Embrace by Rachel D'Aigle Read Free Book Online Page B

badly.”
    Ivan interrupted.
    “You mean if Eidolon is guilty of this charge, discovers us and wages battle?”
    “See what I mean, Meghan. I hardly need to explain myself at all with this young man,” said Juliska.
    Ivan had practically been sitting on air while listening to the details of his mission. He leaned back now, inhaling and exhaling deeply. After a few minutes of hard concentration, his face turned from calculating to acceptance.
    “I agree that we cannot leave a fellow Svoda behind, Banon Blackwell, and I accept your task. When does the journey begin?”
    “In three weeks time we celebrate the Feast of the Blest Arcane. This will keep the people pleasantly occupied, while you two enter the valley.”
    Meghan wondered what exactly she could do to assist Ivan on this task. I suck at magic. He remembers that, right?
    “Meghan, I have a special favor to ask you,” Juliska then said.
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    “Yes,” she answered.
    “I want you to be as ready for this journey as possible. I realize you have much left to learn.
    Being a Firemancer is a lifetime of learning. However, Ivan will need your talents on this journey. I request that you move in with me for the remainder of our time here in the valley.
    This will make it much easier for me to train you.”
    Meghan’s face lit up brightly. She need not speak her answer aloud. She had already begun packing in her mind. Oh drat! What about Colin. Well, it’s just for a few weeks. He’ll live.
    “Good. That’s settled then. I will expect you later tonight, Meghan. We need to get started right away. Now, Ivan. You do not need to be here for all of Meghan’s training. However, I will ask that you be here sometimes. It is vital you are able to work together, and understand her limitations.”
    Ivan smiled upon the Banon’s last word.
    Meghan scowled.
    Why did this great event, of her being able to spend extra time with Juliska, also have to be mired with spending extra time with weirdo boy, Ivan? Then, the reality of what she was training for set in. Just the two of them, on a journey, possibly for days … her heart sank.
    Ivan agreed on times to come and train with Meghan, and then bid his goodbye. Meghan remained behind, looking overwhelmed. Juliska sat down across from her.
    “I have one other request for you, Meghan,” she said. Meghan gave Juliska her complete attention. “I realize this situation is not one you ever thought you would find yourself in, but I trust Ivan explicitly. I would not allow you to follow him on this journey if I felt it were too dangerous for you. In addition, I fully realize your dislike for him. I cannot change your mind on this, you either like someone, or you don’t. I am sorry to have to make you spend so much time with someone you absolutely loathe.”
    “Is it that obvious?” mumbled Meghan.
    “Honestly, it’s quite apparent to see that when the two of you are in a room together, the tension is thicker than a knife, and not in an ‘Oh they’re so cute and will grow to love each other some day’ kind of way.”
    “Sorry. I do find him infuriating. But I will… persevere,” Meghan answered weakly.
    “Good. Because I think, like it or not, Ivan is bound for great things, and I would like to see you in this direction, too.”
    I could be great! She knew she would never defy a personal request from Juliska, regardless.
    “I will leave you to go home and pack now,” said Juliska.
    As Meghan arose to depart, Juliska stopped her.
    “Oh, one other thing, in regards to your brother. I understand this may be difficult, but I need this task to remain a secret. You can tell him you are moving in with me for additional training for Ivan’s initiation.”
    Meghan nodded that she understood and left.
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    What would Colin say when he discovered she was moving out? He would probably have a fit. But he would have to get over it, because she was moving in with Juliska Blackwell whether he liked it or not!
    “What are you doing?”