bottles,” he noted, holding up the bag as evidence, then continued before Klare could respond. “He also left some books that he suggested I put immediately into a safe place,” he said, holding up the second bag and then pointing to a similar bag on Avril’s table. “Did your master leave you some books, too, books that you want me to take back to our sanctuary for you?” he asked.
Klare had opened her mouth to retort but smiled instead, passing the bag and breath-giver to Klaybear. “How astute of you to notice,” she said sweetly, rising onto her toes and kissing him fondly; Rokwolf turned away and moved to the door. “We’ll wait for you in the hall,” Klare said.
“Seal this room when you leave,” Klaybear said, “I’ll leave from and return to my master’s room, since I do not think the wards would allow me to enter here, even using breath-giver.”
“Oh,” Klare said, looking quite surprised, “I had not considered that.”
“You were too busy being clever,” Klaybear quipped.
“Be nice, Klaybear!” she retorted, “or I will make you pay for that remark!” but she was smiling as she turned away.
On Monday we will discover the only remaining survivor still haunting Shigmar’s partially destroyed school, one we have before met, and one who will have an impact on the story from this point forward. Until then, we remind all that the first two books of this series, Chosen of the One and Staff of Shigmar, are free from Smashwords. Get this book, The Morgle Unmasked, from the links provided. Good reading!
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