Chapter 25

Instead of bringing clarity to the situation, Marduke’s tale made me all the more confused. 

He told of how he’d been a member of the society centuries earlier.  He personally knew the founding members, including my parents.  His claim was that he held a position of authority, but was overthrown and banished when he disagreed with and refused to admit certain practices and policies into order.  These practices included allowing couples to syphon magic from each other’s shine.

“What harm is there in couples sharing their magic?” I asked.

His lips formed a weak smile. “Is it really sharing?  The stronger one is always the syphoner; thus, weakening the weaker one.  Without restrictions, the weaker one could be permanently altered.   Yes.  There is much harm.  You know, firsthand, how it temporarily depletes the body’s life force.  I am aware of how Jason repeatedly syph