Stallion Mage: A Horse Shifter Mpreg Romance (COMPLETE)

A True Dream

Elder Mastok reappeared, a bundle of leaves in his hand. He gazed at the two friends fondly, then tapped his finger on Barron's head. "Barron, I am sorry, but I must ask you to leave. I need to speak with Alvarr alone."

With a nod, the small man stood up. He put his hand on the mage's shoulder. "If you need me, I'll be out foraging. Send someone, if you can't come yourself."

"Thanks," Alvarr said. He felt a flash of gratitude at Barron being his friend. "Barron, wait."

When his friend turned back, the mage said, "Do not go to far to forage. You will use more energy than you gain." Though he had always been rather lean, Barron's ribs showed, and the bones of his cheeks were sharper than usual.

The small man nodded, his face shadowed in the evening light. "I'll keep that in mind." He did not say what they all knew: good food was getting harder and harder to find.

Alvarr hated feeling this helpless. He was an earth mage; he needed to find out how to unlock his magic. He didn't know which was worse, having uncontrollable spurts of power than scared him, or not having any when he needed it.

When Barron left, Elder Mastok took his place next to Alvarr on the pallet. He gazed at the ground in front of them. "Young mage," he said, "there is something you should know. I have been overdue in telling you, but there has not been a chance." He held those flat leaves carefully with both hands.

"What is it, Elder?" The old man didn't seem alarmed. He just looked excited, as though he was going to share an important secret.

Hope rose in Alvarr. Maybe he's found something that will help me, some ancient knowledge from the old civilization!

The Elder patted his arm with a weathered hand with a half smile. "This may... no, this will come as a surprise to you. But I believe I have found part of the answer to your questions. Why your magic has been unpredictable. Why you find making the shift harder. And your sudden illness and sensitivity to the land."

"Something truly is wrong with me, then," Alvarr said. It would be a relief to know what it was. "And you've found a cure?"

Elder Mastok shook his head vigorously. "Not wrong. Just highly unusual. Unique," he said, and began carefully looking through the leaves with their pictures and markings.

The unmistakable stride of the leader made them both look up. Laren came around the partition.

With a frustrated sigh, the Elder stood up, letting the leaves fall closed. "Please, Laren. We must be allowed to have a conversation alone. Could you-"

But the sight of the leader had given Alvarr the strength to do something he should have done long ago. "No, Elder," the mage said, also rising. He was relieved to find his feet steady underneath him. "I need to talk to Laren. It might as well be now."

"I suppose you do," Elder Mastok said. He glared at the leader. "Say your piece and leave. Do not upset him.
Alvarr needs peace and rest."

When the Elder retreated, Alvarr stood toe to toe with the tribe leader. He took a quick breath. Laren said he cared for me, even if we aren't mates. That has to be worth something. "Laren, I need to tell you something," he said. "I must ask you to discipline two stallions," he said. Good. His voice came out strong and confident.

The leader's forehead furrowed. "What?"

Alvarr had been hoping Laren would know who he was talking about, but the leader's confusion was painted on his face. I am going to have to explain it to him.