"That's a lot more than when you started."
"I'd hope so." Standing, Corrie rested a hand on the dagger that sat beneath his ragged cloak, a weapon that had likely been acquired by dubious means. "I might not ever manage to become a magus, or even a mage of any importance, but that's of no concern to me. Tell me, Alistar, what do you think would happen if this needle were to hit a person between the eyes, or in one of their temples, or the large vein in their neck?"
"Nothing good, I'd imagine."
"In a fair fight, there aren't many people I can best. But a quick cast from the shadows, at an unsuspecting target? That might not be the case."
Alistar held up his left wrist, showcasing the protective charm that Mr. Albeck had given him. "What if they have one of these?"
"Whether it's one of the spikes that you use or one of my needles, they'll trigger the charm's effect all the same. Once it's spent, then I can just throw another one."
