The Legendary Mage novel Chapter 90

Aunt Helna was delighted, happier than she’d been in eight years, but even as she smiled, tears would involuntarily fill her eyes.

Oda was even happier, casting aside all worries and fatigue, and gazing at Alavin with rapt attention, eager to hear everything.

They introduced Alavin to the relatives in the room, as well as those outside, who had all changed so much they were nearly unrecognizable. Some were former maids of the keep, and the years of turmoil had brought them closer, supporting and encouraging one another, and never giving up on or harming each other.

This small courtyard was just for the womenfolk; the Mallister men resided with Lucan in a larger compound, a good distance away.

Lucan arranged for two guards to notify them and specifically instructed them to bring only a few people and to keep their arrival quiet.

Not long after, several elders arrived in haste, their eyes brimming with tears as they looked upon Alavin, unable to control their emotions.

But many loved ones from Alavin’s memories did not come; they had passed away during the eight years of sorrow, their lives claimed by grief. Those who did come were so aged that they were barely recognizable.

The small courtyard had never been so lively, nor had it ever been touched with such warmth and emotion. In the dimly lit room, where candles flickered, kinfolk surrounded Alavin, their concerns for him endless.

Alavin looked upon the faces of his kin with a smile, but his heart was bitter and astringent. Everyone had grown so old, so different from his memories, both foreign and familiar.

“Alavin, must you leave at dawn?” Oda clutched Alavin’s hand, not wanting to let go.

“I shall return soon,” Alavin forced a cheerful smile.

“Don’t go on any more adventures; we are all well. You needn’t worry,” Aunt Helna said, even as her hand clung tight to Alavin, her eyes unwilling to leave him for a moment.

Before dawn, Alavin and Lucan stood in a corner of a mining camp, observing the bustling crowd in the distance. Alavin was silent, his face void of expression.