Free Everville: The Rise of Mallory by Roy Huff Page B

and then looking in some of the closets. He walked through one of former Professor Samil’s art galleries and took a moment to look at the paintings, which drew his eye. He had to force himself to look away from some of the exquisite artwork and then continued on into the next room.
    Finally, he located several boxes. He rummaged through the boxes one at time, looking at each object with care, taking longer than he needed. He found it difficult not to spend too much attention inspecting them because of the unique, antique qualities.
    After a while, he made it through a second box and began sorting through a third. Halfway through, he found what he was looking for. It was exactly the same as the one in the picture, just more detailed. He lifted up the jar and noticed the shimmering liquid inside. He didn’t know what it was, but it certainly looked important.
    He quickly returned the contents back to both boxes and then put them back where he found them, being careful not to make it look as if someone has rummaged through them. Once things were back in order, he left, and less than an hour later, he paid Jacob a visit.
    “I believe this is what you were looking for?” he asked Jacob.
    “Yes. Yes it is. I know I don’t have to tell you this, but even though you haven’t done anything wrong, make sure you don’t tell anyone about this. We don’t want to cause any unnecessary trouble,” Jacob replied.
    “You don’t have to tell me. This isn’t the first time I’ve done something like this, and I doubt it will be the last.” With that said, he handed over the jar to Jacob.
    Once Jacob was alone, he opened up the jar and poured roughly twenty drops onto the artifact. The artifact began to change shape. A thick transparent metallic casing in the shape of a pendant grew around the center. Mallory would be able to place it around his neck, and the small size of it would make it convenient for him to wield.
    After he created the artifact, Jacob dabbed a couple of drops of the element on his tongue, creating a connection with Mallory across the expanse.
    “Mallory, I have the first artifact,” Jacob said with triumph.
    “Yes! Finally!” Mallory said with great satisfaction.
    With the influence of the element, Jacob was able to will the artifact to Mallory’s location. Mallory caressed the artifact that now adorned his neck. His excitement could not be contained.
    “Yes! Yes!” he shouted. “When will the others be ready?” Mallory then asked.
    “It shouldn’t be long now. This small amount of element will aid Eli and me in getting the rest of the materials. I’ll contact you again when I have made the remaining artifacts,” Jacob finished.
    “Excellent!” exclaimed Mallory as Jacob severed the connection.
    Mallory could not stop touching the pendant. He could already feel its power. Once the dragon was fully mature, his power would be limitless. Until then he would have to settle for sharing his power with the Rathlar.
     

Chapter 8

    Consequences
    A t the university, Owen’s mom, Amelia, had just arrived and knocked on his door.
    “Hey, Mom,” Owen said after he opened the door. “This is my roommate Adamo.”
    “Hello, Adamo,” Amelia said.
    “Hi, Mrs. Sage. I’ll leave you two alone. I’m going to go grab some breakfast. It was nice meeting you.”
    “You too, Adamo,” Amelia replied as he walked out the door.
    She stepped closer to Owen and gave him a big hug.
    “I’m really sorry about all this, mom.”
    “Don’t be sorry, Owen. I know you did what you believed was best. You’ll get through this, just like you get through all your challenges. I know it must be disappointing not to be able to attend classes next semester, but you’ll be able to make it up in the summer. Think of it as an opportunity to do something that you wouldn’t have done in he first place. You can use the semester to travel, or learn a new skill, but there’s no need to let it defeat you.
    “Now you said you