Spren of Kindness

Martin spins around, one foot sliding back, planting the other solidly. His heart rate goes up. "What - "

"Sounds good."

"So, Queen, Ayia, and Craven? You think that's enough?"

"Yes. It's going to be dangerous anyway, but if it goes right, it'll just be the usual danger that accompanies brain surgery."

"Depends. Who's coming with? What are we talking in terms of magic concealment? Bringing most people would require some sort of acclimation period, twenty-four hours minimum to understand how Earth works, and the severity of keeping hidden. Factor in the time it can take to organize any kind of medical procedure, finding the money for said procedure, and keeping it all under the table? At least a week." Martin rubs the back of his head. "I have a few favors that I might be able to call in that could speed things up, but I can't count on any of it, given how I left."

"Not all of it." Though some of it, he's willing to explain. "I trust her. What about Craven?" He isn't entirely sure that bringing a kid on this expedition is a good idea.

Yep. I think that when Book of Boba Fett comes out, I'm going to fiercely avoid any and all internet conversation about it, and that will help my investment.

Finished the last episode of Season One of Star Wars: The Bad Batch. All in all, I enjoyed it. I'm not as invested as some people I've seen, but I think it was good, and I'm excited to watch the next season with my family.

Martin hesitates. "Ayia... already knows what's going on," he says carefully. "I haven't really told anyone else, and I'd rather not." A fine job he's doing of this.

Martin nods. "Right. Who all would 'we' be?" His minds spins, trying to figure out logistics.

"Yes."

"What?" That doesn't make sense.

Martin follows him, putting his hands behind his back.

"Discussion?" Martin says quietly to Fadran.

I'm not a big poetry reader, but I got a book called Alone, by Megan Freeman, about a girl in an abandoned town. The whole thing is written in verse, though I'm not sure what kind. It's not rhyming. I enjoyed it quite a bit. I also read If We Survive by Andrew Klavan, which I have described to friends as the 'every Christian parent's worst nightmare' plot. It was good. Shorter that I would have liked, but still a good length. Next up: Into the Black by Evan Currie, an adult sci-fi about a starship's maiden voyage, and Knife of Dreams!

Martin makes a face. "This would be better discussed without a lot of onlookers," he hedges.

Martin looks around, trying to find Ayia. She can help him explain this, probably. He hopes so.

Martin nearly chokes. Fadran has no idea what he just said. He can't.

"Understandable. Your best bet is to talk to Fadran, or maybe Ayia."

"It seems that magic is required to leave at the moment, so I'm not entirely sure what the answer to that is," Martin answers. "I've been here a while."

Martin watches the man screaming and feels slightly confused.

So, you have a question for me? Nah, just three of 'em.

The Harbinger series by Jeff Wheeler is really good. (middle grade fantasy - maybe YA, unsure) There are five books, all around the same length. The Lost Planet by Rachel Searles. (middle-grade sci-fi) Two books - unfortunately, the third one was never released, but I think that it's still an excellent series. The Books of Bayern by Shannon Hale. (YA fantasy) Four books. This series is one of my favorites, and I also really enjoy Princess Academy by the same author. The Oath by Frank Peretti (Adult Christian thriller) is also really good. Christian fiction is often hit-or-miss, and this one hit. Peretti's a great writer.