I escort Piers out with a slight redness to my own cheeks, knowing now where my grandfather's mind leads him. I could do worse, and now I've given up on my dream of being with Sage-an impossible one I should have known better than to cultivate-I am finding my sorcerer friend's closeness rather distracting.

I attempt to pull back and observe Piers with some dispassion as we enter the grand foyer and head for the front yard. My practical side ...