The Smoke Wizard by Gary Bregar

Author:Gary Bregar [Bregar, Gary]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780996594233
Published: 2018-12-01T22:00:00+00:00

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They followed Jacobi, and as Belanor had said, they came to a small pool of water. The water was crystal clear, but a fine mist hovered just above its surface. As they approached the edge of the pond, they could see large fish gathering at the place where they stood. The fish were in an assortment of brilliant colors—gold, red, blue, and emerald. As Lizabet and her friends walked along the edge, the large group of fish followed.

“Nikolay, are you ready?” Lizabet asked.

“Yes,” he replied as he removed his clothes.

“Remember what I told you. Go into the water completely and you will know when your arm has been healed.”

Nikolay slowly walked into the water. It was very warm and reminded him of his secret thermal pool in the Kristaller Caves.

Once the water was up to his neck, he could feel the fish beginning their work. They were brushing up against him, and sucking at his skin. He began to feel light-headed, and although the water was already warm, he could feel bursts of heat pulsing through his injured arm.

After a few minutes he became dizzy and the world went dark. He fell over, prompting Kalvik to move closer to the water in a panic. Lizabet and Dorian, sensing Kalvik was about to go into the water to save Nikolay, both rushed to stop him.

“Don’t, Kalvik,” Lizabet said. “The water, and whatever enchantment it holds, was meant for him.”

Kalvik was still reluctant. “He’ll drown!”

“Trust them, Kalvik,” Lizabet said in a soft tone. “You must trust them.”

Time went by without Nikolay emerging from the water, until finally Kalvik insisted, “I’m going in after him. I don’t care about enchantments, or who the water was meant for.”

Just as Kalvik was about to dive in, Nikolay sprung from the water, gasping for air. He struggled to the edge, where Dorian and Kalvik helped him out. Holding himself up by both hands, he began to spit and breathe heavily.

“It worked!” Kalvik exclaimed as he patted Nikolay on the back. “You’re healed.”

“I had better be after all that,” Nikolay said with a slight laugh.

They camped near the pond that night. They did not see Jacobi after nightfall, but they suspected he was nearby watching over them.

Once Lizabet and Nikolay had fallen asleep, Dorian went over to where Kalvik was preparing his own bed.

“I need to apologize,” Dorian said as he sat down.

“What do you need to apologize for?” Kalvik asked.

“I’ve not been very friendly to you.”

“No, you haven’t, but I understand why.”

“You do?”

“Yes, you’re in love with Lizabet.”

“What makes you think that?” Dorian asked in shock.

“It’s obvious—anyone could see it.”

They sat in silence for a moment, while Dorian pondered over Kalvik’s remarks. He lowered his head in embarrassment.

“You needn’t worry, I won’t tell anyone,” Kalvik said with a smile. “It makes sense, though. You grew up together, and you’re not far in age.”

“Yes, but she is my closest friend—and she’s a sha. How can I move past that? Our friendship is already complicated by her position.”

“You think I don’t understand that?” Kalvik countered.

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