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

“You’re actually serious?” Leon asked.

“I am.”

“Fine, I will not pursue her if it’s so terrible for you.”

“Good.”

There was a silence. Figuring it was over, I went back in and sat on the stool near the entrance. Aliana had returned to organizing the back room. Leon started to leave, but he turned around.

“You’re being very childish about this.”

“I’m fine with that also,” Aliana said as she rearranged more jars.

Leon returned to the front of the small building. He paced around, looking at Aliana. I didn’t know if I’d ever seen him at a loss for words.

Eventually he stormed out.

I heard Gwen’s voice from right outside. “Leon, you’re leaving?”

“Yes, I must be going. I apologize.”

“I do hope I will see you again soon.”

I met eyes with Aliana, who was walking out of the back room to listen.

“Unfortunately, that is unlikely,” we heard Leon say. “I don’t think I will be able to return.”

“Oh,” she replied sadly. “Did something happen?”

“No, I…well, yes. But I can’t discuss it. I’m sorry, Gwen. I’ve enjoyed our time together.”

Leon re-entered. “Jon, I almost forgot. Take that sack back to the castle when you’re done here. Make sure it’s before supper. I have to pick up a few other things.”

“All right.”

Leon went toward Gwen as she stared at him with a hopeful look. Aliana came out to watch as Leon took Gwen’s hands.

“Goodbye.”

“Goodbye,” she replied.

As Leon walked away, a tense moment passed before Gwen turned to her daughter.

“Did you say something to him?”

“Of course I did. He’s abrasive, annoying, and doesn’t give a shit about anyone but himself.”

“Language, Ali!”

“I can’t believe you’re angry at me. I should be the one who’s angry. How much have I complained about Leon to you? Did you tell father everything I shared about Leon as well, or only the parts that might get me and my friends killed?”

Gwen had her hand over her chest, hurt evident in her eyes. An old lady entered with a severe hunch. She appeared a little nervous to step into the tense atmosphere.

“Am I at the right place?” she asked.

“Yes,” I answered and turned to the mother and daughter, who couldn’t seem to let go of their anger as they glared at each other. “Perhaps you two would like to speak elsewhere?” I offered.

“Come on,” Aliana said.

Gwen followed her out.

The old lady looked as if she might fall over if her cane was taken from her. I brought a chair over.

“Thank you.” She squinted as she looked at my face. “Oh, you are much too young to be the healer.”

“I am.”

I offered her the same explanation that had become practiced by now. I was a sorcerer of the king. He loves his people. Taxes coming. She took it with skepticism, arguing that I couldn’t possibly have the skills of a real healer, but her attitude was completely changed after I put my hands on her back and let my spell do its work.

The moment she was done groaning in pain, she started to straighten out.

“Oh. Ohhh.” She appeared years younger as she stood up without the cane and twisted from one side to another. “My goodness. Thank you, young man. You must let me pay you something for this.”

She took out her tiny coin purse.

“I don’t need any coin, madam. I’m happy to help, and the king prefers it this way. Just make sure to tell others.”

“I will.” She started to walk out.

“Wait, wouldn’t you like me to heal the rest of your aching joints?” I had felt that a great deal of work was needed just from the quick moment my hand had been on her back.

She looked at me as if I’d just told her I would buy her a house.

“You can really do that?” she asked carefully, as if the wrong words might make it untrue.

“I can, and I’m happy to,” I repeated.

“My goodness.”

*****

Aliana and her mother didn’t return for a long time. Quincy did, the healer coming by just to see how much longer I would be. There were a few other errands he’d been putting off until he had more time and more coin, which the king had provided to him this day. I told him I would be leaving as soon as Aliana returned, and he stayed after that.

I healed many more people, never encountering a problem that my mana couldn’t handle. I hoped the old lady would spread word to others as she’d said she would. There were probably many people her age who needed a fair amount of healing to feel better.

Eventually, Aliana came back with her mother. It didn’t look as if they were getting along any better than when they left.

“Let’s go,” Aliana told me curtly.

The sack Leon had left behind was heavy, making me wonder if our instructor was stronger than he looked. I carefully slung it over my shoulder as we said our goodbyes to Quincy and Gwen, then started back toward the castle.

It was nice to think of the castle as my home now, a place where I was welcomed by people I cared about. I felt that’s what I needed more than anything right now. I hoped I could cheer up Aliana because she seemed somber after her long conversation with her mother.

“Do you mind if we talk?” I asked.

She raised her eyebrow. “About what?”

“About what’s troubling you.”

“I didn’t think you wanted to hear more about that.”

“I do if I might be able to help you feel better.”

She showed me the hint of a smile, though it didn’t fully form. “I’m confused, I suppose. I’m frustrated with my mother for so many reasons, but she’s the only family I have. I know she does care about me. She just seems to care about herself a whole lot more. I realize I’m an adult now, but she’s always been like this.”

Aliana paused for a long while before she went on.

“At the same time, she’s furious with Luther for deceiving her, which I get. I feel like he’s the real enemy,