The Accidental Archmage by Edmund Batara (read out loud books .TXT) 📕

The shells can be

then removed easily. The kernels are roasted in low heat in a covered pan, stirred

frequently. The cover is slightly opened to let the moisture escape. When roasted

enough, you grind them and the grounds are used to make acorn coffee. Which means

one just adds hot water. And sugar or honey, as desired. You merely need to make

sure the grounds have settled in the water before drinking. Otherwise, they would be in

your mouth.”

“Interesting. You sure it tastes good? We don’t have “sugar” though, honey instead.”

“Acorn coffee should be good enough. Hopefully. But as I said, coffee is much, much

better. Personally, I prefer it stronger. That means more coffee in the drink. I could try

to make acorn coffee when I have the time but my cooking skills are laughable.”

Hint! Hint! Blatant Hint! Tyler’s coffee-deprived mind was shameless.

“It would have been easy enough to conjure such a drink but my magic is limited to

food and drinks I have actually tasted or examined.”

Tyler’s coffee hopes were cruelly dashed a second time.

“I hope you don’t get mad at me for asking this but do you magical beings really need

to eat? I mean like mortals?”

“I don’t mind. Actually, we don’t need food, mortal food. The magical energy is enough

to sustain us. But we love tasting and experiencing flavors. Exotic flavors. The more

varied, the better. You get to be like that after a few millennia.”

Tyler grinned.

“Flavors, huh? If I only knew how to cook, I could open a restaurant, a food inn I

mean. There’s a lot, and I mean a lot, of food from Earth which does not exist here.”

A fast food joint for the gods! With no cholesterol and fat issues, I could make a living here. A killing! If……. If I only knew how to cook. Shit.

Breakfast over, Tyler stood up and got ready to leave.

“So where do we go?”

“Where do you plan to go next? But if may suggest, do not go west. With Bildsfell gone,

venturing to that part of Skaney is extremely dangerous. Though the way north will also

be perilous, with Scarburg now at risk.”

“I did plan to go to Scarburg. I also have to see if Jorund and Habrok are okay. But I

want a day or two to familiarize myself with the spells before leaving Fossegrim.”

“That’s a good idea. The raiders would have gone back by then. Or at least their

numbers will have lessened. We can go to the eastern part of the woods and when you

leave, you can make your way to Scarburg from there. By then, you will be on the other

side of the river with less danger.”

“Okay, you do know your way around these parts. Are Jorund and Habrok alright? You

did tell me that they were on their way to Scarburg.”

“I think so. The last time I heard of them was they were approaching the town. I am

sorry but my watchfulness does not extend that far. But your friends do look

resourceful, they should already be there.”

“Now, how do we proceed?”

“I will have to lend you a guide. I will follow when my task here is finished,” Eira

gestured with her hand towards the cave opening.

“Uhhhh, not something scary, I hope.’

“From a man who faced down three dark creatures of a dokkalfr night-mage, you are

unbelievable!”

Tyler gave a wry smile.

“After all that’s happened to me, almost on a daily basis, I would appreciate something

which does not have fangs, has vicious claws, or is capable of doing bodily harm to

me.”

“Oh, he has fangs and claws but he’s adorable!” Eira called out in a soft whistle and

shortly after, a brown bear came out of the trees.

Tyler looked at the bear. A juvenile. Thankfully, not an adult. But still a bear. He looked cute though. Like a giant ambulatory teddy bear with real fangs and claws.

“Oh, don’t be such a scaredy cat. He won’t hurt you. You won’t, won’t you? Such a cute

little bear!”

The bear had reached them and Eira was scratching him behind the ears. Then

followed several girlish unintelligible coaxing sounds from her. The bear enjoyed the

attention and opened its mouth in appreciation. Tyler could see its fangs.

What is it with girls and teddy bears? And pets? And furry things? Wow, look at those

fangs! Sharp, pointy, biigggg fangs. She looks absolutely beautiful though, playing with

the bear. And those adorable sounds she’s making!

Finally, Eira turned to him.

“This is Brovi. He’s a young bear. Friendly too. He agreed to be your guide. Please take

care of him. He’s young and active. I worry he may become too active and hurt

himself.”

Hurt himself? That’s a bear! Young but still bigger than me! I'm pretty sure he's only a

few years short of adulthood! And how the hell am I supposed to control him if he

starts getting too frisky? Tickle him? Say please?”

“I just follow him?”

“Of course. He knows the way. You can talk to him if you like but he only understands a

few words. I taught him,” Eira said proudly. “Oh, and don’t forget some food for the

trek.”

A small sack materialized in Eira’s hand. She gave it to Tyler.

“Thanks! I’ll give the big guy a shot. Lead the way, Brovi. Don’t run and leave me

behind.”

The bear turned and walked away. Tyler followed after giving Eira a quick wave. Good,

he understood me, thought Tyler, I think. After some distance into the forest, Tyler

realized he didn’t ask how far was the next campsite. Freak me for an amateur, he

chided himself.

The bear was considerate enough to moderate his speed and choose a route best

suited for Tyler’s two legs. They did take a break when Brovi took a drink from a

stream. Tyler took the opportunity to have a quick bite. They proceeded deeper into the

forest until fatigue caught up with him.

“Brovi, stop. I need a rest.”

The bear stopped, looked at him, and proceeded to a shaded area under a large tree.

Reaching it, he settled down and immediately closed his eyes.

A bear after my own heart, thought Tyler as he did the same under another tree.

A quick nap for both of them and they continued the hike. Actually, Brovi woke him up

by nuzzling