The Apprentice Storyteller (Wishmaster Book 1) by V.J. Astrid

Author:V.J., Astrid [V.J., Astrid]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9789198551983
Publisher: New Wings Press
Published: 2020-12-10T00:00:00+00:00

T he boy’s thoughts spread like a network of lightning through his mind. Rich family— Position of power— Imperial forces—

At Viola’s sigh, he returns his focus to what she says next. “I thought if I could stay clear of them for a year or two, they would give up and leave me be, but they never did. It is close to thirty years that I have been on the run. Whenever I think I might have given them the slip, they find me again. It doesn’t matter where in the empire I go, they always follow.”

She closes her eyes. After gathering her thoughts, she continues, “I am so tired of it all. I wanted to tell stories, but I never really wanted to be a wandering storyteller, although that did have some charm in the beginning. Now I have almost come to hate recounting tales. Almost. It still brings me joy, but if I had known my family would cause such a hullabaloo, I would never have left. Now, I have been on the run so long that the tiredness and frustration are almost second nature. This is just how I live.”

The weight of her experience settles into the pit of his stomach. He sucks air in through his teeth. Powerful family with imperial connections, he thinks. No wonder she’s so well educated and knows so much about the empire. He tilts his head, thinking. “So, you still like telling stories, but you want to stop travelling. Is that right?”

“Yes.” She pauses a moment, then elaborates. “I want to work somewhere where I can write the stories I have learned and share them more broadly. I like the act of recounting, but what’s most important to me is sharing the stories. How I do it is less of an issue. Do you think I can stay in hiding and produce books in secret?”

“That might work. I’m sure there are other solutions you haven’t even thought about, but let’s start with what you want. You say sharing stories. Is there anything else?”

“Hmmm. I don’t know.”

“What about your knees and other joints? You complain about pain sometimes.”

“Well, I am getting on in years. It is to be expected. I spent most of my adult life on the run. I never took care of myself as I should. Yes, it has taken a toll, but I don’t know what you expect from me; this is life.”

He shakes his head. The desire to help bubbles within him, but he chooses to calm it. “You know that it doesn’t have to be this way,” is all he says.

“I suppose if I found a way to stay in one place, that would also make it easier.”

“Any ideas about where?”

“Anywhere! As long as I could stay in one place for the rest of my life, I would be happy.”

“So you don’t mind being stuck in Fásach on Mshrali?”

“Heaven forbid, no! Too hot.” He struggles to suppress a smile, and she laughs. “You are right. I suppose anywhere will not do.

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