Marin, Book 1 (The Xortha Chronicles)

Chapter 37: Giving

Marin

Chapter 37: Giving

    Marin had been collecting books again and now her collection had grown to five full book cases. She had books on all sorts of things: herbal healing, enchanting, history, and cooking. The list of topics seemed endless. One book she had been studying was on telekinetic spells. She wanted to learn how to set off traps from a distance so she didn't get poisoned like the time she opened that chest in the mummy's tomb. Marin was getting quite good at telekinetics and was able to use a broom to sweep the floor and she could wash dishes with out actually enchanting anything.

    One afternoon, Abby came home from her shopping, "Marin, let's go over to The Stormhammer tonight. You spend so much time reading that we haven't had a good night out in weeks!"

    Marin looked up from her book, "What? Oh, sorry. I could use some of Jilly's cooking." She put her book away and gave Abby a hug. "Sorry, sweety. I keep finding great books and I can't help reading them. And after this latest book, I don't think I'll get poisoned again next time we're out exploring ruins."

    "That sounds great," said Abby, "speaking of ruins; do you have any plans on going exploring any time soon?"

    "I haven't planned anything but I can start looking over our maps and find something if you like," said Marin, "It would be nice to put more coin away before school starts next month."

    "Agreed," said Abby, "I really don't want to work while we're in Master's Classes. Those over night assignments are murder and we need all our time to rest and study."

    There was a knock at the door; It was Tad and Meryl. Abby invited them in and they all sat in the lounge chatting.

    "We have big news," said Tad, "Meryl is expecting!"

    "That's wonderful!" said Marin, "have you told Ma and Pa?"

    "Yes, they were the first we told," said Meryl. "Tad and I are so excited. We've been planning things and we need to look for a bigger house so we have room for the child when it gets here."

    "Also, I got promoted to Journeyman at the shop," said Tad, "now I'm earnin' more coin so takin' care of little ones won't be a problem."

    "It sounds like you two are doing great!" said Abby. "We'll have to get you some baby clothes to help out. Oh! I know a carpenter  in Glenford that makes the cutest cribs. We'll get you one from him."

    Tad and Meryl thanked Marin and Abby for the gift offers and left. A moment later there was another knock on the door. A courier handed Abby a letter and went.

    "Marin, we just got a letter from King Arnolf." said Abby. She read the letter to Marin:

"Dear Marin and Abby,

    I received some bad news about Dun Bazakrak this morning and I need help that only a battle mage can give. Sorry I cannae give more details in this letter. I hope this letter finds you both well. Please respond soon!

Thanks, Arnolf."

    "Do you want to go see him?" asked Abby.

    "We better," said Marin, "There isn't much to go on in that letter, but he didn't close the letter as "King" Arnolf. How soon do you want to leave?"

    "I'm ready now," said Abby. She and Marin got their traveling gear and Marin opened a portal, right in the lounge, to just outside the main gate of Kazak Deep.

    "Who are ye?" came a shout. "Speak up 'r ye'll be shot!"

    "Thane Marin and Thane Abby of Shintzu," said Marin, "We have a letter from King Arnolf asking to speak with us."