The Missing Mage Read Online Free Page A

you are there for them. Especially Rose and Sharon, they will feel more like outsiders than Ava will.”
    Nathan was not exactly sure what his aunt meant by this but he would do his best to make the girls at home in Balta. “Whatever I can do to help them, I will do it.”
    “I know you will dear, as will the rest of us.” Avera looked at her brothers for confirmation as she spoke. Both of them nodded a silent agreement. The Albet family had grown by four bodies today.
    After Avera excused herself to go check on the girls, Verin took Nathan to find his room. As they walked through the maze of corridors, Verin asked Nathan what his first thoughts on Balta were.
     “Hectic, chaotic, overwhelming, beautiful, intriguing.” Nathan paused, sorting out his thoughts before continuing. “Everyone has been so nice and Avera seems wonderful. I am happy to be here.” Nathan spoke honestly. He had only been in Balta a short time, yet so much had happened already. Balta was so much different from Solotine. Mages being commonplace, no one blinking an eye at discussing magic; it was so different than back home. Nathan welcomed the fact he would not have to hide his talents for fear of discovery.
    Verin smiled at his young nephew as they walked down the castle corridor, slapping the boy on the back with a laugh. “Bit of a whirlwind introduction to life in Balta that’s for sure. You will do fine here and you will always have family here that loves you. However, there are things you need to know. Balta is a complicated city. Politics and intrigue are a way of life. Not everyone you meet will have your best interests in mind. Some of the people with the biggest smiles are also the ones with knives behind their backs. Not all of our relatives are as friendly and loving as your Aunt Avera. Jealousy will be an issue. You coming to Balta introduces a new dynamic in the royal courts. I try to stay away from the politics as much as possible, being a ranger allows me to do so. You, on the other hand, are going to have to forge your own path in Balta. My recommendation is to trust few and question all. This is no sleepy village like Elderwood, everything you do and say is going to have consequences.”
    Nathan listened carefully to Verin’s warnings. Nathan was not completely sure he understood the warning about other family members, or the politics of the royal courts, but he would keep his eyes open.
    Verin stopped in front of a door. ”Here is your room, you should spend one night like a spoiled prince of Balta before we ship you off to live with your dreadfully bossy aunt,” said Verin with a wink.
    “You think I should go live with her?” Nathan had liked the idea, but had wanted to check with Verin before committing to it.
    “Yes, I think it is for the best. You could stay here in the castle, but if you did that you would be putting yourself right in the middle of a storm you are ill prepared for. Politics is not for the faint hearted, nor is it something you want to learn on the fly. Besides, after tonight’s dinner you are going to have very little access to my brother, the king.”
    Nathan nodded, listening carefully to his uncles words.
    Verin continued, “This is a special occasion and he can justify having a small family gathering to welcome you back, but after that it is going to be rare for him to have time for you. Being king is a very time-consuming business. Also, to be blunt, if the king spent too much time with you, it would be a disservice to you. You’ve made enough enemies for one lifetime, and being the darling of the courts would put a bull’s-eye on your back. Go live with Avera. Tomorrow, you and I will discuss how you will spend your time. I have some people for you to meet, but for tonight just enjoy the meal and get to know your uncle, the king, a little better while you can,” said Verin, before he walked away.
    Nathan opened the door to his room, curious as to Verin’s comment about living like a