Summon the Elven Mage, Barbara Ferrier [ebook reader with highlighter .TXT] 📗

“Young man,” he heard, “I am Kelne with Kalendra’s Coalition of Wizards and Shaman. I received word that you’ve come to help us.” The wizard yelled loudly across the plateau.

“Really? I can try,” Kris said. “A woman with a beautiful voice asked me to care for the ancestors. Are you an ancestor?”

“That’s a complicated question,” Kelne laughed, walking up to Kris and greeting him.

“Do people live here, or have I gone completely insane?” Kris asked directly. “I was helping someone translate the symbols in a mural …” Kris held up his journal and showed his work to the wizard. Kelne took the book and looked through the drawings and the translations at the front.

“That looks useful. Where did you find these images?” Kelne asked.

“Some rural place in the desert. A friend took me,” Kris said. “I don’t know where we were. A woman led me to an ancient ruin and asked me to protect the people. I think I said yes.”

“Young man, I’m quite impressed. I’d say you’re taking this very well,” Kelne said.

“I am? I don’t think so. You see, I’m completely insane, off my rocker, done for.”

“No.”

“No?”

“You’re here because you were summoned,” Kelne said emphatically. “I’ve been expecting you.”

Kris looked him in the eye and paused, a look of disbelief on his face. “That can’t be. How? I must have done something wrong. Made a mistake.”

“No. None of that. You were summoned. I am the welcoming committee. We have a problem I believe you can help with …”

Kris stood opening his mouth and then closing it again. “But I don’t belong here. Isn’t that a bigger problem?” he said.

“I dare say, you were ridiculously difficult to reach. I finally got your attention in your dream,” Kelne said meeting Kris’s eyes. “You take on too much responsibility and you always have. I’m grateful your father warned you. Now that you’re here I want you to relax and regroup. You have an important mission but not just yet.”

“I’m not … insane? That’s a relief. But how could …?”

“An ancient plan. Of course, you wouldn’t remember. It was a decision made a long time ago,” Kelne said. “Don’t worry. It’s unimportant right now.”

“What am I supposed to do here? Protect ancestors? That’s what the woman said.”

“It’s possible, but hopefully unnecessary,” Kelne said gently, encouraging Kris to relax. “Tea service, please,” Kelne clapped his hands expectantly.

Before them, a table of stone emerged directly out of the plateau, along with two chairs. Then a piping hot teapot appeared with steam coming out of the spout. Two cups sat next to it, and an array of refreshments appeared on the table.

“Please, take a seat and help yourself. You must be famished,” Kelne said. Then he sat and poured the tea as if everything was as it should be. Kris stared at the table, at Kelne and the food. He took his hat off and sat down.

Kris bit into a ginger scone. Then he pinched his cheek hard, just to be sure he wasn’t dreaming. It hurt and the food was delicious. He filled his plate.

“My dear man, I understand you are troubled. That was the point of having a cup of tea—to calm you down and get to know you,” Kelne said. “I want you to relax and think about all that is good in your life. That’s really the best starting point. Anything at all. Tell me about something that gives you joy.”

“My nephew Jaime,” Kris said without hesitation. “In my travels, when I saw young children, I thought of him. He’s the only one who understands me, if I’m honest,” he said sheepishly. “Everyone else in my life stopped being playful a long time ago. Me too, managing tasks whenever I was awake. I spent all my time trying to keep up. But when I’d go to see Jaime, we’d play pretend and build forts out of blankets. You know, it felt like a return to normalcy.” Kris looked bashful and his cheeks flushed.

Kelne listened carefully. “I’m glad you have a loving nephew. Sounds like a good time.”

“My sister, well, she’s so hard on him. I don’t want her to take his childhood away too. His older brothers work all the time. You’d think they’d take a break occasionally. But they don’t, not even for family reunions at my parents’ house. I always take a legitimate week off and go play with him … I suppose it’s odd to have your nephew be your best friend. But the rest of the year, I’m like the others, at work till midnight. You see, my job was an all-or-nothing proposition.”

“I understand completely,” Kelne said. “Now you are here, and we won’t overly burden you with too much to do, not right away at least. In fact, did you know? You can make this world exactly the way you want it to be.”

“I can what?” Kris was intrigued.

“It’s true. But I caution you to remain positive,” Kelne said, looking down to meet Kris’s eyes. “You must find ways to believe things can happen. You wouldn’t want to be one of those naysayers. You know, the people who put obstacles in their own way. That is a dangerous train of thought in this world. Things happen as you request, just as I requested comfortable seating and a nice meal,” he said. “You’ll be all right once you get used to it here.”

Kris stared and listened carefully. “More tea, please,” he said.

Before his eyes, another teapot appeared. Kris had thought of a cranberry apple tea that he found especially scrumptious, and in an instant, he realized that the teapot had read his mind. Before him was his favorite tea, sweetened to perfection. He took a sip and smiled broadly. “I see what you mean.”

Kelne smiled approvingly. “You’ll be all right here, then. But I warn you once again, you must keep your wits about you. You’ll have to find a way to avoid the winds. They blow hard and cold here and will distract your