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)
“I have. I saw your king’s interview, and it piqued my interest. I hope I’m not intruding.”
“Not at all, we’re very glad to see you. I have many questions for you, and I’m sure Alric will feel the same when he knows you’re here. Can you stay with us for a while?”
Sora’s head jerked back to the nth degree. “I do have a hotel room in town. I wouldn’t want to impose.”
“Nonsense, going back and forth will invite trouble. Or at least, reporters. We have many rooms available here in the castle. Save yourself the headache and hotel fees.”
Sora glanced at Ravi as if not sure how to take this friendly gesture.
Ravi encouraged it with a nod. Truly, it made more sense for Sora to stay here with them.
“Oh. Well, thank you. I’ll move my bags over later today.”
Lisette directed Ravi. “Show him to one of the rooms and introduce him to people. I’ll catch up in an hour or two. I have others to settle in as well before I can sit down with him. Mage Vo, I’d love to meet up after dinner and speak with you properly, we’re just a bit hectic out here at the moment.”
“I truly understand. I’m not in a rush, take your time.”
“Thank you.” Lisette gave one last smile before hurrying back to where Gunter was sending another new potential mage in her direction.
Ravi took Sora’s arm in a friendly way, drawing him further into the castle. “Come into my lair, my pretty.”
Sora snorted. “I’m not the unwary fly, but I do feel a little like one. I didn’t expect this enthusiastic a response when I decided to come here. Who all are you going to introduce me to?”
“Well, for starters, how about the whole castle?”
Sora followed Ravi through the castle, taking it in with keen interest. It was so different to actually be in a dragon clan’s castle. The history he’d learned growing up said that the dragons preferred fortified positions on top of mountains—that was apparently instinct on their part—but he’d never been inside a castle before. It was very grand, the woodwork on the staircases alone breathtaking. It made his inner geek very happy to walk the hallways.
But he had no time to really stop and admire things. When Ravi was your tour guide, you apparently met everyone. He didn’t fail to stop a single person.
“Carla!” Ravi hailed.
Case in point. Sora paused, regarding the slim blonde with the bobbed hair, her arms full of a box that clinked with delicate glass chimes as she moved. Mage, that was obvious at a glance. In the thirty minutes they’d been touring, she was the first mage he’d seen, aside from those in the courtyard. Which…Ravi had told him that only six mages had survived in their clan, but he’d also mentioned others joining. Surely they had more? Sora expected to see more mages. He’d predominantly met dragons up to this point.
“Carla, this is Sora, a visiting mage.”
Carla put the box down on a nearby step to free her hands, offering him a handshake. Her eyes took him in with delight and curiosity. “Sora, so nice to meet you.”
“And you.” He was pleasantly surprised by the strength and confidence in the handshake. Limp-fish handshakes bothered him.
“You’re visiting?” Carla asked, curiosity rising. “From where, may I ask?”
“India. I saw the interview with your king and consort on TV.”
“Ahhh. We’ve had many people saying the same thing. Really, that interview has become something of a godsend.” Carla rolled her eyes toward Ravi meaningfully. “Even if the reason for it wasn’t planned.”
Ravi’s smile was bright enough to be a deflective shield. “Now, now, all’s well that ends well. That’s how the saying goes, right?”
“You are such a troll.” Shaking her head, Carla dismissed him. “Sora, I’d love to sit and chat with you, swap stories and magic. We haven’t had a good magic chat with another mage in ages. Make sure that Ravi shows you where the dining hall is; that’s where we all congregate to eat our meals. And if you see me there, come and join me.”
Sora was surprised at this friendly gesture. She wasn’t the first to make such an overture, but still, it surprised him. Was every person in this clan so nice? And still, she didn’t ask more than where he’d come from. Not one person demanded answers of him. It was very different from what Sora had expected. In their shoes, he’d certainly be asking more questions.
“Thank you, I will.”
“I’d talk more, but they’re waiting on the bottles. I better get back to work. Swing by our potions workroom later, if you’d care to join us.” Carla gave him another smile before fetching her box again. As an afterthought, she threw over her shoulder, “And, Ravi, don’t get him into trouble!”