The Legendary Mage novel Chapter 78

"Prepare a map for me, one from Griffin's Roost to Azure Mountain, and another of the Azure Mountain mining district."

Carlys' face changed slightly. "You're going back to the mining district?"

"Yes! I have to go back!" Alavin was very excited.

“Eight years, a full eight years, and I finally have a chance to go home. My kin, my aunt, uncles, sister, grandfather, I've returned, I'm coming home. Have you missed me?”

"Hold on! Wait!" Carly stood before Alavin, her eyes wide with urgency. "You're going home?"

"I miss home," Alavin said with a grin, though his eyes brimmed with hot tears.

For eight years, it had been only his sister and the guard, Lucan, who came to visit him annually. The others had no chance to come, and Alavin had no opportunity to see them. Eight years had passed, and Alavin had almost forgotten their faces.

"No! You can't go back!"

"I must return," Alavin said firmly. Previously, he lacked the strength and the right to leave Cobalt Strike. Now, he had finally seized the opportunity, and nobody would stop him from going home.

Carly was adamant. "You can't go back! If you're discovered, if you're caught, the Grand Elder won't be lenient with you, and your family will suffer too."

"I'll just take a look from afar, don't worry. I know what I'm doing."

"No! I won't allow you to go back!" Carly bit her lip stubbornly, blocking Alavin. The thought of him wanting to visit home during the already dangerous Great Hunt was intolerable!

Alavin gazed into Carly's eyes and suddenly asked, "Are you worried about me, or is there something else?"

"Of course, I'm worried about you," Carly said, her gaze shifting before meeting his once more.

"Has something happened at Azure Mountain?" Alavin noticed something amiss in Carly's eyes.

"Nothing has happened. The Great Hunt is dangerous enough, and the Grand Elder's Protégés will never forgive you. In fact, you're practically throwing yourself onto their blades."

"Answer me first, why didn't my sister come to see me this year?" Alavin felt a sudden unease. In previous years, his sister would visit him twice, a 'privilege' granted by Cobalt Strike. But this year was well advanced, and she was nowhere to be seen.

"There have been delays before; don't worry about them..."