I hope you enjoy this excerpt of Chapter 2 of Child of Gaea. Please note that this writing is Copyright © 2006 by the author, Jeff Ehrmann and is subject to change without notice.

Child of Gaea, excerpt from Chapter 2: The Departure of Kell (first draft)

When they reached the other side of the bridge, Lauciol and two of his men were waiting for them. The rest of the company could be seen, mounted and prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Lauciol seemed pleased enough to see Kell and bade the others welcome in his native tongue. "Come, master Kell and let us be off before my men begin asking more questions of me. They are restless to return to their homes." With that, Lauciol turned towards his company and galloped his horse over to them, leading his two warriors with him. The three friends made their way over, saying last minute farewells to the old wizard and wishing him the best of luck. Kell bade the elves form a tight circle with their mounts' head facing inwards. The elves were somewhat confused and Lauciol commanded them to form up as the wizard ordered, knowing full well what Kell intended to do. He did not reveal this to his men however, preferring to let them draw some encouragement when they arrived home faster than expected and also so they could learn to trust the mage.

"Iriador, Alimaye, I must now bid thee farewell. My thanks to you both for seeing me off." Alimaye stood on her toes to lean up and give Kell a tight embrace. "Take care of thyself, Alimaye. I expect thee to be studying whilst I am away. And mind yer father." He said, returning her affection with equal emotion.

"I will. Farewell Kell, I shall miss you more than you know. Please be careful!"

Iriador stepped forward and grasped Kell’s forearm below the elbow while the wizard did the same. "May the sun, the moons and the stars be your guides, let them always lead you home! Good journey, Kell of Orindale."

"And may the luck of the goddess smile upon you, Iriador of Kornass!" was the proper response given by Kell. Kell turned to the elves and joined them in their ranks, lining up next to Lauciol. Grasping his staff and making a circular motion above the ring, he began chanting ancient, magical words in a commanding voice. The wind around them began to swirl and pick up speed as the staff appeared to be drawing it in. Kell completed his chanting and turned one last time to look at the two friends standing a few yards away. He gave a sly wink and then spoke a final word of power. The air around them changed to a bluish light and encircled the group like a bubble and then instantly shrank a moment later until the company of men blinked out of sight. Alimaye stood in awe of the powerful magic!

"It’s not often you get to see Kell perform one of the powerful and more theatrical of his spells, eh?" Iriador said, somewhat in awe himself.

Alimaye had never seen such a powerful show of magic in all the years of her apprenticeship. "I've never seen him do that before. Where do you think they’ve gone?"

Iriador answered instantly, "Oh, to Erasile’s home, I would imagine, or at least in the city for that matter."

Alimaye was surprised by Iriador’s casual response. "I had no idea that it was possible, even with magic."

Iriador turned to her in all seriousness, "Where Kell is concerned, it seems anything is possible."

Want to read more? Child of Gaea Passages

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