Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 129584 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 648(@200wpm)___ 518(@250wpm)___ 432(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129584 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 648(@200wpm)___ 518(@250wpm)___ 432(@300wpm)
“Yes, healing.”
Lisette blinked in surprise, eyebrows lifting. “Oh? That’s one of the things we’ve lamented, our lack of healing knowledge. I’m afraid we lost most of that skillset in the war.”
It explained so much. During Ravi’s tour earlier, Sora had met quite a few members of the clan. While most were hale and hearty enough, there were small signs of ailments that should have been addressed. Easily addressed, no less. Sora had wondered why so many were wearing glasses when a simple corrective spell would address sight issues. That alone told the story of how much information this clan did not have.
And it was disturbing. Because those were rather basic spells.
Lisette led him into her workroom, gesturing him gracefully into a chair that looked plush and comfortable. As he took the seat, Sora glanced around, getting his bearings and doing a discreet study. The walls around him were filled with shelves, and he didn’t need the labels in neatly printed German to recognize the ingredients housed within the glass jars. There was a stainless-steel table off on the other side of the room, a stove and refrigerator, all of the modern conveniences. It was a very well-organized setup and an indication that this woman was head mage for a reason. She clearly knew what she was about.
At least one person in this clan knew what they were doing.
The greenhouses said that they had more than one competent mage, of course. But that wasn’t saying much. They should have had hundreds. Not a dozen.
Lisette settled across from him, shifting her skirts about for maximum comfort, still with that smile on her face. “Now, we should be able to talk without interruptions.”
Should Sora be worried? His instincts were suddenly sitting up, alert and focused.
“Tell me a little about yourself and your family, Sora. I’m avidly curious.”
Honesty, half-truth, or lie mixed in with truth…? That was the lightning-quick debate in Sora’s head. He decided on honesty only because he was a terrible liar, and it wouldn’t serve him well if he lied to them now. Not if there was a future connection to be had.
“I can’t tell you everything; I’m sorry. My family went into hiding at the beginning of the Dragon War, and they’re not compelled to leave it yet. But I’ll tell you what I’m allowed.”
To his surprise, Lisette nodded, as if she’d expected this. “That’s fine. Tell me what you’re comfortable saying.”
Sora had expected more resistance than this and couldn’t help but ask, “You’re alright with that?”
“We lost too much during the Dragon War, young mage. I know you’re too young to remember it. But because I do, I’m more inclined to be lenient and patient with those who survived it. Secrecy was the only thing that preserved some families. If your family needs to test the waters before revealing themselves, then I’ll patiently wait them out while dangling a carrot or three.”
Sora snorted at the imagery. Carrots might actually work on his mother. She liked to snack on them.
“Alright. My parents are both mages, and I’m their only child. My family’s knowledge was kept intact, and it’s been passed down from one generation to another, parents teaching children. We’re all trained in the healing arts, each gravitating to our own specialties. In modern lingo, you’d say I’m something of a physical therapist. I like restoring full function to damaged nerves and muscles.”
Lisette took all of this in with a calm poker face. Sora had no idea what she really thought about it all. He made a mental note to never play cards with her. He was sure to lose if her poker face was that good.
“Can you tell me how many are in your family?”
“I cannot, I’m sorry. Nor where we are living now. I can tell you what I know, however. I’m happy to pass along what knowledge I possess while I’m staying with you.”
Her caution lifted, and she smiled brightly at him, almost joyous. “That would be wonderful. And it’s very generous, thank you. I will pick your brain as much as I can.”
“I’m happy to be picked. Um. I feel that didn’t come out right.”
Lisette threw her head back with a laugh. “No, but I take your meaning. Can we—”
Someone knocked urgently before bursting in. The man, who Sora had not yet met, looked a touch frantic, his platinum blond hair flying in a mess around his head. He hastily shoved it out of his ice-blue eyes with an impatient hand.
“Lisette, one of the newbies burned herself rather badly,” he blurted out. “Fire spell that backfired.”
Sora and Lisette were both out of their seats in a heartbeat, Lisette immediately grabbing elements from her shelves. “Is someone bringing her here?”
“Yes, Dieter has her. I ran ahead to warn you.”
Lisette gave him a nod. “Good.”
This seemed a chance to make good on his promise and perhaps further open communication between them. “Mage Lisette, allow me to treat her.”