Vernt

"They don't have to live like swine," counters Vernt.

The Magi'i Of Cyador Modesitt, L. E. 2000

After a moment, he says, "Vernt is seeing a lovely young woman."

The Magi'i Of Cyador Modesitt, L. E. 2000

After another hug from his mother and handclasps from Vernt and his father, Lorn finally walks down the marble stairs, to find that Jerial, as the others have said, waits alone by the front door.

The Magi'i Of Cyador Modesitt, L. E. 2000

"And don't take all the sun-nut bread," suggests Myryan from where she sits across from the still-lanky Vernt.

The Magi'i Of Cyador Modesitt, L. E. 2000

Lorn quietly finishes his casserole, and, while the others are looking at Vernt and Jerial, and while his mother has slipped away from the table to bring the dessert platter, he slips a slice of sun-nut bread from the tray and onto his platter.

The Magi'i Of Cyador Modesitt, L. E. 2000

"So Vernt is safe, then?" inquires Lorn, understanding his own danger, if not precisely all the possible forms that danger could lead to were he to remain a student and become a full magus.

The Magi'i Of Cyador Modesitt, L. E. 2000

"In short, I'm expected to die young and respectably, and Vernt will carry on."

The Magi'i Of Cyador Modesitt, L. E. 2000

The talent for handling chaos runs strongly in Kien'elth's children, even in Vernt, if slightly less powerfully, and any children that Myryan might bear will have a far better chance of holding the talent than those of anyone else that Ciesrt might take as consort.

The Magi'i Of Cyador Modesitt, L. E. 2000

"Vernt asked a question or two at dinner last night," Lorn says.

The Magi'i Of Cyador Modesitt, L. E. 2000

He can hold the iron without burning his hands, but there is no reason to, not when Vernt or his father might sense it.

The Magi'i Of Cyador Modesitt, L. E. 2000