Read Online Nature Mage by Duncan Pile - Free Book Online

awkwardly.
    “I’m scared, Gaspi,” she whispered tremulously. “I felt so…wrong in that room. So cold.” She shuddered again, and this time not from crying.
    “Me too,” Gaspi admitted.
    “And they’re going after people with magic, Gasp. That could be us next time.” She paused, and added even more softly: “It could be you.” Even in the dark Gaspi could see her wide eyes glistening with tears, could hear the fear in her voice. Leaning in, he kissed her gently, a kiss she returned with trembling lips.
    “I don’t know what to say, Emmy,” he whispered. “I’m frightened too. Once we reach Helioport we should be safe, I think.”
    “Lie down with me, Gaspi,” she said. “I don’t want to be alone.” He climbed quietly into her bed, not wanting to wake Jonn or Taurnil, and they lay there quietly, holding each other, until they both drifted off to sleep.
     
    Dawn stirred them all from sleep, and though Jonn gave Gaspi a level look he said nothing about his and Emea’s sleeping arrangement. They packed quietly, and went downstairs to have breakfast before setting off. The innkeeper tried to keep the friendly banter up during their brief meal, and wished them well as they departed, but his façade was clearly strained and they were glad to see the back of the place.
    After leaving the boundaries of the village, Jonn stopped them. “Are you three okay?” he asked, his eyes moving from face to face. Gaspi nodded as bravely as he could, Taurnil assenting more convincingly, but Emea had fear written all over her.
    “Is this safe, Jonn? I mean, what about the…thing that hunted Harold? If it is looking for magical ability then it might come for us.” Her voice trailed off, and Gaspi put his arm around her.
    “I don’t blame you for feeling that way Emmy,” Jonn said gently, “but we can’t let this change anything about our plan. I know you three must be worried about what we heard yesterday. Perhaps whatever killed these villagers is after people with mystical talents, but I don’t think that puts us in danger.” Jonn paused thoughtfully. “If they could sense magical ability, then why go for an old man who sometimes reads the weather when Gaspi is in the area?” he asked rhetorically. “I think we have to assume they find out who has talent the same way we do, by seeing it or hearing about it,” Jonn concluded.
    He looked at each of them as this sunk in. “Gaspi still needs training, and we don’t really have a choice. We’re halfway to Helioport now, anyway, and will hit the Great South Road tomorrow. There will be lots of travellers, and we should be safe. So let’s just keep our heads down and carry on with the journey, eh?” He was trying to be upbeat and light-hearted and actually sounded halfway there, but Gaspi could hear the concern in his voice nonetheless.
    Emea looked somewhat reassured, however, and after a moment she nodded. “Okay. You’re right. We have to get to Helioport, and there’s no reason to think going back is any safer.” Gaspi fixed her with a searching look. “I’ll be fine. I promise,” she said, smiling bravely at him, and then at Jonn and Taurn.
    “That’s my girl!” Jonn said, kissing her on the cheek. As they started to walk, the four travellers spread out, each moving in their own space.
    After a moment, Taurnil moved alongside Gaspi, speaking in an undertone. “If something was to attack us Gasp, would you be able to use your magic?”
    Gaspi screwed up his face. “I don’t know,” he said truthfully. “Last time it just burst out of me. I don’t think I can just make it happen. And…” he trailed off.
    Looking at Taurnil, he said: “And I’m scared. What happened with Jakko and Brock was out of my control - I could have killed them. I never want to feel like that again.” Looking into the distance, he shuddered involuntarily.
    “No doubt!” Taurn said. “We’ll just have to hope we don’t meet anything too nasty, then.” The