Eye of Obscurance (Fate of Wizardoms, #1)

by Jeffrey L. Kohanek

In truth, prophecy is nothing more than instruction toward a possible future. Following such guidance greatly increases the odds for a specific outcome. In the end, the future depends solely on the actions of man. What you do will affect it. What you forego, well… That sometimes has an even greater impact.”

She was small, barely five feet, her build slight but muscular. It had been dim, but he still had the feeling her skin was darker than most, possibly making her Kyranni or even Hassakani. The way she had stood on the windowsill showed a lack of fear. Beyond all else, her blades stood out as unique – blades able to cut stone. Those same blades must have destroyed the locks. Weapons of power were uncommon, as were tools of such a nature.

Luck occurs when one forges opportunity into success, he would say. In truth, he didn’t know what it meant. He just liked the way it sounded.

In a world filled with unexpected complications, bribes remained reliable and unchanging.

Thurvin Arnolle was a small man, his face covered in shadow as always while acting as The Whispering Man.

“Yes. Kill her if you must. She is nothing to us,” Thurvin said. “More importantly, if you obtain the item, kill Landish. If he somehow obtains it and completes the mission, capture him and anyone else involved. Return with him and the amulet. We will allow our master to decide how we proceed.”

She was self-aware enough to admit her emotions sometimes gripped the helm and steered the ship – oftentimes toward stormy, troubled waters.

The trick, he had learned long ago, was to behave as if you belonged. Others hardly paid attention to anyone doing mundane, everyday tasks. People rarely cared about anyone other than themselves anyway.