Lisette’s manner turned more intense. “Tori, think on this very hard. Did her magic go into that mage? Did his aura change?”
He closed his eyes, focusing on the memory. “No. No, his aura didn’t change. And he used her magic to erect the shield. I had no time to think about it during the fight, or after, as I was focused on healing Cassie. But that’s weird. Draining her of magic alone is wrong and very strange, but why use her magic to do anything?”
Alric’s eyes darted between them. “As I understand it, mages are more a conduit of magical energy.”
Lisette tilted her hand back and forth. “Yes and no. We do have our own power, our own magical force. Think of us more like a battery. We can do magic, but we require charging in order to work spells. The more you charge us, the more dynamic the casting. We can do limited spells on our magic alone.”
Hence why they were always pulling energy from everything and sundry. Tori wouldn’t have it any other way, as the puzzle and challenge of putting together different elements was half the fun of magic. But there were moments when he wished he could do something powerful all on his own. Usually when he was neck-deep in trouble.
He wanted to ask so many more questions of Lisette but wasn’t sure if it was his place to theorize with her.
The words came out of his mouth anyway, as per usual, because he never could seem to keep a lid on it. “Are they incapable of using their magical cores?”
“From your account, it seems they are siphoning magic to use. Their own cores are unstable or perhaps incapable of channeling magical power.” Lisette tapped her pen to the notebook, her eyes distant. “I’m not quite sure what caused this, although I have a theory up my sleeve. But in any case, I think the answer is clear. They hunt mages because they must.”
Tori shuddered, the thought vile. It felt like dirty oil sliding through him. “Ugh. Magical vampires.”
“Now there’s an image for you,” Baldewin muttered in disgust.
With a smile, Lisette inclined her head to him. “Your account has been extremely helpful, Tori. Thank you. You’ve given us more information to work from.”
“I’m glad to help.” He meant it. The dragons had already given him more help than his own family ever had.
“All information is useful at this point.” Alric rose from his seat, and they all stood at the same time. The king crossed to Tori and extended his right hand, smiling broadly. “I did want to take this moment to personally thank you on behalf of the Burkhard Clan for saving Cassie. Your quick actions and thinking clearly made the difference in whether or not she returned to us alive. And as her brother-in-law, I want to say that I am in your debt. I would be lost without my little sister.”
“Oh, I-I…it was no problem. Cassie is amazing. I’m just glad I could do something,” Tori stammered.
“And I’m sorry I don’t have a more appropriate welcome for your arrival—”
“No, please. No. Everyone has already been so nice, and I don’t need anything fancy. I know things are crazy with the Jaeggi and Cassie. I feel plenty welcome.”
Alric grinned and seemed to relax a little more as he released Tori’s hand. “Good. I’m glad to hear it. I want to be sure that Burkhard is putting its best foot forward so you feel comfortable here.”
Lisette drew herself back into the present conversation and gave Tori a smile. “Why don’t you come with me? I want to show you what the Burkhard mages do here. Since you were so skilled with the salve you used on Cassie, I think you might be interested in the magical product lines we create here.”
Tori’s eyes widened, and he stepped a little closer to the head mage. “I’m very curious about what you make.”
She smiled and stood, extending a hand. “Then come with me. You can see with your own eyes.”
“Alright.” It wouldn’t hurt to look, right? He glanced at Baldewin again and received a nod of encouragement. He seemed to think it was a good idea, at least. Turning, Tori gave a smile and a sort of awkward inclination of the head toward Alric.
“Thank you for speaking with me,” Alric returned with a graceful smile.
He’d just been politely dismissed and was a little grateful for it. Tori left on Lisette’s heels. As they walked through the hallway, she fell into step with him and said, “I examined Cassie as soon as she came in, as you know. For on-the-spot magic, that was excellent healing.”
Tori blinked at her, not expecting a compliment. “Oh. Uh, thank you? I admit, she’s the first I’d ever treated. I only knew how to do it in theory.”