might be ok; they only had two days to go. If it were Iumenta, they were dead, and if it was a Dragon… well, there was always the hope that he would at least cause the foul creature to get a stomach ache.
Humor aside, he did feel like they would make it. He could always make the horses run fast again, but was hesitant because even with magic they could only take so much. But now was the time to act—of that there was no question. This was bigger than both of them and he wasn’t going to let those he cared about down. He had been kneeling over a bag and stood up much faster then he’d intended, so fast it would have just been a blur to the others. Arkin held out a hand.
“Sorry, I’m still getting used to this new me. It’s an odd sensation feeling out of place in your own body.” Legon said.
This wasn’t a lie. Before, physical things weren’t hard for him. He was strong, but now if he wanted to do something it just seemed to happen of its own accord. He had to be careful when he walked so as not to look like he was running around the camp. From the minds of the others he was aware that he was…well, for lack of a better term, graceful. With the new and better sense of balance and the ability to feel everything, he just moved easily. Apparently it looked graceful to the others.
There were other differences, too. He could hear all of their hearts beating, and feel the heat off their bodies. He even swore he felt energy coming from them when they moved. He noticed every detail now even to the point of seeing skin flush and perspiration increase. He had seen some of that before, but not like this; now he saw it all.
Sara was the oddest. He knew she found him attractive; with the mental network there weren’t a lot of secrets and Sasha had a big mouth when she thought she could set someone up. But that being said, when he locked eyes with Sara he heard her heart speed up and saw blood rush to her face. Did that always happen to girls? Maybe it did and he could just see it now, but it was uncomfortable. Her thoughts about him were…well, she hid them well, but apparently she was happy with the new him.
He felt his own skin getting warm and focused back on Arkin. Arkin chuckled a bit, which he was glad to hear. “I imagine it is uncomfortable getting used to a new body.”
Legon decided to change the subject. “Ok, well I think we best get a move on. We will have company soon I’m sure. Arkin, lead the way.”
“With pleasure.”
And with that Arkin began issuing commands, telling them what to bring and how to pack it. Soon they were loaded up and ready to go. Arkin then took a few moments to teach Legon a few blocking wards. They were complex and they used a lot of magic when tested, but they held off most attacks, leaving Arkin to deal with the more detailed wards. Sasha stepped up to them timidly. Arkin looked concernedly at her.
“What is it, Sasha?” he said, not unkindly.
“I have, well, Sara and I have something to show you.”
Keither stopped what he was doing to look at the two girls.
“What is that?” Arkin asked
She held out her hand and produced a strong ruby flame, and then in turn Sara conjured a weaker silver one. They stood waiting for Arkin’s response.
The ability to see stuff was handy. Legon’s mind flew now and while the others didn’t see it, he saw three emotions cross Arkin’s face in a heartbeat. First there was shock, which was understandable, then concern, and finally confusion. The carpenter had no clue what was going on, but he recovered fast.
Arkin spoke. “Amazing. When Legon turned you must have been given the ability to use magic through the mental network.”
“But what does it mean?” Sasha asked.
“I have no clue. This is way beyond my understanding. Sasha, you are obviously more powerful, so you will take an offensive approach with Legon if needed. Sara, you will as well, but pick your shots with care.”
Legon separated Sasha from the group and gave her a huge hug. She returned it. He tightened his grip the way their father used to whenever he gave them bear hugs as kids.
“What was that