Blocking magic is something all magic users, especially mages learn to do. It prevented others from detecting your magic, but still made it available to use. This was unlike the kind of block, I had before that Varnoc cleared. That one completely prevented a person from using their magic.
He was testing me and trying to get me to respond magically. I’d hold off on any magical displays as long as possible. His invasive probing meant he was trying to detect what kind of magic I had and of what strength. My magic desperately wanted release to counter the threat. And, I wasn’t sure if I would win in a magic fight against him. His magic was very near the strength of my own, which was a first for me.
“Why do you intrude on our temple?” he asked
“I knocked and the girl opened the door. I assumed that was invitation enough.”
“Do all of your hosts answer the door and run away screaming?”
“It’s happened before.”
He looked surprised and opened his mouth to say something, but stopped. He is going to be fun to mess with.
“Although, my favorite ones are when I get to maim or kill them upon arrival.”
The mage paled and took a step back. He grasped a pouch hanging from around his waist. If I had to guess, there was some sort of spell hidden in it based on his death grip.
I laughed and he relaxed, letting go of the pouch. The others watched us intently, eyes fixed on him and I. He wasn’t the only one with magic. I detected several magic users and supernaturals among the group still hovering near the building.
“I see, you are joking. We don’t allow animals on the premises. Your pet has to leave,” said the mage.
“He’s not a pet. This is my comfort animal.”
“Indeed. I’ll make an accommodation. If he behaves, he can stay. The moment that changes, you and your animal must leave, never to return.”
What dramatics. Who uses the phrase ‘never to return’? It wasn’t like they had some massive following. No one had heard of them, so they weren’t exactly a mainstream religion.
“He will behave,” I assured him as much as I was reassuring myself. Muffin only acted up if he sensed a threat against me.
“Very well. You are here for a reason. Child tell me that which you seek, so I may better know how to assist you with your journey,” he said.
“It’s kinda hard to seek anything when I’m being held captive.”
“Very well.” He made a complicated movement with his hands. It was some sort of sigil, but not one I was familiar with.
“This way, please.”
The inside décor borrowed heavily from Japanese design. I saw the screen doors common in their design. Bamboo and other live plants were placed in the foyer.
“Devon, who do you have there?” asked Jarl.
“It’s a seeker. She comes with her,” he coughed, “support animal.”
Jarl locked eyes on me and smiled. I felt myself automatically smiling back.
“Yes, I see that she does. I can take it from here.”
“But your esteemed highness, it’s a task that should fall on me. You are far too important to do this.”
“Devon, what have I told you about seekers?” asked Jarl.
“That they are drawn here by the will of The True One.”
“There is no greater task than serving his will, which means this task is not beneath me nor anyone here,” said Jarl.
“Most humblest of apologies. I did not think and will meditate to seek forgiveness for my lapse.”
“That is for the best. We must at all times strive to live in the ways The True One would have us live. To act as his emissaries on this realm and honor his teachings. You may leave us now as may the rest of you.”
Once we were alone, he smiled at me. Darn me for finding it charming and appealing. I took the time to really look at him. His strong features included a chiseled jaw line and high cheek bones. He looked more like an athlete than a preacher. This guy gave Lochlan a run in the looks department. And, he was completely unfazed by my staring. Dang it, pay attention Marty.
“I see you’ve decided to learn more about The True One and our beliefs. I remember you from the art session,” said Jarl.
“That’s a part of what I’d like to ask you about.”
I didn’t finish speaking because at that moment, one of the members walked by and I caught a whiff of a familiar scent. The pain hit me fast and sudden. It felt like a creature clawing its way out of my stomach. Sweat droplets broke out on my temples and my hands shook slightly. I clenched them tightly to stop the movement. Something of what I was feeling must have shown on my face.
“We can help with that. Follow me in.”
I sweated from the effort to hold in my scream. What is happening to me?
Jarl watched me and I realized I’d missed whatever he just said.
“What did you say?”
“You’re out of the herbs, aren’t you?”
“How did you know?”
“There’s much that I know. It’s my mission in this life and the next to open up closed hearts and minds. Give sight to those that are blind to the wonders of The True One.”
“That’s quite the promise.”
Jarl led me to a chamber. Braziers were lit and placed around the room, while others were suspended from the ceiling. It was similar to the set up at this group’s art lesson.
“We can talk in here. I’m sure you’ll be more comfortable. And it’ll take the edge off.”
“Now, what brings you here besides the herbs?”
“I’m not sure how to answer that.”
“What is it you seek?”
More weird answers. Who talks like that? Asking if I seek something like I’m on some quest. Weird.
“I just wanted to see about —”
I hesitated. If I told him I was a PI, then he’d kick me out and I hadn’t seen Emma Lynn. I wouldn’t get a second chance here at
