Free The Mage of Orlon: The beginning by Gene Rager

power, and could not recall how he had gained magic that even the most powerful mages were unable to do. The strange thing was it was like the final attack on the last howler had drained him of all his power, or had it? He was not lying he was scared of what the power did to him. That was probably a good thing, if he had the ability to learn advanced magic he might be a bigger threat to the elves than the Dark Queen herself!
    The morning was bright with the hope of a new day. The adventure that yesterday had held was more than Lela or Nate had wanted.
    “ Lela, do you think that the howlers were the only thing roaming this forest that could hurt us? ”
    “ I do not know Nate. Honestly most people do not make it this far, except for Lex. ”
    “ When we get to Lex ’ s house, we need to find out how he does that. ”
    The sound of the brook was close; it babbled and splashed with the promise of water to slack the most powerful thirst. The brook was clear and beautiful. It cascaded over a small hill making a miniature rainbow.
    “ Lela, let ’ s stop and get a drink, I am so thirsty. ”
    “ Wait Nate, I need to see if the water is enchanted or not, it would prove foolish of us to survive a pack of howlers only to be poisoned by a creek. ”
    Lela produced a clear jar and scooped up some water being careful not to touch it. She dumped in one tube of red liquid and one tube of blue liquid. The water and colors swirled in the jar going from red and blue streaked to black then light blue.
    “ The water is safe to drink Nate ”
    “ Thank goodness, I don ’ t think I could wait any longer. ”
    Nate dipped his empty water skin into the clear water. The water turned black, with two golden eyes staring back at him. Nate fell backwards, at the same time the nymph leapt from the water. Her golden eyes never wavered from Nate ’ s, she had green hair the color of Spanish moss. The knife was placed at Nate ’ s throat as a grin split the water nymph ’ s face.
    “ I should kill you for stealing my water. You should be careful whose home you place your hand in; you never know if they want might want to keep that hand as a trophy. ”
    The sword rang as it was pulled from its sheath. The nymph cocked her head and smiled evilly at the princess who was holding her sword.
    “ Careful, if you take one step towards me he dies. I have had plenty of practice, the right nick in the right place and he bleeds out quicker than any magic can heal. ”
    “ What do you want vile creature! ” Lela snapped.
    The nymph ’ s eyes turned back to Nate ’ s face, the irises were a pale yellow with a hint of cruelty in them.
    “ Your girlfriend seems to care a great deal about you. How about I relieve you of your packs and coin, and I give you your boyfriend back unharmed. ”
    “ A thief! You want our valuables, for what? You live in a brook in the middle of the forest. What possible use could you have for valuables? ”
    “ That is my business! So do we have a deal or do you get to hold the corpse of your lover because you would not part with a few trinkets? ”
    The packs were thrown barely out of her reach, the nymph stretched out to grab the packs, but now her attention was not on Nate. Nate grabbed the hand with the knife and twisted with everything he had. The nymph screamed in furry and pain. She drove her knee into Nate ’ s ribs trying to get him to release her wrist. Instead Nate twisted and wrenched her arm up nearly dislocating her shoulder. The knife fell from her hand at the same time her foot came off the ground connecting fully with Nate ’ s jaw. The nymph had the knife in the other hand, when the sword slid under her chin.
    “ Okay maybe a new deal is in order. ” The nymph said through a painful grimace.
    Lela stood with a sneer on her face “ How about I just cut your head off and call it a day? ”
    “ That is one way you could go, or I could help you in return for sparing my life. ”
    “ You will just escape,