Emrys returned to the Dark-World to finalize his training, realizing that his duel in the stone circle was approaching fast. He had learned how to shout and project his strength like a mage, but he still had no idea how to overcome the strange blood magic that Gwern practiced. He needed Dara to teach him how, and quickly.
He had expected to go out to the courtyard again, or in the ruined tower: the places where they did most of their magical training. Instead, Dara bid him to sit down at a dining table. Then he brewed a strange tea that smelt of mold. Emrys took one sip of it and gagged. It was like tasting a compost pile.
“You have to drink,” Dara said. “The tea has calming herbs in it that will relax your mind.”
“I don’t want to relax my mind. I am a warrior, and I have a duel to win.
