Into the Labyrinth (Mage Errant, #1)

by John Bierce

“They’re all visibly terrifying,” Sabae said. “You’re in the first group, and you look… utterly normal. No weird tattoos, no bonded magical weapons passed down through your family, no familiar. No costume to try and make yourself look more dangerous, either. Their imaginations must be running wild trying to figure out what kind of mage you are.”