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