Mage of Ascendance (Realm of Ascendance Book 1) by Peter Byrd

Author:Peter Byrd [Byrd, Peter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 21

"I thought you'd left," I whispered to Iain, my words nearly lost to the rushing wind.

"No," he replied, his voice strong and firm. "Never. We are loyal."

I nodded and held onto his mane as he carried us away from the town, toward the mountains. Long forest green wings stretched out from his back.

I had no idea what had just happened, but I was certain that nothing would ever be the same.

He took off through the sky, flying so high that the clouds enveloped us. We broke through the grey veil, and the sun shone down upon us.

As the wind whipped my hair, I looked down at the kelpie and wondered what I was doing. What the hell was I thinking, and why did I trust this creature? These strange people who I barely knew anything about? It's not like those first men had had my best interests at heart.

And yet somehow, I knew. I felt deep in my bones that these were my true allies.

We flew over the vast forest that surrounded the small town. It was a beautiful place, and I had never been so high above it all. I must be able to see all of Elderwood from up here.

And yet I couldn't stop thinking of Alasdair.

I looked back at the fae behind me on the kelpie's back. Kieran had an arm around his sister, and they were both sniffling.

That's how I knew this was serious. Alasdair had been their companion for years. If they didn't really think he was hurt, they wouldn't be so upset.

I opened my mouth to speak, but couldn't find the words. Instead, I just held Fiona's hand.

"It'll be okay," I finally whispered, though I didn't know what else to say.

"I'm not so sure," Fiona said, wiping tears from her face. "I can't believe he did that. Why would he do that? Why would he sacrifice himself like that?"

"He's Alasdair," Kieran said, a hint of bitterness in his voice. "That's what he does. That's who he is."

"We should go back," I said. "We have to help him."

"No," Iain said firmly, determined. "That is not a wise idea. I will take you somewhere safe, and we will figure out our next move."

The fae looked at me quizzically, and I realized that even with their magic, they hadn't understood Iain. He and I had a special bond. He was only speaking to me.

I translated his message for them, and it only served to render them more stony-faced.

"He's right," Fiona said. "Alasdair did what he did because he thought it was necessary. And if he was willing to sacrifice himself, we should honor that."

I nodded, unable to form coherent words. I felt helpless, but I couldn't let that get the best of me.

Instead, I closed my eyes and thought of the old mage, and hoped that somehow, he would survive.

"Where are you taking us?" Kieran asked after a long period of silence.

"To the rivers," the kelpie responded, his tone grave.

"How will we be able to find the Academy?" I asked, and was shocked at how hollow my voice sounded.

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