Ard's Oath

Arden was left in the village by a dying mage, who never returned. With no way out of the village on his own, he had always held onto the hope that one day his magic would awaken and give him access to his spheres. But he’s about to turn eighteen and it’s never come. Instead, he’s settled into his lot as a sarcastic and quick-witted innkeeper. That all changes one night when his old flame, who escaped the village to become a mage’s anchor, returns. Ard’s life is about to go through some dramatic changes, and he’s not ready for them.

Ard and his anchors are off to the capital, but not without his Congratulations—you’re-a-mage horse. Ard has to figure out what it means to be a noble as he struggles with the politics of the capital, fierce beasts and even fiercer rivals. All the while a goddess slips into his household as the staff and works to watch over him and his mother.

Ard is hunkering down in the mountains for the winter as the war cools with the snow. That means it’s time to practice his magic and stay out of trouble. Well… Ard might not be entirely proficient at the last one. At the very least, he’s staying away from the city and his penchant for annoying other people. Except that doesn’t work out so well when he’s forced to attend a ball held by the Brighthavens, though they’ll certainly regret forcing Ard’s attendance.

Winter was supposed to be a time for Ard to relax and train; instead, he finds himself repairing a ruined city. The battle at Faylin has made waves, and people are starting to have expectations for Ard and, more importantly, for Gwen. The Elder Trial is set, and Ard heads back into the den of vipers that is the capital. While his mother prepares to become an Elder and take over House Aldis, Ard is plotting and planning to ensure he doesn't get caught up in Carmilla's machinations this time around.