Summon the Elven Mage by Barbara Ferrier (which ebook reader TXT) 📗

“Look at those lights in the distance,” Sylvia said, pointing out the window. “It’s called the Ball Return. It’s a place where people experiment with math and science. It’s been there for thousands of years. The most ancient had a vision and brought it to life there.”

“The Ball Return,” Kris said, surprised. “That’s where Kelne was going … You know, I was looking at the map and saw you have forests here too. When I look at the whole map and follow my intuition, it tells me to go there.” He chuckled and pointed to the Waterlands.

“I guess we’d better follow your intuition, then. Ivy lives there, and I told her I’d bring you to visit.”

“The Waterlands it is.”

Kris woke in the morning, then drifted back to sleep. In his dream he revisited his father’s instructions. This is your invitation ... Create a new chapter. It’s never too late … Remember your promises.

Kris sat up in bed trying not to trigger the pain from his bruised and sore back. He realized the healing here was magic. He was better.

Sylvia came in the room. “How are you feeling today? Would you like some breakfast?”

“Sure. Thanks.”

“What would you like?”

“Oh, I can never decide. What do you think?” Kris said.

“I think you need to make your own decisions here,” Sylvia said. “It would be a shame to let the winds decide.”

“You’re right,” Kris said as he placed his hand on his rib cage, where his broken ribs were tender. “Decisions are hard. I worry I’ll make the wrong choice.”

“About breakfast?” she smiled. “Sounds pretty low risk. Maybe it’s a good place to start.”

“Okay, okay. A farmer’s omelet, with fried potatoes on the side and hot sauce,” Kris said.

“And something to drink?”

“Whatever you’re having,” Kris said with a sheepish grin.

“Sounds good,” She smiled. “Looks like your rib’s are still sore.” He nodded. She pulled out her flat green stone and laid it on his bruised rib again, then she closed her eyes and concentrated. “That should help.” Sylvia then magically moved Kris back to the table in the window. The sun was out, and the plateau was beautiful. Pinon trees dotted the hills beyond the plateau.

Sylvia’s eggs Florentine with a hollandaise sauce appeared before her as Kris’s omelet and potatoes appeared before him. Their coffee arrived next, along with cloth napkins and condiments.

“I could get used to it here,” Kris said with a huge smile.

“And you’ve barely left your hotel room,” Sylvia said. “You’re going to love it here. Maybe something important is going to happen.”

Kris took a large bite of his omelet and poured hot sauce on his potatoes. Then he looked back at Sylvia. “Do you know something?” Kris asked.

“Maybe,” she smiled. “Let me explain. In Kalendra there’s an ancient wolf clan. I grew up with them, learned from my mom and from the ancient wolf herself. She rescued me the day my parents vanished. It was a strange day,” she said looking off. “I was playing in the ravine. When I came home, no one was there. I waited, for two days. The ancient wolf waited with me. She spoke to me and kept me safe. I have been able to speak with the ancient wolf clan since. Their language is carried through their bloodlines. The ancient wolf brought me to this Inn because she trusted the people who lived here, so I grew up here.” Sylvia said. “My wolves, Shantini and Jetson have the ancient bloodline. They found you and brought you here.”

Kris met her eyes.

“The wolves have a myth. They say a stranger will arrive unannounced from another world when it is time to reset the ancient magic in Kalendra. He will arrive when the magic is compromised. They think you are that stranger,” Sylvia smiled.

“Oh. Well, that sounds farfetched. Why me? I’m not really good at that much.”

Sylvia looked at Kris. “What are you good at?”

“I used to go to work every day,” Kris said. “I helped the company go public and ended up in upper management, but I didn’t belong. I was so much younger than everyone else. I whizzed through school. I was vice president of – I don’t know – rabble rousing. I figured if we were gonna be at work anyway, we’d better have a good time, you know, enjoy ourselves and be proud of our accomplishments.

“I put in a game room with shuffleboard, then hired private chefs so everyone could have freshly cooked food when they took a break. Free vending machines that occasionally gave out kookie prizes – just for fun and giggles. The best thing I did was hire professionals. Hairdresser, massage therapist, dentist, and a doctor. Best investment the company made. People felt valued and secure, so of course we banded together and hit our deadlines. We did it. We were successful …” Kris shrugged his shoulders.

“Why were you summoned here?” Sylvia said. “There’s something to what the wolves are saying, but it’s not the whole story,” Sylvia said. “I’m on Kalendra’s Coalition of Wizards and Shaman and ancient carvings have gone missing. I wonder if it’s escalated ... I’ll talk to Kelne … How are you feeling?”

“Good.” He looked at her and felt his ribs again. “Better.”

“Strong enough to visit Ivy’s Healing Sanctuary of the Waterlands? Then we’ll have an adventure.” Sylvia raised her eyebrows.

“About the magic. Is that something I can learn?”

“Some of it. Sure. Some requires permission and training. Most people find the magic amplifies their natural inclinations. I have the magic of the wolves,” she looked Kris in the eye. “It’ll be fun to find out what magic you wield,” She said. “In the meantime, I’ll teach you to get around, and introduce you,” Sylvia grabbed her coat. Kris stood and realized he could take some steps on his own. He walked to his bed, picked up his small bag and slipped his journal inside. Then he put on his hat.”

Chapter 7

Ivy saw Kris’s limp