Shadow Mage by John Forrester

Author:John Forrester
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Amber Muse
Published: 2012-09-12T04:00:00+00:00

16. FIORAN VILLAGE

Nikulo placed a hand on his temple as the wolves bared their fangs, rumbling and growling as they stalked closer.

“Don’t,” Talis whispered, holding Nikulo’s wrist. “Let’s see what they do first.”

“Who’s out there lurking in the dark?” shouted the man in sheepskin. He marched over, his movements stiff and jerky, as if his leg had been injured.

“Just two young travelers.” Talis spread his hands wide in a gesture of peace. “We seek shelter and food for the night.”

“Two foolish travelers out on a night like tonight?” The man peered incredulously at them. “And you came from the Vacran Forest?”

Talis shrugged, and glanced back at the dark mass of the distant forest. “We are strangers to your land, and unfamiliar with the dangers that prowl out in the dark.”

“And you were waylaid by strange creatures, were you not?” the man said.

“How did you injure your leg?” Nikulo tilted his head sideways, studying the man.

“My leg? Oh, this old war injury?” The man slapped his leg and grimaced. “It pains me much, but I’ve learned to live with it, I suppose. Why do you ask?”

Nikulo swung around his backpack. “You see I’m a healer, of sorts. I might be able to aid your suffering.”

The man laughed and coughed and slapped his chest. “Oh, really now, I’ve seen them all and to no avail. Their treatments may help for a time, but it always comes back, especially in the winter when it’s cold. But thank you for your kind thoughts.”

“No, I can actually help. I’ve the gift of healing magic.”

“Magic?” The man’s face paled, and he took several steps back, eying them suspiciously. Talis realized they should be more careful revealing too much, especially here in this strange land. He sent a warning glance to Nikulo.

“What my friend means is that sometimes the gods of healing listen to his prayer of supplication.” Talis bowed low to the man.

The man’s expression softened, and he cleared his throat. “I see… Well you won’t be needing that here in the humble Village of Fioran. We’ve not much use for magic here. You may enter and stay for a night, but I expect we’ll be wanting you to leave in the morning. Strangers are allowed to stay at the Dancer’s Rest, the inn at the far end of town.”

Talis and Nikulo followed the man as he limped towards the gates. Charna dashed up alongside Talis, her eyes narrowed at the wolves. The man raised his wooden staff and rapped hard four times. “Open up, you laggards! We’ve got two travelers that need lodging at the Dancer’s Rest.”

The small inside gate creaked open, and two boys peered through. “Travelers? At this late hour?”

“Yes, yes, now one of you escort these gentlemen to the Dancer’s Rest.” The man scowled at Charna. “And keep your cat out of trouble, best keep her locked up in your room, or we’ll throw her into the pens with the wolves.”

Talis ignored the man’s taunt and scooped Charna into his arms. One

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