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

to see everyone taking this more seriously, but on the other, it seemed like they had forgotten what I told them before.

“Look,” I said to interrupt. “We’re not going to prove who used the callring to signal our enemies. I said so from the beginning, and I still believe it. We were to use this time just to figure out who is surely innocent. Now we should use this time to search for Eslenda, or at least practice. We don’t often get to the forest. Soon we’re going to have to make camp anyway. If some of you still want to discuss this, we can do so then. Does everyone agree?”

“Jon’s right,” Michael said. “We already know it could be any of us, except Jon and Charlie.”

“I just want to say one more thing,” Eden announced.

“What?” I asked.

“We don’t need to find Eslenda, because she’s been watching us for a while now.”

Shocked, I looked around, but I didn’t see anyone.

“Yeah, I could feel her ordia. I thought Aliana was going to say something. You don’t sense her?”

“I was a little busy earlier.” Aliana closed her eyes, then quickly opened them again. “Yeah. Eslenda?” She turned toward a tree about ten yards from us.

Eslenda’s illusion slowly fell away. The elf appeared blurry at first, her pointed ears sprouting out of her light hair as she came into focus. She wore an expression of annoyance, her green eyes deep and wise.

“Oh, that’s how we find her,” Michael said sarcastically. “We just needed to have a very private conversation.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

“How long have you been there, Eslenda?” I asked.

“Long enough to know that one of you is betraying the rest but you don’t know who. Why are you in the forest?” Her words were clear, though her elvish accent made her speech sound melodic.

“We were looking for you,” I told her.

“It is late.”

“Yes, it is,” I replied. “Are you aware of what Cason has been doing in the capital?”

“No, I have been watching the forest for troops from Rohaer. I leave the dark mages in Lycast to the rest of you, and that’s how it will remain.”

“Why is that?” Eden asked a little rudely. “Cason will attack soon, or he will leave. If you really care about Lycast, like you seem to, you would come back with us and help us defend the city at least until he’s gone. There will be plenty of time after to watch the forest for troops from Rohaer.”

“I do not know what you have against me, young one, but I do not approve of your tone. I have remained here in the forest because I am needed. If I am more needed elsewhere, I will go there. I will leave you all right now if you only came here to show disrespect.”

Wanting to placate the two of them, I quickly spoke up. “I think Eden is only suggesting that we focus on our enemies in Lycast, then in Rohaer after Cason is gone.”

“I would think the king has explained this to you,” Eslenda said. “Guarding the forest must be done for it is the only path into Lycast from Rohaer. I expect them to come soon.”

“Why would you expect that?” Eden asked.

“Because they cannot sustain their army much longer. They must move and pillage. They will send another army of soldiers, this one much larger than the other. They will take one of the weaker cities, probably Koluk. Many will die.”

“Were you even going to come tell us about the last group?” Eden asked, sounding accusatory.

“I had figured the king would’ve known of them, but seeing as how you had to convince him to attack, yes I will bring your king news of any trespassers from Rohaer. But I will not leave the forest until I am sure Rohaer will not come, or if I can trust someone else to be here.”

“That’s fine,” I assured her. “We didn’t come here to recruit you.” I knew that was one of her fears. It was why she refused to meet the king. She fought for herself, or perhaps for her people. I still didn’t know. All I did know was that she didn’t take orders from the king and never would.

“It is late,” she repeated, “sundown soon. What do you require?”

“We came to learn about illusions.” I suddenly realized it was strange that Eden had pointed out Eslenda to the rest of us, and not Aliana. Had Eden, as an enchanter, sensed the illusion somehow?

“Illusions are complicated,” Eslenda said, then had a breath to show her frustration. “I am busy.”

“With what?” Eden challenged. “What are you doing all the time?”

“Protecting. Watching. There are two wars, young enchanter. Yours and the demigods’. The forest is…I’m not sure how to say it. An area of importance that you don’t understand.”

“Are you a demigod?” Charlie asked.

“No. Who are you? We have not met.”

“Charles Spayker. I’m a metal mage. People call me Charlie.”

“And you?” Eslenda pointed at Reuben.

“Reuben Langston.” He bowed. “I’m a mage of order, training to be a harbinger and enchanter, and perhaps a ranger as well.”

“What?” Aliana asked. “You can track?”

“Yes. Low-Lower B is in my range.”

“It’s in mine as well,” Eden said, “but that doesn’t mean I can feel anything with it.”

“Well I can, a little,” Reuben said.

I wasn’t sure I believed him. “Why haven’t you mentioned anything about it?” I asked.

“Because I still have to practice before it will be useful.” He glanced around at us, as we all seemed to have the same shocked expression.

“What?” he asked.

“If you’re telling the truth, then why haven’t you bragged about it before?” Kataleya asked.

“I don’t brag about anything.”

“Then what do you call it?” Kataleya asked skeptically.

“I state the truth when it is relevant.”

I was as surprised as everyone. Although it was hard to accept, I really did believe that Reuben thought he never bragged.

Eslenda interrupted, “I have heard enough about all of you for today. What do you wish to know about illusions, Jon?”

“Cason has been using illusions to