Read Online Dragonvein Book Four by Brian D. Anderson - Free Book Online Page B

Though his arms had managed to reach the top, he felt himself quickly sliding off again. But just before he fell, what must have been a hand gripped the back of his shirt collar and hefted him all the way up.
    Martok got to his feet, eyes darting about in every direction and utter confusion on his face. There was still no one to be seen. How could that be? “This isn’t funny,” he said, trying to sound brave. “Come out.”
    “You are an interesting child.”
    It was a female voice that seemed to come from inside his own head. It was calm and comforting in a way he had never experienced before. Instantly, all anxiety and fear left him.
    “Your father used a spell to help himself up here,” the voice continued. “I’m sure you know enough magic by now. Why didn’t you do the same?”
    Martok felt embarrassed. “I…I don’t know. I guess I just didn’t think of it. Are you Heather?”
    “I am. Please answer my question.”
    Martok shrugged. “I don’t use magic very much. Not when I'm away from home at least.”
    “And why not?”
    “I don’t know. I guess it’s because father doesn’t like it when people recognize us as a mage family.”
    “Is that right? And why would he not want that?”
    “He says that ordinary people act differently when mages are around. He says that because we’ve got special gifts, it’s our duty to look after them. But if we don’t know what they’re really like, we can’t do that properly.”
    “Your father is wise…and kind. But I recognized these qualities in him even as a child.”
    Martok narrowed his eyes. “Why can’t I see you?”
    Heather laughed. “Would you like to?”
    “Yes. Very much.”
    “Then you shall.”
    In a flash of blinding white light, a young woman appeared just a few feet in front of him. Straight, shoulder length auburn hair framed her delicate features perfectly. And, in spite of her youthful beauty, her simple attire gave her a reassuring, motherly quality.
    The moment he saw her, Martok felt the tears rising. In no time at all he was weeping uncontrollably. But these were not tears of sorrow. He ran headlong toward the woman, wrapping his small arms around her waist.
    Heather held him with tender care. “It’s all right. I’m here,” she whispered.
    He wasn't sure how long he remained in her arms. At least several minutes must have passed before he finally stepped away. “It’s…it’s just like when I was with my mother,” he sniffed. “It’s exactly the way I felt before she died.”
    Heather knelt down and produced a handkerchief. “I know,” she said gently, drying his tears. “I know how hard it was for you when she passed. I can see it within you.”
    “No one will tell me how she died,” Martok said. “Why won’t they tell me?”
    She held his hands. “You are such a brave boy. But there are some things that are too grown up for you to know yet. You must have faith that your father knows what is best for you. When the time is right, I'm sure he’ll tell you what you want to know. Until then, try not to think about it too much.”
    Somehow, her words eased his pain. A pain he'd constantly tried to hide from his father. A pain that, until this moment, he thought would never go away. “Are you alive?” he asked.
    Heather cocked her head. “Do I look alive to you?”
    Martok looked at her closely before nodding. “Yes. And you feel alive too. But father says you lived a very long time ago.”
    “That’s right. I did. And my true body passed on many years before you were born. Long before even your great great grandfather was alive.”
    “Then how are you here now?”
    She took his hand. “Come. I will show you. Then afterwards, you can ask me anything you want. Is that a deal?”
    Martok smiled up at her. “Deal.”
     
    * * * * *
     
    When arriving back at the top of the canyon, he found that his father had not returned to the cabin. Instead, he was sleeping on the ground just where the downward path