Hunted Sorcery (Jon Oklar Book 2) by B.T. Narro (chapter books to read to 5 year olds .txt) 📕

with ordia, but it shouldn’t be much longer afterward that I can make my first illusion.”

“Must be exciting. I’ve always wondered what it feels like to make an illusion.”

I was surprised I hadn’t wondered that. It was exciting. I really should try to take more time to enjoy this.

I had spent too long worrying without appreciating anything. It was like I was waiting to appreciate my life when all of this was over. What was the point of that?

“I assume hunting paid off?” I asked, pushing down my sour attitude.

“Certainly did.” Michael looked over at Eden, who didn’t see him as she went for her horse.

I grinned as I noticed the look in his eye.

I glanced at Kataleya. She was already looking at me. She gave a slight nod. I returned the gesture.

I still wondered if this could all be an act on her part. If so, she could be the best liar in the world.

“I’m starving,” Michael said, bringing me out of my little reverie.

“So am I.”

I was glad Michael was with us as well. This whole experience might’ve felt downright lonely if I hadn’t had his company. I hoped whatever he wanted with Eden was what Eden wanted with him.

Now if only I could figure out what Kataleya wanted with me.

*****

I was eager to eat when I returned to the castle, but I was more eager to bathe first. Unfortunately, I couldn’t even do that. The king met us in the courtyard and had Kataleya escorted away—into the great hall, not the keep where the dungeons were located—and then told me to come speak with him.

I followed him into the keep, where the three hearths burned hot on the ground floor. I supposed I had become accustomed to the extravagance of not only the keep but every structure within the castle. I didn’t know when I had stopped appreciating it all, but it had happened. I wanted to change that right now, but I was too dirty and hungry to care about anything but bathing and eating.

I followed the king up the stairs as I forced myself to notice the tapestry and paintings adorning the walls. Then I came across the spot of the painting that had been replaced since I had broken it. I had used the old painting as a shield to defend myself against Scarlett, a dark mage who posed as a sorcerer on our side. She was dead now, like many other dark mages.

I was so very tired as well, but the king took me all the way to the third floor before he chose a hallway to lead me down, three armed guards following us the whole way. Eventually, he led me into a meeting room with a long table and another hearth with a lit fire. I had already gotten hot in the keep, even though the winter air was cold outside. I just wanted to be out of here. It might’ve been the first time I was not eager to resume my training, my spirits dampened.

The king motioned for me to sit at the head of the long, empty table. He took the chair next to me.

“I would expect something came out between you and the other sorcerers,” he said in a near whisper, his guards outside the closed door where they could not hear.

“You assumed correctly, but nothing was determined. We only came to the conclusion that any of us could be working with Cason except for me and Charlie, only because of what has happened to us and what each of us has done.”

“Yes, Barrett and I have come to the same conclusion. Everyone will be watched. Charlie would be part of this conversation as well, if I thought I could trust his discretion.”

“Sire, I appreciate your trust, but if you are going to share some plan with me right now, I’d rather I didn’t know.”

He seemed concerned as he leaned away. “Why is that?”

“I know one of my peers could be working against us, but the rest of them are my friends. This has been very difficult for me.”

“This? What exactly?”

It was hard to be anything but vague when I was this tired. “Everything. I did not come here expecting to fight. I didn’t want to be involved in a war. That’s why I waited for the rebellion to end before I left Bhode.” Your rebellion, I refrained from saying. I didn’t know why I was letting all of this out, but I couldn’t stop myself. “I just wanted to learn about sorcery, but I see now why my father wanted me to stay in Bhode, even if it meant never reaching my potential.”

I worried about the expression the king was showing, as if now he was wondering if he’d made a mistake recruiting me. I had a breath and forced myself to correct the situation.

“I am glad I’m here, sire. There’s nowhere else I should be.” All of this was true. “I’m just trying to say that things seem to be getting more difficult, not easier. With all of my responsibilities, I’m not sure how well I can handle keeping secrets. If it’s not required, I would prefer I didn’t know rather than have to hide it.”

“I see.” He paused, then began to nod. “All right. You won’t have to hide anything. Now tell me everything that was discussed with the other sorcerers, with the elf, and how you are progressing with learning an illusion.”

“Must it be everything?”

“Yes, be quick and to the point.”

Given the order, I didn’t know what else I could do but begin.

*****

I was glad to be back in the apartments as I prepared for my bath. I would wash quickly and then see about obtaining another meal. The king had brought in food while we’d spoken, fortunately, most likely sensing my low spirit and figuring I needed subsistence. I hardly remembered eating, and I was still hungry.

I had told the king everything I could remember from the long conversations in the forest, all