Ria told me that being able to use augmented items to cast spells took long training and the basic skill at casting spells normally, but otherwise it was actually quite easy. It did require more concentration than normal casting, but the increased power was worth it if the augmented item was strong enough.

One time, when she had made an unusually gross mess of some persistent ghouls who had ambushed us, I asked her about it. She only chuckled nervously and said that she had no idea. She added that she hoped that she would not find out either. I hoped so too.

After he had finished everything he needed to with his mentor's estate, Bereth set forth away from the settlement. He knew that since he had taken her ring without her children's permission or knowledge, he ought to hide it.

It was hard to believe it had been eight years since then, and even harder was to believe that it was a Midsummer again and I was here.