Fire Mage by John Forrester Read Free Book Online Page A

intermingled. The sound of wicked laughter ringing in his ears.
    “Are you alright?” His mother, Nadean, ran her fingers through his hair.
    Talis snapped his attention back and smiled at her. What was he worried about? He’d just won the Blood Dagger competition. He couldn’t wait to tell them the news, but he had to do it right.
    Mother was preparing dinner: roasted pheasant, walnut and pear cake, spinach and garlic, and chicken bone soup. The delicious smells and the warmth of her smile made him relax, and he slowly felt the heat sink into his body.
    Father stomped into the room, his silver and black Elder’s robes swishing, dark eyes gazing at the floor, and sat at the table with a thud, the chair complaining in response. He stared at the roast and frowned.
    “Problems with the negotiations?” Mother set a plate in front of him, then took his black hat.  
    Father rubbed his weathered face brusquely and pinched his eyes together. “Always troubles to deal with….” He sighed, glancing around the table. “A lost caravan, marauders in the desert, prices too high, Viceroy Lei playing politics again with the Order of the Dawn…”  
    He studied Talis. ”Someday these will be your concerns, son. To hold high the House of Storm.”
    Father made it sound like he was an ox carrying a burden. Talis nodded, pretending he was interested.
    As if responding to Talis’s expression, Father’s eyes lit up and he leaned in close to Talis. “What we need is a small band of warriors to send those marauders to the Underworld”—he sliced the air with his fingers—”a quick trip to Hell.” He slapped Talis on the back and laughed like it was the best idea ever.
    “I’d like to fight them.”
    “You?” Father raised an eyebrow. “Been practicing your sword techniques?”
    “You could say that.” Talis smiled. “Mara and I won the Blood Dagger.“
    “What!” Father’s face shone. “You two really won?” His brow furrowed. “Who did you fight?”
    Talis groaned to himself. Father hadn’t even bothered finding out who he was fighting, like he believed Talis didn’t have a chance of winning. “We fought Rikar and Nikulo.”
    “Rikar? Madam Cheska’s son? The cruel one?”
    Talis nodded.
    “Didn’t he hack off an opponent’s head in the training arena? He killed the poor chap…what an odd family.” Father shook his head. “And you say you and Mara beat him?” He scoffed. “Well I suppose the gods of luck favored you today.”
    Talis flushed and clenched his fist. How could Father just dismiss his victory so easily?  
    “You won all the same. I suppose this calls for a celebration.” Father looked at Talis’s mother. “Let’s plan something. Invite Mara and House Lei, if they’ll come.” He chuckled. “And perhaps a few friends.”
    “A party would be nice. It’s been too long since…” Mother’s voice trailed off as her face held a sad smile.  
    They remained quiet awhile, staring at the flames, until a flurry of pops from the fire startled them to attention.
    “I suppose I’ll retire to the study.” Father stood and smiled pleasantly. “You did well, son. And you surprised me, you did. Not once did I suspect you’d win, but you did it.” He turned, and strode off, nodding to himself.

    Later that night, around the hour that the dead call out to the living, Talis found himself unable to sleep, still feeling a buzzing in his stomach from winning the Blood Dagger. His father’s words of praise echoed in his mind. You did well, son. So Talis snuck out and stalked through the dark streets of Naru. He craved the crisp cold air and the solace of the quiet past midnight.    
    A meteor shot across the sky and Talis watched its trail fade into nothingness. Was it a message from Nestria, the Goddess of the Sky? He squinted, barely making out the observatory and the interconnected rings and spheres of the Temple of Nestria high atop the city. He spidered his way up the hill through back