Hunted Sorcery (Jon Oklar Book 2), B.T. Narro [digital book reader txt] 📗

I have come back here many times looking for you. Did Quincy tell you?”

“He didn’t. Is everything all right?”

“Yes, never better. I really can’t thank you enough.”

“Oh, I’m happy to help.”

Greda had a cute face, with light blonde hair and an infectious smile. I didn’t know exactly how old she was, but she didn’t seem much younger than me.

“I was worried the king might have you doing something dangerous,” she said.

“He did for a time,” I replied. “But I think things will calm down for a while now. That’s why I’m able to return here to heal, but I should also mention that there might be a crisis tax in the near future. It all depends on the movement of Rohaer’s army.”

“That is grave news. Will you be in danger?”

Me? I didn’t understand why she wasn’t more concerned about herself or the tax I mentioned.

“No, uh, I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

“Oh, because you’ll stay out of the fight to heal others?”

“No, I’m sure I’ll fight if needed.”

“So you will be in danger.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine,” I repeated. “The king has us training rigorously.”

She seemed overly concerned as her light eyebrows bent down.

“Really, Greda. Don’t worry about me.”

“All right, well…” She seemed to grow nervous as she looked down for a breath. “I’ve wanted to ask you something for a while now. Would you like to, uh, take a walk with me when you are done here?” She looked up with a worried expression.

“A walk?”

She nodded.

“You need me to go somewhere with you?”

“Uh, no, it’s not that.”

I suddenly noticed Leon covertly listening from outside, as he gave a quick peek around the doorway.

Greda continued, “A walk, you know…with me? Are you interested?”

Seeing how nervous she appeared, I finally got the idea that this was her way of showing her romantic interest in me.

“Oh,” I exclaimed in shock.

She smiled brightly.

I tried to think of an answer. I wanted to say yes, because it was clearly important to her, but I couldn’t stop thinking about Kataleya.

I looked Greda over a little more carefully. I had always been so busy whenever we’d met that I’d never taken the time to really see her. She was short and cute, and always friendly even after Reuben had been rude to her when we’d first met in her shop. She seemed genuinely caring, but she also did appear younger than Kataleya, as I looked more carefully. She might be sixteen, for all I knew.

Wondering her age made me realize that I didn’t know her very well, and I didn’t think she knew me very well, either. Had I time to spare, and had my heart been open, I would’ve gladly strolled around the city with her as we got to know each other, but I just wasn’t in a good place right now.

How was I supposed to tell her without hurting her? It didn’t help that Leon was openly staring at me with folded arms, now giving me a look as if I was stupid. There was a large sack of something sitting on the ground beside him.

“I think you’re really cute, Greda, but I just can’t give you the time that you deserve right now. I’m not in the right place.”

“Oh.” She looked down. “I understand. Take care,” she told the floor.

I wanted to apologize, but she was already heading out, Leon stepping out of her way.

“Take care,” I repeated as she disappeared.

“You’re dumber than you look!” Leon said, hauling the sack inside. An assortment of things clattered within as he set it down rather roughly.

“I’d rather not hear it from you,” I said, gesturing at the closed curtain and hoping he would get my hint that Aliana was listening to everything.

“What’s wrong with you? She’s cute. You even admitted it yourself.”

“Now’s just not the right time,” I said, hoping someone would come in who needed healing. Of course, no one did.

“You need to learn how to relax. From the moment I met you, all you’ve cared about is training and working. Don’t you know how to take some time for yourself? Not only is she cute, but, surprisingly, she likes you! Airinold’s taint, what if you went for a little walk and made her happy? But no, it’s not the right time. There’s never a right time. You have to take the chance when it comes.”

“I’m just not interested in her. Can you please drop it?”

Leon leaned close to my face as if looking for something.

“What are you doing?” I leaned away. “Stop that.”

“Your heart’s set on someone else.”

“Why do you even care about any of this?”

“What do you mean why? Can’t I be interested in your well-being?”

“I’d rather we stick to conversations about the magical arts and nothing else.”

“Fine, fine.” Leon pulled open the curtain to the back room, but he stopped in shock as he saw Aliana facing him with a nervous look. “Aliana? You shouldn’t eavesdrop. It’s unbecoming.”

“Am I supposed to cover my ears? You talk loudly enough for the whole street to hear you!”

“Never mind. Did your mother return yet?”

“She was with you last.”

“We separated to pick up a few things. She said she would meet us back here.”

Aliana put her hands on her hips. “Why are you so interested in my mother?”

“We have something to discuss.”

“What could you possibly discuss with her?”

“For one thing, dinner.”

“Yuck. Please don’t.”

“Don’t what?”

Incredibly uncomfortable, I walked out into the street hoping someone might want free healing. The street was completely empty, and I could hear Aliana and Leon even from out here.

“Don’t do what you’re doing,” Aliana told him.

“I’m just enjoying her company.”

“Well, don’t!” Her voice was verging on shouting.

Leon matched her level. “She’s enjoying mine as well!”

“Please, please just stop talking about this, and stop talking to her.”

“What is so wrong?”

“Because she’s my mother!”

“You’d rather some other man treat her to a nice dinner?”

“Yes, actually. Any other man.”

“Aliana, I’m insulted.”

“That’s fine with me.”

I thought about walking away as I listened from outside, but I had to admit I was a little curious how