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

got her arms over Kataleya’s shoulders and squeezed her firmly for a long hug. “I’mm so sourry,” she repeated. “I didn’t uh mean wad I said.”

“I forgive you,” Kataleya replied.

Aliana gasped as she saw me. “Jon, I’m sourry!”

“I forgive you,” I repeated Kataleya’s line, though my tone wasn’t as heartfelt.

“I just wanted da hurt you, both yous. I dunno why. I really didn’t uh mean what I said.” Aliana’s eyes were squinted as if it was difficult for her to stay awake.

I was glad to hear that. I would forgive her after all.

“Aliana,” Barrett said. “Are you the traitor?”

“Of course nah!”

“Do you have any idea who is?”

“I saw maybe Kata-ley, but I dunno really.”

There was a long pause as Aliana swayed while Kataleya held her. Her eyes were devoid of awareness. She might’ve already forgotten it was Kataleya keeping her on her feet.

“I wanna speak wid my mother again, Barrett.” Aliana spoke tiredly with squinting eyes.

“You will soon.”

“Why can you tell me what ya ask her?”

“Aliana, we’ll speak about this later. You must sleep now.”

“No. Was I cursed?” she asked no one in particular.

“Aggression, anger, lack of inhibition,” Barrett commented. “It’s a common curse, but it sounds as if it was short-lived. Therefore it was a weak curse. The witch or warlock who gave it to you is not very powerful. They must’ve had some contact with both you and Eden today. Neither of you left the castle, however.” He let out his breath. “Hmm.”

Aliana grumbled sleepily as she wiggled out of Kataleya’s hold on her hands. She half fell and half crawled onto her bed. “Jon, will you fine out who curse me and…and make dem stop?” She settled on her pillow, her eyes closing.

“We will together,” I answered.

“Kata-ley…uh, Jon, I’m sourry. I hate they did this. They want all of us to fight. Kata-ley, Jon?”

“We’re here,” Kataleya answered. “Go to sleep, Ali. We can talk tomorrow.”

“No, I want to tell ya something important!”

“What is it?” Barrett asked.

“You’re both so beautiful, Kata-ley, Jon. So beautiful.”

Kataleya chuckled as she stroked Aliana’s hair. “So are you, Ali. Good night.”

We headed out of the room in an attempt to respect Aliana’s privacy, as it seemed like she would divulge anything right now.

“Really! So beautiful.”

Reuben turned around and cleared his throat.

I pushed him. “Keep going.”

But he fought against me and cleared his throat louder.

Aliana didn’t respond.

I pushed Reuben harder. “Come on.”

“What about Reuben?” he called out as he held his ground. “Isn’t he handsome, Aliana?”

“Reuben? He could be beautiful, but he…he…” It sounded like she was dozing off.

“He what?” Reuben asked.

“This is not fair to Aliana,” Kataleya said through gritted teeth as she grabbed Reuben’s hand and yanked him out.

“But he’s too Reuben,” Aliana mumbled softly.

Reuben let out a squeak of insult.

We made it out into the hall and closed Aliana’s door.

“What the hell does that mean, ‘too Reuben’?” he exclaimed.

“It means just that!” Kataleya said. “You have to stop getting all twisted up about everything and start thinking about others more. That was unfair to Aliana. Would you want us questioning you if you were in that state?”

“It wouldn’t matter because I am always honest and upfront, unlike the rest of you!”

“Maybe you’re too honest and upfront, then!” Kataleya replied.

Michael came up to us. I assumed Eden was asleep, her door closed.

“Sounds like it went well in there,” he commented sarcastically.

“All of you to bed,” Barrett ordered. “It is very late.”

“Don’t we have to figure out who cursed them and how?” Kataleya questioned.

“The king and I will discuss that. Off to bed. Kataleya, you first. I will lock you in.”

“You still think I could’ve done this? I was the one who figured out they were cursed.”

“Kataleya, we’re not having this conversation right now.”

She gave a long sigh. Then she promptly composed herself, told us good night, and dragged her feet toward her room.

“Getting really tired of this,” she muttered before she entered her room and closed her door.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

The next day, I would begin working with Charlie after breakfast. I woke up distracted, wondering what might be happening with Aliana’s mother and who had cursed Aliana and Eden. I didn’t appreciate the king and the councilman keeping things from us, but I had to understand that there was nothing I could do about that.

I hoped they were using Leon, at least. I had seen him less in the last couple of days. Perhaps he was helping them in their investigation.

Charlie and I met in the courtyard. Each week was colder than the last. The sun was hidden behind the clouds, a gentle yet chill wind in the air. Charlie and I both wore our cloaks, as did Kataleya and Aliana. Michael and Remi, however, had on thick coats instead. As usual, Eden was nowhere to be seen.

Aliana looked as if she hadn’t slept very well. Her effort was sloppy and halfhearted as she shot her bow. She was still a good shot, though, striking the target every time even from thirty yards out. I was glad to see how quickly she had improved, even if she lacked power today.

Charlie’s messy mop of blond hair had been trimmed recently by Eden, I found out after a short conversation with him. It sounded as if they were becoming closer friends, as they did work together closely with him being a metal mage and her an enchanter. His hair was still long enough to droop down and cover his forehead, but it was no longer in his eyes.

I hadn’t known he was seventeen until last night. I didn’t know that Kataleya was twenty, either. Looking at everyone, it was clear we were all similar in age, so I never really wondered too much until recently. I guess I didn’t care. There was a big difference between seventeen and twenty, like Charlie had mentioned, but I was glad for Kataleya’s wisdom. She had taught me a lot about not only water but mana in general.

“Have you spoken with Leon about what you’re planning today?”