Free His Cure For Magic (Book 2) by M.R. Forbes Page B

farm, until I got the Curse. Nobody ran in those days. They took me away, taught me to control it... well, you know how that is. If it weren't for him, the Curse would have taken me years ago. None of these people seem to understand that."
    "Sometimes I do wonder," Wilem said, having finished assaulting the drumstick. "Why don't we just tell them the truth? Why don't we take their blood and send it to be refined, like yours and mine."
    Kelkin's mood shifted like the wind in a storm. The ease vanished from his face, and he leaned back in his chair and glowered at Wilem. "Do you think everything is so easy, boy?"
    Wilem dropped his eyes back to the half-eaten hen, his appetite washed away.  
    "The General says there is good reason, and I believe him," Kelkin said. "Even the mines don't exist just to punish thieves and liars. They serve an important purpose."
    Wilem felt the heat of his flushed cheeks. He pushed his chair back and stood. "Excuse me. I've had a bit too much water."
    Kelkin's smile returned, and he laughed. "Maybe next time you'll try the ale."
    Wilem didn't reply. He spun about on his heel and headed towards the stairs. He'd learned earlier that Waverly's was one of only three inns inside the Heart that had indoor plumbing.
    Before he knew what was happening he felt something slam into his shoulder, twisting him off balance and sending him stumbling back towards the table. He reached out in an effort to steady himself, but his hand only found more air. He was about to call on his power when he remembered the General's warning, and allowed himself to take the fall instead. He hit the ground on his stomach.  
    "Oh, my apologies."  
    Wilem couldn't see the speaker. All he could see was the bottom of their table, and Kelkin's spindly legs folded one atop the other. The small leather and wood lacquered box rested next to his chair.
    "Are you well?"  
    The voice again. A female voice. She sounded young, like him.  
    Wilem twisted and reached up, grabbing the edge of the table and pulling himself to his feet. He saw a pair of black boots, the smallest hint of porcelain legs, and then the hem of a blue dress. His eyes followed it up to small hips before he caught himself and redirected his attention to his attacker's face.
    "Are you well?" she asked again. "My apologies. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."
    Wilem stared at her without speaking. In that moment, he decided she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.
    "I... I'm fine," he replied at last. He had wrenched his other shoulder when he hit the ground, and it was throbbing, but he wasn't going to tell her that.
    She smiled, and he thought his heart would stop. It wasn't that he had never seen a girl before, but her clothes were simple, her hair was simple, she wore no makeups or powders, and she was still radiant.  
    "Very good then," she said. "Have a fine evening."
    Her voice. It was musical. Where was she from, with an accent like that?
    She started to walk away.
    "Wait." He finally breathed out. "Are you staying here? In the inn?" He closed his eyes, sure he sounded as stupid as he felt.
    She paused. "Yes, with my father. He went to bed early, but I was feeling restless, so I came down here."
    "Are you hungry? We were just eating. I can buy you a meal."
    She glanced over at Kelkin, and then her eyes fell back on his. There was so much life in those eyes. So light and free.
    "I knocked you over, sir. I should be paying for your meal."
    "Don't be silly." He pulled out his chair for her. "My name is Wilem. This is my... father, Kelkin."
    "Eryn," she replied.  
    Wilem felt his heart stop again, and he glanced over at Kelkin for just a second. The Mediator didn't react.  
    "Not that Eryn." She sat in the chair, and Wilem pushed her closer to the table. She smiled. "It's a difficult name to have these days."
    Kelkin laughed and extended his hand. When Eryn took it, he drew it in and lightly kissed the back of it.  "Kelkin Asmar, at your