The Legendary Mage novel Chapter 195

Atop the mountain peak, Mariela sat cross-legged in meditation, bathed in the cool moonlight that flowed over her like a silvery stream, rendering her a vision of ethereal beauty, as if a goddess had descended amongst mortals. Cuddled at her side was what appeared to be 'Alavin,' their bodies pressed close together in intimate repose.

Elder Connas rushed to the summit in haste, forcefully grabbing at 'Alavin.'

Whoosh! Garments fluttered, scattering twigs and branches all around. This was not Alavin, but merely clothes propped up with sticks.

Adirich and the others paled in shock, and their minds were reeling. How could this be?

"Mariela, where's Alavin?" Elder Connas demanded. His voice sounded dark. The fire of his anger was nearly tangible. They had been duped!

"He missed home," Mariela opened her eyes. Her gaze was cool and clear, as serene as a still lake.

"What do you mean?"

"He left ahead of us."

"Left to where!" Adirich was beside himself. Had Alavin truly escaped right under their watchful eyes?

By the Grand Elder's own directive, they were to create an unfortunate accident on the road, ensuring Alavin's demise. But now, scarcely a day into their journey, Alavin had slipped through their fingers.

"Alavin left a message for you, would you like to hear it?" Mariela's voice was cold and indifferent.

"Out with it!"

"It's somewhat unpleasant."

"Speak!"

"Don't take me for a fool; Go back to wrangling chickens and butchering hogs with your petty tricks. I will serve you no longer!" Mariela's voice was as delicate as a daisy, soft and pleasant to hear, but it conjured the image of Alavin standing before them, sneering and scoffing.

Elder Connas was fuming. His fiery rage was finding no outlet, for he surely couldn't strike Mariela, could he?

"Mariela, you conspired with Alavin to deceive us!" Adirich felt like a complete fool.

Mariela stood, and her gaze was icy as she addressed them. "Deceive you? How so?"

Adirich fell silent and choked up.

"I hadn't realized you were all so concerned about Alavin. He's gone, but what's there to be anxious about?" Mariela prodded deliberately.