Nature's Peril Part 1 (The Nature Mage Series) Read Online Free

at each other in growing concern.
    “Thank you,” Jonn said, taking a deep breath before continuing. “I went to find her when we got back from the Measure, but she was gone.” Jonn spoke tightly, his emotions rigidly controlled. “Belash left a note - he found her and has captured her once again.”
    “Oh Jonn,” Emmy s aid, placing a hand on his knee. Jonn smiled at her faintly before continuing.
    “I have to go deep underc over, right into this crime-lord’s organisation. I have already found a way in, but now I must live among these people, earn their trust, until I can find Adela.”
    “We’ll help you!” Gaspi said fiercely. “Just tell us what to do.” 
    Jonn paused before speaking. “I can’t let that happen Gaspi,” he said slowly, meeting his gaze. Gaspi realised the eyes he was looking at were Jonn’s own, and not the product of the magical disguise. “You must put all your efforts into the fight against Sestin. This is my battle, not yours.”
    “But…” Gaspi started.
    “I’m not here to argue,” Jonn said firmly. “I must maintain my disguise at all costs, and any further meetings could expose me. I won’t put Adela’s life in jeopardy.”
    “But Jonn… ” Emmy said, but apparently she couldn’t think of anything to add.
    Gaspi said nothing, desperate to think of anything that might persuade Jonn to let him help him, but his guardian was clearly set on his course of action. Not only that, but he was right about the fight against Sestin. There was no time to spare, not even to help Jonn.
    Jonn stood up and looked at them intently. “Don’t worry about me,” he said. “If I need help I’ll go to Hephistole, but I wanted to see you while I still have the chance so I can ask you this one thing. I thought about passing on a message but was not convinced you’d accept it from anyone except me. So here’s what I need from you: However much you want to, and however good your intentions, do not seek to find me or help me. Do I have your word?”
    Gaspi met his guardian’s gaze and knew there was no deterring him from what he’d chosen. “You have it,” he said quietly.
    “Emmy?” Jonn asked gently.
    “I promise,” she said.
    “Thank you,” Jonn said. He opened his arms and Emmy stepped into them, hugging him tightly for long moments. He released her eventually and clasped Gaspi around the shoulders. “Look after each other,” he said, and with that, he turned and left the snug. Gaspi put his arms round Emmy and she slid hers around him in return. Gaspi stared into space as they hugged, wondering if their feet would ever hit the ground again. He hadn’t even come to terms with Everand’s death, and now Jonn was disappearing on a dangerous mission. It was all too much, and although he knew his emotions were going to catch up at some point, at that moment he felt utterly bewildered.
     
    …
     
    A droplet of water splashed coldly onto Gaspi’s forehead, running down over his temple before he could wipe it off. He smeared it across his cheek in irritation and rubbed at his face with his sleeve to dry it off. Glanced up at the dark ceiling, he shuffled a foot to the right, hoping it would prove to be a drier spot.
    He was one of ten people Hephistole had summoned to the tower’s dank cellar. They stood around impatiently, waiting to find out what the chancellor wanted. A large weapons rack stretched the entire length of the back wall, but it was draped from corner to corner in thick black cloth, obscuring all that it covered except for a few enticing lumps and bumps.
    He looked around at his companions, wondering why Hephistole would summon that particular group of people. Some of them had much in common: Taurnil, Emmy, Lydia, Rimulth, Sabu, Baard and Voltan, for instance, had all witnessed the dramatic and tragic events of the Measure, which could explain their inclusion, but what was Talmo doing there? Even more strangely, they’d been joined by twin brothers Zlekic