The Princess and the Apprentice by Roland Boykin

Author:Roland Boykin [Boykin, Roland]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-12-20T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven ~Time to Rest

Amid the rising voices of the villagers, Odessa rushed to Aldan’s side where he lay on the floor. “Are you hurt?”

“No,” he breathed, eyes closed. “Just tired.”

“This was planned, wasn’t it?” She made it more of a statement than a question.

He opened his eyes and nodded. Taking a deep breath, with her help, he stumbled to his feet and collapsed back onto the bench. “You had better calm the villagers first and then we’ll talk.”

“Do we need to fear another demon?”

“I don’t think so, but I will cast a protective spell around the inn as soon as I catch my breath.”

It was obvious to her that he would need to do more than catch his breath, but she didn’t argue. She turned her attention to the shouting that was still happening at the front entrance, and after the painful memory of her father teaching her the ‘Voice of Command’, she spoke.

“Silence.”

* * *

Aldan watched as the Princess negotiated a path around the overturned chairs on her way to confront the men at the door. Unable to keep his eyes open any longer, he cradled his head in hands that still shook, and attempted to order his fear-filled thoughts before they overwhelmed him.

He did not have the knowledge or the strength to take on another mage with the ability to summon krindar and who also appeared to control the goblins. There was no doubt in his mind that they were up against such a one. Should they take a chance and stay here several days so he could recover, thereby risking discovery, or should they continue on to the King’s castle? He would not leave the people without some protections, but that would weaken him even further.

Aldan opened his eyes as the innkeeper quietly set another mug of ale on the table and turned to watch as Odessa calmed the men gathered there. There was the source of his other concerns, and a little fear. When she and Jon returned to the common room, the residual trace of that unfamiliar magic used to heal him surrounded the Princess like a sweet perfume. At that moment, Aldan realized the only thing it could be… Blood Magic, which only a woman could wield. The magic journals he’d studied only mentioned it in passing since it was extremely rare. Would she still be interested in him once she understood the potential of her new power?

Odessa returned to the table and sat facing him. “Once I explained to the men what we think happened at the other inn, they quieted and seemed to understand the mistake they almost made.” She reached across the table and gently laid her hand on his arm. “Aldan, what should we do? I’m still worried about what’s happening back home, but I feel we should do what we can for these people.”

Jon and Derek quietly joined them and nodded their heads in agreement, having heard the Princess’s last remark.

The wearied apprentice glanced at each of his companions in turn, and then focused his gaze on Jon.

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