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

fallen unconscious. Then we found out later that a sorcerer was involved. Sorcerers used curses, not poisons, especially sorcerers experienced in dteria.

“This is likely to hurt,” I explained. “But that just means it’s working.”

“Oh gods.” She gripped her daughter’s hand. “Please get rid of it. Please.”

I readied the spell like readying a snap of my fingers. As with all spells, it was a matter of splitting my single source of mana into three different frequencies. I thought maybe I could catch the curse by surprise, casting Heal and then locating it again with my mana that was now vibrating at three different frequencies.

It worked. I felt my mana latch on to the curse as I closed my eyes and envisioned a battle between dark and light.

Pamela grunted and nearly fell out of the chair as I held my hand over her chest. “Stay still!” I demanded. I almost lost connection with my mana, which would’ve ended the spell abruptly.

Pamela cried out in obvious agony. The healing spell drained my stamina faster than sprinting. I could feel life from the curse, some fear at being found but mostly aggression in its worst form. It had been mostly dormant in Pamela’s body, waiting for a signal from its master. But now that it had been found, it fought on its own.

My mana battled back. My healing spell was extremely powerful, but so was the curse. It tried to destroy my mana, but my mana was like my breath. Something within me created it, and there was always more.

I almost ran out of strength, and the curse was still fighting back strong. I didn’t know what else I could do besides keep up the spell as I pinpointed my thoughts on destroying it. I was about to give up when I finally felt the curse begin to wither.

My mana broke through the curse’s defenses and suddenly shattered the thing. It happened so violently, I feared I might’ve damaged Pamela in the process.

Panting, I opened my eyes and readied myself to catch her, but she stopped groaning. She looked at me, then at Greda, the color returning to her face.

A smile grew from her lips.

CHAPTER TEN

Pamela put her hand over her chest. Her breathing slowed. I was still catching my breath.

“Mother?” Greda asked.

She stood from the chair slowly. “It’s gone.”

“Thank god!” Greda embraced her mother as they both wept.

I let them have a moment as I recovered. Leon was right. I should’ve been doing this as soon as I taught myself the spell. I supposed I was a healer now, in addition to a battle wizard. I would enjoy getting used to it.

“What do I owe you?” Pamela asked me.

“No charge. It’s on behalf of the king.”

“No, you have to accept some form of payment,” Pamela said.

“I have plenty of coin. I’m just happy to help.”

Greda nearly knocked me over as she threw her arms around me. “Thank you, Jon. Thank you so much! I have been so worried about my mother.” She started to cry again. “I can’t tell you how relieved I am.” She pecked my cheek a few times, then squeezed me even tighter.

I needed her to stop or I would start crying as well, because it reminded me of how worried I had been about my father.

“I’m glad,” I said as I choked down tears.

“Pamela?” Leon asked. He stood outside looking in through the window. I didn’t know how long he’d been there. “Will you open the door?” he asked.

“Is that you Leon?” She quickly opened the door.

“It is. It’s been a long time.”

“My god, you haven’t aged a year.”

“You look wonderful now, much better than just earlier.”

“You were at Quincy’s? I’m sorry I didn’t notice you. I’ve been nearly out of my mind with worry recently.”

“Did Jon get rid of that curse for you?”

So he did know what it was. I was glad. I had many questions, as I’m sure Pamela and Greda did as well.

“How did you know I was cursed?” Pamela asked.

“A guess,” Leon said. “It’s time to go back to the castle, Jon.”

I had almost forgotten I would only be out healing for a couple of hours. But what if someone else needed help like Pamela had?

I reminded myself that someone did need help. The king. He had to protect his kingdom, and I was one of the people entrusted to do that. I had to go back and train my offensive spell.

“Can you answer something first, Leon?” Pamela asked.

“Certainly.”

“Who was it who cursed me? And why did they do it?”

“We don’t know who it was, but we will find out.” Leon spoke so confidently that I started to wonder if it was true that Cason had not done it. “Their reasoning was not to hurt you or your daughter but to corrupt Jon. We do know who the illusionist is, and we will have him captured or killed soon enough.”

Greda spoke, “All of my mother’s suffering was just so the illusionist could give Jon that one stone?”

“I’m sorry to say that it was.”

“So the stone really was an essence of dteria?” Greda asked.

“Yes,” Leon confirmed. “But Jon did not allow it to alter his mana long enough for him to cast a spell of dteria. This should all be over now for the two of you. Come on, Jon.”

“Wait,” Greda said. “Could whoever cursed my mother have removed the curse later?”

“Easily,” Leon said.

“Then why didn’t they?” she asked as she balled a fist.

Leon looked apologetic. “This is a powerful witch, warlock, or some other type of sorcerer who doesn’t care about anyone else. They used you and your mother to get to Jon, but you don’t have to worry about that any longer.”

“Why not?” Pamela asked. “What has changed?”

“They’ve surely realized by now that Jon cannot be corrupted.” Leon looked at me. “He can only be stopped physically.” He glanced at Pamela. “That is why Jon and I must be leaving. Whoever cursed you must now know that his curse has been removed.