Battle Mage: The Lost King (Tales of Alus) Read Online Free Page B

Annalicia said before leaning down to kiss him on the cheek. The surprising gesture left his face feeling warm with embarrassment and a little worried over what Yara might think. “I am told that you performed an almost superhuman spell to save me during the final match and I owe you my life.”
    Her perfume remained even as she stood straight once again. Darius chuckled, though Sebastian thought that it was a bit forced, but he added, “I also appreciate that you saved my granddaughter despite my repeated warnings not to overuse your magic. I’m not even sure that I could have pulled that spell off from so far away without help, so I can understand what it must have taken for you to try.”
    While Annalicia was almost magical in appearance, her silver blond hair, delicate features and strangely light, flowing clothes of Malaiy cut apparently; her grandfather with his silver hair and more typical robes of a wizard appeared more grounded, almost heavy by comparison. The beauty and grace of the young woman from Malaiy had garnered a large following of fans, probably larger than Magnus had despite being champion. Her near death performance also added to that fanatic love, Sebastian thought. Unfortunately for him, all these entrancing points also made her dangerous amidst the other women in his life.
    Yara’s hand gripped his forearm as the healer appeared unsure of what to do in relation to this latest feminine presence showing close attention to Sebastian. First it had been Ashleen, who at least had been noticed as a threat before, but the kiss from Annalicia had been totally unexpected.
    Into the tension, Darius smoothly hugged his granddaughter to him as he changed the subject. “I have been discussing some things with some of the leaders here in Hala, and I was hoping to have a moment to talk with you as well, Falcon Sebastian. Perhaps we could meet to discuss a few things that I think might be of interest to you?”
    Nodding confidently despite not knowing what things might be of interest to him from the High Wizard of Eirdhen, the mage replied, “Of course. Would tomorrow morning after breakfast work for you or would you prefer later?”
    The strangeness of talking to a celebrity of the magical world was eating at the back of Sebastian’s consciousness. He was speaking with not only one of the most powerful wizards in the world by both his own personal strength as well as that created by his connections throughout the wizard guilds around the globe, but to a man nearly seven hundred years old and a legend from a war that once defeated the ancient Dark Emperor. While the defeat had been temporary in the grand scale of time, Darius was also someone who might know the creature’s weaknesses. Having a chance to probe such a treasure trove of knowledge would probably be a once in a lifetime experience for one not immortal.
    Smiling gently at the mage, Darius nodded back as he answered, “If you think that you will be recovered enough for such an early start, then I would love to have the extra time to talk. Though we use the same inn, perhaps you would join me in a trip to the castle when you are ready? There are a few others that I may need you to speak with after we talk.”
    The odd change of locations aside, Sebastian still nodded knowing that he owed this man more than he could repay and a simple walk was the very least that he could offer. Of course, the possibility of getting to see more of the legendary castle, nicknamed Grimnal, was hard to pass up also. 
    Annalicia looked ready to stay and compete for Sebastian’s attention, but a combination of Darius and her apparent body guard, a wizard known as Reynolvan, managed to lead her away where her fans began to swarm much to her dismay. He had already managed one save for the day, Sebastian thought, he figured that he would leave this one to her guardians.
    “What a forward girl,” Yara remarked with a frown. He thought that he noted a few hidden smiles from