Origin (Scales 'n' Spells 1)

“Not that I’m aware of. But someone clearly is if they have this. And it might explain why someone tried to take you today.”

That triangle took on a whole new meaning. “Because they detected I’m a mage? Damn. I’m not so happy about that.”

A dark cloud swept over Lisette’s face, as if she contemplated mayhem on some level. “Neither am I. Let me teach you some of the basics of spellcraft, young mage. I think you’ll need that sooner than later.”

“Yeah. I, uh, suddenly think that learning magic is a great idea.” Part of Cameron was still wrapping his head around the idea of him doing magic. That part would have to get over itself. He had too much proof that he was a mage. It was time to accept it and move forward. Only one problem that he could see (aside from accidentally setting something on fire or blowing it up). “Shouldn’t I report to Alric, though?”

“We will,” Lisette assured him. “But later. I’ll tell Baldewin tonight so that we’re more prepared. Right now, let me teach you. Leaving you ignorant is the worst possible choice at the moment.”

If he’d known magic when they tried to kidnap him earlier, Cameron would have been better equipped to fight them off. Alric wouldn’t have re-injured himself. Hell, he might have caught the bad guys and saved themselves the headache of wondering who was after him. Lisette had a good point.

Magic lesson first.

With the potion, salve, and heat treatment, Alric’s injury subsided to a low-grade thrum, something on the level of a minor bruise. He’d wanted to go and check up on Cameron, but Dieter told him Lisette had gone in to speak with him. Alric felt it best to give them space. Instead, he retreated to his study to record every detail he could think of. It may or may not aid them later in finding the men.

Alric’s head came up as he heard the quick knock on the door. People traipsed through his study on a regular basis, and it had gotten to the point he could pinpoint who was about to barge in depending on their footsteps and their knock. The firm, but light stride accompanied by the swish of skirts, the solid no-nonsense rhythm of the knock on the wooden door, all of that spelled Lisette. “Enter, Lisette.”

She did so immediately, a troubled frown on her face. “Hoheit. I’m sorry to disturb you like this. But I think this takes priority.”

He waved her into the chair across from his desk. Alric didn’t always appreciate the interruptions, as often it meant losing his train of thought. But he did like speaking one on one with his people, so the chairs on the opposite side of his massive desk were comfortable and meant to encourage people to stay and talk. She settled into the embroidered chair like an actress posing for a picture. Lisette’s every movement was always a study in grace.

“I just left Cameron’s room, by the by.”

“Oh?” Alric’s head immediately popped up, all thoughts of his witness statement shunted to the side in an instant. “How is he?”

“Well, all things considered. Our young mage recognized this.” Settled, she pulled the Amulet of Noh out of her pocket and held it up in illustration.

Alric blinked at the triangular amulet, not following. “From his family’s history—?”

“No, Hoheit,” Lisette cut him off with a shake of the head. “I wish. No, he said he’s seen this very thing on a person at the hotel. That he bumped into them in the lobby, and it was hanging about their neck. He thought it a necklace at the time and only remarked on it because it glowed.”

The pieces fell together in a dizzying array. Alric slammed his hand against the desk, biting off an oath. “It wasn’t random, the attack on him. Cameron is being hunted.”

“Someone knows what he is. They picked up on it very quickly. That was my first thought as well. What I don’t understand is why and by who. The Ice Dragon Clan…?”

Alric’s eyes closed as he pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to think. “Dieter spoke with the king’s advisor. They know—or at least knew—nothing of him. Were incredibly happy to hear we’d found a mage, actually, and are supportive of it. It’s not them.”

“There is absolutely no other reason to want Cameron except for his magical prowess.” Lisette paused and perhaps smirked a bit. “Unless you’re an unmated dragon who has a penchant for smart young men in glasses.”

He opened one eye to stare at her. Alric absolutely didn’t want to know. That smirk of hers told him as much. So why he opened his mouth and asked was beyond him. “What are you suggesting?”

“Your eyes linger.” Lisette’s smirk widened to the point of blatant amusement. “I don’t blame you. He’s a very charming, vivacious man. He certainly would appeal to you, as you’ve always been drawn to the intellectual sort.”